Nonprofit set to blaze trail for river runs
The ALC and Quapaw Canoe Company were joined by local Boy Scouts of America officials, Boys and Girls Club representatives, Youth Life officials, the media, and adventurous citizens on an overnight canoeing/camping trip.Peter Thomas 03.APR.08
Although it’s practically in our own backyard, many never get to experience first hand the wonder of the Mighty Mississippi.
In recent weeks, a national non-profit organization that “conserves landscapes for the benefit of people and wildlife by working in partnership with communities, landowners, non-profit organizations, corporations, and public resource agencies to create innovative and effective conservation solutions” has been working to make sure the river runs through the lives of more people.
Officials with American Land Conservancy have teamed up with Tunica’s neighbors in Helena to expand “The Mississippi River Boating and Fishing Trail.” The “trail” consists of a series of public facilities beginning along the Mississippi in St. Louis, then downriver to Baton Rouge, that encourage access and recreation, what ALC officials see as “a vital element for a physically fit, healthier America.”
ALC officials are now working to see one such property located near the western bank of the river just north of Helena, become a welcomed addition to the trail and also open the door to more economic growth in this historically poor area of the country.
Last week, the ALC’s Washington, D.C. representative Tim Richardson traveled to the Delta to meet with Arkansas state officials, City of Helena/West Helena officials, Tunica County tourism officials, wildlife officials, local business owners and citizens, and the media for several days of outings and discussions about the river treasure known as Buck Island. The 500 acre forested island with a huge sandbar formerly known as Prairie Point Towhead is currently owned by the ALC. The organization hopes to find a way for Buck Island to become a public recreation destination that will help connect the states of Arkansas and Mississippi to the existing series of protected natural areas and boat ramps now on the trail.
“We feel there are some great possibilities for this property to open the door in this area to more economic growth through river adventures and the likes,” said Richardson after two days of outings, including an overnight stay on the island last Friday evening, March 21, with John Ruskey and the “Mighty Quapaws” from Quapaw Canoe Company of Clarksdale.
Richardson and Ruskey were joined by a group representing various organizations to take part in an overnight canoeing/camping trip Friday evening and a Saturday day float trip along a nine-mile stretch of the Mississippi and St. Francis rivers and onto Buck Island to get an up close and personal look at the natural setting.
“We believe that Helena can become the canoe capitol of the Mississippi River, and with John’s help, we were able to show our guests this weekend first hand that although the river is large and powerful, especially during high water periods such as this weekend, that the general public can safely enjoy what it has to offer,” said Richardson. “We want Buck Island to be the first of several publicly accessible areas along the Lower Mississippi River, providing a true Mark Twain experience for adventurers.”
ALC officials echoed Richard-son’s comments.
“The Lower Mississippi River between southernmost Illinois and the Gulf of Mexico is a wild paradise with great nature tourism potential,” said ALC officials. “Yet, almost all of the islands and land along the river banks are privately owned.”
ALC representatives are now working hard to expand access with additions to the current chain of nine publicly owned islands, boat ramps, and primitive campsites and parks along the Middle Mississippi between St. Louis and Cairo, Ill. They hope to add five more sites in this area.
“This area of the river is virtually an untouched natural paradise that is currently untapped as a tourism destination, and there are great economic opportunities available with promotion of activities on and along the river in this area,” said Richardson. “Helena has historic Civil War battlefields and a historic downtown area as well as nature areas like the St. Francis National Forest. Tunica has the gaming attractions, RiverPark and Museum and Tunica Queen attractions. With Buck Island added, this can enhance the tourism opportunities in this area and help boost the entire area economically by creating new jobs and businesses oriented toward the river. We have spoken with Tunica Convention and Visitors Bureau officials and owners of the Tunica Queen on perhaps offering trips from Tunica to Helena. CVB officials agree that this could offer tourist and visitors to that area even more options during their stay.”
John Ruskey and his staff at Quapaw Canoe Company know the impact that a day or two in the wilds of the Mighty Mississippi can do for one’s overall state of mind and body. Ruskey has been offering wilderness expeditions on the Lower Mississippi River, its backwaters, bayous, oxbows, and flood plain between the levees for over 10 years. The company offers day, overnight, an extended period tours and floats. Ruskey was very excited to hear about the ALC’s goals for providing outdoor opportunities with the property near Helena. Quapaw Canoe Company has helped many youngsters suffering from what is being called “Nature Deficit Disorder” by offering youth a chance to get back in touch with nature through their “After School Apprenticeship Program”, giving students a chance to learn swimming, canoeing, canoe building, paddle making, and river guiding experiences as the “Mighty Quapaws”. Mighty Quapaws actually assist Ruskey on outings as paddlers, cooks, guides, and educators on life and nature along the river. The company plans to open a new location in Helena in April of 2008, offering their services from that location as well as their current location in Clarksdale.
The ALC, Quapaw Canoe Company, Helena, and Tunica officials are excited about the tourism and economic potential in promoting and encouraging access and recreation on the Mississippi River and its wonders such as Buck Island. Through the efforts of ALC officials and local businesses such as Quapaw Canoe Company and others, the Lower Mississippi River, Helena Arkansas, Tunica Mississippi, and many other Delta communities will have the opportunity to garner their share of the 6.5 million outdoor recreation jobs, the 12 million River visitors, the $20 million in revenue and 300,000 jobs related to tourism on the Mississippi River, as well as welcoming the 82 million wildlife watchers and gathering a portion of the $108 billion spent in pursuit of outdoor activities in America.
For more information on how you can enjoy a trip to Buck Island and other scenic and secluded natural areas along the Lower Mississippi River, contact Ruskey at 662-627-4070 or visit their website at