DeSoto takes stock of greenways

The DeSoto County greenway project is conducting an inventory of the county's green spaces -- primarily parks and trails that have either been built or designed.

Larry Jarrett, director of the greenway project, told the Board of Supervisors Monday that the greenway project eventually will have about 200 miles of trails, but he said little can be done until the land is acquired.

Jarrett gave the supervisors a Power Point update Monday, showing the route for a planned trail along Johnson Creek, which he said could be built once rights-of-way, or easements, are obtained.

"We're negotiating with three large landowners now. Securing the easements across their land is the key toward the Johnson Creek trail," he said.

Land donations to the green way project may be made through the North Mississippi Land Trust. However, Jarrett said the organization has not yet obtained its 501 (C) 3 status as an agency that can accept tax-free donations.

He said the designation of the Coldwater River as a scenic river and the creation of a Coldwater River Canoe and Kayak Trail would have a better chance of success if officials from Marshall and Tate counties join the effort.

"Everyone would benefit from the people that trail would pull in," he said.

Meanwhile, those interested in the greenway project may check out the Web site for the project at www.desotogreenways.org.