Random Thoughts

Recovering from Katrina and Rita

With destruction so wide and immense, plus the current budget shortfalls, recovery in our national forests may be slow but it is on-going and steady. Downed trees have been removed, waterways cleared, roads are being repaired, and developed campgrounds are reopening.

Since the hurricans of Katrina and Rita, we have received inquiries about recovery efforts for the Angelina National Forest's Boykin Springs, in eastern Texas, and, in Mississippi, Desoto National Forest's Cypress Creek Landing campgrounds. A representative of the Angelina-Sabina National Forest recently provided a "status report." Following the overview of Boykin Springs is a "progress report" written by Ramon C., a camper at Cypress Creek Landing.

Boykin Springs campground, not far from Houston, Texas or Shreveport, Louisana, is one of the more popular developed campgrounds in Texas. On April 24, 2007, Nancy S, of the Angelina-Sabine National Forest, wrote: "There are several things going on to get Boykin up and running. . . We have removed the damaged timber but the clean-up of the tops and stumps are currently on hold . . ., the ground is still too wet to run heavy equipment through the recreation area. . . Rita did major damage to the beautiful rock spillway . . . Currently we are getting all the signatures from all necessary parties and the contract will go out for bid, soon. The plan is to have the spillway finished this year as well as the historic CCC shelter. However, the rain caused damage to the largest culvert in the rec{reaction} area and road are a concern to all contractors as they are nearly impassible. There is a contractor working on the trail system, which should also be finished this year. The greatest unknown is the extent of damage to Boykin Springs campground's water system and possibility of having "a water park" when it is finally turned." (This is a concern for all developed campgrounds damaged by Rita and Katrina.)

Ramon C. expressed interest in exploring Cypress Creek Landing campground and Black Creek National Scenic River's canoe trail. We asked him to let us know about the conditions and what he thought of the Desoto National Forest's recovery efforts. Here are his extensive and unedited comments:

"As a whole the campgrounds mentioned are maintained very well enough to enjoy without any real complaints. It is worth the nominal fee of $7.00 a night to stay at those which require a fee. Cypress Creek is a great place because it is centrally located and affords many day canoe trip options. The service does a fair job of maintenance with the budget they have. Yes, they could do more but we do not know what else they have to contend with. I am not dissatisfied with the state of the campgrounds but they could stand a little more attention."

Here are his notes concerning Cypress Creek campground:

1. 99% of dead trees have been cut down and with exception of a few the stumps have been ground.

2. Leaves and such have been raked up into piles but not picked up.

3. Bathrooms were clean with plenty of toilet paper.

4. Both showers worked fine except one did not have a functioning hand held shower head.

5. Campsites 1 through 7 still have alot shade except early afternoon.

6. Campsites 1 and 6 not usable. 1 is overgrown and too much sun. 6 does not have a good place for a tent if it rains.

7. Grass and weeds are beginning to grow in all the more sunlit areas.

8. The table in 6 needs repair.

9. Watch out for ants in areas not recent used.

10. Some weedeating would be nice in most campsites.

11. The fire pits are cleaned except for the sites most frequently used.

12. Site 10 is unusable. It is overgrown and unmaintaned. The fire pit is full. This site has not been used in a long time.

13. Site 11 has no shade. The swamp oak and 2 old pines are gone. This used to the premier site to stay. It was large and secluded and well shaded.

14. Site 9 buy the creek is still very nice if you can put up with the day traffic down to the creek.

15. With the exception of site 10, the sites in the " island" are nice. they are little used but a have nice shade.

16. Law enforcement showed up Saturday and Sunday to check payment of fees.

17. Boat launch was in good repair and plenty of parking.

18. In general, the campground was in good shape and usable. There has been alot usage than in the past years, we were 1 of 4 groups there that weekend. The weather was great.

19. The water faucet at north end of campground leaks when in use.

20. The trash bins were empty. No problem throwing out trash.

21. Road into campground a little " washboarded " but in good repair.

These notes refer to Fairly Bridge Landing

1. Only the site by creek is useable. The other two are far too sunny.

2. The boat launch is good shape.

3. Still a popular place to pull out of the creek.

4. No running water and bathroom is an "outhouse".

5. We have stayed here in past and enjoyed it, although alot of traffic during the day.

These notes refer to Janice Landing.

1. The campground as a whole is in good shape.

2. Campground is little used except for day use.

3. Not a bad place to stay if you can put up with the highway noise. We have stayed here in past and enjoyed it. You will likely too be by yourself.

4. Water is available, outhouse for bathroom.

The following are notes on Black Creek between Janice landing and Cypress Creek landing.

1. The creek was low to average.

2. Not as many beaches to camp as in the past.

3. Less places to stop for "lunch".

4. Places we used to stop are washed away or under water. 5. Still a good short day trip if time is a factor.

I hope this information is helpful to those that have no knowledge of this area.

Our thanks to both individuals for letting us know what is going on with two of the many campgrounds recovering from the destructive force of Katerina and Rita. The Forest Service's hard working efforts are showing.