Low wake, no wake study starting for Bogue Chitto State Park

After a number of visitors to the Bogue Chitto State Park expressed concern that some boaters on the river created such a wake as to capsize canoes or innertubes, members of the Washington Parish Council gave the go-ahead Monday night to look at options up to and including "no-wake" zones.

Randy Strickland, parish director of administration, told council members that park manager Anthony Marange wanted to see what options, if any, were available to help slow boat traffic.

"It's like everything else," Strickland said. "A few boaters who don't pay attention to anyone else are in danger of ruining it for everyone else."

Strickland said Marange wanted to look at restrictions for all water where motor powered boats could be operated within the 1,800 acre park — "Especially around the day use area."

One concern was that there were established homes and camps along the river before the park was developed and that those persons should be considered as well.

Another concern was enforcement of any ordinances that might be passed, and it was pointed out that while the responsibility should fall on the park, there are no funds available to purchase a boat.

"It would probably fall to Wildlife and Fisheries and the Sheriff's Office, because both have boats," Strickland said.

After directing Strickland to get law enforcement involved in the discussions, council members gave him the go-ahead.