On Monday, January 16th at the regular scheduled Jackson Parish Recreation Department meeting a cooperative endeavor agreement was executed with the Jackson Parish Watershed District. After six months of ironing out the details, the recreation department agreed to give the Watershed $12,000.00 annually for Caney Lake and Chatham Lake. According to Watershed Commission Vice President/Treasurer, Gary Joyner, the funding will be used to maintain and build facilities at Ebenezer Park and Spillway boat launches on Caney and certain projects on Chatham Lake.

“This is a great day for the Watershed Commission, the Recreation Board, and Jackson Parish,” said Joyner. “I applaud everyone who was involved to make this happen.”

Currently, the Watershed receives funding from boat launch fees, building permits, and duck blind permits. In 2022, a total of $23,000 was spent on maintenance and new projects on Caney Lake and Chatham Lake while  $18,300 was received in revenues.

“This is a huge benefit for us as the money will help offset any possible deficit we might face this year and allow some additional projects to be constructed for our residents and visitors,” continued Joyner. “The Jackson Parish Watershed District board would like to thank the recreation board members for supporting our efforts on Caney Lake and Chatham Lake regarding recreational activities and look forward to many years working together for the residents and visitors to our parish.”