Boy Scouts Build Wood Duck Nesting Boxes for Waterfowl at Arkabutla Lake

VICKSBURG, MISS… Nine boy scouts from Troop 41, Hernando, recently built wood duck nesting boxes for waterfowl at Arkabutla Lake. The scouts converted 40 1x10x12 rough cut cypress planks into luxury suites that resulted in 66 boxes. The boxes will be placed on 4x4 posts around the backwaters and coves of Arkabutla Lake and the Coldwater River channel and sloughs scattered throughout the Askew Wildlife Management Area.

Due to federal and contractual cutbacks, the ranger staff at Corps lakes and facilities has adapted to doing more with less. Many tasks have been accomplished by finding creative new methods and forming new partnerships. The need for wood duck nesting boxes for waterfowl at Arkabutla Lake was one such task accomplished through partnering with Boy Scouts of America. This project also provided an opportunity for the scouts to earn their badges.

As the state duck of Mississippi, the wood duck is an important symbol to protect and support through efforts like those exhibited by the young men of Troop 41 in the construction of the nest boxes.

The Corps is the largest federal provider of outdoor and water-based recreation in the nation. The primary mission of the Mississippi lakes is to provide flood risk reduction. With approximately 4.9 million visitors each year, these lakes also contribute approximately $99.5 million into the local economy. For more information visit our website at www.mvk.usace.army.mil.

Arkabutla Lake is located near Coldwater, Mississippi and is approximately 30 minutes south of Memphis, Tennessee. Approximately 5.5 million visitors per year support $130 million in visitor spending with 60% being captured by local economies. Visitor spending also supports the addition of 1,500 jobs. As The Corps offers an array of recreational opportunities that include fishing, boating, camping, hiking, bicycling, swimming, and photography stewards of public lands, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is dedicated to providing a safe, quality recreational experience for all visitors.