PETITION OPPOSING THE CLOSING OF THE SHONGELO RECREATION AREA IN THE BIENVILLE NATIONAL FOREST, SMITH COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI

Shongelo is a small recreation area located 5 miles north of Raleigh, Smith County, Mississippi and 21 miles south of Forest, Scott County, Mississippi. Shongelo Lake is a 5 acre lake offering bank fishing, a swimming area, several Picnic sites, picnic shelter and a hiking trail. Shongelo is a site that is appealing for family day-use enjoyment. 

Shongelo is currently a fee area and is open seasonally from May through September. The National Forest Service has indicated that it plans to close and decommission the Shongelo recreation area. We, the undersigned, oppose the closing and decommissioning of Shongelo and respectfully request the Mississippi State Legislature, Governor, Mississippi Congressional Delegation, as well as the United States Forest Service, to oppose the closing and decommissioning of the Shongelo recreation area.  

Rickey Johnson    Contact the author of the petition