In May 2018, the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality enlisted the Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain, in partnership with GCCDS, to facilitate the development of a Watershed Implementation Plan for Old Fort Bayou Watershed. Old Fort Bayou Watershed is just over 32,000 acres and includes parts of Ocean Springs, Gautier and Jackson County. The Watershed Implementation Plan addresses the fecal coliform TMDL, as well as other environmental stressors impacting water quality and their sources. The plan was approved in December 2018 and includes specific recommendations and strategies for protecting and improving conditions in the watershed.

During this time GCCDS was able to utilize NOAA B-WET funding to engage with students at St. Martin High School which is located on a major tributary of Old Fort Bayou. Students learned about watershed dynamics and the impacts of stormwater runoff on water quality within the context of Old Fort Bayou Watershed. Student data and input was included in the 2018 Watershed Implementation Plan.

In March 2020, MDEQ again contracted with the LTMCP, in partnership with GCCDS to implement priority projects and outreach initiatives as documented in the Plan. In addition to updating the Plan, priority projects included installing a boardwalk trail along Old Fort Bayou at The Inlet mixed-use development in Ocean Springs; extending the Old Fort Bayou Blueway to include Bayou Talla; and upgrading Yellow Jacket Trail situated between three St. Martin schools to include a boardwalk, trails, an outdoor classroom, signage, and a water quality testing stand.

To view a copy of the Plan Update and its Appendices, click on the links below.

To view a copy of the Implementation Plan and its Appendices, click on the links below.

To view a copy of the Yellow Jacket Trail Field Guide click HERE.