Former Ducks Unlimited staff member Billy Joe Cross was the guest of honor in March 2004 when the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) dedicated a 250-acre wetland restoration project at the O'Keefe Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
Cross, whose distinguished conservation career also includes a term as director of the Mississippi state wildlife agency, was involved in the acquisition of the property that became the O'Keefe WMA. The site was established in 1970 with the intent of protecting forested wetlands and promoting public recreation. During his tenue with DU, Cross served as regional director, regional supervisor, Mississippi Flyway MARSH coordinator, field operations supervisor, and director of field operations.
The O'Keefe WMA encompasses 5,900 acres in Quitman County. This includes approximately 4,600 acres of bottomland hardwoods. The remainder of the property is managed for moist-soil vegetation and agricultural production.
This restoration effort will provide improved wintering-staging habitat for mallards, pintails, gadwalls, wood ducks, and green-winged teal. Major donors providing funding for this project include Billy and Cissye Mounger, Richard Newman, Hal and Linda Parker, Ronal and Patti Roberson, Ed and Celia Roberts, E.B. and Virginia Shawyer, Shelby B. Smith Jr., and an anonymous "Friend of the Ducks." The MDWFP, Ducks Unlimited, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also provided funding.
More than 75 attended the event, hosted by DU and the MDWFP. Among the guest speakers were DU Vice President Don Young, Dr. Larry Castle, Chief of Wildlife, MDWFP, Dr. Bruce Leopold, Head of the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Mississippi State University and Dr. Ronal Roberson, D.D.S., Regional Vice President, of Charleston, MS.
A retirement dinner for Cross raised $300,000 in 2002. Additional funding was provided by a North America Wetlands Conservation Act grant. More than 75 people attended the event, hosted by DU and the MDWFP. Cross received a certificate and letter of commendation from Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and a letter of congratulations from Mississippi Speaker of the House, Rep. Billy McCoy.
A bronze plaque honoring Billy Joe Cross was unveiled recently at O'Keefe WMA. Among those attending the dedication ceremony were (left to right) Richard Newman, Billy Joe and Robbie Cross, Katie Roberson and her father, Dr. Ronal Roberson, Ed Roberts and DU Executive Vice President Don Young. Cross is a well-known Mississippi conservationist, wild game chef, and cookbook author. He retired from DU after 25 years of service.