***NO NEED TO DONATE TO PROMOTE. PLEASE WRITE A COMMENT WHEN YOU SIGN, THEY WILL BE PRINTED AND TAKEN TO THE BOARD MEETING ON JULY 2. ***

In Mid-June of 2026 the Board of Directors made the unilateral decision to remove the water fountains along the Longleaf Trace, “Mississippi’s Premier Trail”, as well as closing bathrooms overnight from 6pm to 6:30 am citing vandalism to the restrooms and water fountains. 

At 44 miles long, “The Trace” is part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and is a recognized National Recreation Trail. It attracts daily users who live along its path from Hattiesburg to Prentiss and is a major attraction, enticing cyclists, horseback riders, walkers and runners from the Gulf Region and across the United States. 

The decision to remove the water fountains will be a significant barrier to use for many individuals, particularly those seeking to take advantage of the long, car free opportunity that The Trace provides. West of Jackson Station, there are limited amenities in the vicinity of the trace and no other public fountains.

We understand that maintaining a recreation amenity such as The Trace requires hard work and funding, but we are disappointed that the Board of Directors made the decision without notice or opportunity for public input from the many stakeholder groups and individuals who use and love The Trace. 

The next Board of Directors meeting will take place on Tuesday July 2 at 10am at the Gateway USM Office (2895 West 4th Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401).

Please attend if you can and circulate this petition to request the Board of Directors RESTORE OUR WATER!

When you sign, there’s no need to donate to promote it but if you have a comment, please submit it.