PASCAGOULA - The state's largest and most pristine river basin could soon be submitted for scenic river designation.

"A formal request hasn't come in. I'm sure it's a matter of time," said Andrew Whitehurst, coordinator of the Scenic Streams Stewardship program, which began in August 1999.

State biologists have studied the Pascagoula River extensively, and it likely would qualify for scenic river designation, which encourages streamside landowners to protect the river but has no legal limitations on what landowners can do with their land.

"We have enough information that we could do the evaluation pretty quickly," Whitehurst said.

The Pascagoula meets the two criteria for being a scenic river: It's a public stream and it hasn't been channelized in the past five years.

Four state rivers have received the scenic river designation: the Wolf in Harrison County, the Tangipahoa in Pike County, the Chunky in Newton, Lauderdale and Clarke counties, and Magee's Creek in Walthall County.

"So much of the river is under state ownership that a scenic designation would be easy," Whitehurst said. "Everything that would need to be done is already being done."

Under the scenic river designation, landowners are asked, but not required, to use best management practices when they cut timber or build near the river. The guidelines protect the river's banks from erosion.

While some landowners fear the designation would bring government intrusion, Whitehurst said he's had few complaints.

"It's a way to create awareness," he said.

State Sen. Tommy Moffatt, who calls himself a pro-business lawmaker, feels protecting the river could be in the best interest of the community.

"I think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages," said Moffatt, a Republican from Gautier.

Moffatt said he would support designating the Pascagoula as a scenic river, providing that representatives from other areas also support it.

"I have not looked at the whole impact," he said. "You'll run through three or four senatorial districts."

Moffatt said he wants to be sure the designation does not limit economic development of the river system.

"If you have some industries on the river, it might affect them," he added. "I'm a business advocate."

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