It is the current intention of the Jindal administration to shut down all of the State Historic Sites in Louisiana - this would include Port Hudson and Mansfield - for five days a week, leaving them open only on weekends. This is supposed to go into affect later this year. At a recent meeting at Alexandria, Stuart Johnson, head of State Parks, announced that although Forts Randolph and Buhlow in Pineville were ready to come on line as a State Historic Site sometime this fall, there are currently no plans for funding to staff and operate the site.

The only hope to keep these sites open is for our legislators to override the governor's plans. Please keep this in mind the next time you talk to your representative or senator.

(Yes, I know that the state says that every dollar spent on tourism in Louisiana brings back a $9 return. And yes, I am familiar with the saying "Penny wise and pound foolish." Hey, this wasn't my idea.)