The only thing that separates much of Concordia Parish from the Great Mississippi River Flood of 1927 is a manmade creation.

Levees ringing the area have made life totally different for parish residents. But what man made, man can destroy.

Levees are simply engineered dirt piles. Just like wet dirt becomes squishy mud under your foot, a wet levee can be compromised by substantial weight.

It’s illegal to drive trucks, ATVs or any other type vehicle on any part of the levee that is not a paved or gravel road.

Joy riding up and down the hill can cause structural damage that, with high river levels, could be detrimental to many parish residents.

This is certainly one of those cases in which the laws are made for a reason.

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office is enforcing the law. Citations and fines are being issued, and smart homeowners near the levees are calling in tag numbers when they see troublemakers.

With a high river and the spring rise still yet to come, it’s smart to be a little nervous about what the mighty Mississippi may bring our way this year.

Flooding two years ago eroded the Vidalia levee and caused seepage water all over town.

We can all hope and pray that spring comes and goes without trouble, but we can’t know for sure.

Let’s be safe, not sorry, and stay off the levees.