Fiscal Year 2020 Annual Report

Message from the State Forester

The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) has been a leader in the protection, management and sustainability of the state’s forests for more than 90 years. The MFC provides expertise, information and support to keep Mississippi’s approximately 19.2 million acres of forestland healthy, productive and profitable.

Forests make important, positive contributions to the quality of life for Mississippians by providing almost 62,000 jobs, a wealth of forest products, improved water quality, livestock forage areas, open spaces, abundant
wildlife habitat, recreational experiences and economic benefits. In Mississippi, the forestry and forest products industry has a $12.79 billion economic impact every year.

The MFC protects Mississippi’s forestland from wildfire, sustainably manages approximately 485,000 acres of forested non-federal public land and delivers
quality forest management services and assistance to both rural and urban private landowners.

2020 was an interesting year. With the COVID-19 pandemic hitting the U.S. in March, the way we conducted business shifted dramatically. While many businesses and industries shut down due to the pandemic, the MFC continued to serve the people of Mississippi. Our Lead Team put procedures in place that allowed us to continue to provide vital forest protection and forest management
services. Like every other business and government agency, we had our own set of challenges to contend with, but I am proud of how our agency responded and continued to move forward.

I want to give a special word of thanks to the MFC’s partners who provide support, collaboration and implementation of many of our programs and services. We work hard to maintain and develop our relationships with natural resource agencies, organizations and individuals. These partnerships ensure the citizens of Mississippi receive the best assistance and service possible.

I would also like to thank our state leaders, commissioners, staff and citizens
for their continued support and assistance in making 2020 a productive year.

The MFC is proud of our service to the public and our protection of the state’s valuable forest resources. The MFC looks forward to the continued privilege of caring for Mississippi’s trees, forests and natural resources.

Please feel free to contact our office anytime. We look forward to continuing to serve Mississippians.