Fiscal Year 2014 Annual Report
Download the PDF
Charlie MorganState Forester
Message from the State Forester
The Mississippi Forestry Commission has been a leader in forest protection, management and sustainability of our state’s forests for over 85 years. Year after year we provide expertise, information and support to keep Mississippi’s 19.8 million acres of forestland healthy, productive and profitable.
We are proud of our service to the public and our protection of the state’s valuable forest resources. Committed to delivering quality services and assistance to both rural and urban landowners, the Forestry Commission looks forward to the continued privilege of caring for Mississippi’s trees, forests and natural resources.
Additionally, we are very proud to have achieved American Tree Farm certification on Mississippi’s School Trust Lands (16th Section Lands) that provide over $20,000,000 annually to support public education.
We appreciate our 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 relationships ensure the citizens of Mississippi receive the best assistance and service possible.
I would also like to thank our state leaders, commission, staff, partners and citizens for their continued support and assistance in making 2014 a success.
Please contact our office at any time. We look forward to serving you.
Forest Management
The Forest Management Department provides private forest landowners with limited on-the-ground services, technical assistance, cost-share assistance, advice to increase timber production and provide for the sustainable management of forest resources.
FY14 Statewide Accomplishments
| Private Land Activities | |
|---|---|
| Landowners Assisted | 9,560 |
| Total Forest Management Plans | 1,588 |
| Acres under Management Plans | 118,941 |
| Prescribed Burning (Acres) | 8,190 |
| Public Land Activities | |
|---|---|
| Timber Sale Receipts | $23,187,894* |
| Number of Sales | 265 |
| Acres Regenerated | 9,009 |
| Boundary Line Maintenance (Miles) | 383 |
| Firebreak Maintenance (Miles) | 655 |
| Prescribed Burning (Acres) | 6,754 |
| Prescribed Burning – Private & Public Land | |
|---|---|
| Total (Acres) | 14,944 |
| Forest Resource Development Program | |
|---|---|
| Acres Regenerated or Improved | 22,814 |
| Invasive Plant Control Program for Cogongrass Suppression | |
|---|---|
| Cogongrass Applications from Landowners | 325 |
| Landowners Inspected | 325 |
| Total Infested Spots Treated | 3,068 |
| Total Infested Acres Treated | 575.93 |
Quick Facts
- The forest industry in Mississippi is a $10.38 billion industry and represents over 63,000 jobs.
- On average, more than $2 million is distributed each year to private forest landowners in Mississippi through the Forest Resource Development Program, which provides cost sharing for tree planting and forest improvements.
- In FY14, the revenue from timber sales on non-federal public lands, including School Trust Lands, totaled $23.19 million.
Forest Protection
The MFC suppresses, monitors, and detects wildfire activity occurring day and night on approximately 19.8 million forested acres statewide.
FY14 Wildfires by Cause
| Cause | # Wildfires | # Acres Burned |
|---|---|---|
| Lightning | 14 | 1,015 |
| Campfire | 3 | 7 |
| Smoking | 17 | 190 |
| Debris Burning | 828 | 7,788 |
| Incendiary | 850 | 14,457 |
| Equipment Use | 36 | 397 |
| Railroad | 2 | 30 |
| Children | 22 | 162 |
| Miscellaneous | 156 | 1,824 |
| Re-ignition | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1,928 | 25,870 |
Quick Facts
- MFC suppressed 1,928 wildfires, which burned 25,870 acres.
- The average wildfire size was 13.4 acres.
- 26 homes were destroyed, 17 homes were damaged, and 2,030 homes were threatened by wildfire.
- Mississippi Forestry Commission awarded 54 grants totaling $191,894 to volunteer fire departments.
- MFC issued 82 vehicles and 69 pieces of other equipment with an estimated value of $9.1 million.
Forest Information
The Forest Information and Public Outreach Division supports all MFC program areas by providing information, promotional activities and publicity. The division utilizes mass media outlets (e.g., radio, television and print) and social media outlets (e.g., Facebook and YouTube) to release forestry and agency information to the public at large. Multiple delivery methods are used in order to reach the public in the most effective manner.
| MFC Outreach Program | |
|---|---|
| Adult and Youth Programs | 320 |
| Participants | 41,051* |
*Data does not include participants from the MS State Fair, MS Wildlife Extravaganza, or the MS Garden and Patio Show.
Quick Facts
- MFC’s Urban/Community Forestry Program provided 7 financial assistance grants totaling $131,743 to state and local governments, non profit groups and educational institutions.
- 41 Mississippi cities and towns certified as Tree City USA.
