Fiscal Year 2022 Annual Report

Message from the State Forester

Forests make significant, positive contributions to the quality of life for Mississippians. By providing almost 70,000 jobs, a wealth of forest products, improved water quality, green spaces, wildlife habitats, recreational experiences, and economic benefits, forests are vital to the health of our state. In addition, the forestry and forest products industry has a $12.79 billion annual economic impact.

The Mississippi Forestry Commission (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 rural and urban private landowners.

FY 2022 saw some positives for Mississippi’s forestry and forest products industry. In particular, we had several mills open in the state. Over the past year, lumber demand and prices have increased dramatically, yet timber prices have remained low. Getting these new mills to locate in Mississippi was a team effort.

I want to thank all of our economic development partners, at the state and local levels, for their work in securing these new facilities. These new mills will go a long way in creating healthier timber markets in Mississippi. And as I like to say, healthy markets lead to healthy forests, which lead to healthy lives.

I want to give a special word of thanks to the MFC’s partners who support, collaborate, and implement many of our programs and services. We work hard to maintain and develop 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 FY 2022 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.