The Mississippi Forestry Commission was established to protect and manage the state’s forests, which cover 56 percent of the geographical area of Mississippi. The commission provided forest protection, management, and replacement of forests. On agreement with county boards of supervisors, the commission also was to manage forest lands and timber on sixteenth section lands.
The commission and the state Forester, who administers commission policy decisions, were complying with statutory requirements that concern terms of office, qualifications, and authorities and duties. The commission had formulated goals and objectives and had planned adequately to fulfill them. In addition, the state’s fire problem was controlled and confined. (Less than 2 percent of the area burned in FY 1974 was protected.)
Among other PEER Committee recommendations were that the Legislature consider replacing the outdated forest harvesting law, that the Forestry Commission continue efforts to enter into forest management agreements as required by law with the boards of supervisors of four counties, and that the commission propose legislation for a statewide system of forest protection. The commission should enforce the landowner agreement regarding the planting, care, and protection of free seedlings.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.