This report investigated allegations made against the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) and Mr. J. E. Hobgood, Chairman of the Wildlife Conservation Commission. The charges involved a controversial lease agreement between Mr. James Nelms of Vaiden, Mississippi, and the DWC for 933 acres of land comprising the Malmaison Wildlife Management Area. Although PEER found the conflict of interest charges against Mr. Hobgood to be unsubstantiated, there were questions concerning the manner in which the lease was awarded. Several recommendations concerning the lease were outlined in the report.
For a paper copy of this report, contact PEER by telephone at 601-359-1226 or by e-mail at reports@peer.ms.gov.