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MS SAF Position Statement on a Professional State Forestry Agency

Position:

The Mississippi Society of American Foresters (MS SAF) believes that the broad social, economic, and environmental importance of Mississippi’s forest lands justifies a stand-alone state agency. Wildfire protection, forest management and administration of forests on state public lands and technical forestry assistance to private landowners are operations that support an industry of major importance in Mississippi. In the reorganization of the Mississippi Forestry Commission we encourage restructuring the Mississippi Forestry Commission as a first-line state agency. While MS SAF agrees that agency streamlining is possible and desirable, we believe an independent state agency is warranted.

The MS SAF also believes that sustainable stewardship of Mississippi’s forests, both on private and public forest lands is most likely to be accomplished when both senior leaders and field-level managers of the Mississippi Forestry Commission have had a professional education in the broad field of forestry. Sustainable management of Mississippi’s public forest resources for the benefit of both current and future generations requires dedicated career professionals who have been prepared for their responsibilities through education and training in the broad field of forestry.

Originally adopted by the Mississippi Society of American Foresters (MS SAF) on June 15, 2006. Approved by the MS SAF membership after publication in the MS SAF newsletter,the Magnolia Forester, January 2007. This statement will expire December 31, 2012, unlessrevised by the MS SAF.