Forestry association, fresh off trip to Capitol, encouraged

Published 12:00 am Sunday, March 8, 2009

Last week, the Warren County Forestry Association’s officers and directors traveled to the State Capitol.

The purpose of the trip was to meet with senators and representatives to discuss legislation affecting forestry. As one of the association’s advisers, I was able to tag along. I believe my traveling partners would certainly agree it was time well-spent.

Hunter Fordice, WCFA president; Thurman Nelson, vice president; Randy Sherard, secretary-treasurer; and directors Bryan Brabson Jr., Mike Mikell and Jim Horan had the opportunity to visit with elected officials and talk about more than 20 issues dealing with everything from intensive forest management to economic development.

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More than 60 counties in the state have forestry associations and the large membership of Warren County’s group makes it one of the superior local affiliates. One of the primary functions of the MFA is to maintain a political and economic climate in the state and nation conducive to the development and wise use of forest resources.

It goes without saying that those goals are good for our local community, too, as the forestry industry is so important to the livelihoods of many residents. Our landowners are certainly interested in issues such as protection of private property rights, water quality, transportation, taxation, reforestation incentive programs, timber harvesting and environmental regulations. Perhaps one of the best ways to stay abreast of those issues and to be able to have a voice in legislative matters concerning those issues is to remain active in association activities.

With economic times being what they are, emphasis on the forestry industry as a source of economic development is timely. The forestry sector is a major source of jobs, wealth and commerce. To ensure forestry remains one of Mississippi’s leading economic industries, we should capitalize on our competitive advantages, including:

• Abundant timber resources such as productive soils, favorable climate, valuable species with good growth rates that exceed current harvest rates and ample standing inventories.

• Timberlands that are predominantly privately owned and available for sustainable production.

• A strong transportation system with a good interstate and state highway network, extensive local roads, access to three primary navigable water routes and rail access.

• State universities and agencies that are leaders in forestry research and inventory.

• An existing professional labor force that efficiently grows, harvests and manufactures a variety of forest products.

As our day in Jackson drew to a close, it was evident that our local forestry association’s representatives and elected officials were in agreement that we should keep those advantages strong and viable and that tax incentives and other economic development tools should be utilized to actively promote existing and new forest-based industry.

I am thankful and proud of the talents and abilities of those who give of their time for the good of forest landowners and others who count on forestry revenue.

John C. Coccaro is county Extension director. Write to him at 1100-C Grove St., Vicksburg, MS 39180 or call 601-636-5442. E-mail him at jcoccaro@ext.msstate.edu