Harrison County: Title III Program

Perhaps no area of Mississippi has changed more in the last decade than the Mississippi Gulf Coast. One aspect that has not changed as much is the importance of forestry to the economy of Harrison County. Although most people see the bright lights of the casinos and beautiful beaches along Highway 90 when they think of Harrison County, over 75% of the county is forested.

Home to some of Mississippi's biggest and most exciting cities, Harrison County is fast becoming one the premier travel destinations for people from all over the Gulf South. Those choosing to re-locate homes or business are also finding out how much Harrison County has to offer. The standard of living in Harrison County is high with a median annual income higher than the state average, and retail sales that account for over 5% of the state's total (U.S. Census, 2000).

The commercial and private forestlands in Harrison County are diverse in their composition. While most pine plantations in other areas of the state are usually made up of Loblolly Pine (Pinus taeda), a large number of pines planted along the coastal regions of Mississippi are Slash Pines (Pinus elliottii). Along with the traditional pine plantations, many forested areas of Harrison County have a unique species mix. It is here that you will find the always-impressive Live Oaks (Quercus virginiana) in their native habitat. Also found in this ecosystem are plants such as gall berry, pitcher plants, and other species which are seldom, if ever, found in Mississippi's more northern regions.

This web site is sponsored by the Harrison County Board of Supervisors through Title III of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self Determination Act of 2000.

Supervisors

• District 1 - Bobby Eleuterius
• District 2 - Larry Benefield
• District 3 - Marlin R. Ladner
• District 4 - William W. Martin
• District 5 - Connie M. Rocko

Other Forrest Forestry Information

• Learn more about Forestry
• Harrison County Forestland Demographics
• Recent Harrison County news and events
• Forest History Calendar Available

Sources of Forrest County Assistance

• County Forester, MS Forestry Commission, Randy Wilson - (228) 831-3359.
  Provides management advice to landowners. Responsible for forest fire control and management of 16th section lands. A primary source of regeneration assistance, the MFC has 2 seedling nurseries where improved varieties of loblolly and slash pine are grown. NOTE: Order your seedlings early through the County Forester, as there has been a seedling shortage in recent years. The County Forester is also the primary contact for regeneration assistance through the Forest Resources Development Program (FRDP), which provides cost-share monies for both site prep and planting.
• County Director, MSU Extension Service, Nancy Freeman - (228) 865-4227.
  The County Director provides educational programs and assistance to landowners. The County Director also has a variety of Extension Service publications available that address many forestry and forest-related topics. The Director is also actively involved with the local County Forestry Association.
• Farm Service Agency, Mary Gwathney - (601) 928-4962.
  USDA has administered federal farm programs since the 1930's. USDA reorganized in 1994 and created the FSA by combining the former Agricultural Stabilization and conservation service (ASCS) with the farm loan division of Farmers Home Administration (FmHA). FSA currently administers forestry-related programs such as the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) as well as other agriculture programs.
• Natural Resources Conservation Service, Beth D'Aquila - (228) 831-1647.
  The NRCS provides technical advice, and frequently works with other agencies to address various natural resource conservation issues. This agency provides the Soil Surveys for individual counties, in addition to field surveys for ponds, terraces, gully control and conservation planning.
• County Forestry Association.
  Composed of landowners, foresters, and others interested in forestry and forestry-related issues. This group holds meetings, field days, and other events to promote the management and protection of Mississippi's vital forest resource. Each County Forestry Association is affiliated with the Mississippi Forestry Association. Membership in the Forrest County Forestry Association is $10 per person or $15 per family. Contact any of the agencies listed on this sheet for more information.
• Mississippi Forestry Association.
  A statewide organization of landowners, forester, natural resource professionals, and others interested in Mississippi's forest resources. The MFA's mission is to serve as the "Voice of Forestry" in Mississippi and to conduct public affairs, communications, and educational programs that will foster better understanding of and an appreciation for the forests and forest-based industries of Mississippi.
• Consulting Foresters.
  A consulting forester spends most of his or her time each year performing technical forestry work on a fee or contract basis. These services are offered to the public rather than to a single full-time employer. A list of consultants in the area can be obtained from the County Forester or the Board of Registration for Forester website, http://www.cfr.msstate.edu/borf/.
• Landowner Assistance Programs.
  Various large timber companies (Georgia-Pacific, International Paper, and others) have programs for private landowners. They vary from company to company, but all serve to help landowners manage their forestlands. These programs can offer regeneration assistance, herbicide spraying, general timber management, and other service useful to a landowner. Contact you County Forester for information on firms in your area offering such programs.

Calendar of Events

• To Be Announced