Are You One of Scott County's Private Forest Landowners?

Private Landowners

Are you a private forest landowner? Are you aware that your forests may be very valuable?

If you’re a landowner with questions, check the following pages for answers that may interest you.

Who Owns Scott County’s Forest?*

*Source: Forest Statistics For Mississippi Counties-1994 USDA - Forest Service

Why Do I Need To Manage My Forest?

A well-managed forest can provide you with many benefits, such as increased economic returns, enhanced wildlife habitat, enhanced recreation opportunities, better water quality, or simply having a place to enjoy.

Where can I find information about managing my forest?

You can get information from professional foresters. Foresters are trained in many different areas, including forest management. Foresters in Mississippi work for the public agencies, private industry, and as private forestry consultants.

How can I find out what my timber is worth?

The first step is to have a professional forester evaluate your property. Secondly, have the forester conduct a timber inventory “cruise” and appraise your timber. Talk with the forester about developing a management plan for your property, based on your objectives. The plan should include an inventory of the timber that is currently growing on your land.

How should I sell my timber?

The first step is to seek professional help. A consulting forester can inventory and appraise your timber, advertise the timber sale, and solicit competitive bids. The consultant will also oversee the timber harvesting and replanting of your land.

What are Best Management Practices (BMP’s)?

BMP’s are guidelines for forestry practices that protect water quality when conducting timber management activities. You should include BMP’s in your timber sale contract. You can get a copy of the Mississippi’s Best Management Practices Handbook by contacting the Mississippi Forestry Commission office in Scott County.

How do I improve my forest for wildlife?

Many forest management activities can improve wildlife habitat. These activities include thinning, prescribed burning, firelane construction, and access roads. Ask your forester to develop a Stewardship Plan for your property. A good plan will address wildlife management, aesthetics, recreation, and erosion control, along with forest management. You may also want to seek help from a qualified wildlife biologist.

How do I protect my land when harvesting timber?

A contract is essential. Include in the contract the specific BMP’s that will apply to your harvest. It is strongly recommended that you follow BMP’s when conducting all management activities to protect your land and maintain soil and water quality. The harvesting operation should be checked at least once a week.

Important Phone Numbers

This brochure was provided as a portion of an enhanced forestry educational program through public law 106-393. The funds were allocated through the Scott County Board of Supervisors.

Scott County
Board of Supervisors

Copyright 2003 by Mississippi State University. All rights reserved. This publication may be copied and distributed without alteration for nonprofit educational purposes provided that credit is given to the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Adapted for Mississippi by Britton Hatcher, Extension Forestry Department, from Tennessee Tree Farm Program publication Are You One of Tennessee’s Private Landowners?

Mississippi State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status.

M1294
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914.Joe H. McGilberry, Director

(2M-03-03)