Forest Products Week proclaimed by Gov. Reeves

Forest Products Week proclaimed by Gov. Reeves

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Gov. Tate Reeves has declared this week Mississippi Forest Products Week, which highlights Neshoba County’s deep connection to the industry.

Neshoba County ranks second statewide in forestry and forest products sales, with 938 jobs in the sector generating $82,276,301 in output.

The state proclamation coincides with National Forest Products Week, which has been observed annually since President Eisenhower proclaimed it in 1960. 

Mississippi has over 19 million acres of forestlands, representing over 62 percent of the total land base. Timber is also the state’s third most valuable agricultural crop, contributing $15.44 billion to the state’s economy. 

The industry directly employs over 68,000 people and, at 14.9 percent of the total manufacturing GDP in Mississippi, represents the largest share. 

“Forestry is crucial to Neshoba County as approximately 73 percent of the land area is considered forestland,” said County Administrator Jeff Mayo.

Forest resources provide Mississippi with jobs and income, tax revenue, wood products, energy, fuel, and clean air, all while slowing the loss of soil due to erosion and ensuring a good storehouse of clean water. 

Additionally, trees in forest settings provide outdoor recreation opportunities and abundant habitat for wildlife. 

“The forest and forest products industry play a vital role in Mississippi’s economy and in the everyday lives of all Mississippians,” said Mississippi Forestry Association (MFA) Executive Director Casey Anderson.

“Although lumber and paper may be the first forest products that come to mind, items like toothpaste, soap, diapers, and even ice cream also contain forest products.” 

In the past 100 years, Mississippi’s forests have increased by over 3 million acres, while also supporting a growing forest and forest products industry. This is because for every tree harvested, multiple trees are replanted in its place. 

Today, there is nearly zero waste in the forest products industry because what one mill does not use, another can. This is called sustainable forestry, and it is how Mississippi’s forests and economy can both continue to grow for generations to come. 

Mississippi Forestry Association's vision is to serve as the "Voice of Forestry" in Mississippi. MFA’s mission is to lead diverse groups to promote landowner rights, environmental stewardship, member prosperity, and community understanding. 

MFA members and staff work to accomplish the mission by conducting public affairs, communication, and education programs to foster a better understanding and appreciation of forestland and resource conservation, development, and use. 

To learn more, visit www.msforestry.net/ForestProductsWeek.






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