Governor Reeves signs proclamation recognizing 100 years of the Mississippi Forestry Commission

PEARL, Miss. (VDN) — Governor Tate Reeves recently signed a proclamation officially recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC), honoring a century of service protecting Mississippi’s forests, communities, and natural resources.

“Mississippi is the most beautiful state in the nation,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “For 100 years, the Mississippi Forestry Commission has been invaluable in helping preserve our state’s natural beauty.  I’m proud of the Commission’s stewardship over one of Mississippi’s greatest natural resources: our 19 million acres of forestland and the wildlife and communities it supports.”

The proclamation was signed during a ceremony held in the Governor’s Capitol office. Attending the signing were the Mississippi Forestry Commission’s leadership and key staff, members of the MFC Board of Commissioners, and legislators representing forestry committees.

“We sincerely appreciate Governor Reeves for recognizing this historic milestone for the Mississippi Forestry Commission at the State Capitol,” said Russell Bozeman, State Forester for Mississippi. “This proclamation is a meaningful acknowledgment of 100 years of dedication by the men and women of the Mississippi Forestry Commission who have worked tirelessly to protect our forests, our communities, and our natural resources.”

Founded on March 6, 1926, the Mississippi Forestry Commission was created in response to widespread forest fires and the need for organized forest protection across the state. At that time, Mississippi’s forests faced significant threats from uncontrolled wildfires and poor land management practices. The establishment of the Commission marked an important step toward conserving forest resources and safeguarding rural communities.

“For a century, the Mississippi Forestry Commission has adapted to meet the changing needs of our state while remaining committed to its core mission,” Bozeman said. “From wildfire suppression and forest management assistance to landowner education and forest health, our agency has played an important role in the forest economy and public protection from wildfires.

Today, the Mississippi Forestry Commission provides leadership in wildfire prevention and suppression, forest management, forest inventory and analysis, and technical assistance to landowners across Mississippi’s 19.2 million acres of forestland, the majority of which is privately owned.

The proclamation recognizes the Commission’s 100th anniversary and honors its long-standing service and the importance of forestry to Mississippi’s future. Centennial activities will continue throughout 2026, highlighting the agency’s history, partnerships, and commitment to serving the people of Mississippi for the next century.

A copy of the proclamation is available upon request. For more information about the Mississippi Forestry Commission and its centennial celebration, visit www.mfc.ms.gov.