Mississippi Forestry Commission Assists Counties Following Ice Storm, Begins Assessments of Forest Damage

MFC is actively assisting counties affected by the recent ice storm and is preparing to conduct aerial surveys and forest health assessments to evaluate tree damage across Mississippi.

Following requests for assistance submitted through the WebEOC (Emergency Operations Center) system by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency, the Mississippi Forestry Commission deployed dozers and saw crews, totaling 37 personnel, to support local response efforts. Forestry crews are currently providing road-clearing assistance in Tippah County, Holmes County, and most recently Carroll County, helping restore access for emergency response and recovery operations.

“The Mississippi Forestry Commission stands ready to assist our local partners during significant weather events,” said Randy Giachelli, MFC’s Fire Chief. “Our crews are doing our best to help communities recover safely.”

In the coming weeks, the agency will conduct aerial surveys and on-the-ground evaluations to determine the extent of storm damage to Mississippi’s forests. These assessments are particularly important given existing forest health challenges stemming from the 2023 drought, which contributed to widespread pine beetle infestations and tree mortality in many areas of the state.

Ice accumulation can place extreme stress on trees, causing limbs and entire trees to break or fall. These hazardous conditions not only threaten public safety and infrastructure but also increase the amount of downed wood debris, which can significantly elevate wildfire risk if conditions dry out.

The upcoming assessments will help identify priority areas for salvage operations, reforestation, and hazard mitigation. This information will allow landowners, communities, and forestry professionals to take timely steps to reduce future forest health risks and support recovery efforts.

“Studying the impact of this ice storm is critical to understanding both the immediate damage and the long-term effects on Mississippi’s forests,” said Garron Hicks, Assistant Forest Management Chief with the Mississippi Forestry Commission. “Many of these trees were already under stress from the 2023 drought and pine beetle activity. Ice damage compounds those issues, increasing tree mortality and limiting future management options. These assessments help us provide landowners with accurate information and guide decisions related to salvage, reforestation, and long-term forest recovery.”

The Mississippi Forestry Commission regularly conducts studies and produces reports on forest health issues statewide. Data collected from these post-storm assessments will help guide landowners, communities, and policymakers as they plan recovery efforts and implement strategies to reduce wildfire risk and protect forest resources.

“Our mission doesn’t end when the storm passes,” Hicks said. “We will continue working to understand the impacts, support recovery, and help keep Mississippi’s forests and communities safe.”

The Mississippi Forestry Commission will continue coordinating with MEMA and local officials and will provide updates as assessments progress. Please see the attached photo of the crew working. Click the following link for video footage of the MFC crew working on roads: https://youtu.be/fNkqASm22Tk. 

For forestry-related questions or assistance, the public is encouraged to contact their local Mississippi Forestry Commission forester. Click here to find your forester or visit www.mfc.ms.gov for general information.