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Forest Stewardship Program

The Mississippi Forest Stewardship Program promotes the active and informed participation of private, nonindustrial forest landowners in the management and use of all natural resources in their care.

Photo by Leslie Robertson, courtesy
National Association of State Foresters

About the Mississippi Forest Stewardship Program

The Forest Stewardship Program was established on the concept that forest landowners can receive the best in total resource management by combining quality natural resource planning with sound management principles.

Landowners participating in the Mississippi Forest Stewardship Program enjoy the many benefits derived from a well-managed forest while knowing future generations will appreciate a legacy built on the stewardship ethic. 

Program History

The Forest Stewardship Program was initiated in 1991 as a component of the 1990 Farm Bill. The USDA Forest Service, through the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act, provides funding to state forestry agencies for implementing a program with the following stewardship objectives: 

  • To help private forest landowners more actively manage their forestland and related resources. 
  • To maintain these lands in a productive and healthy condition for present and future owners. 
  • To increase the economic and environmental benefits of these lands. 

The Mississippi Forestry Commission, National Association of State Foresters, and USDA Forest Service fully endorse the Stewardship Program and philosophy. 

Program Funding and Administration

The Forest Stewardship Program is funded by the USDA Forest Service and administered by the Mississippi Forestry Commission. Technical assistance is provided by local, federal, state, and private natural resource agencies and organizations.

Learn More About the Forest Stewardship Program

To learn more about the Forest Stewardship Program, contact your local MFC forester by using our Forester Finder.