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Forest Health

Roosevelt State Park lake and trees

Forest Pests

There are a number of insect species of concern to the Mississippi Forestry Commission. These insects can cause major damage to tree stands and, if the infestation is severe enough, completely wipe out a stand. The Mississippi Forestry Commission assists Mississippi timber owners in forest pest management by conducting forest pest surveys and evaluations. Featured insects include:

Invasive Plants

Learn about some of Mississippi’s most harmful invasive plants, including where they came from, the threats they pose, and the control methods used to mitigate them.

Tree Diseases

Tree diseases are a significant threat to Mississippi’s trees. Diseases cause 45% of all mortality and degradation in our forests.

  • Annosus Root Rot
  • Brown Spot Needle Blight
  • Fusiform Rust
  • Hardwood Decay (Heart Rot)
  • Laurel Wilt Disease
  • Littleleaf Disease
  • Loblolly Pine Decline

Water Quality and Forestry Best Management Practices

The Mississippi Forestry Commission’s role in water quality is to monitor the use of best management practices.

Invasive Species Programs

Mississippi Forestry Commission is involved in several programs to help combat invasive species, including:

Visit PlayCleanGo.org for more information on how you can help stop the spread of invasive plants and animals.