October 16, 2008
Jones County Forestry Association tied with Lincoln CFA to win the Outstanding Project Award by the Mississippi Forestry Association (MFA). The awards were presented at the county forestry association luncheon on October 16th in Choctaw, as part of Mississippi Forestry Association’s Annual Meeting, the largest gathering of the forestry community in Mississippi.
The Lincoln CFA won for working in collaboration with the 150th anniversary of Lincoln County. The CFA used this county-wide celebration to increase community awareness of the role of forestry in the development of Lincoln County and to expand educational opportunities for landowners through two unique field days. This was done by enhancing a new walking trail, working with the public library to increase their offerings in the forestry area; and developing a table-top display for use in the library, festivals, and other events in the county.
Jones CFA won the award for hosting a Ladies Forestry Forum this year. More fifty ladies gathered at the Rogers Green House in Laurel to learn more about forestry. The forum included a number of subjects ranging from the history of early forestry in Jones County to taxes, forest management, site prep, estate planning, and keeping adequate records. The event was attended by many who were not members of the Jones CFA, and the chapter used this event as a recruiting tool for their CFA.
Jones and Lincoln CFAs are a part of a broad coalition of county forestry associations organized under the umbrella of Mississippi Forestry Association. Mississippi Forestry Association’s vision is to serve as The Voice of Forestry in Mississippi. In 1938 MFA was formed to guard and grow Mississippi’s forests and that is still the mission today. MFA is the only organization that represents every group in the forestry community. MFA leads the efforts in protecting landowner rights, improving the forest products economy and educating the community about the ecological benefits of healthy, renewable forests and of the forest industry. MFA is a private (non government), nonprofit association. Over 600 guests attended the MFA Annual Meeting. To learn more, visit www.msforestry.net.