Mississippi Forestry: Current State and Future Growth

The University of Southern Mississippi Department of Economic Development conducted an economic impact study of Mississippi’s timber resources. Mississippi’s immense timber resources create a large number of jobs in the forestry industry; however, the jobs are mainly on the supply side of the industry. Mississippi exports almost 40% of its timber overseeing lost domestic value and production due to the lack of wood processors and wood product manufacturers in the area. In order for Mississippi to advance in its development, it needs to productively manage its forest industry by adding new businesses and seeking new investments throughout the state.