tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-165113972011-11-02T04:46:59.194-05:00As we work together to tackle the historic challenge that Hurricane Katrina has presented to the forestry communities of Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama, we hope that this blog will be a valuable resource and tool.MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2141100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-42489452609541869342007-01-31T14:37:00.000-06:002007-01-31T14:39:08.595-06:00

The Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) has opened the reservation lines for its $50-million 2007A issue, and funds are available to qualified applicants through participating lenders.The 2007A issue includes a pool of funds available to those purchasing homes in Jackson, Harrison, Hancock, Pearl River, Stone and George counties and to homebuyers directly affected by Hurricane Katrina. The

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-63381342020971358462007-01-25T12:42:00.000-06:002007-01-25T12:47:46.639-06:00

Mississippi has delivered more than 10,000 grants under a program to help homeowners along the Mississippi Gulf Coast recover and rebuild from Hurricane Katrina, Gov. Haley Barbour announced Wednesday."This is a milestone," Barbour said. "It means that approximately 75 percent of south Mississippi families who qualified under Phase I of our Homeowner Assistance Grant Program have received their

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-69143615962780165412007-01-25T11:03:00.000-06:002007-01-25T11:04:26.283-06:00

Federal funding totaling more than $32 million has been awarded for Hurricane Katrina recovery costs. The grants, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), are awarded to the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), City of Biloxi, City of Waveland, Jackson County, St. Stanislaus College Preparatory School and Pearl River Community College for the costs associated

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-59222465347630912102007-01-24T09:51:00.000-06:002007-01-24T09:52:52.462-06:00

SUN HERALD The city of Biloxi has been awarded a $2.8 million grant for debris removal costs as part of a hurricane recovery package announced by Sens. Thad Cochran and Trent Lott on Tuesday.About $32 million in FEMA grants has been awarded to the state as well as localities, including Biloxi, Waveland and Jackson County. Most of the money - about $18.4 million - will go to the Mississippi

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-86036464880223326702007-01-24T08:59:00.001-06:002007-01-24T09:06:18.432-06:00

THE ASSOCIATED PRESSMississippi's Republican governor, Haley Barbour, dismisses criticism from the Democratic governor of Louisiana about the role partisanship might've played in getting federal relief to the neighboring states since Hurricane Katrina. Barbour told The Associated Press that Mississippi made more reasonable requests for federal aid and is further along in distributing federally

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-32079464445160526272007-01-24T08:59:00.000-06:002007-01-24T09:00:41.918-06:00

State Farm will participate in a court-supervised resolution process to reconsider and fully resolve claims from Hurricane Katrina in three Mississippi coastal counties. The process is part of an agreement reached through the settlement of a class action lawsuit against the insurer by families who believe their damage claims were not adequately resolved. This agreement can affect some 35,000

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-6769011575227577262007-01-22T08:34:00.002-06:002007-01-22T08:40:03.930-06:00

By TOM WILEMONtewilemon@sunherald.comFEMA has decided to expand the area from which it will remove dead trees beyond the surge zone of Hurricane Katrina.The federal agency will now remove dead trees on public rights of way in Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties. Trees on private property that "pose an immediate threat to improved property or limit access to emergency vehicles" may also be

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-80752136827757840812007-01-22T08:34:00.001-06:002007-01-22T08:37:53.261-06:00

SUN HERALDFEMA has extended the temporary housing program by six months, Gov. Haley Barbour announced Friday.Residents who are living in FEMA-supplied trailers now have until Aug. 31 to find permanent housing. The original deadline was Feb. 28.FEMA and the Department of Homeland Security jointly notified the governor, who had asked for a year's extension in December."I am grateful the Bush

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-42108323906598952062007-01-22T08:34:00.000-06:002007-01-22T08:35:40.830-06:00

According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Mike Leavitt, HHS is making available $175 million in grant funds to help hospitals and healthcare providers that are suffering economic pressure as a result of Hurricane Katrina.These funds are being made available to the states of Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi for acute care hospitals and skilled nursing facilities (

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-24203644944272591312007-01-18T11:25:00.000-06:002007-01-18T11:27:31.387-06:00

Hurricane Katrina roared through Mississippi on August 29, 2005. In her path, some 1.2 million acres of forestland were damaged. About 2 years worth of annual timber harvest for Mississippi was blown down in one day, with the greatest damage occurring in southeast Mississippi. Hardwood bottomlands, pine sawtimber and recently thinned pine stands were most severely damaged. http://

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-27377423750076271362007-01-10T11:32:00.000-06:002007-01-10T11:35:16.207-06:00

According to Gov. Haley Barbour, a master plan to develop and enhance water and wastewater infrastructure in Mississippi's coastal region has been submitted for approval to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).Under the plan, which was revised and expanded after additional needs were identified during a public comment period, $630 million in disaster recovery funds would be

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-92110093579766511862006-12-20T11:31:00.001-06:002006-12-20T11:31:54.250-06:00

It's been 15 months since Katrina hit, and still, this Christmas some residents are not back in their homes. "At this point in time, when you've had over 3,000 structures destroyed in East Biloxi alone, you don't need a lot of red tape to get people back into their homes. It's been 15 months. People need to get back in their home," said Ward 2 Councilman Bill Stallworth.This is why East Biloxi

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-21007461130076311342006-12-20T11:26:00.000-06:002006-12-20T11:28:16.187-06:00

By LEIGH COLEMANSUN HERALDRecovered fabric rescued from the wet Katrina sand and quilting supplies donated from around the country were pieced and sewn together to raise $2,000 for the Hancock County Library Foundation.Members of the Bay Oaks Quilt Guild in Diamondhead came together with fabric and supplies from unexpected places and created a Katrina Quilt to raise money for the restoration of

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-44967358032149844772006-12-20T08:13:00.000-06:002006-12-20T11:34:37.676-06:00

There was some confusion in the city of Long Beach Tuesday after a new debris deadline hit the news.A debris contractor sent a news release to local media encouraging Long Beach residents to move debris to their curbs. But not everyone is eligible. Now city leaders want it straightened out. When Long Beach city clerk Rebecca Schruff got to work Tuesday morning she was surprised by some of the

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-69176644802237496562006-12-19T17:10:00.000-06:002006-12-20T11:33:21.319-06:00

"Raquet Club Apartments" sounds like a somewhat prestigious address. These days, it's anything but. Ugly scars from the storm permeate the Courthouse Road property. But an out-of-state developer is interested in reviving the site, and will decide by February first."Simultaneously, we're working to condemn the property. So, if this develpment group from Atlanta does not do something with the

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-88877266215425939542006-12-19T16:44:00.000-06:002006-12-20T11:36:01.082-06:00

The mayor of Gulfport says making small details a big priority is good for economic development in his city and the coast. Mayor Warr says the city is in the beginning stages of a beautification campaign. Recently, Gulfport increased the number of work crews from three to seven. That's one per ward. The city will use grant money to build its first municipal greenhouse.The mayor says aesthetics

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-22684260931012039282006-12-18T10:24:00.000-06:002006-12-18T10:25:43.475-06:00

According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), there has been significant development in the construction of the bridge replacement project of the U.S. 90 Biloxi Bay Bridge in Harrison and Jackson counties that was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. While substructure work has been underway for several months, crews plan to set the first series of beams on the bridge December 18,

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-31253826118679929892006-12-14T14:34:00.001-06:002006-12-14T14:34:43.961-06:00

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) will offer a limited number of classes this spring on its Gulf Park campus on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, which was heavily impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Dr. Pat Joachim, associate provost on the Gulf Coast, said staff members have been working diligently to open more classroom space and remove debris from the damaged buildings. Though the university

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-90597653187750270492006-12-14T12:37:00.000-06:002006-12-20T11:44:12.183-06:00

Governor Haley Barbour today named Mike Womack of Jackson as Executive Director of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. Womack, 53, has served as interim director of the agency since July and was deputy director prior to that appointment.“When I appointed Mike as interim director, he knew I wanted to get through the 2006 hurricane season before making a decision on who the permanent

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-89207932228995126162006-12-13T13:39:00.001-06:002006-12-13T13:39:56.870-06:00

The Big Three, a cooperative advertising effort between The Ad Group, The Prime Time Group and The Guice Agency, unveiled the "We're Coming Back" 30-second television commercial along with a 60-second radio spot to the Harrison County Tourism Commission December 12. The campaign will begin December 26 with the television commercial running through January 21. The radio spot will run from January

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-84297407603724127322006-12-13T13:38:00.001-06:002006-12-13T13:38:44.507-06:00

Hancock Bank will offer a new type of disaster relief construction loan to assist area homeowners in rebuilding and repairing homes affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Hancock Bank Home Recovery Construction Loan will allow homeowners to borrow yup to 103% of the appraised value of the home. Dan Zoble, Hancock Bank Mortgage Division manager, said, "This type of loan takes into account

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-44764367518354083132006-12-13T08:37:00.000-06:002006-12-13T08:39:57.196-06:00

Governor Haley Barbour is asking for more time for thousands of Mississippians still living in FEMA trailers. Right now, there is a February 28th deadline for residents to move out of FEMA trailers and into permanent housing. On Monday, a spokesperson said the governor has sent FEMA a letter asking that the deadline be pushed back until February of 2008.Right now 26,427 Mississippians are living

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-33331009852592380542006-12-13T08:34:00.000-06:002006-12-13T08:37:03.925-06:00

eNewsletter from the Governor’s Office of Recovery and Renewalwww.governorbarbour.com/recoveryEconomic Development ProgramCoastal communities are currently applying for $500 million to fund economic development projects related to Hurricane Katrina. The Mississippi Development Authority is administering the Economic Development Program, which is funded by $5.4 billion in Community Development

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-20413467989966408922006-12-11T10:33:00.000-06:002006-12-11T10:36:32.067-06:00

By Kate MagandyThe Sun HeraldAndi Rushton could not believe no one was going to help Bayou View restore its park after Hurricane Katrina. The longtime resident of that area of Gulfport wanted to see it used again as it once had been, so she contacted some organizations who were rebuilding parks after Katrina. But she was told the Bayou View park didn't qualify for a makeover.So Rushton organized

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-76956990798673928562006-12-08T10:51:00.000-06:002006-12-08T10:52:01.513-06:00

Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) have introduced legislation S 3707 and HR 6093, which would help combat the roughly five million vehicles "totaled" last year due to severe damage, flooding or theft, including 580,000 from the Gulf hurricanes alone. Thousands of these vehicles are cleaned up and resold with no history of the cars' troubled pasts to unsuspecting customers,

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-78872606184140728662006-12-08T08:40:00.000-06:002006-12-13T08:42:29.757-06:00

By DON HAMMACKdthammack@sunherald.comProject Director Steve Underwood likes helping oversee bridge projects."When you're out on the water, you know where everything's at," he said. "It's always in its place."For the U.S. 90 Biloxi Bay bridge project, that means it's in about 300 feet of water spanning the width of the bay, reaching from the barges holding concrete pilings and metal forms moored

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-37006515539944684902006-12-06T13:07:00.000-06:002006-12-06T13:08:20.043-06:00

Attorney John Arthur Eaves, The Salvation Army, WJTV News Channel 12 and WAPT Channel 16 are inviting Mississippians to join them in celebrating the true spirit of Christ this Christmas.“Christmas on the Coast” allows residents statewide to share God’s love this holiday season by adopting Hurricane Katrina-affected families for Christmas.“As Christians, we often look around the world for mission

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-2268437382589478092006-12-06T08:55:00.000-06:002006-12-06T12:58:20.885-06:00

By Ricky MathewsThe Sun Herald On an economic level, Biloxi is starting to thrive, but if you are a resident who wants to rebuild in a low-lying area and you need guidance from the city about the future, you probably are not in a good place. There is too much confusion. And that shouldn't be the case 15 months after Hurricane Katrina. The mayor and City Council need to take decisive action to

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1165272093475770552006-12-04T08:24:00.000-06:002006-12-06T12:59:53.343-06:00

Justin HooksThe Sun HeraldThe Pogue family was just getting comfortable in their St. Martin home when they made the last-minute decision to evacuate to Florida for Hurricane Katrina. Craig and Carrie-Ann Pogue had just been transferred to Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi after seven years in England. They had lived in the house for only three weeks, and there were still several boxes to unpack.

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-32535572252835560742006-11-30T13:09:00.000-06:002006-12-06T13:10:08.798-06:00

“The first great children’s book about Katrina” …an epic tale of Mullet, Heroes & HurricanesFormer New Orleans resident and commercial fisherman Timothy A. Weeks is bringing his new children’s book about heartbreak and perseverance to Mississippi. “Ol’ Middler Saves the Day (A Mullet Buddy Homecoming)” is a story of loyalty, loss, the storm of the century, and how “a hero was born from a small,

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1164751832781593372006-11-28T13:09:00.000-06:002006-11-28T16:10:32.806-06:00

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans will be made to Mississippi residents affected by severe storms and flooding that occurred November 15-16, 2006. The SBA took this action following a November 16 letter from Gov. Haley Barbour requesting a disaster declaration by the SBA. The declaration covers Greene, Jones and Lamar counties and neighboring counties of

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1165272775534618092006-11-27T16:48:00.000-06:002006-12-06T13:00:24.313-06:00

Brian Nettles has been a full-time potter for a decade. He's had his Bell's Ferry Road studio for about that long, and his own local art show at the studio for the last eight years. He was the studio director for the Ohr O-Keefe Museum of Art, and lived, for the last three years, in the Pass Christian home he built by hand. Hurricane Katrina ripped Nettles' high-profile job from him just as

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1164667603491780152006-11-27T08:08:00.000-06:002006-11-30T12:08:34.666-06:00

The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) will administer a new federal grant program that will distribute $26 million for historic properties along the Gulf Coast affected by Hurricane Katrina. The grants are available for publicly or privately owned structures listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Properties in the Mississippi Gulf Coast

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1162566381389458192006-10-27T21:01:00.000-05:002006-11-03T09:06:21.676-06:00

"On August 29th, Katrina Hit Us....We Fought Back.The Mississippi Gulf Coast is returning to normal operations in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Our beautiful Coast suffered immense damage, but momentum is growing as we continue the rebuilding phase of recovery. Over the course of the next several years, the Mississippi Gulf Coast will truly be a land of opportunity for the tourism industry as

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1161628727768332962006-10-23T13:34:00.000-05:002006-10-23T13:38:47.796-05:00

In cities throughout South Mississippi, residents and officials are eager to see progress in rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina. People in Long Beach won't have long to wait. The city received approval - and funding - from FEMA last week to start work on Phase I of replacing the water and sewer system south of the railroad tracks.Work is scheduled to begin Oct. 30 on that phase, which runs from

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1161628940061830352006-10-23T12:40:00.000-05:002006-10-23T13:42:20.070-05:00

Modular, boxlike homes with add-on porches, changing roof designs and floor plans, and - most importantly - quick assembly. That's the idea behind grant proposals Louisiana submitted to federal officials to replace the cramped quarters of FEMA travel trailers for residents displaced by Hurricane Katrina and the victims of future disasters.The nation's five Gulf Coast states are competing for a

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1161283735797623452006-10-19T13:47:00.000-05:002006-10-19T13:49:14.496-05:00

Federal reimbursement funding totaling more than $6.2 million has been approved for separate Hurricane Katrina recovery projects impacting Mississippi's Gulf Coast community.The funding and official project descriptions are: o Approximately $3.29 million (Federal share) to the City of Biloxi for debris removal. This represents the estimated contract costs to remove and dispose the remaining

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1160664888735267392006-10-12T09:52:00.000-05:002006-10-12T09:54:48.750-05:00

The Gulf Coast Community Foundation (GCCF) has awarded more than $674,000 in grants to local non-profits from its Build Back the Coast Fund. The GCCF has now given more than $5.8 million in grants since Hurricane Katrina hit the Coast August 29, 2005. "It has been our pleasure to help the Coast get back on its feet after Katrina," said Dave Treutel, president of the GCCF. "We look forward to

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1160497468924141672006-10-10T10:56:00.001-05:002006-10-10T11:24:31.533-05:00

The 2006 National District Export Council Conference will be held October 30-November 1 at the InterContinental Hotel in New Orleans. And on November 1, Gov. Haley Barbour will address the conference, speaking on the importance and potential impact of the Gulf Opportunity Zone legislation for coastal businesses affected by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. The conference will also feature

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1160495999646417302006-10-10T10:56:00.000-05:002006-10-10T10:59:59.660-05:00

Economist Dr. Loren C. Scott has released a report sponsored by Capital One, N.A., titled "Advancing in the Aftermath III: Tracking the Recovery from Katrina and Rita," which finds recovery remains mixed on the Gulf Coast in the wake of last year's hurricanes. Employment statistics, sales tax collections, large construction projects and other key economic indicators point to an accelerating

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1159451433998924172006-09-28T08:48:00.000-05:002006-09-28T08:50:34.036-05:00

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has awarded a contract that calls for the removal of concrete debris from damaged portions of the Pascagoula River Bridge at Interstate 10, following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. L & A Contracting Company of Hattiesburg bid $250,000 for the debris removal contract, which also calls for the creation of a protective jetty reef at a designated site

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1159296559211704882006-09-26T13:40:00.000-05:002006-09-26T13:49:19.236-05:00

The Board of Directors of the Mississippi Hurricane Recovery Fund has approved $18 million in grant commitments to aid in the recovery process from the worst natural disaster in American history. Under decisions made on September 22, 2006, Long Term Recovery Committees in George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, and Stone Counties are targeted to receive grants to help bridge gaps in

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1159194646158993872006-09-25T09:28:00.000-05:002006-09-25T10:32:28.026-05:00

According to U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering (R-Miss), Loblolly, a wood processing plant in Lauderdale County, and the Linbrook Business Park in Lincoln County will receive federal funds. Loblolly will receive $650,000. The investment expects to create 34 new jobs and $32.4 million in private investment. Linbrook Business Park will receive approximately $1.1 million. The business park expects to recruit

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1158857997834676972006-09-21T11:57:00.000-05:002006-09-21T12:35:43.663-05:00

Two new phases of a comprehensive approach to meet critical housing needs for victims of Hurricane Katrina on the Mississippi Coast were announced today by Governor Haley Barbour."Housing is the most critical component of our recovery from Hurricane Katrina and these two new initiatives will help thousands more displaced Coast families take another step toward restoring normalcy in their daily

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1158773442759172302006-09-20T12:19:00.000-05:002006-09-20T12:32:22.573-05:00

By PRISCILLA FRULLA Bill Bynum is on a mission to put an end to the bureaucratic hang-ups keeping affordable housing from the people who need it most, and to help low- and moderate-income people in South Mississippi recover from Hurricane Katrina. He described his work as CEO of the nonprofit Enterprise Corporation of the Delta and Hope Community Credit Union as "banking on the edges."ECD/Hope, a

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1158333162773298162006-09-15T10:12:00.000-05:002006-09-15T10:18:48.466-05:00

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has begun preparations for vehicular ferry service between Henderson Point in Harrison County and Bay St. Louis. MDOT has agreed to contract with a ferry service provider to operate the ferry. Funding for the ferry service as well as the preparatory work for the access and landing sites come from Emergency Relief (ER) funds provided by the

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1158333097815071872006-09-15T10:09:00.000-05:002006-09-15T10:11:37.836-05:00

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is making a number of changes in its Katrina Homeowner Grant program designed to provide applicants with more information about their grant status and facilitate their grant closing, including reopening the service centers. "We are reopening the service centers to allow applicants to come in and get copies of their damage assessments," said Scott

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1158242778361222642006-09-14T09:00:00.000-05:002006-09-14T09:06:18.366-05:00

Governor's Office of Recovery and Renewal eNewsletter GOVERNOR BARBOUR ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO RESTORE SOCIAL SERVICES LOST TO KATRINAGovernor Haley Barbour today announced the allocation of more than $17.8 million in social services block grant (SSBG) funds to be used to restore services to hospitals and other social services entities affected by Hurricane Katrina. These funds come as part of the

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1158242406854471322006-09-14T08:59:00.000-05:002006-09-14T09:00:06.856-05:00

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) has published the Katrina Supplemental CDBG Funds for Economic Development Program Action Plan. The plan is currently posted on the agency's Web site at http://www.mississippi.org/ for public review and comment.This program is designed to assist local governments affected by Hurricane Katrina to provide infrastructure to support economic development.

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1158077774468671452006-09-11T11:13:00.000-05:002006-09-12T11:16:14.506-05:00

MFA initiated a specialty Mississippi license plate that says First in Forestry. At the Mississippi State University Department of Forestry, we want to do our part to continue this tradition of excellence. We support the state’s forestry community by educating students to become natural resource professionals, by providing educational programs to landowners, foresters, and loggers, and by

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1157983573338463782006-09-11T09:04:00.000-05:002006-09-11T09:06:45.036-05:00

An agreement has been reached between the USDA Forest Service and NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center for a $1-million project that will provide remote sensing technology for a national early warning system (EWS) for forest health issues. Development of the EWS will take place at Stennis. "Across this nation, many of our forests are facing serious threats from invasive species, insects, disease

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1157126913945779402006-09-01T11:06:00.000-05:002006-09-01T11:08:33.983-05:00

Rebuilding community gathering places destroyed one year ago is the goal of several organizations in South Mississippi. Ten park-dedication ceremonies will be held this week as part of that process.Tuesday's events included a groundbreaking for Fort Maurepas Park in Ocean Springs and the dedication of Seventh Street Park in Bay St. Louis. But the biggest bang is being made by KaBOOM! with eight

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1157034779162061432006-08-31T09:31:00.000-05:002006-08-31T09:32:59.206-05:00

By GEOFF PENDERSUN HERALDThe Witness Delegation Project, a team of volunteer lawyers, community leaders and activists, is touring the Coast, noting what it considers continuing disparities in Katrina recovery between the haves and have-nots."We decided that on this one-year anniversary of Katrina we would bring this delegation back to some of the areas where we previously managed to stop unlawful

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1156944921663720912006-08-30T08:32:00.000-05:002006-08-30T08:40:19.966-05:00

The Sun Herald Commemorations began before sunrise in Waveland, a town Hurricane Katrina destroyed. They continued throughout the day across the Coast, in churches, on town greens and in the hearts of those who survived Aug. 29, 2005.In South Mississippi, 169 souls were lost. Two, as yet unidentified, were buried Tuesday near the remains of three unknown women Hurricane Camille claimed 37 years

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1156875982189777652006-08-29T13:11:00.000-05:002006-08-29T13:26:22.270-05:00

By the afternoon of Aug. 29, 2005, it was clear the Mississippi Coast had been obliterated. Thousands of structures had been washed away in the great surge that destroyed so many homes, businesses, landmarks, personal treasures and lives.But Hurricane Katrina did not destroy the hopes, dreams, memories or the will to survive that has sustained coastal Mississippians through the centuries.Despite

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1156875000963651972006-08-29T13:06:00.000-05:002006-08-29T13:10:00.966-05:00

Governor Haley Barbour today announced the release of the Katrina report, “One Year After Katrina: Progress Report on Recovery, Rebuilding and Renewal.”The report outlines the state’s efforts and major accomplishments in recovery since the landfall of Hurricane Katrina one year ago. It explains actions taken and funds used to confront recovery problems in categories such as housing, public

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1156874455871596782006-08-29T09:01:00.000-05:002006-08-29T13:01:30.176-05:00

Here is the text of Gov. Haley Barbour's executive order for a period of mourning for Hurricane Katrina victims:EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 966WHEREAS, on the morning of August 29, 2005, Mississippi was struck by Hurricane Katrina, the worst natural disaster in American history; andWHEREAS, at landfall the brunt of the hurricane's destructive force was unleashed on the Mississippi Coast, wiping out more

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1156874737413377902006-08-28T13:03:00.000-05:002006-08-29T13:13:22.303-05:00

More than 2,500 public housing units in South Mississippi were damaged or destroyed when Hurricane Katrina made landfall nearly one year ago. Today, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson approved a $100 million plan to restore these public housing units on at least a “one-to-one basis.”Funded through $5 billion HUD previously allocated to the state through the Department’s

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1156773805078801642006-08-28T08:59:00.000-05:002006-08-28T09:03:25.080-05:00

President Bush marks the anniversary of the hurricane that still haunts his presidency with worries a new tropical storm could bring the first test of his promise that the botched post-Katrina response will not be repeated.As Ernesto cut a path through the Caribbean, Bush prepared for a visit Monday and Tuesday to the region that is little recovered from Hurricane Katrina's devastating strike

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1156774293092100862006-08-28T08:58:00.002-05:002006-08-28T09:11:33.096-05:00

In South Mississippi's hurricane-devastated communities, their presence and their contribution can be heard in the echo of hammer against nail.Thousands of volunteers continue to answer the call to service, lending their professional skills and collective manpower to rebuild homes and assist in needed public services in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.American Red Cross, Salvation Army and

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1156773572649221902006-08-28T08:58:00.000-05:002006-08-28T08:59:32.683-05:00

According to U.S. Attorney Dunn Lampton, four individuals have been indicted for conspiracy to defraud the federal government involving the creation and submission of false, fraudulent and fictitious Hurricane Katrina debris removal load slips totaling $716,677. The indicted include Allen Kitto, 24, of Dundee, Fla., Clinton K. Miller, 28, of Carriere, Devin Chuter, 23, of Picayune and Lauren

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1156519720048085212006-08-25T10:26:00.000-05:002006-08-25T10:28:40.076-05:00

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) continues to make progress to restore both the Hattiesburg and Long Beach campuses that were heavily damaged last year by Hurricane Katrina.Katrina caused more than $200 million in damages to the university, devastating the Southern Miss Gulf Park campus in Long Beach and other university research and teaching sites. In addition to structural damage,

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1156427524914125442006-08-24T08:25:00.000-05:002006-08-24T08:52:04.953-05:00

Lowe's Companies Inc. has finalized a licensed agreement with designer Marianne Cusato to be the exclusive retailer of housing plans and associated building materials needed to construct Katrina Cottages. Four designs of the cottages will be initially available in Lowe's stores throughout Mississippi and Louisiana. "Lowe's is committed to the rebuilding efforts along the Gulf Coast, and we

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1156369062961452642006-08-23T16:35:00.000-05:002006-08-23T16:37:42.976-05:00

The Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) is accepting tree planting grant applications for the 2006 Katrina Urban Forestry Grant Program. Grant applications will be accepted through three batch periods, September 1, 2006, December 1, 2006, and March 1, 2007.The Katrina Urban Forestry Grant Program provides grants to eligible participants for the purpose of planting trees & tree replacement, tree

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1156276589848416262006-08-22T14:52:00.000-05:002006-08-22T14:56:29.863-05:00

The Home Again program is aiding homeowners in this Mississippi Gulf Coast city that was heavily impacted by Hurricane Katrina. The program was created by Enterprise Community Partners (Enterprise), Neighborworks America and Enterprise Corporation of the Delta/Hope Credit Union (ECD/HOPE) with $1.3 million from the Rebuild the Coast Fund, a charity founded by Renee and John Grisham, the Home

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1155651291901345622006-08-15T09:13:00.000-05:002006-08-18T15:37:23.970-05:00

The "Working Your Way Back Home" initiative, a program funded by the U. S. Department of Labor and administered by the Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES) in partnership with Manpower Inc., has kicked off. "This is a collaborative effort between MDES and Manpower to help displaced residents who, due to Hurricane Katrina, were forced to evacuate to a safer environment but now want

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1155564730367239292006-08-14T09:10:00.000-05:002006-08-14T09:12:10.416-05:00

Volunteers in Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties are needed for the 18th-annual Mississippi Coastal Cleanup to be held from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. September 16. The event will be held in conjunction with the International Coastal Cleanup, the world's largest volunteer cleanup effort on behalf of the marine environment. Volunteers will pick up marine debris at more than 40 designated coastal

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1154723516957413762006-08-04T15:17:00.000-05:002006-08-07T12:12:40.746-05:00

Financial and forestry consulting help is now available for forest landowners who suffered loss during last year’s hurricane season. The USDA Farm Service Agency has expanded the traditional Conservation Reserve Program to help landowners with damaged forests caused by Hurricanes Dennis, Katrina, Ophelia, Rita and Wilma. This is a 3 tier program. August 25th is the LAST day to sign up for the

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1154443770053610972006-08-01T09:42:00.000-05:002006-08-01T09:49:30.076-05:00

Business Roundtable has rolled out a broad-based effort to recruit and train up to 20,000 new construction workers in the Gulf Coast region by the end of 2009 and to help continue the region's recovery from last year's hurricanes. The Gulf Coast Workforce Development Initiative is spearheaded by the Roundtable, and is working cooperatively with local businesses, construction trade groups, labor

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1153327350111322502006-07-28T11:39:00.000-05:002006-08-04T15:16:54.040-05:00

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner today announced that sign-up for the $504.1 million Emergency Forestry Conservation Reserve Program (EFCRP) will start July 17, 2006. The program helps landowners and operators restore and enhance forestland damaged by the hurricanes that occurred in 2005. "Emergency Forestry CRP is one of the many USDA programs available to help farmers and ranchers with

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1154096818640497232006-07-28T09:25:00.000-05:002006-07-28T09:26:58.663-05:00

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has begun a $1.6-million timber debris removal contract on Interstate 59 in this South Mississippi county. Crews are engaged in the removal of timber that was damaged during Hurricane Katrina last August. The work involves removing damaged or dead trees along 12 miles of I-59, from mile marker 15 through 27. District Six engineer Ricky Lee said

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1152303844958103292006-07-07T15:19:00.000-05:002006-08-09T09:55:23.183-05:00

The Wood Products Council has organized a two-day summit in New Orleans August 3-4, 2006. Attendees will see the devastation in New Orleans first-hand, hear from builders, government officials, building code professionals and others, and have a voice in an industry-wide plan to help reconstruct the damaged areas along the Gulf Coast. For more information, click here.

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1151589275418086912006-06-29T08:53:00.000-05:002006-06-30T08:46:33.910-05:00

State Auditor Phil Bryant along with Gov. Haley Barbour has unveiled the formation of the Katrina Fraud Prevention and Detection Unit. This unit, under the control and direction of the Office of State Auditor (OSA), is charged with investigating reported instances of fraud identified in the application and verification process of the Homeowners Assistance Program, a grant awards program provided

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1150904617499918192006-06-21T10:40:00.000-05:002006-06-21T10:43:37.520-05:00

USDA Farm Service Agency Administrator (FSA) Teresa Lasseter today announced that USDA is postponing the Emergency Forestry Conservation Reserve Program (EFCRP) sign-up, originally scheduled to begin June 19, 2006.“The supplemental appropriations bill passed yesterday changes the terms of the Emergency Forestry Conservation Reserve Program,” said Lasseter. “USDA will postpone the originally

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1150292316158833432006-06-14T08:37:00.000-05:002006-06-14T08:40:03.583-05:00

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) has published its Public Housing Program Action Plan. The plan details the process and procedures for the administration of funds available to the five Mississippi Gulf Coast housing authorities in Jackson, Hancock and Harrison counties that suffered damage as a result of Hurricane Katrina. MDA has posted its plan for administering the public housing

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1149628074785534552006-06-06T16:07:00.000-05:002006-06-12T10:55:47.206-05:00

Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that sign-up for the $404 million Emergency Forestry Conservation Reserve Program (EFCRP) will start June 19. The program helps landowners and operators restore and replant forestland damaged by the hurricanes that occurred in 2005."Emergency Forestry CRP is one of many USDA programs helping hurricane victims rebuild their farming operations and their

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1149610401100713532006-06-06T10:45:00.000-05:002006-06-06T16:10:21.290-05:00

Effective Date: June 1, 2006.BackgroundSection 107 the 2006 Act amended the Food Security Act of 1985 (16 U.S.C. 3831), which provides statutory authority for the CRP, to provide for the Emergency Forestry Conservation Reserve Program (EFCRP) to enroll in the CRP private non-industrial forest land that experienced a loss of 35% or more of merchantable timber in the States suffering forestry

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1149608667176354532006-06-06T10:43:00.000-05:002006-07-11T18:45:32.033-05:00

The following is a list of Gulf Coast Transportation Recovery efforts in which the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) was involved in during the week of May 29-June 2: o MDOT officials plan to award the contract for the construction of the Biloxi Bay Bridge and approaches in Jackson and Harrison counties to the proposed project with the apparent best value June 6. The three

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1149608594746563542006-06-06T09:58:00.000-05:002006-06-06T10:43:14.746-05:00

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made available funds to assist qualified homeowners who are behind on payments because of last year's hurricanes. Homeowners who have financed their homes through USDA Rural Development's Guaranteed Loan Program are eligible. The new program is called the Mortgage Recovery Advance Program and will allow eligible borrowers to receive a one-time advance

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1149608518272845562006-06-05T09:34:00.000-05:002006-06-06T10:41:58.296-05:00

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has released the newest "Hurricane Evacuation Guide," and designated a new 800-number for crisis situations.The new number, 1-866-521-MDOT (6368), will be activated only in the event of a natural disaster. Otherwise, (601) 359-7017 will still be the active number for roadway information.The "Hurricane Evacuation Guide" features a detailed map of

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1149255417951154922006-06-02T08:36:00.000-05:002006-06-02T08:36:57.953-05:00

A federal grant totaling $4.5 million has been awarded to assist manufacturers throughout the Gulf Coast region for their recovery and rebuilding from last year's hurricanes, according to Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.) Of this grant, $2.2 million will fund a joint partnership between the Mississippi and Louisiana affiliates of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1149255363401848912006-06-02T08:35:00.000-05:002006-06-02T08:36:03.426-05:00

AirTran Airways is adding additional nonstop service to Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport in response to the recovery and growth the area has seen since Hurricane Katrina battered the Gulf Coast last summer. In an effort to encourage rebuilding of the Gulf Coast, the airline will restart nonstop service between Gulfport/Biloxi and Tampa, Fla., July 6, 2006. Additionally, the airline will

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1148593449857873092006-05-25T16:43:00.000-05:002006-05-25T16:44:27.453-05:00

GULFPORT, Mississippi (AP) -- Provisions in a State Farm Fire & Casualty Co. policy that exclude certain damage from Hurricane Katrina are unenforceable, a federal judge in Mississippi has ruled.A couple whose Long Beach home was damaged by the August 29 storm is suing State Farm for denying their claim, arguing that the wording of their policy's "flood exclusions" are ambiguous and cannot be

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1148317736660431032006-05-22T12:07:00.000-05:002006-05-22T12:08:56.676-05:00

The Forest Emergency Recovery and Research Act (FERRA), H.R. 4200, was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 17 with a bipartisan vote of 243-182. The House considered four amendments offered to limit the scope of the bill or add additional analysis requirements. For example, Rep. Jay Inslee (D-WA) proposed an amendment to prohibit restoration activities in roadless areas and Rep.

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1148307021883350322006-05-22T09:09:00.000-05:002006-05-22T09:10:21.896-05:00

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR) is preparing to begin restoration efforts on oyster reefs damaged by Hurricane Katrina by distributing approximately 5,000 cubic yards of cultch material (oyster shells) in the Henderson Point Square Handkerchief area approximately 1.5 miles south of Pass Christian. Katrina damaged approximately 90%-95% of Mississippi's 12,000 acres of oyster

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1147961690224385452006-05-18T09:14:00.000-05:002006-05-18T09:14:50.246-05:00

ROCKWORKS Foundation, a charitable "construction-production" organization based in Los Angeles, has unveiled the architectural design "Rejuvenation" by Daniel Libeskind for the new Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gulf Coast (BGCGC) HOPE Center. The charities are unified in their efforts to rebuild the devastated community of Forest Heights in Gulfport, which destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Rather than

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1147268346668020482006-05-10T08:37:00.000-05:002006-05-10T08:39:06.670-05:00

Federal funding totaling more than $19 million has been awarded for Hurricane Katrina recovery costs. The grants, administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), will reimburse the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), the Hancock County Port and Harbor (HCPHC) and the Mississippi Coast Coliseum Commission for the costs associated with hurricane recovery. Details of the

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1147268195292933632006-05-10T08:35:00.000-05:002006-05-10T08:36:35.326-05:00

The Mississippi Department of Transportation has released a list of Gulf Coast Transportation Recovery efforts in which MDOT was involved during the week of May 1-5. Technical proposals for the construction of the Biloxi Bay Bridge and approaches in Jackson and Harrison Counties are due May 26. MDOT officials plan to award the contract to the proposed project with the apparent best value June 6.

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1147191027085988362006-05-09T11:06:00.000-05:002006-05-09T11:14:30.906-05:00

The MS Dept. of Transportation has extended the Temporary Order of Authority for higher log truck weights from May 6 to June 6 in south Mississippi. The Order now applies only to counties east of Pike and south of U.S. Highway 84. The existing permits that wood fiber suppliers – loggers and log truckers – currently have will be honored so there is no need to reapply for another permit with MS

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1147190781443409482006-05-09T10:57:00.001-05:002006-05-09T11:06:21.446-05:00

Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) has announced a $40-million mortgage revenue bond (MRB) issue, which will provide low-cost mortgage financing to families affected by the hurricanes of 2005. This bond issue incorporates the incentives contained in the Gulf Opportunity Zone Act, also known as the GO Zone Act. Out of the $40 million, $36 million will be available for potential home buyers in the

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1147190410859368352006-05-09T10:57:00.000-05:002006-05-09T11:00:10.880-05:00

Information on federal and state programs to help rebuild the Gulf Coast in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita is now available in one online location, http://www.gozonelaw.com/. Attorneys from the law firm of Butler, Snow, O'Mara, Stevens and Cannada, PLLC, who were actively involved in recovery efforts, created the Web site. Portions of Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama compose the Gulf

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1146841325204100902006-05-05T10:01:00.000-05:002006-05-05T10:02:05.236-05:00

On May 3, the Salvation Army unveiled a $155-million community recovery and rebuilding plan to meet the long-term needs of those affected by Hurricane Katrina. The plan, the second phase of the Salvation Army's overall $362-million recovery effort, will use donated funds for reconstruction, housing development, volunteer programs and job-readiness training, among other services, to assist storm

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1146503768425058702006-05-01T11:51:00.000-05:002006-05-01T12:46:58.136-05:00

ALBANY, Ga., April 28—The spread of drought and abnormally dry conditions across much of the South helped drive down prices paid tree growers for standing timber in the first quarter of the year, a leading forestry consulting firm reports.F&W Forestry Services, Inc., an Albany-based firm that provides consulting and management services—including tree sales—to private timberland owners throughout

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1146150427255743942006-04-27T10:06:00.000-05:002006-04-27T10:07:07.280-05:00

The Mississippi Supreme Court has adopted "Guidelines for Emergency Preparedness Planning," which was prompted by the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the state's court system.Chief Justice James W. Smith Jr. said, "The guidelines were established to aid each court in Mississippi in the process of developing a unique, local emergency preparedness plan aimed at keeping the courthouse open during

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1146060234241790242006-04-26T09:03:00.000-05:002006-04-26T09:03:54.256-05:00

After an investigation of the drawbridge of the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge, Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) maintenance crews have determined that the west leaf bascule of the drawbridge has not shifted position. This investigation followed concerns from a number of tugboat captains who had questioned whether the west leaf was changing position, posing a potential hazard to

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1145909343597352602006-04-24T15:08:00.000-05:002006-04-24T15:09:18.740-05:00

The USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station (SRS), is spearheading an accelerated effort to assess impacts to Mississippi forests resulting from Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. Over the next year, the Station’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) unit, in cooperation with local and state forestry agencies, will conduct the Mississippi forests inventory to determine the extent of

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1145541980557902642006-04-20T09:05:00.000-05:002006-04-20T09:06:20.596-05:00

According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT), it is one step closer to beginning the permanent reconstruction of Beach Boulevard in this Gulf Coast city. Hurricane Katrina heavily damaged the road rendering it impassable to vehicular traffic.On April 11, 2006 the Mississippi Transportation Commission entered into an agreement with Hancock County and the City of Bay St. Louis.

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1145369252317407142006-04-18T09:04:00.000-05:002006-04-18T09:07:32.340-05:00

The LSU AgCenter, in cooperation with LA Tech University, is sponsoring a Portable Sawmilling Workshop and Demonstrations on Saturday, May 13, 2006, at Idlewild Research Station near Clinton, LA. The workshop is designed to provide information to potential portable mill buyers, and to those already using one.The workshop will include educational programs on buying your first portable sawmill, how

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1144762171856685622006-04-11T08:28:00.000-05:002006-04-11T08:29:31.880-05:00

The Harrison County Development Commission (HCDC) recently welcomed Soprema Inc. to the Bernard Bayou Industrial Park on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Soprema is a producer of roofing and waterproofing materials. The company, which was founded in Strasbourg, France, maintains plants in seven locations in Europe and North America. Gulfport will be the second location in the United States with the

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16511397.post-1144434057557416302006-04-07T13:07:00.000-05:002006-04-07T13:20:57.640-05:00

PETER TATTERSALLThe Sun HeraldIn the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Mayor Eddie Favre realized he'd lost almost everything but the shirt on his back and his shorts. In a symbolic gesture to draw attention to the situation of thousands in his small town, Favre vowed he wouldn't wear long pants until Bay St. Louis was well on its way to recovery. And he hasn't. Not when he attended the

MS Forestry Associationnoreply@blogger.com0