Mississippi Forestry Commission supports winter storm recovery, begins damage assessments

PEARL, Miss. (WLBT) – The Mississippi Forestry Commission is assisting counties affected by the recent winter storm and will begin evaluating tree damage across the Magnolia State.

According to officials, MFC has deployed dozers and saw crews, totaling 37 personnel, as part of its response efforts supporting the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency.

These crews are providing road-clearing assistance in Tippah County, Holmes County, and Carroll County, officials added.

“The Mississippi Forestry Commission stands ready to assist our local partners during significant weather events,” Randy Giachelli, MFC’s Fire Chief, said in a statement. “Our crews are doing our best to help communities recover safely.”

MFC officials said the agency plans to conduct both aerial surveys and on-the-ground evaluations in order to determine the extent of the damage caused by the winter storm on Mississippi’s forests.

Not only does ice accumulation on trees – causing limbs or entire trees to break and fall – pose a serious threat to public safety, but it also increases the amount of debris and can even elevate wildfire risks when the weather conditions dry out.

“Studying the impact of this ice storm is critical to understanding both the immediate damage and the long-term effects on Mississippi’s forests,” stated Garron Hicks, MFC Assistant Forest Management Chief. “Many of these trees were already under stress from the 2023 drought and pine beetle activity. Ice damage compounds those issues, increasing tree mortality and limiting future management options. These assessments help us provide landowners with accurate information and guide decisions related to salvage, reforestation, and long-term forest recovery.”

MFC encourages the public to contact their local forester for forestry-related questions or assistance or visit the MFC website for more general information.

“Our mission doesn’t end when the storm passes,” Hicks added. “We will continue working to understand the impacts, support recovery, and help keep Mississippi’s forests and communities safe.”

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