Interested in Habitat Management on Your Property? Wildlife biologists with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks have always provided technical assistance to private landowners interested in habitat management, but we have recently taken that service to a whole new level! In February 2007, the Private Lands Habitat Program (PLHP) was created with the specific mission of providing sound habitat management advice to help private landowners achieve their wildlife management objectives.
Wildlife biologists desire to engage landowners in active habitat management. About 80% of Mississippi is privately owned – a tremendous landbase used by many wildlife species. Many landowners want to manage wildlife on their property, but simply do not know where to start. PLHP biologists make site visits with landowners and habitat management recommendations for their specific property. When possible, biologists can help landowners obtain cost-share assistance to conduct management practices. Detailed management plans may also be developed to help landowners accomplish their objectives. And the best news – biologist assistance is free of charge!
Some commonly recommended habitat management practices include prescribed fire, strip-disking, herbicide application, habitat restoration by planting trees or native grasses, quality vegetation management, timber thinning and improvements, and controlling invasive plant species. PLHP biologists regularly work with landowners to implement these practices to manage their habitats.
Currently, there are three PLHP wildlife biologists stationed throughout the Magnolia State:
John Gruchy (North)
662-274-1050
Scott Edwards (Central)
662-325-7490
Russ Walsh (South)
601-408-3399
Please feel free to contact us to schedule a site visit on your property.
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