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|  History
The Mississippi Natural Heritage Program identifies the state's most significant natural areas through a comprehensive inventory of rare plant and animal species, exemplary natural communities, special geological features, and significant natural areas. From the inventory, the Natural Heritage Database compiles information on the distribution, biology, status, and preservation needs of these species and communities. Established in 1976, through a cooperative agreement between The Nature Conservancy, a private conservation organization, and the Mississippi Parks Commission (now part of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks), full administration of the program was assumed by the DWFP in 1978. The Mississippi Natural Heritage Program is part of an international network including State Natural Heritage Programs and Conservation Data Centers, all building on the same data collection methodology. The database is updated continuously and is used to set state, national and global priorities for the preservation of natural diversity. The Natural Heritage Database is a continuously updated inventory of rare plant and animal species and representative natural communities in Mississippi. Since 1976, the Mississippi Natural Heritage Program has been gathering information on the occurrence and status of rare species and other elements of natural diversity, with the goal of identifying, systematically and objectively, the state's most significant natural features. Today current information on the statewide status and locations of special animals, plants, and natural communities is available in a central location. By utilizing the Heritage Program, resource planners are able to save time and money. The information contained within the Program's database was compiled from a broad range of sources, including museum and herbarium collection records, publications, unpublished reports, and experts throughout the southeast. Specific Information Available:
Mississippi's natural heritage can be preserved without minimizing social and economic development, as long as all interests are considered. The information yielded by the inventory can make possible objective decisions about which land is suitable - or unsuitable - for development. The protection of Mississippi's natural heritage can be accomplished in harmony with other human concerns as long as planning accompanies growth. Information from the Database facilitates the sound evaluation of lands and the focus on the most threatened significant natural areas. By consulting the data bank early in the planning process, planners can avoid sometimes costly conflicts. The Natural Heritage Program can determine whether the intended location for a given project includes the habitat of an endangered species, habitats of other species of concern, or exceptional natural features of other kinds. The MNHP database can expedite the environmental review process by providing guidelines on what to look for and survey techniques to use, as well as suggestions as to how to achieve project goals and minimize potential impacts to Mississippi's natural heritage. Research and Education Consultation with the Natural Heritage Program helps researchers take advantage of existing knowledge and plan research priorities. By using the information on special elements, environmental educators are able to teach environmental conservation and the value of protecting Mississippi's natural diversity. Simply, the best decisions are made when the most information is available. In the past, the lack of this information severely hampered the decision-making process. By offering a scientific overview of Mississippi's natural assets, the Natural Heritage Database enables our citizens to chart the course of development wisely.
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