Summer/Fall 1999

President's Message

The Ag-Earth Partnership, a national coalition working to raise public awareness about conservation in agriculture, recently recognized the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation as one of 11 success stories during the Earth Day Celebration on April 22 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

The Partnership selected the Foundation from more than 100 nominations of projects or individuals based on innovation and leadership to protect our nation's precious natural resources.

Our conservation philosophy of enhancing and restoring the environment from the standpoint of economics is working and people are taking note. Wildlife Mississippi is committed to being an effective catalyst that will always continue protecting, restoring and enhancing the Magnolia State's magnificent fish and wildlife resources for years to come. This award from the Ag Earth Partnership highlights our efforts and shows that the Foundation has already become a model for America.

Wildlife Mississippi is fostering a long-tern partnership that demonstrates the compatibility between farming and fish and wildlife conservation. Rural Mississippi benefits economically from the outreach to farmers and landowners. The Foundation and its sister organization, Mississippi Outfitters Association, assist with conservation programs that help diversify farm income through for-profit fish and wildlife-associated tourism. In return, increased economic activity provides revenues to allow the private landowner to offer more protection of fish and wildlife resources.

The Ag-Earth Partnership is an ad hoc, private-public coalition of more than 50 organizations working to raise awareness about conservation. Some of the organizations include the American Farm Bureau Federation, American Forest and Paper Association, Environmental Protection Agency, National Association of Conservation Districts, Society of American Florists, The Fertilizer Institute and Wildlife Habitat Council to name a few.

I hope you are as proud of your organization as I am.

Peyton Self
President