Conservation Corner: March 6, 2000

Landmark Conservation Bill Awaits Legislature's Approval
by James L. Cummins

Wildlife Mississippi has voiced support for a bill by Senator Lynn Posey (D-Union Church) and Representative Warner McBride (D-Batesville) that would create the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Incentives Program.

According to Senator Posey, the author of the bill in the Senate, "Fish and wildlife resources and the habitats that support them have significant benefits to the State's environment, economy and overall quality of life. The majority of lands suitable for fish and wildlife habitat are held by private owners. We should encourage these landowners to enhance and restore fish and wildlife habitat and a tax credit is an ideal incentive."

The proposed Bill states that a tax credit shall be allowed in the amount of fifty percent (50%) of all expenditures for an approved conservation practice up to a maximum of five-thousand dollars ($5,000) per taxpayer per year for activities to benefit fish and wildlife. Any unused credit may be carried over for a maximum of nine (9) consecutive taxable years following the taxable year in which the credit originated.

The activities of the proposed Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Incentives Program, which would be administered by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, include restoration and enhancement practices for: (1) Upland Wildlife Habitat, (2) Wetland Wildlife Habitat, (3) Rare and Declining Species Habitat and (4) Fisheries Habitat.

According to Representative McBride, "I am very excited about the potential of this program and the benefits it could provide. In Mississippi, the population of bobwhite quail has declined significantly over the years. I see this program as a tool to increase their numbers by providing incentives to plant the critical habitat needed for quail to thrive."

Posey's and McBride's efforts drew praise from Wildlife Mississippi. According to Martha Dalrymple of Amory, a Trustee for the conservation foundation, "If passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Musgrove, Senator Posey's and Representative's McBride's efforts would create the largest fish and wildlife habitat incentive program in the history of Mississippi. We are blessed to have these two conservationists in Jackson to provide the leadership to make sure we have sound conservation programs."

Conservationists and sportsmen wanting to see this bill pass the Mississippi Legislature should contact their state senator and ask him or her to support the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Incentives Program. The House and Senate telephone number is (601) 359-3770.

James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi.