Conservation Corner: July 10, 2000

Barnes Named New Wildlife Commissioner
by James L. Cummins

Mississippi's Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, the Commission that sets our hunting and fishing seasons, oversees our state lakes, wildlife management areas and parks and constructs boat ramps for public use to name a few, is getting a new commissioner.

Reggie Barnes, 47, of Webb, is the superintendent of the West Tallahatchie School District, which is a position he has held for the past six years. Barnes is also a graduate of, and former Dean at Delta State University.

Barnes is the first appointee by Governor Ronnie Musgrove to the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Other commissioners include Ed Roberts of Oxford (representing the 1st Congressional District), Billy Powell of Brandon (representing the 3rd Congressional District), Bill Pittman of Columbia (representing the 4th Congressional District) and Chip McArthur of Hattiesburg (representing the 5th Congressional District).

Barnes faces confirmation by the Mississippi Senate, but will serve until its next session.

Barnes brings much experience and interest in fish and wildlife resources to the Commission. Like myself, he is an avid deer hunter. He also enjoys rabbit hunting and fishes when he has time, which is something I can relate to! According to Barnes, "People who don't hunt and fish simply do not realize how outstanding Mississippi's fish and wildlife resources are."

One very beneficial attribute that Barnes brings to the Commission is his background in education. In the early 1930s, the old Mississippi Game and Fish Commission considered education essential to their goal to recover our wildlife populations.

Seventy years later, public education continues to be a vital role in the agency's mission. Mississippi's Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks oversees several programs, including Hunter Education, Boating Education, Project Wild and one of the finest museums in the country, the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, all with a mission of public education.

Although the times have changed and Mississippi's landscape looks much different, public education is much more needed. Barnes's experience with young people, who are the future leaders in our state, will aid the Commission greatly in recruiting more interest in hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing. Hunter education, the need to improve our environment, especially restoring our native habitats, and recruiting our youth will place a great demand on the talents of this new Commissioner.

Mr. Barnes, the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation welcomes you as the newest Commissioner and is willing to aid you and your fellow Commissioners in any way we can.

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.