December 2, 2002

Don't Let January 1 Arrive Without Joining Wildlife Mississippi
by James L. Cummins

April 15 doesn't have to be painful again next year. Instead, it can be a day you celebrate both your tax savings and the satisfaction of conserving important fish and wildlife habitat in Mississippi. That is, if you make a tax-deductible contribution to the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation, or Wildlife Mississippi as it is commonly called.

It is very important to us, as Mississippians, that our children, and grandchildren, can enjoy the majesty of Mississippi's forests, waters and wildlife. If we don't, our future quality of life will suffer. Because we have to compete with other states and other countries in order to attract industry to Mississippi, we have to factor quality of life in the equation. More and more quality of life involves the outdoors and country-style living. Everything we do at Wildlife Mississippi fits that description and this is helping Mississippi grow in a variety of ways.

So it is pretty important that we conserve our beautiful lakes, streams, forests, fish and wildlife. To help conserve these natural treasures that are so abundant in our state today, I'm asking you to join Wildlife Mississippi. It is more than just another environmental organization. It is a no frills, cost-conscious, low-overhead organization that works to balance Mississippi's conservation with its economic growth. Plus, we're down to earth and spend all of our funds on conservation projects right here in Mississippi. Its mission is to protect, restore and enhance Mississippi's natural resources. If you will take a moment to review our web site at www.wildlifemiss.org, you will see for yourself who we are and what we are about. The site will also provide valuable information on conservation and financial assistance for it.

When it comes to conserving our fish and wildlife resources, we believe that a quality environment and a strong economy must go hand in hand. In the Third world, many countries are destroying their environment because they have a weak economy and cannot afford a quality job of environmental enhancement. We must maintain a strong economy so we can afford to take care of our natural resources. Its as simple as that.

We know our economy is slow, but we must work together to conserve the irreplaceable natural resources of our beautiful Mississippi. If we don't, we'll have fewer bass, ducks, deer, turkey and backyard wildlife. And that is what makes Mississippi a great place to live - fantastic hunting, fishing and wildlife viewing.

I'm proud of what Wildlife Mississippi is doing. With additional members we can do more. Wildlife Mississippi needs your help to make Mississippi a land our children, and grandchildren, can enjoy. Please consider becoming a member. You may want to join at the $25 level, the $1,000 level or somewhere in between. But whatever you do, become a part of the Wildlife Mississippi team today.

For a membership brochure and information, go to our web site at www.wildlifemiss.org, call us at (662) 686-3375 or write us at P.O. 10, Stoneville, MS 38776.

With your help, we will continue to make a difference in the future of Mississippi.


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