MS HB1629

Appropriates $17,237,887 from general funds and $9,904,792 from special funds to the State Forestry Commission for fiscal year 2011 (July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2011).

Authorizes 474 full-time permanent positions, 3 part-time permanent positions, 11 full-time time-limited positions, with total salary cap of $19,827,840.

Establishes three revolving funds: Forest Improvement Fund ($250,000), Volunteer Fire Department Equipment Conversion Fund (up to $50,000), and Camden State Forest Fund for timber sales and forest management.

Allows escalation of up to 100 part-time positions (up to $500,000) for wildfire suppression during periods with 50+ fires per day, and authorizes Mississippi Institute for Forest Inventory to accept and expend up to $1,000,000 from any source.

Transfers $200,000 to Department of Agriculture and Commerce for Beaver Control Program and establishes performance targets for forest protection (1,973 fires, 24,071 acres burned) and management (15,216 private landowner assists, 42,178 acres reforested).