MS SB2788

Legislature recommends that the Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, and Department of Marine Resources conduct a two-year study to quantify the economic value of Mississippi's natural resources, due to the Legislature by June 30, 2019.

Study shall assess ecosystem services (marine ecosystems, forests, urban green space, beaches, agricultural land, riparian buffers) and ecosystem goods (water, minerals, agricultural products, wildlife, timber, fuel wood).

Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Quality and Department of Transportation, shall identify existing and needed wildlife corridors, including riparian corridors and potential transportation crossings, with findings due by June 30, 2019.

Executive Director of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks directed to audit existing statutes, rules, and regulations affecting wildlife corridors and make recommendations for necessary changes.

Declares wildlife corridor connectivity as a public good essential to protecting biodiversity and ecosystem health, particularly in response to climate change and habitat fragmentation.