MS HB1716

Appropriates $13,762,827.00 from the State General Fund and $13,352,510.00 from special funds to the State Forestry Commission for fiscal year 2021 (July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021).

Authorizes 363 permanent full-time positions and 7 time-limited full-time positions for the commission.

Establishes three revolving funds: Forest Improvement Revolving Fund ($250,000 for reforestation), Volunteer Fire Department Equipment Conversion Revolving Fund (capped at $50,000 for wildland fire equipment), and Camden State Forest Revolving Fund (for forest management activities).

Transfers $200,000 to the Department of Agriculture and Commerce for the Beaver Control or Eradication Program during fiscal year 2021.

Sets performance targets including 3-hour average fire suppression time, 14,500 acres under prescribed burn program, and 35,000 acres regenerated or improved.