MS SB2653

Requires a lease from the Mississippi Secretary of State to remove submerged logs from public trust tidelands or submerged lands for commercial purposes; residential use (personal only, no sales) allowed with different restrictions.

Residential use leases limited to property owners adjacent to the removal area and restricted to areas no more than 750 yards from shore; commercial use leases available to any person or entity.

Commercial lessees must pay annual leasehold rent plus 15% of gross value received from harvested logs; residential lessees pay only annual leasehold rent.

Commercial lessees required to post a performance bond; all leases must commence harvesting within 6 months or are automatically cancelled.

Harvesting revenues deposited into the Public Trust Tidelands Fund; lessees must comply with navigation requirements, avoid oyster reefs, and follow the Coastal Wetlands Protection Act.