MS HB1616

Appropriates $15,383,889 from the State General Fund and $11,855,334 from special funds to the State Forestry Commission for fiscal year 2023 (July 1, 2022 - June 30, 2023).

Authorizes 343 permanent positions and 7 time-limited positions for the agency.

Allocates $250,000 to create the Forest Improvement Revolving Fund for reforestation and forest growth improvement on state lands, with landowners paying the commission's actual costs for such work.

Creates two new revolving funds: the Volunteer Fire Department Equipment Conversion Revolving Fund (capped at $50,000) for wildland fire suppression equipment conversion, and the Camden State Forest Revolving Fund for forest management activities funded by timber sales and leases.

Transfers $200,000 to the Department of Agriculture and Commerce for the Beaver Control or Eradication Program and establishes performance targets for forest protection, management, and suppression activities.