Forestry Department

For many of us in Mississippi who cherish our state's abundant natural resources and vast forestlands, understanding how these areas are managed and what opportunities they offer for outdoor recreation is key to planning our adventures. The "Forestry Department" at 3969 MS-53, Poplarville, MS 39470, USA, refers to a presence of the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC). While this specific address likely represents an administrative or operational office rather than a public campground with traditional amenities, it signifies a vital hub for forest management, protection, and information in the region.

As local Mississippians, we rely on agencies like the MFC to ensure the health and sustainability of our forest ecosystems, which in turn provide countless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The MFC's primary mission is to provide leadership in forest protection, management, and information distribution to support Mississippi's sustainable forest-based economy. This includes wildfire suppression, forest pest control, and the management of state forests and 16th Section School Trust Lands. While this particular location may not be a public campground itself, it serves as a gateway to understanding the broader network of natural lands in Mississippi where camping and recreation are actively encouraged.

This article will clarify the role of the Mississippi Forestry Commission at this Poplarville location and guide you on how to discover the diverse camping and outdoor recreational opportunities available throughout Mississippi, often managed by the MFC in conjunction with other state and federal agencies. Understanding their function helps us locals appreciate the extensive efforts behind preserving the beautiful wild spaces we love to explore.

The address, 3969 MS-53, Poplarville, MS 39470, USA, places the Mississippi Forestry Department office within Pearl River County, in the southern part of Mississippi. Poplarville is a town deeply connected to its natural surroundings, and this location is indicative of the MFC's presence in managing the significant forestland in this region. For local Mississippians, accessing this specific office for administrative purposes (such as burn permits or forestry advice) would be straightforward via State Route 53.

However, it's crucial to understand that this address is not a direct public campground or recreational park in the conventional sense. Instead, it is likely an operational base for forestry management activities. When considering "accessibility" for camping, locals should look to the larger network of state forests, national forests, and state parks that the MFC helps oversee or works in conjunction with. These larger recreational areas are typically well-marked and accessible from major highways, with clear signage leading to designated camping zones. For example, nearby areas that offer camping, such as portions of the De Soto National Forest or various state parks, would be accessible through their specific entrances, which are distinct from this MFC office address. Therefore, while the Poplarville MFC office is accessible, it serves as a point of contact for forestry matters, not as a direct camping entrance.

As an administrative or operational office of the Mississippi Forestry Commission, the services offered at 3969 MS-53, Poplarville, MS, primarily revolve around forest management and protection, rather than direct public camping amenities.

• Wildfire Protection and Prevention: Services related to wildfire suppression, reporting wildfires, and potentially obtaining burn permits (though many permits are now online or through a central hotline).
• Forest Management Information: Expertise and information on forest health, timber management, and sustainable forestry practices for landowners.
• Forest Pest and Disease Control: Information and assistance regarding the detection and control of forest pests, diseases, and invasive plants.
• Forest Inventory and Assessment: Activities related to monitoring and assessing the state's forest resources.
• Public Information and Education: Resources and guidance on forestry-related topics for the public.
• No Direct Camping Amenities: It is important to note that this location is unlikely to offer typical campground services such as campsites, restrooms, showers, hookups, picnic tables, or recreational facilities for public camping.

While the specific "Forestry Department" address in Poplarville is not a public campground, its presence highlights the broader efforts of the Mississippi Forestry Commission, which manages and protects vast tracts of forestland across the state. These efforts, in turn, facilitate a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities in state and national forests. The "features and highlights" related to the MFC's work that benefit locals seeking camping include:

• Sustainable Forest Management: The MFC's commitment ensures that Mississippi's forests remain healthy and productive for generations, preserving natural beauty for future outdoor enjoyment.
• Wildfire Suppression: Their proactive and responsive wildfire protection directly safeguards recreational areas, making them safer for camping and hiking.
• Conservation Efforts: By managing state forests and working with federal agencies on national forests, the MFC contributes to the conservation of diverse ecosystems, which often include designated camping areas.
• Availability of Recreational Lands: Through their broader mandate, the MFC supports the existence of numerous state parks, wildlife management areas (WMAs), and national forests throughout Mississippi that DO offer various types of camping.
• Resource for Information: This office (or the MFC as a whole) can be a valuable resource for inquiries related to forest conditions, permits needed for certain activities, or general guidance on exploring Mississippi's wooded areas.
• Enhancement of Natural Habitats: Their work in forest health contributes to thriving natural habitats, improving opportunities for wildlife viewing and a more robust outdoor experience in designated recreational zones.
• Indirect Support for Campgrounds: Although not a campground itself, the MFC's work is foundational to maintaining the very environments where many of Mississippi's best campgrounds are located.

For direct inquiries related to the Mississippi Forestry Commission's operations or specific forestry matters at the Poplarville office, you can use the following information. However, for information about camping in Mississippi, it's best to contact the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) for state parks, or the U.S. Forest Service for national forests.

Address: 3969 MS-53, Poplarville, MS 39470, USA

Phone: While a specific direct phone number for this particular office in Poplarville might vary, the general contact information for the Mississippi Forestry Commission headquarters is typically available on their official website (ms.gov/Agencies/mississippi-forestry-commission). For wildfire emergencies, the statewide number is 1-833-MFC-FIRE (or dial 911). To find the most accurate contact information for the Poplarville area office, it's recommended to visit the official MFC website and look for their regional or district office listings.

The Mississippi Forestry Department's presence in Poplarville, and the broader work of the Mississippi Forestry Commission, is incredibly suitable for us locals because it underscores the foundational efforts that make outdoor recreation, including camping, possible and enjoyable throughout our state. While 3969 MS-53 is an administrative site, its existence signifies dedicated management of the very lands we cherish for camping, hiking, and exploring.

For Mississippians, knowing that a state agency is actively engaged in protecting our forests from wildfires and disease, and ensuring their sustainable health, provides peace of mind. This behind-the-scenes work means that when we head out to a state park, a national forest campground like those in De Soto National Forest, or a wildlife management area, we can trust that these natural spaces are being cared for. It allows us to fully immerse ourselves in Mississippi's unique natural beauty, whether it's the pine forests of the south, the delta woodlands, or the hills further north. Therefore, the "Forestry Department" at this address represents a crucial part of the infrastructure that supports and enhances the rich outdoor lifestyle that we, as Mississippians, hold dear. It's suitable because it's a silent guardian, ensuring our cherished camping grounds and wild spaces remain vibrant and accessible for generations to come.

Forestry Department

3969 MS-53, Poplarville, MS 39470, USA