Federal data is complete from 1998-2017. State and local data is complete from 1998-2013. In the tables and charts below, acres are allocated to each program proportionate to the size of the contributions to each acquisition. For example, if an acquisition had two contributions, and each program contributed equal dollar amounts, each program receives 50% of the acres. If you have questions or want to provide updated information, please contact Jessica Welch at jessica.welch@tpl.org.
Profile of State Program(s)
Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Fund: The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks administers the Wildlife Heritage Fund. Monies in this fund are dedicated for land acquisition and come from the sale of conservation vehicle license plates and from every non-resident hunting license sold. The agency can use other funding sources such as hunting and fishing license revenues and program income (timber sales, farm leases) for land acquisition, but these revenue sources are not solely dedicated for land acquisition.
Mississippi Tidelands Trust Fund: The Department of Marine Resources administers The Tidelands Trust Fund, which contains funds derived from the lease of tidelands and submerged lands. Funds may be used to cover administrative cost, lost property taxes, and includes the acquisition or enhancement of public access areas to the public trust tidelands or public improvement projects. Due to Hurricane Katrina, many of the files detailing tidelands land acquisition were lost. Thus, our Almanac figures only reflect two of the major purchases between 1998 and 2005.
Conservation Tax Credits
Tax Credit for Natural Heritage Priority Conservation or Scenic Streams Land Donations: This tax credit program was passed in 2003, and applies to fee and easement properties, IRC 170(h) lands adjacent to streams that are fully nominated by the Mississippi Scenic Streams Stewardship Program, or priority sites of the Mississippi Natural Heritage Program. The landowner will receive 50% of his or her transactions costs, up to a $10,000 maximum credit. Transaction costs are the costs of appraising the land, title review, surveys, and other fees. The duration of this credit is 10 years, and individuals are limited to one credit per lifetime.
Local Financing Enabled
Local governments have the authority to use general obligation bonds to fund land acquisition of parks and open space.
Local Programs Included
No local conservation finance measures have been approved by voters in Mississippi. For more information, visit www.landvote.org.
Federal Partnerships
Federal agencies and programs that have conserved land in Mississippi include:
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA)
- U.S. Forest Service – Forest Legacy Program (FLP)
- U.S. Forest Service – Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
- U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP)
- U.S. National Park Service – Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
- U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service – Grassland Reserve Program (GRP)
- U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service – Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP)