(38) The Natural Resource Enterprises Program at Mississippi State University

¹ Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS
² University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Little Rock, AR
³ Clemson University, Clemson, SC
⁴ Mississippi State University, Raymond, MS
⁵ Mississippi State University, Verona, MS

Concurrent Session: B5:  Wildlife & Fisheries

Research conducted at Mississippi State University (MSU) found that non-industrial private (NIP) landowners in Mississippi can diversify incomes derived from their properties through the development of fee hunting enterprises. In 1998, revenues collected from fee hunting on Mississippi private lands ranged from US$2,964 to $5,254 on average per landowner or $7.50 to $14.28 per ha, depending upon the region. Net revenues averaged from $1,539 to $3,244 per landowner or $3.90 to $9.54 per ha. Additionally, between 2002 and 2005, fee access wildlife recreation increased average proceeds collected from Mississippi land sales by $808.73/ha or 36%. Similar trends in revenues and land values associated with fee access wildlife and fisheries recreation have been documented in other southeastern states. Educational programs focusing on business planning and management, cost-share assistance programs, and wildlife habitat management are needed to enhance NIP landowner knowledge related to fee access wildlife recreational enterprises.

The Natural Resource Enterprises Program (NRE) was established in the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and Cooperative Extension Service at MSU to educate NIP landowners in the South about enterprise development (i.e., fee hunting and angling, wildlife watching, agritourism), compatible habitat management practices, and integrating enterprise operations with agriculture and forestry. Working with program partners in Alabama, Arkansas, and South Carolina, we have developed educational workshops, demonstrations, and resources to inform landowners and agency professionals about enterprise opportunities and associated habitat management on private lands. Since 2005, we have conducted or facilitated 19 landowner workshops and educational events drawing 953 participants, including 763 landowners from eight states. Our presentation will describe the NRE landowner workshop series, benefits derived from conservation and sustainable enterprise development on private lands, and give perspectives on program implementation.

W. Daryl Jones
Mississippi State University
Box 9690
Mississippi State, MS 39762 USA
Phone: 662-325-5769
Fax: 662-325-8750
djones@CFR.MsState.Edu