Mississippi wildlife officials conduct timber assessment at Leroy Percy WMA

Foresters from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks recently conducted a timber cruise at Leroy Percy Wildlife Management Area. A timber cruise is a method used to inventory and assess forests by collecting data from sample plots throughout an area.

Foresters measure trees, identify species, and evaluate factors such as size, density, growth, and overall forest health. Because measuring every tree isn’t practical, sample plots help estimate conditions across the landscape, according to department officials.

The information gathered from these surveys guides future management decisions. It helps plan activities such as timber harvesting, stand improvements, prescribed burns, and reforestation efforts. Timber inventories are vital for maintaining wildlife habitat and supporting outdoor recreation in Mississippi.

Department officials emphasized that timber cruises are an important tool for sustainable forest management, ensuring Mississippi’s forests continue to provide benefits for years to come.

Source: Original Article