The National Forests in Mississippi is advising adjacent landowners with concerns about dead trees on the Forest Service falling onto their land to contact the local district ranger office.

In 2023, the National Forests in Mississippi, like the rest of the state, experienced severe wide-spread pine mortality. This event was caused by a combination of bark beetle infestations, severe drought and excessive heat. More than 12.5 million trees were killed within pine dominated stands.

In situations where dead trees need to be felled as a safety precaution and to protect private property, District Rangers are able to authorize private landowners to fell the trees of concern and place them back on Forest Service lands. Forest Service staff are available and should be contacted in advance to coordinate with local landowners to identify and designate dead trees prior to felling.

Contact information is as follows: Bienville Ranger District – 601-469-381, Chickasawhay Ranger District – 601-428-0594, Delta Ranger District – 662-873-6256, De Soto Ranger District – 601-528-6160, Homochitto Ranger District – 601-384-5876, and Holly Springs and Tombigbee Ranger District – 662-236-6741.