JACKSON — Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board of Trustees announced the initial approval of millions in funds to various projects Friday. Reportedly 28 projects will utilize 100 percent of the available funds appropriated from the 2024 legislature. 

Memorandums of Understanding have to be signed by the awarding MOSTF and award recipient for the awards to become official.

In total, $13,401,879.49 of MOSTF funding will partner with $25,346,342.16 of local, state and federal matching funds to improve nature based outdoor recreations, wildlife and fisheries conservation in Mississippi. When combining the matched funds, $38,748,221.65 of funding will be used in Mississippi

One local project receiving funding would improve a nature trail at Calling Panther Lake. MDWFP applied for the funds and will receive $11,300 from the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund and $45,200 in matching funds for a total of $56,500. 

MDWFP will receive $210,150 from the MOSTF to go towards enhancing habitat on MDWFP Wildlife Management Areas through a partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation. In addition to the $210,150, MDWFP will receive a further $184,900 in matching funds for a project total of $395,050 to enhance 2,945 acres across eight WMAs. Copiah County WMA will be one of those impacted by the project in addition to Charles Ray Nix, Malmaison, Phil Bryant, Divide Section, Old River, Marion County and Pascagoula WMAs. 

According to MOSTF, the turkey habitat project will result in 740 acres of bottomland hardwoods being enhanced or created, 620 acres of invasive species eliminated and 1,490 acres of early successional habitat to be created or enhanced to provide turkey brooding habitat. 

Over the years

The project awards in addition to the two previous funding cycles now total $37.6 million in legislative appropriations and were leveraged with $86.6 million in matching funds to support 80 projects throughout the state. One of those projects aided Camp Kamassa in Copiah County the past two years and others improved access to Lake Tangipahoa at Percy Quinn State Park. 

Once final approvals are completed the projects will have 24 months to utilize the funds and complete the projects. Executive Director Ricky Flynt said they have only had one project get initial approval that did not get final approval because the project was awarded a larger grant. 

MOSTF received 59 applications during the 2024 appropriation cycle. 

Check back for an updated story with insight from turkey program coordinator Adam Butler.