JACKSON — A senate bill to transform who operates the Mississippi State Parks system survived deadline day Tuesday. Mississippi’s Senate committee for Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks voted that the title was sufficient and to add it to the calendar. 

Under Senate Bill 2659, Mississippi’s State Parks would no longer be under the umbrella of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Legislators have worked on similar bills in the past to transform how the State Parks are run. 

SB2659 would move the operation of State Parks into a corporation model similar to the Mississippi Lottery Corporation. 

“The operation of state parks is a unique activity for state government and that a corporate structure will best enable state parks to be operated in an entrepreneurial and business-like manner,” the bill states. “The corporation shall be managed in a manner that enables the people of the state to benefit from its profits and to ensure the integrity of the state park system.”

This corporation would be governed by five people serving on a board similar to the current MDWFP Commission. While the legislation does not appear to change the day to day operations of state parks, it would move state parks under a corporation which acts like a private entity. 

In a Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks committee meeting last week, senators stated they had not gathered input from MDWFP Executive Director Lynn Posey on the issue. 

Mississippi’s first State Parks were created after the Great Depression under the Civilian Conservation Corps. At the time, Mississippi had experienced deforestation through unsustainable logging practices. State Parks were set aside as a place where conservation and tourism could meet. 

The same deforestation led to the birth of the MDWFP in 1932 and Leroy Percy State Park opened in 1934 as the first state park. Mississippi State Parks unveiled a new logo in November celebrating the history. 

“The pine cone represents Mississippi’s rich natural heritage and diverse wildlife, our commitment to conservation, and the connection and harmony of all elements within Mississippi State Parks.” 

Elements of Mississippi State Parks include education about the natural resources, conservation of habitat and wildlife, recreational opportunities through camping, fishing, hunting, hiking and boating. 

Bills to reform the MDWFP commission died in committee in both senate and house. 

Check back for more updates on wildlife legislation.