Evaluating Forest Management Intensity Among Major Landowner Groups In Mississippi: A Preliminary Analysis

Timberlands in Mississippi are owned by a diverse group of landowners: industrial owners, timberland investment management organizations (TIMOs), non-industrial private forest (NIPF) landowners, and public landowners. The objectives of each type vary, resulting in different management of their properties. This variation influences the intensity of their management and harvest decisions, which in turn affects timber inventory. This paper evaluates and compares forest management intensity of the different landowner groups in Mississippi by looking at forest management activities and expenditures. The results indicate that different landowner groups differ in the management of their timberlands. Industrial landowners and TIMOs have similar management characteristics and manage their lands more intensively than the State and NIPF landowners. Intensive forest management is significantly influenced by size of ownership, proportion of pine plantation, and type of ownership.