U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi expressed optimism following a Senate Agriculture Committee hearing where Michael Boren, nominated for the position of USDA Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment, praised the land transfer model used in the Okhissa Lake development project. Boren referred to the model as “brilliant” and suggested it could serve as an example for other developments within national forests.
The hearing took place on Tuesday afternoon, during which Boren discussed his views on Lake Okhissa as part of his confirmation process. Hyde-Smith highlighted her eagerness to collaborate with Boren on this project and other policies that aim to maximize public benefits from national forests. She also expressed hope that Boren would visit Mississippi soon.
Progress continues on a lodge and conference center at Okhissa Lake after Hyde-Smith included a provision in the 2018 Farm Bill to transfer 150 acres of Homochitto National Forest to the nonprofit Scenic Rivers Development Alliance. This initiative is intended for rural development purposes.
Hyde-Smith stated, “The goal of this effort is to enable smart, locally-driven development that complements the natural resources and increases public access.” She emphasized her commitment to supporting economic development in rural areas of Mississippi.
During the hearing, Hyde-Smith asked Boren about his perspective on targeted land transfers for economic development and how the Forest Service might support such projects while maintaining environmental stewardship. In response, Boren said, “In terms of your project at Lake Okhissa, I think it’s brilliant. I think it’s replicable.”
Boren acknowledged various challenges facing the Forest Service, which manages over 1.2 million acres of national forest property in Mississippi alone. He stressed the importance of coordination with state agencies and other organizations to achieve effective forest management.
The Senate Agriculture Committee has yet to vote on recommending Boren’s confirmation to the full Senate.
