Jackson, Miss.- Mississippi Forestry Commission (MFC) employee Berry Thomas, of Shubuta, recently received the Mississippi Forestry Association’s (MFA) inaugural Harold Anderson Award of Excellence.

The Harold Anderson Award of Excellence recognizes an MFC employee who represents the agency, and state, well and goes above and beyond the call of duty to promote forestry in Mississippi.

“We are very proud of Berry and his recognition by the Mississippi Forestry Association,” said Russell Bozeman, MFC State Forester. “His work with the Clarke County Forestry Association and other community involvement makes him extremely deserving of this award.”

Thomas was instrumental in revitalizing the Clarke County Forestry Association. He is also active in his local community – serving as a deacon in his church, volunteering with the Clarke County 4-H and serves as the MSU Extension Disaster Assistance Team for Clarke County.

PHOTO: Pictured from left – Berry Thomas and Harold Anderson

The mission of the Mississippi Forestry Commission is to provide active leadership in forest protection, forest management, forest inventory, and effective forest information distribution, necessary for Mississippi's sustainable forest-based economy. Established in 1926, the Mississippi Forestry Commission protects the state’s valuable 19.8 million acres of forestland from wildfire, manages approximately 480,000 acres of forested School Trust Land and delivers quality forest management services and assistance to both rural and urban landowners. To learn more about the Mississippi Forestry Commission, please visit www.mfc.ms.gov and like and follow the MFC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube at @MSForestryComm.