The purpose of this grant award request is to acquire, in fee title, approximately 906 acres adjacent to the existing marion county wildlife management area (WMA) in marion county, mississippi

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4 awarded $3.508 million to the State of Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Parks under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611) on June 1, 2025. The grant supports the acquisition of approximately 906 acres of land in fee title adjacent to the existing Marion County Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Marion County, Mississippi. The acquired property will be integrated into the Marion County WMA to expand public access for hunting and wildlife-associated recreational activities.

The project delivers habitat conservation and restoration services through the establishment of a longleaf pine restoration site that aligns with ongoing longleaf pine management practices at the Marion County WMA. Beyond land acquisition, the grant funds improvements to existing habitat conditions, protection of critical wildlife habitat from conversion to alternative land uses, and ongoing wildlife management operations. The performance period extends from the award date through May 31, 2026, during which the state agency will complete the land acquisition and initiate habitat enhancement activities funded through this Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act grant.

The tract would be added to the WMA to support public access for hunting and other wildlife-associated recreational purposes. IT includes a longleaf pine restoration site, which complements the current management practices on marion county WMA that focus heavily on longleaf pine management. The acquisition will also allow improvement of existing habitat conditions and protect habitat. The property will be protected from potential conversion of wildlife habitat to alternative land uses.