Published 6:49 pm Wednesday, July 3, 2024 By Jan Griffey NATCHEZ—The loss of the historic Magnolia tree on the grounds of White Wings on North Wall Street and some other trees in the area has caused city officials to question whether they are doing enough to protect the city’s trees. Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson said the city will review its procedures to determine their adequacy. The mayor said Natchez’s acceptance to participate in the Tree Mississippi Assistance Program will assist that effort.
“This is a partnership between the City of Natchez, the Mississippi Forestry, and the Green Infrastructure Center, which is a non-profit working nationally with communities to improve the conservation of trees and to promote the addition of trees to communities throughout the country,” he said. “We have, within this past month, become one of three cities in Mississippi chosen to participate in the program. We applied for this opportunity through a competitive process.
I haven’t even had time to announce it yet.” Gibson said Debbie Hudson Germany, who consults with the city on grant writing, and Greg Brookings, director of the Duncan Park Golf Course, led the application process. “For the next several years, we will work to improve our ordinances, improve communication with the public, and hold workshops.
And, in time, we will safely plant many new trees — utilizing state and federal grant funds — to renew our community’s canopy and environmental fabric. “Do you.
