The Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund (MOSTF) Board of Trustees has approved its fourth round of competitive grants, adding 20 new conservation and outdoor recreation projects across the state. Governor Tate Reeves announced that these awards total more than $13.6 million and will be combined with over $14.1 million in additional funding from federal, state, local, private, and in-kind sources.
From August 1 through September 19, 2025, MOSTF received 60 project applications from a range of applicants including four state agencies, 25 municipalities, six county governments, and 20 conservation-based non-governmental organizations.
Governor Tate Reeves stated: “The MOSTF Board of Trustees continues to accomplish tremendous things on behalf of Mississippi since I signed the Outdoor Stewardship Act into law in 2022. There have now been 100 projects funded across the state benefiting Mississippi communities and supporting jobs. Since 2022, MOSTF has awarded over $50.2 million in legislative appropriations to projects that leveraged over $100.2 million in matching funds, for a total of over $150.5 million invested in wildlife and fisheries conservation and nature-based outdoor recreation across our great state. It is exciting to watch these investments improve communities around the state and enhance our state’s $8 billion outdoor recreation economy, which supports more than 79,000 jobs.”
MOSTF Executive Director Ricky Flynt explained how the process works: “Each year since 2022, thanks to continued legislative appropriations, MOSTF accepts grant applications from state agencies, municipalities, and conservation-based nongovernmental organizations for review by the MOSTF Board of Trustees. These competitive proposals must meet the statutory goals of improving our state’s parks and outdoor recreation trails, municipal parks, improving access to public waters and lands, and to preserve, enhance, and restore native wildlife and fish resources and their critical habitats across Mississippi. Each eligible application is scored individually by each board member based upon a standardized criteria that follow the priorities outlined in the Outdoor Stewardship Act of 2022.”
Ed Penny, President of Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Coalition said: “This program is establishing its place in conservation and outdoor recreation history for the state of Mississippi thanks to the generous support of Governor Reeves and the Mississippi Legislature. Our coalition has worked long and hard to highlight the importance of this program for our state and are very proud of the progress and accomplishments.”
David Holman, Chairman of the MOSTF Board of Trustees added: “The MOSTF Board of Trustees is committed to funding projects following the priorities outlined by the Stewardship Act. We know that each application received has potential to make a difference in recreational opportunities for individuals, families, and communities for generations to come. It is an honor for each board member to be involved and a task that is taken with great consideration and responsibility. We encourage all eligible entities to plan now to apply during the next application cycle (August-September) for projects that will create and enhance conservation and outdoor recreation.”
Since its creation in 2022 through legislative action spearheaded by Governor Reeves with bipartisan support from lawmakers https://www.dfa.ms.gov/most , MOSTF has provided funding for a variety of initiatives aimed at enhancing parks infrastructure as well as restoring wildlife habitats throughout Mississippi.
MOSTF plans to open its next grant application period on August 1, 2026 pending legislative funding approval.
