New lab gets boost from Forestry Commission

OCEAN SPRINGS — Despite persistent rains, construction continues at the University of Southern Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Laboratory’s Cedar Point site, thanks to a recent grant from the Mississippi Forestry Commission.

“Cedar Point is heavily wooded, so it’s important to create a defensible fire zone around our laboratories,” said Dr. Tom McIlwain, project coordinator. “This type of proactive approach is essential to the protection of our personnel and labs.”

The FIREWISE project is funded through the state Forestry Commission and is designed to implement remedial action to protect life and property. The project’s primary goal is to create a defensible space by removing all flammable vegetation at least 30 feet from all structures.

“I would like to thank Mr. Leslie Blackwell of the Forestry Commission and Donnie McClain of Donnie McClain Tree Service for the excellent job they have done in executing this project,” said McIlwain.