The Mississippi Forestry Commission and the Jones County Forestry Association honored Herman E. Smith Thursday afternoon with a reception upon his retirement after 46 years with the Commission. Smith retired as the Jones County Service Forester.

A resident of Ellisville for the past 15 years, Smith’s job with the Commission has him in control of fire control on state lands in Jones County, including Sixteenth Section land, forestland, insect and disease control, and information and education. He also works with private landowners on forestland maintenance. His work includes managing timber on state lands, which includes Jones County Junior College, Ellisville State School and the Pat Harrison Waterway. Smith is also in charge of clear-cutting 30-year-old pines and in charge of the replanting process.

Smith attended school in Moselle and started with the Forestry Commission when he was 17, on one of the Commission’s fire units. He has attended numerous forestry schools and training through Mississippi State University.

He has been service forester for four years, and was a technician for 15-20 years prior. He said the best thing about his job has been working with private landowners and helping them grow the healthiest trees possible.

Smith said Hurricane Katrina was bad on Jones County’s pines and hardwood, “but it will recover.”

The members of the Jones County Forestry Association presented Smith with a $1,000 check at the reception.

Jim Walley, vice president of external affairs for Jones County Junior College, where Smith’s reception was held, said he has worked with Smith for over 30 years.

“Herman’s been a true friend to forestry and a true friend to landowners here in Jones County,” he said. “The landowners are indebted to Herman for his countless hours of service. He was a tireless employee.