The Mississippi Forestry Commission is getting a larger role in managing 16th Section lands that bring in money for public schools.

Secretary of State Delbert Hosemann said Wednesday that his office and the commission have signed an agreement.

The commission will provide forestry-management services to local school boards.

The secretary of state’s office, which oversees all public lands, will develop strategies to bring in the most money possible from timber sales.

The 16th Section of each 36-square-mile township belongs to the public schools, and people or businesses using the land pay rent. The land-trust program was established in the 19th century.