25 LC 112 2908
House Resolution 210
By: Representatives Petrea of the 166
th
, Hatchett of the 155
th
, Corbett of the 174
th
, Burchett
of the 176
th
, Cannon of the 172
nd
, and others
A RESOLUTION
Commending the Georgia Forestry Commission for serving the State of Georgia as an
1
emergency response agency; and for other purposes.2
WHEREAS, the Georgia General Assembly established the Forestry Act of 1921, providing3
for a State Board of Forestry, to protect Georgia's forest resources; and4
WHEREAS, the Georgia Forestry Commission has worked diligently toward its mission "to5
provide leadership, service, and education to protect and conserve Georgia's forest resources"6
and its vision of "healthy and abundant forests that support a robust industry while providing7
social, environmental, and financial benefits to all of Georgia" since 1921; and8
WHEREAS, the Georgia Forestry Commission has protected Georgia's forests and citizens9
from an average of 3,000 wildfires that burn 18,500 acres per year and has responded to10
historic wildfire events, including catastrophic fires in 2007, 2011, 2016, and 2017; and11
WHEREAS, the Georgia Forestry Commission assists public and private landowners in the12
established practice of prescribed burning to reduce hazardous fuels, protect communities13
from extreme wildfires, minimize the spread of insects and diseases, and improve habitats14
for threatened and endangered species; and15
H. R. 210
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WHEREAS, the Georgia Forestry Commission plays a vital role in the state's emergency
16
response during natural disasters and other events that require quick action to protect public17
safety and environmental health; and18
WHEREAS, employees of the Georgia Forestry Commission have responded to all-hazard19
events, including but not limited to Hurricane Katrina, Winter Storm Pax, Hurricane Michael,20
the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Helene, President Jimmy Carter's funeral, and Avian21
Influenza response efforts; and22
WHEREAS, employees of the Commission are trained to meet national standards as23
Firefighter Type 1 and Firefighter Type 2 or are POST-certified law enforcement officers and24
undergo specific, rigorous training and assignments to maintain qualifications to respond to25
wildfires and all-hazard incidents; and26
WHEREAS, employees of the Commission serve the citizens of the state with dedication,27
heart, and determination to ensure the safeguarding of communities as well as the protection28
and conservation of forest resources for the next generation.29
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that30
the members of this body commend the Georgia Forestry Commission for its decades of31
dedicated, efficient, and effective service on behalf of the citizens of this state as well as32
extend sincere best wishes for continued success.33
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized34
and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to State35
Forester John Sabo.36
H. R. 210
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