81R12314 MG-D
By: McReynolds H.R. No. 892
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Texas Forestry Association is sponsoring a
seedling giveaway on March 25, 2009, in an effort to promote public
awareness of forestry and the importance of the state's timber
resources; and
WHEREAS, The forest industry and family forest owners plant
100 million seedlings annually in order to maintain sustainable
forests for future generations of Texans; and
WHEREAS, Covering 12 million acres, the forest section in
East Texas generates more than 173,000 jobs, $7.6 billion in annual
labor income, and a total economic impact of more than $30.6
billion, making timber a valuable agricultural commodity to this
state; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1914 by a group of dedicated
conservationists, the Texas Forestry Association is a nonprofit
organization of landowners, businesses, and other professionals
united by a common goal to advance forestry, promote conservation
practices, and enhance and perpetuate the state's forest resources;
TFA offers programs such as the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and
Tree Farm, which sponsors the annual Outstanding Tree Farmer of the
Year contest; winners of the 2007 award, John and Walta Cooke from
Panola County, qualified as Southern Region finalists in the
National Outstanding Tree Farmer competition; and
WHEREAS, The Texas Forestry Association has tirelessly
striven to ensure that abundant forests remain a dependable
resource for the citizens of Texas, and under the current and able
leadership of President Randall Schiefer, TFA will undoubtedly
continue to contribute to the economic vitality and beauty of the
Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize the Texas Forestry Association on the
occasion of its seedling giveaway and commend the 3,000 members of
the association for their exemplary reforestation efforts and
advocacy; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Texas Forestry Association as an expression of
high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.