SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 523
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; the association 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, the Texas
Forestry Association will undoubtedly continue to contribute to
the economic vitality and beauty of the Lone Star State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
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 a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the Texas Forestry Association as an expression of high regard
from the Texas Senate.
Nichols
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 25, 2009.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate