H.R. No. 167 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The Texas Forestry Association is sponsoring a seedling giveaway on March 1, 2017, in an effort to promote public awareness of working forests and the importance of our state's timber resources; and WHEREAS, Each year, family forest owners and corporate landowners plant 75 million seedlings to help maintain sustainable forests for future generations of Texans; and WHEREAS, The forest sector in East Texas covers 12 million acres and generates more than 138,000 jobs, $8.1 billion in annual labor income, and a total economic impact of over $31.9 billion, making timber a valuable agricultural commodity statewide; and WHEREAS, Founded in 1914 by a group of dedicated conservationists, the Texas Forestry Association is a nonprofit organization of some 3,000 landowners, business leaders, and other professionals united by a common goal to advance forestry, promote conservation practices, and support and protect the interests of the working forests of Texas; TFA offers programs such as the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Tree Farm certifications to educate the public and encourage reforestation, with the understanding that best management practices are essential for productive forests; and WHEREAS, The Texas Forestry Association has tirelessly worked to ensure that abundant forests remain a dependable resource for the citizens of Texas, and under the able leadership of current president Dr. Jerry Marcontell, 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 85th Texas Legislature hereby recognize the Texas Forestry Association on the occasion of its seedling giveaway and commend the association's members for their exemplary conservation efforts and advocacy; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the association as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Ashby ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 167 was adopted by the House on February 23, 2017, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House