06 LC
25 4376
House
Resolution 1381
By:
Representatives Smith of the
70th,
Cole of the
125th,
McCall of the
30th,
Smith of the
129th,
and Floyd of the
147th
A
RESOLUTION
Recognizing
February 15, 2006, as "Forestry Day at the Capitol"; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS,
forestry is the leading industry in this state, creating 136,000 jobs and having
a $23 billion annual economic impact in this state; and
WHEREAS,
Georgiás
24 million acres of forestland occupy two-thirds of this
statés
total land area of 37 million acres; and
WHEREAS,
23 million acres of
Georgiás
forestland – more than that of any other state – are available for
commercial use, of which 72 percent is owned by private, nonindustrial
landowners; and
WHEREAS,
timber is the highest valued crop in this state, and Georgia remains one of the
top pulp and paper producing states in the nation; and
WHEREAS,
Georgiás
forests not only are economically important but also provide vital environmental
and social benefits; and
WHEREAS,
the Georgia Forestry Association (GFA), founded in 1907, is one of the oldest
conservation organizations in the United States; and through the years GFA has
worked with landowners in protecting their property rights and adopting sound
land management practices to ensure that our forests continue to provide clean
air, clean water, soil conservation, wildlife habitat, beauty, and recreational
opportunities; and
WHEREAS,
GFA is the sponsoring organization for the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and
thus promotes Best Management Practices for forestry, responsible wood
procurement practices, wildlife habitat enhancement, and educational outreach to
Georgia's forest landowners; and
WHEREAS,
it is only fitting and proper that the significant contributions of this
industry and organization to the welfare of this state be
recognized.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that the members of
this body recognize February 15, 2006, as "Forestry Day at the Capitol" in honor
of the significant contributions made to the welfare of this state by forestry
and the Georgia Forestry Association.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the Georgia
Forestry Association.