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06 LC 97 0213

Senate Resolution 816

By: Senators Tolleson of the 20th, Bulloch of the 11th, Hudgens of the 47th and Harp of the 29th

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 SENATE 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 Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the Georgia Forestry Association.