MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2016 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Morgan, Barnett, Boyd, Kinkade, Mangold, McNeal, Middleton, Oliver, Pigott, Sullivan, Walker
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE AMERICAN TREE FARM SYSTEM UPON THE AUSPICIOUS OCCASION OF ITS 75TH ANNIVERSARY.
WHEREAS, forests, covering one-third of the land in the United States, provide all Americans, including the residents of Mississippi, clean drinking water, clean air, abundant wildlife habitat, renewable wood for buildings, furniture, energy, paper needs, space to recreate, as well as good-paying jobs across our state; and
WHEREAS, most of our nation's forests are owned by the individuals who make Mississippi and our country great; and
WHEREAS, 75 years ago, the American Tree Farm System was founded to help family and individual woodland owners sustain their forests and the benefits we all receive from them; and
WHEREAS, with more than 3,900 certified tree farms in Mississippi, managed by individuals and families, combining to make up more than 19.8 million acres within the State of Mississippi, the American Tree Farm System remains a strong and essential program today, committed to conserving our state's forests and their benefits, especially in the face of growing pressures such as wildfires, insects and diseases, and development pressures; and
WHEREAS, tree farmers invest time, manpower and personal funds to practice sustainable forest management on their land so we can enjoy all the benefits these forests provide us; and
WHEREAS, the American Tree Farm System is made possible by volunteers from the local small woodlands associations, conservation organizations, forest products companies, university extensions and our own Mississippi Forestry Association; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to support our family forests, family woodland owners and organizations like the American Tree Farm System, whose hard work and commitment to preserving Mississippi's natural environment ensures future generations will be free to enjoy its pristine beauty and take joy in its wonder:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the American Tree Farm System upon the occasion of its 75th Anniversary, to be celebrated June 12, 2016, and extend best wishes for continued success and prosperity for many years to come.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Woodlands Operating Committee Chairperson Kathryn Fernholz, Mississippi Forestry Association President Ian Munn and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.