MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Harvey

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MISSISSIPPI FORESTRY COMMISSION AND ITS EMPLOYEES FOR AN OUTSTANDING EFFORT IN CONTAINING FOREST FIRES DURING THE FALL OF 1999 AND SPRING OF 2000.

WHEREAS, Mississippi is richly blessed with forests that cover 62% of its land area; and

WHEREAS, economic impact results in $11.4 Billion industry; and

WHEREAS, these forests provide employment to more than 129,000 of its citizens, habitat for wildlife, recreational opportunities for both residents and visitors, enhance the beauty of the state and its environment, and provide serene home sites for numerous Mississippians; and

WHEREAS, the severely dry weather during the fall of 1999 and spring of 2000 pushed the fire danger to unusually high levels, resulting in a 35% increase in the number of fires; and

WHEREAS, the hard work and diligence of the firefighting crews of the Mississippi Forestry Commission resulted in a negligible increase in average fire size; and

WHEREAS, said hard work and diligence protected the forests of this state and the lives and property of its citizens from destruction by wildfire:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the Mississippi Forestry Commission and its employees for a job well done in containing forest fires during the fall of 1999 and spring of 2000, and wish them continued success in their responsibilities.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to the Mississippi Forestry Commission on behalf of all employees, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.