House Concurrent Resolution 9

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING MR. ART WAYMIRE FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE FIELD OF FORESTRY.

WHEREAS, Mr. Art Waymire of Foxden Plantation is one of the best cooperators in Marshall County, whose interests are equally divided between soil and water conservation, timber production, wildlife and aesthetics; and

WHEREAS, his commitment to these areas in the last five years

has been evidenced by the harvesting of 25 acres of bug-damaged pine saw-timber, reforestation of approximately 569 acres, heavy herbicide site preparation of 569 acres, herbicide release of 460 acres and permanent firebreaks of 18 miles; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Waymire has used his expertise in forestry to educate the community by hosting two adult forestry field days for teachers and students of Rust College, five youth groups for tree planting and tree identification, Arbor Day Tree Planting projects, Earth Day celebrations, Youth Forestry Field Day-Theme: "Environment," the 2003 Forestry Field Day on the grounds of the Audubon Center and opening his farm to the "Catch-A-Dream" program; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Waymire has received numerous awards for his work, such as the 1997 Award for Outstanding Conservation Landowner, the 2002 Northeast District Tree Farmer, the 2002 Mississippi Conservationist of the Year and the 2003 Northeast Mississippi Tree Farmer of the Year; and

WHEREAS, this great forester has not only received various awards, he has been featured in a number of newspapers around this state, such as the South Reporter, the Sunday Regional Edition of the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, and the Pigeon Roost News; and

WHEREAS, to maintain his level of excellence in the field of forestry, Mr. Waymire belongs to a number of forestry associations, such as the Marshall County Forestry Association, Mississippi Forestry Association, Forest Landowners Association, Mississippi Wildlife Federation and the Marshall County Soil and Water Conservation; and

WHEREAS, the best evidence of his skills as a forester exists in Foxden Plantation, a 2,021 acre farm, in which Mr. Waymire has executed every part of his Stewardship Incentive Plan by rehabilitating all of the land, water and wildlife resources that were in disaster; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature of the State of Mississippi to recognize remarkable foresters who help to revitalize the lands of our great state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend Mr. Art Waymire for his outstanding contributions to the field of forestry and extend our heartiest wishes for success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Mr. Art Waymire, his family and members of the Capitol Press Corps.