Senate Concurrent Resolution 671

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING DR. JOHN HODGES OF ASHLAND AS THE 2011 MISSISSIPPI WILDLIFE FEDERATION FOREST CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR.

WHEREAS, Ashland resident Dr. John Hodges was recently the recipient of a high honor from the Mississippi Wildlife Federation. Dr. Hodges was named the "2011 Forest Conservationist of the Year"; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Wildlife Federation is the largest network of conservationists in the state and was founded over 60 years ago. The Mississippi Wildlife Federation is a nongovernmental collection of individuals, businesses and organizations that work towards natural resource conservation, environmental quality and preserving hunting, fishing and other outdoor recreation. The Mississippi Wildlife Federation's Conservation Achievement Awards are among the most prestigious for conservation efforts. They are presented annually on behalf of Mississippi Wildlife Federation's members and supporters and its statewide network of affiliated organizations; and

WHEREAS, the organization held its 51st Annual Conservation Achievement Awards Program in Jackson, Mississippi, and during this program Dr. Hodges was recognized. In the ceremony program, short biographies were included on many of the award recipients honored. Here is what the Mississippi Wildlife Federation stated in the award: "For the past 35 years, Dr. John Hodges has focused his research on the hardwood forests of the South. Beginning in the 1970s, John directed research producing the foundation for management and harvest practices for desirable oak species on bottomland areas across the region. John also was a pioneer in recognizing variation in site quality across bottomland areas across the region. John also was a pioneer in recognizing variation in site quality across bottomland areas and the importance of matching hardwood species to appropriate sites. This information has become particularly useful in efforts to restore agricultural fields to hardwoods. John's directives and guidance have saved landowners and agencies millions of dollars in potential planting failures; and

WHEREAS, as an instructor at Mississippi State University, John left another legacy. Through university classroom instruction, students were given a solid foundation in hardwood silvaculture, unlike most programs that focus on pine production. In addition, John started a series of hardwood short courses to train foresters with little background in hardwood management. John designed a three-year program specifically for the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks' staff; and

WHEREAS, John continues to travel throughout Mississippi and the South as an unpaid consultant helping landowners with their questions and concerns about hardwood forest management; and

WHEREAS, Dr. John Hodges and his wife, Polly Renick Hodges, current reside in Ashland, Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That the Legislature hereby commends and joins the federation in recognizing him for his significant contributions to bottomland hardwood management.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to Dr. Hodges and the Mississippi Wildlife Federation and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.