MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Montgomery, Butler (38th), Fillingane, Jackson (32nd), Jolly, Lee, Norwood, Simmons (12th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING ROY THIGPEN, SR., OF MONTROSE IN JASPER COUNTY, UPON HIS RECEIPT OF THE 2014 MISSISSIPPI FORESTRY ASSOCIATION (MFA) "OUTSTANDING TREE FARMER OF THE YEAR" AWARD.
WHEREAS, Mississippi Forestry Association's (MFA) 2014 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year is Roy Thigpen, Sr., of Montrose in Jasper County; and
WHEREAS, longtime MFA members will remember Roy's father, Chester, who was MFA Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year in 1994-1995 and went on to become the National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year in 1996. Chester was the first minority landowner to win this national award. Today, Roy and his wife Julia manage acreage that belonged to his parents. Chester and his wife Rosett managed their land so successfully that they used tree farm revenue to send their five children to college; and
WHEREAS, not only did Roy learn valuable lessons in management from his father, but today his own son and grandson, Roy, Jr., and Roy III (Trey), are actively involved in the operation of the tree farm. The Thigpen Tree Farm is a legacy passed from generation to generation in the best tradition of family farming in Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, "This tree farm is a great example of what a significant asset land and timber can be to a family. It is great to watch the land go from one generation to another, with each generation being taught how to manage and to get the appropriate help. It's really important to bring that next generation along," said Dr. Glenn Hughes, Extension Professor, Mississippi State University Department of Forestry; and
WHEREAS, the Thigpen Tree Farm tradition began in 1940 when Chester and Rosett bought their first 85 acres from Chester's uncle for $10.00 an acre. They inherited 37 additional acres in 1946, and gradually added more acreage. They raised cattle, corn and cotton. In 1960, Chester invited his County Forester to the farm, and began to learn about thinning pines and culling hardwoods. Chester also became an advocate for forestry, joining MFA and serving as a Commissioner for the Mississippi Forestry Commission; and
WHEREAS, Roy and Julia have owned their 320-acre farm for sixteen years. The farm has been under a written Forest Management Plan since the 1970s and a certified Tree Farm since 1960. Roy is retired from the Mississippi Governor's Office of Public Safety, where he served as Director of Public Safety Planning-Highway Safety; and
WHEREAS, the primary objectives of the tree farm are timber production, recreation, water quality and wildlife. Roy performs about 69% of the field work himself. His son, Roy, Jr., vendors, and Forestry Consultants help with tree planting, aerial spraying, timber marketing and planning. "The Roy Thigpen Tree Farm is a working tree farm, producing forest products and financial income for his family. Roy is retired, but tree farming is his full-time job," said Jack White, District Forester, Mississippi Forestry Commission in Bay Springs. White, Chair of the Mississippi Tree Farm Committee, nominated Thigpen for the award; and
WHEREAS, in addition, Roy oversees annual silvicultural burns with the assistance of the Mississippi Forestry Commission; road building and maintenance; and water quality work on creeks. Roy is an active member of MFA and the Jasper County Forestry Association. He has hosted a field day for youth for the National Network of Forest Practitioners; and
WHEREAS, Mississippi Forestry Association's vision is to serve as the "Voice of Forestry" in Mississippi, by leading diverse groups to promote landowner rights, environmental stewardship, member prosperity and community understanding. MFA members and staff work to accomplish this mission by conducting public affairs, communication and education programs that will foster better understanding and appreciation of conservation, development and use of forestland and resources; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we commend a wonderful example for all generational tree farmers in Mississippi who is an outstanding steward of his family's land:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and congratulate Roy Thigpen, Sr., of Montrose in Jasper County, upon his receipt of the 2014 Mississippi Forestry Association (MFA) "Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year" Award, and extend the best wishes of the Legislature to Roy and his family for future success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Roy Thigpen, Sr., forwarded to the Executive Director of the Mississippi Forestry Association and the Mississippi Forestry Commission, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.