House Concurrent Resolution 114

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF PETRIFIED WOOD BEING DESIGNATED THE STATE STONE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, on April 14, 1976, the House of Representatives of the State of Mississippi joined the members of the Mississippi Senate, designating petrified wood as the state stone for the State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, petrified wood is a beautiful rock formation which has been transfigured into a stony replica of its organic mold by structural impregnation with dissolved materials; and

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Petrified Forest, located in Flora, Mississippi, is one of the most significant deposits of petrified wood in the country, and is the only petrified forest in the eastern United States; and

WHEREAS, a relatively undisturbed accumulation of ancient fir and maple driftwood that was buried in Tertiary sands and covered with loess, which have since been exposed after surface water eroded gullies on the 46-acre parcel of land that constitutes the Mississippi Petrified Forest and its nationally recognized petrified wood fossils; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of its uncommon beauty naturally found in the heart of Mississippi, it was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965; and

WHEREAS, National Natural Landmarks are selected for their outstanding condition, illustrative value, rarity, diversity and value to science and education; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize the natural wonders within our state that bring great pride to the citizens of the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the 40th anniversary of the designation of petrified wood as the Official Stone of the State of Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.