R E S O L U T I O N

 1-1           WHEREAS, Texans have always taken great pride in our state's

 1-2     rich bounty of natural resources, and the careful stewardship of

 1-3     these precious assets is essential if future generations are to

 1-4     benefit from them; and

 1-5           WHEREAS, The forest products industry has been at the

 1-6     forefront of responsible land use, and with the inauguration of the

 1-7     Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the principles of conservation and

 1-8     continuity that ensure the future of forestry will be disseminated

 1-9     through the ongoing education of landowners, foresters, and

1-10     loggers; the initiative also provides for the monitoring of

1-11     industry adherence to these guidelines; and

1-12           WHEREAS, An essential component of the Texas economy, the

1-13     forest products industry comprises more than 61,000 employees,

1-14     representing nearly six percent of the state's manufacturing

1-15     workforce, and the vital importance of the industry underscores the

1-16     necessity for  intelligent management of the state's more than 19

1-17     million acres of forest land; now, therefore, be it

1-18           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas

1-19     Legislature hereby recognize the state's forest products industry

1-20     for its commitment to responsible use of natural resources and

1-21     commend the creation of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative as a

1-22     means to this end.

                                                                   Christian

                                             _______________________________

                                                   Speaker of the House

               I certify that H.R. No. 556 was adopted by the House on April

         7, 1997, by a non-record vote.

                                             _______________________________

                                                 Chief Clerk of the House