1-1 By: Ratliff S.R. No. 625 1-2 (In the Senate - Filed April 30, 1997; May 1, 1997, read 1-3 first time and referred to Committee on Administration; 1-4 May 9, 1997, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas 7, 1-5 Nays 0; May 9, 1997, sent to printer.) 1-6 SENATE RESOLUTION 1-7 WHEREAS, Texans have always taken great pride in our state's 1-8 rich bounty of natural resources, and the careful stewardship of 1-9 these precious assets is essential if future generations are to 1-10 benefit from them; and 1-11 WHEREAS, The forest products industry has been at the 1-12 forefront of responsible land use, and with the inauguration of the 1-13 Sustainable Forestry Initiative, the principles of conservation and 1-14 continuity that ensure the future of forestry will be disseminated 1-15 through the ongoing education of landowners, foresters, and 1-16 loggers; the initiative also provides for the monitoring of 1-17 industry adherence to these guidelines; and 1-18 WHEREAS, An essential component of the Texas economy, the 1-19 forest products industry comprises more than 61,000 employees, 1-20 representing nearly six percent of the state's manufacturing 1-21 workforce, and the vital importance of the industry underscores the 1-22 necessity for intelligent management of the state's more than 19 1-23 million acres of forest land; now, therefore, be it 1-24 RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 75th Texas Legislature 1-25 hereby recognize the state's forest products industry for its 1-26 commitment to responsible use of natural resources and commend the 1-27 creation of the Sustainable Forestry Initiative as a means to this 1-28 end. 1-29 * * * * *