79R3858 BJM-D

By:  McReynolds                                                   H.R. No. 823



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The Texas Forestry Association (TFA) is sponsoring a 
seedling giveaway on March 23, 2005, in an effort to promote public 
awareness of forestry and the importance of the state's timber 
resources; and
	WHEREAS, The forest industry and family forest owners plant 
more than 100 million seedlings annually in order to maintain 
sustainable forests for future generations of Texans; and
	WHEREAS, Covering more than 12 million acres, the forests in 
East Texas provide Texas with more than 91,000 jobs, a payroll 
exceeding $2.3 billion, and a total economic impact of more than $22 
billion, making timber the third most valuable agricultural 
commodity statewide; and
	WHEREAS, Founded in 1914 by a group of dedicated 
conservationists, the Texas Forestry Association has tirelessly 
striven to ensure that abundant forests remain a dependable 
resource for the citizens of Texas, and under the current and able 
leadership of President Joy Purfurst, TFA will undoubtedly continue 
to contribute to the economic vitality and beauty of the Lone Star 
State; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize the Texas Forestry Association on the 
occasion of its seedling giveaway and commend the more than 3,200 
members of the association for their exemplary reforestation 
efforts and advocacy; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the Texas Forestry Association as an expression of 
high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.