HR210: HR210 Georgia Forestry Commission; serving the State of Georgia as an emergency response agency; commend

25 LC 112 2908 House Resolution 210 By: Representatives Petrea of the 166th, Hatchett of the 155th, Corbett of the 174th, Burchett of the 176th, Cannon of the 172nd, and others A RESOLUTION Commending the Georgia Forestry Commission for serving the Stat e of Georgia as an1 emergency response agency; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the Georgia General Assembly established the Forestry Act of 1921, providing3 for a State Board of Forestry, to protect Georgia's forest resources; and4 WHEREAS, the Georgia Forestry Commission has worked diligently toward its mission "to5 provide leadership, service, and education to protect and conserve Georgia's forest resources"6 and its vision of "healthy and abundant forests that support a robust industry while providing7 social, environmental, and financial benefits to all of Georgia" since 1921; and8 WHEREAS, the Georgia Forestry Commission has protected Georgia's forests and citizens9 from an average of 3,000 wildfires that burn 18,500 acres per y ear and has responded to10 historic wildfire events, including catastrophic fires in 2007, 2011, 2016, and 2017; and11 WHEREAS, the Georgia Forestry Commission assists public and private landowners in the12 established practice of prescribed burning to reduce hazardous fuels, protect communities13 from extreme wildfires, minimize the spread of insects and diseases, and improve habitats14 for threatened and endangered species; and15 H. R. 210 - 1 - 25 LC 112 2908 WHEREAS, the Georgia Forestry Commission plays a vital role in the state's emergency16 response during natural disasters and other events that require quick action to protect public17 safety and environmental health; and18 WHEREAS, employees of the Georgia Forestry Commission have responded to all-hazard19 events, including but not limited to Hurricane Katrina, Winter Storm Pax, Hurricane Michael,20 the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Helene, President Jimmy Carter's funeral, and Avian21 Influenza response efforts; and22 WHEREAS, employees of the Commission are trained to meet nation al standards as23 Firefighter Type 1 and Firefighter Type 2 or are POST-certified law enforcement officers and24 undergo specific, rigorous training and assignments to maintain qualifications to respond to25 wildfires and all-hazard incidents; and26 WHEREAS, employees of the Commission serve the citizens of the state with dedication,27 heart, and determination to ensure the safeguarding of communities as well as the protection28 and conservation of forest resources for the next generation.29 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that30 the members of this body commend the Georgia Forestry Commissio n for its decades of31 dedicated, efficient, and effective service on behalf of the ci tizens of this state as well as32 extend sincere best wishes for continued success.33 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized34 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to State35 Forester John Sabo.36 H. R. 210 - 2 -