HR452: HR452 Georgia Forestry Commission and others; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives rather than a change to state law. It recognizes the Georgia Forestry Commission, which has operated since 1921, as an emergency response agency for its work fighting wildfires and helping landowners with prescribed burning. The resolution also commends specific award winners from 2024: the Worth County Unit for Unit of the Year for Service, the Fannin/Towns/Union Unit for Unit of the Year for Community Engagement, Clark Rountree for Wildland Firefighter of the Year, and Kevin Lee for Forester of the Year. It directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to State Forester John Sabo.

• Formally recognizes the Georgia Forestry Commission as an emergency response agency within the Georgia House of Representatives.
• Commends the Worth County Unit for being named the Commission's 2024 Unit of the Year for Service.
• Commends the Fannin/Towns/Union Unit for being named the Commission's 2024 Unit of the Year for Community Engagement.
• Commends Clark Rountree as the Commission's 2024 Wildland Firefighter of the Year and Kevin Lee as its 2024 Forester of the Year.
• Directs the Clerk of the House to prepare a copy of the resolution for distribution to State Forester John Sabo.

The Georgia Forestry Commission, its employees, and the specific honorees named (the Worth County Unit, the Fannin/Towns/Union Unit, Clark Rountree, and Kevin Lee) are the direct subjects of this recognition, along with State Forester John Sabo, who receives a copy.

The resolution carries no legal or funding changes; it is a symbolic honor. Its practical effect is public recognition of the Georgia Forestry Commission's wildfire and forest management work and specific individuals and units within it for 2024.

• Opening whereas clauses describe the Georgia Forestry Commission's mission, history since 1921, and average annual wildfire response of about 3,000 fires and 18,500 acres.
• First resolving clause formally recognizes the Georgia Forestry Commission as an emergency response agency.
• Second resolving clause commends the four named award recipients for their 2024 honors.
• Final resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to State Forester John Sabo.

1. 2025-02-28House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-28House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-28House Hopper (House)

• Bill Yearta (R, HD-152)Primary sponsor
• Johnny Chastain (R, HD-007)
• Stan Gunter (R, HD-008)
• Noel Williams (R, HD-148)
• Gary Richardson (R, HD-125)
• Robert Dickey (R, HD-134)

• forestry
• wildfire response
• emergency management
• legislative commendation