SR329: SR329 Georgia Forestry Commission; recognize

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate, not a change to state law. It recognizes the Georgia Forestry Commission, which has operated since 1921, for its work fighting wildfires and helping landowners manage forestland through practices like prescribed burning. The resolution specifically commends the Worth County Unit for being named 2024 Unit of the Year for Service, the Fannin/Towns/Union Unit for being named 2024 Unit of the Year for Community Engagement, Clark Rountree for being named 2024 Wildland Firefighter of the Year, and Kevin Lee for being named 2024 Forester of the Year. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to State Forester John Sabo.

• Formally recognizes the Georgia Forestry Commission as an emergency response agency for the State of Georgia.
• Commends the Worth County Unit for winning the 2024 Unit of the Year for Service award.
• Commends the Fannin/Towns/Union Unit for winning the 2024 Unit of the Year for Community Engagement award.
• Commends Clark Rountree as the 2024 Wildland Firefighter of the Year and Kevin Lee as the 2024 Forester of the Year.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to State Forester John Sabo.

The resolution directly names the Georgia Forestry Commission, its Worth County Unit and Fannin/Towns/Union Unit, employees Clark Rountree and Kevin Lee, and State Forester John Sabo, who receives the resolution copy.

The resolution carries no legal or funding effect; it is a symbolic honor. Its practical impact is limited to public recognition of the Georgia Forestry Commission's wildfire response work and the individuals and units singled out for 2024 achievements.

• The resolution states the Georgia Forestry Commission's mission and notes it has existed since 1921.
• It cites the Commission's response to roughly 3,000 wildfires burning 18,500 acres per year on average, including major fires in 2007, 2011, 2016, and 2017.
• The Senate resolves to recognize the Commission as an emergency response agency.
• The Senate resolves to commend the two named units and two named individuals for their 2024 awards.
• The final section directs that a copy of the resolution be distributed to State Forester John Sabo.

1. 2025-03-04Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2025-03-03Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Steve Gooch (R, SD-051)Primary sponsor
• Bo Hatchett (R, SD-050)
• Max Burns (R, SD-023)
• Larry Walker (R, SD-020)
• John Kennedy (R, SD-018)
• Sam Watson (R, SD-011)
• Russ Goodman (R, SD-008)

• forestry
• wildfire response
• state agencies
• legislative recognition