SR818: SR818 Rabon, Commissioner Walter; recognize

26 LC 129 1106 Senate Resolution 818 By: Senators Anderson of the 24th, Goodman of the 8th, Watson of the 11th, Echols of the 49th, Dickerson of the 21st and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing Commissioner Walter Rabon as the recipient of the 2 026 Conservation1 Trailblazer Award; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the Dallas Safari Club, whose mission is to ensure the conservation of wildlife3 through public engagement, education, and advocacy for well-reg ulated hunting and4 sustainable use worldwide, has named Georgia Department of Natu ral Resources5 Commissioner Walter Rabon as the recipient of the 2026 Conservation Trailblazer Award;6 and 7 WHEREAS, this prestigious award recognizes wildlife professiona l s w h o s e w o r k h a s8 significantly advanced conservation, applied research, habitat stewardship, and9 forward-looking policy; and10 WHEREAS, Commissioner Rabon has devoted decades of service to conserving Georgia's11 natural resources, beginning his career in 1993 as a Conservation Ranger and rising through12 the ranks of the Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcemen t Division before13 faithfully serving as Deputy Commissioner from 2015 to 2023; and14 S. R. 818 - 1 - 26 LC 129 1106 WHEREAS, in August 2023, he was appointed Commissioner by the B oard of Natural15 Resources and assumed responsibility for guiding the state agency charged with protecting16 and enhancing Georgia's natural, historic, and cultural resourc es for present and future17 generations; and18 WHEREAS, his leadership has strengthened access to the outdoors, empowered youth and19 new participants, and advanced meaningful initiatives such as the DNR Career Academy and20 Outdoors Beyond Barriers, expanding conservation education and outdoor recreation21 opportunities for individuals of all abilities; and22 WHEREAS, this recognition reflects Commissioner Rabon's steadfast leadership, lifelong23 commitment to stewardship, and the collective dedication of the Georgia Department of24 Natural Resources team.25 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body26 recognize Commissioner Walter Rabon as the recipient of the 2026 Conservation Trailblazer27 Award and express sincere appreciation for his decades of exemp lary service to the28 conservation of Georgia's natural resources and the benefit of its citizens.29 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed30 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to Commissioner31 Walter Rabon.32 S. R. 818 - 2 -