HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 91-4647, by Representatives Bowman, Brumsickle, Sheldon, Riley, P. Johnson, Tate, Jones, Basich and Casada

     WHEREAS, Clarence V. Rankin, a depression era shopkeeper, purchased two hundred acres of logged off land from the Graham Land Company; and

     WHEREAS, Sixty-one years later, this body honors Clarence Rankin's son, John Rankin and his wife Evelyn, who were named Washington State's 1990-91 Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year; and

     WHEREAS, This prestigious honor is given to the top nonindustrial tree farmer who has demonstrated exemplary forest management skills, substantial interest in the Tree Farm Program, abilities in relating to other landowners, and special human interest; and

     WHEREAS, John Rankin was nominated for the finals from among one thousand one hundred certified tree farmers state-wide, selected for the title from nine finalists, and will compete in the regional competition and, if successful, the national competition; and

     WHEREAS, Sixty-five year old John Rankin manages his two hundred acre tree farm near Silver Creek with the assistance of his wife, Evelyn, his son John, and his daughters Jean, Betty, and Mary; and

     WHEREAS, John Rankin is recognized by his peers for his high level of enthusiasm for good land stewardship, innovative management practices, precommercial and commercial thinning, forest protection and aesthetics, and forestry promotion in the community; and

     WHEREAS, The farm includes forty acres of Christmas trees, seventy-five acres that have been logged and hand-planted in ten foot by ten foot rows, with five hundred trees to the acre, and ninety acres of mixed Douglas fir, maple, and alder; and

     WHEREAS, John Rankin's achievements reflect the spirit of dedication and hard work which have been shared by the leaders of Washington State's important timber industry;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives commend John R. Rankin for being named Washington's Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year and wish him the best of luck in the regional competition; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to John R. Rankin.

         I hereby certify this to be a true and correct copy of

        Resolution 4647 adopted by the House of Representatives

                            March 22, 1991.

                     ________________________________

           Alan Thompson, Chief Clerk, House of Representatives