HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 92-4743, by Representatives Morris, Cooper, Riley, Sheldon, R. Johnson and P. Johnson

    WHEREAS, In the late 1800's the Andrews family immigrated to Washington; and

    WHEREAS, Mark F. Andrews, Jr. was born and raised in Cowlitz County and began tree farm activities on his parents' property as a teenager in the 1940's; and

    WHEREAS, Mark and Gina Andrews have owned and managed their land since 1960; and

    WHEREAS, This body honors Mark and Gina Andrews who were named Washington State's 1991-92 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, Mark and Gina Andrews were nominated for the finals from among one thousand one hundred certified tree farmers state-wide, selected for the title from seven finalists, and will compete in the regional competition and, if successful, the national competition; and

    WHEREAS, Mark and Gina Andrews manage their 2,965 acre tree farm in parcels ranging in size from ten to four hundred twenty acres located in Cowlitz, Wahkiakum, Lewis, and Pacific Counties; and

    WHEREAS, Mark and Gina Andrews have been recognized by their peers for their outstanding example of what a nonindustrial forest landowner can and should do in forest management so as to obtain the highest possible wood fiber yield through conversions of nonproductive and low-productive forest lands to the cultivation of highly productive species, while at the same time taking steps to and accomplishing other conservation measures such as wildlife enhancement, recreational activities, and education; and

    WHEREAS, Mark and Gina Andrews have conducted a cooperative fishery project over the last eight years in conjunction with the Fly Fishers Association and the Department of Wildlife, releasing 8,000-10,000 sea run Cutthroat Steelhead into the Coweeman River each year; and

    WHEREAS, Mark and Gina Andrews host tree farm tours for foresters, tree farmers, political candidates and decision-makers, and local, state, and national groups to witness tree farm management, regulations, and economic factors; and

    WHEREAS, Private nonindustrial forestry is an exercise in democracy and the private enterprise system;

    NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives commend Mark and Gina Andrews for being named Washington's Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year and wish them 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 Mark and Gina Andrews.

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

             Resolution 4743 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                 March 10, 1992.

                         ________________________________

                           Alan Thompson, Chief Clerk