SENATE RESOLUTION

                            8684

By Senators Morton and Johnson

     WHEREAS, the men and women who work in the forests of Washington endure difficult working conditions to provide the citizens of this state and the world with quality wood products; and

     WHEREAS, timber production provides an essential economic base to the economy of our state and nation; and

     WHEREAS, timber dependent communities have experienced a severe economic downturn in recent years; and

     WHEREAS, the impact on the already hurting timber dependent communities may become devastating without a fair softwood lumber agreement; and

     WHEREAS, free trade is necessary, but it must be fair trade to allow full and fair competition;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate applauds the hard work of the men and women involved in timber production and harvest in the state, and is committed to doing its utmost to aid the continued viability of our rural communities; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Governor Gary Locke and the Washington Forest Protection Association.

I, Tony M. Cook, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8684,

adopted by the Senate June 21, 2001.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate