HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 94-4711, by Representative Stevens

               WHEREAS, Duane and Anna Marie Weston have owned their 50 acre Tree Farm near Arlington in Snohomish county for 15 years; and

               WHEREAS,  Duane and Anna Marie Weston were named Washington State's 1992-93 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, Duane and Anna Marie Weston were nominated for the finals from among one thousand one hundred certified tree farmers state-wide, were selected for the title from six finalists, and will compete in the regional competition and, if successful, the national competition; and

               WHEREAS, Duane and Anna Marie Weston have done all the field work themselves until this year, when they contracted for logging only; and

               WHEREAS, The total harvest this past year was three-and-one-half acres; and

               WHEREAS, Three-quarters of an acre last year and another three acres this year were replanted, and just over one acre will be replanted next year; and

               WHEREAS, The Westons have constructed one-and-one-half miles of fire break and walking trails through the property; and

               WHEREAS, For the past seven years the Weston's Tree Farm has been a Boy Scout Campcraft Training Center for merit badge studies in natural resources; and

               WHEREAS, Duane and Anna Marie Weston are active members of many forest-related associations, and Duane is active with the local chamber of commerce and the Snohomish County Forestry Advisory Committee for growth management; and

               WHEREAS, Duane and Anna Marie Weston 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; and

               WHEREAS, Washington's Tree Farm Program is a part of the American Tree Farm System, with a nation-wide membership of nearly 70,000 landowners who collectively own 95 million acres; and

               WHEREAS, Fifty-eight percent of the timber harvested in the United States comes from nonindustrial, private woodlands like the Weston's Tree Farm;

               NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives commend Duane and Anna Marie Weston for being named Washington's Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year; and

               BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Duane and Anna Marie Weston.

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

                                           Resolution 4711 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                                                        March 3, 1994.

                                                       ________________________________

                                                              Marilyn Showalter, Chief Clerk