HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 96-4736, by Representatives Morris, Boldt, Benton, Carlson, Hatfield, Basich, Sheldon, Kessler, Grant, Ogden, Brumsickle, Chappell, Pennington and D. Schmidt

        WHEREAS, Everett and Mae Uskoski purchased an eighty acre tree farm in 1965 "with something to do after retirement in mind"; and

        WHEREAS, They planted their first five thousand seedlings with the help of two sons; and

        WHEREAS, Everett and Mae are actively involved in the Clark County Farm Forestry Association, he on the board of trustees and she as secretary; and

        WHEREAS, Their tree farm is a family operation benefiting from the help of eight children and their families; and

        WHEREAS, This body honors Everett and Mae Uskoski who were named Washington State's 1995-96 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, The Uskoskis were nominated for the finals from among one thousand one hundred certified tree farmers state-wide, selected for the title from five finalists, and will compete in the regional competition and, if successful, the national competition; and

        WHEREAS, Their tree farm is the home to many deer, elk, and other wildlife; and

        WHEREAS, Neighbors utilize horse trails throughout the acreage; and

        WHEREAS, The Uskoski's work with children in the classroom and in the woods, sharing the importance of trees as a renewable resource and the myriad of wood products that surround our daily lives; and

        WHEREAS, The Uskoskis share the sentiments of Joyce Kilmer in his poem Trees when he says, 'I think that I shall never see, a poem lovely as a tree...Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree'; 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, a nation-wide membership of nearly seventy thousand landowners who collectively own ninety-five million acres; and

        WHEREAS, The American Tree Farm System is a fifty-five year old network that brings together forest landowners who are committed to protecting water and soil quality and providing wildlife habitat and quality recreation opportunities at the same time they produce timber products; and

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

        NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives commend Everett and Mae Uskoski 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 to Everett and Mae Uskoski.

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

              Resolution 4736 adopted by the House of Representatives

                                  March 6, 1996.

                         ________________________________

                          Timothy A. Martin, Chief Clerk