SJR69: Joint Resolution Text

LRB-4694/1

SRM:lmk:pg

2005 - 2006 LEGISLATURE

2005 Senate JOINT RESOLUTION 69

February 28, 2006 - Introduced by Senators Zien, Kapanke, Cowles, Decker, Miller and Breske, cosponsored by Representatives M. Williams, Friske, Hubler, Meyer, Hundertmark, Petrowski, Gronemus, Ainsworth, Krawczyk, Pettis and Molepske. Referred to Committee on Senate Organization.

SJR69,1,2 Relating to: recognizing March 23, 2006, as Wisconsin Professional Logger and Forest Products Industry Appreciation Day.

SJR69,1,5 Whereas, Wisconsin's forestry industry is the 2nd largest industry sector in the state, with annual shipments valued at $28 billion, which is 2.5 times as much as either of our neighboring states of Michigan and Minnesota; and

SJR69,1,8 Whereas, in 42 of Wisconsin's 72 counties, the forest products industry ranks 1st, 2nd, or 3rd as the largest employer and Wisconsin's forestry industry creates high paying jobs that average $38,000 annually; and

SJR69,1,10 Whereas, the forestry industry directly employs 100,000 workers with a payroll of over $3.5 billion; and

SJR69,1,14 Whereas, 160,000 workers are employed in occupations that support the forest industry, 26 percent of Wisconsin's workforce has some involvement in the forestry product industry, and Wisconsin's forest product industry employs one of every 8 workers in manufacturing jobs; and

SJR69,2,2 Whereas, on average, an acre of Wisconsin forest grows enough biomass to provide the energy equivalent to one barrel of crude oil every year; and

SJR69,2,5 Whereas, the number of live trees over 10 feet tall on Wisconsin forest land increased by 1.4 billion between 1983 and 1996 translating to 1,700 live trees per Wisconsin resident; and

SJR69,2,7 Whereas, at a time when significant forest lands are being lost in other states, Wisconsin's forest lands have increased by 640,000 acres since 1985; and

SJR69,2,9 Whereas, Wisconsin manufacturers depend on Wisconsin forestry and over 90 percent of the state's timber harvested is used by Wisconsin manufacturers; and

SJR69,2,11 Whereas, Wisconsin is the number one paper making state in the nation and has been for 50 years; and

SJR69,2,15 Whereas, Wisconsin's forests support our valuable tourism and recreation economy, creating an additional $5.5 billion annually in forest-based recreation and most recreational trails used for snowmobiling, hiking, and horseback riding began as logging roads; and

SJR69,2,17 Whereas, Wisconsin ranks 2nd in the nation in forest products capital investments, with over $800 million annually; and

SJR69,2,19 Whereas, logging is one of Wisconsin's oldest professions, predating Wisconsin's statehood; and

SJR69,2,22 Whereas, nearly all of today's logging contractors are independent, family-owned businesses and many are 2nd and 3rd generation owned; now, therefore, be it

SJR69,3,2 Resolved by the senate, the assembly concurring, That in recognition of the importance of Wisconsin's professional loggers, forestry and forestry products industry, the members of the Wisconsin legislature do hereby proclaim March 23rd, 2006, as Wisconsin Professional Logger and Forest Products Industry Appreciation Day.

SJR69,3,3 (End)