By JAMES L. CUMMINS
Special to The Sun-Sentinel
Most people do not stop to think about the important role that forest products play in our everyday lives, especially in Mississippi.
From clean air, paper, buildings, bridges, energy, chemicals and the jobs that support the production of all these things, our world depends on trees to provide for us.
National Forest Products Week is being observed Oct. 17-23.
This annual observance began on Sept. 13, 1960, when Congress passed a joint resolution providing for the establishment of an annual National Forest Products Week to be held each year on the week beginning with the third Sunday in October. (Ironically, it was Rep. E.L. “Tic” Forrester from Georgia who presented the proclamation in the House for approval.)
President Dwight Eisenhower signed the first proclamation two days later, while calling on the people of the United States to observe the week of Oct. 16, 1960, “with activities and ceremonies designed to focus attention on the importance of our forests and forest products to the nation’s economy and welfare.”
During this time, we should recognize the research that has been conducted by the Forest Service and Mississippi State University for more than 100 years in support of its mission to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation’s forests. This research promotes the responsible use of this natural resource.
New products and technologies developed through this research create jobs, especially in rural areas, and stimulate economic growth. Without these ongoing efforts to sustain our forests, we might not have anything to celebrate.
Perhaps the best thing about forest products is that they come from a renewable and sustainable resource. Not only are wood products recyclable, durable and energy efficient, healthy, growing forests play a key role in absorbing carbon dioxide, releasing oxygen and storing carbon over time.
So, during the week of Oct. 17-23, take a look around, think about the many ways that our forests benefit you in your everyday life.
National Forest Products Week is a time to recognize the many products that come from our forests, the people who work in and manage our forests, the people who make the products, and how all of it contributes to our lives.
James L. Cummins is executive director of Wildlife Mississippi, a nonprofit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources.
