Little Rock, AR – Arkansas Forestry Caucus Chairmen State Senator Ben Gilmore (R- Crossett) and State Representative Howard M. Beaty Jr. (R – Crossett), Vice Chairmen Senator Matt Stone (R – Camden) and Representative Jeff Wardlaw (R – Hermitage), and Representative Mindy McAlindon (R – Centerton) recently received the Arkansas Forestry Associations’ Legislator of the Year Awards at their 78th annual meeting in Hot Springs. The awards were given to the top legislators advocating and passing legislation to help economic development efforts and expanding growth of the Arkansas forestry sector during the 2023 legislation session.
“I am encouraged by the hard work and legislation the Forestry Caucus was able to pass this past legislation session. Forestry plays a significant role in Arkansas’ economy, especially in our rural communities. It is critical we advance policies that will help our state’s most important industries – forestry. We look forward to continuing the partnership with our foresters to expand an industry that is crucial to our state,” said Senator Gilmore.
Upon receiving their awards, Representative Beaty stated, “the Forestry Caucus will continue working with Arkansas foresters and passing more legislation to help economic development efforts and expand the growth of our forestry sector that is vital to our state. Arkansas’ forests cover 18.9 million acres, or 56 percent of the state, and have more than 1.2 billion tons of standing timber. This is just the beginning.”
“We appreciate and are thankful for the hard work of the entire Forestry Caucus, this is an award for all the members,” said Senator Gilmore and Representative Beaty.
