Scott Wheeler: Giving a Voice to Vermonters in Montpelier

House concurrent resolution honoring George Buzzell for his exemplary public service as Orleans County state forester

Offered by: Representatives Wheeler of Derby and Lewis of Derby

Offered by: Senators Illuzzi and Starr

Whereas, in November 1964, George Buzzell began his career as the Orleans County state forester and as an employee of the department of forests, parks and recreation, and

Whereas, he could honestly state that his office consisted of the 460,000 acres of land in Orleans County, and

Whereas, George Buzzell was the epitome of a dedicated public servant and protector of the state’s natural resources, and

Whereas, as Orleans County’s state forester, George Buzzell was responsible for advising and assisting private landowners within the county with respect to sound forestry management practices, and

Whereas, in working with a private landowner, he would familiarize himself with the landowner’s specific situation and concerns through discussions and direct observations, and

Whereas, George Buzzell’s carefully considered assistance and advice would follow the best stewardship practices by respectfully taking account of both the landowner’s immediate economic needs and the long-term vitality of the forestland, and

Whereas, maple sugaring is important to the economy of the Northeast Kingdom, and George Buzzell was a recognized expert on the health of a sugar bush, and he traveled to other states to offer his advice to sugar makers, and

Whereas, George Buzzell believed that an essential part of his job was to educate future landowners in the ways of sound forestry practices, and to that end he participated in programs associated with Arbor Day observances and at local schools, and

Whereas, with respect to pest control, George Buzzell inspected many shipments of lumber prior to their crossing the border into Canada in order to try to halt the international migration of forestry pests, and

Whereas, the landowners of Orleans County greatly respect the work and wisdom of George Buzzell and have greatly benefited from his assistance for nearly 45 years, and

Whereas, on March 1, 2009, George Buzzell retired from his long-held position of Orleans County state forester, now therefore be it
Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives:

That the General Assembly honors George Buzzell for his exemplary public service as Orleans County state forester, and be it further

Resolved: That the Secretary of State be directed to send a copy of this resolution to George Buzzell.