MS SC624

Recognizes and congratulates Roy Thigpen, Sr., of Montrose in Jasper County for receiving the 2014 Mississippi Forestry Association "Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year" Award

Roy Thigpen's father Chester won the same state award in 1994-1995 and became the first minority landowner to win the National Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year in 1996

The Thigpen Tree Farm began in 1940 when Chester and Rosett purchased 85 acres for $10.00 per acre; Roy and Julia now own 320 acres that has been a certified Tree Farm since 1960

Roy is retired from the Mississippi Governor's Office of Public Safety where he served as Director of Public Safety Planning-Highway Safety, and now manages the tree farm full-time with his son Roy Jr. and grandson Roy III (Trey)

Resolution directs presentation to Roy Thigpen, Sr., with copies forwarded to the Mississippi Forestry Association and Mississippi Forestry Commission