General Assembly, Confirmation of Appointment - Mark Rogers, Forestry Commission -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Confirms Mark Rogers to the Tennessee State Forestry Commission for a term through June 30, 2029, representing owners of 500+ acres and guiding sustainable forest policy.

Companion HJR 193 substituted SJR

#confirmationofappointment #generalassembly

Purpose

A Senate Joint Resolution to confirm the appointment of Mark Rogers to the Tennessee State Forestry Commission, a body within the Department of Agriculture. The resolution states that the governor shall appoint seven members to the commission, and this confirms Rogers’ appointment for a term that expires June 30, 2029.

Key Provisions and Changes

Confirmation of Appointment: The bill formally confirms Mark Rogers as a member of the state forestry commission.

Representation: Rogers is designated to represent an owner of 500 acres or more of forests within Tennessee.

Term Length: The appointment runs through June 30, 2029.

Statutory Basis: The confirmation process aligns with Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 11-4-201, which establishes the commission and the governor’s appointment authority for its seven members, subject to General Assembly confirmation.

About the Appointee

Experience: Nearly 30 years in forest management.

Certification: Society of American Foresters certified forester.

Professional Focus: Has worked with private industry, state forestry agencies, and conservation organizations.

Current Role: Central Appalachian forest manager for The Nature Conservancy.

Commitments: Emphasizes employee/contractor safety, sustainable forest management, water quality, development of the forest products industry, and forestry education.

Professional Affiliations: Member of the Society of American Foresters and the Tennessee Forestry Association.

Education: Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in forestry from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Affected Parties and Impacts

Affected Entity: The Tennessee State Forestry Commission (within the Department of Agriculture).

Impact: Adds Mark Rogers to the commission, providing leadership and expertise in forestry management, conservation, and related policy discussions.

Stakeholders Benefited: Forest landowners (notably those with 500+ acres), the forest products industry, conservation groups, and the broader public through emphasis on water quality and sustainable forestry practices.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduction: February 10, 2025.

Legislative Path:

February 12: Introduced and passed on First Consideration.
February 13: Passed on Second Consideration; referred to Senate Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Committee.
February 26: Recommended for adoption by the committee; sponsor(s) added; referred to Senate Calendar Committee.
February 27: Placed on Senate Consent Calendar for March 3, 2025.
March 3, 2025: Companion HJR 193 substituted SJR 116; placed on consent calendar; concurrent adoption anticipated.

Status: Companion HJR 193 substituted SJR; the current version is SJR 116 as the confirming joint resolution.

Final Action: The resolution provides that the General Assembly confirms Mark Rogers’ appointment to the state forestry commission for the stated term.

Bottom Line

SJR 116 is a formal, non-controversial confirmation of Mark Rogers’ appointment to Tennessee’s state forestry commission, leveraging his extensive forestry background and aligning with statutory confirmation processes. The resolution ensures Rogers serves through June 30, 2029, representing large forest holdings and contributing to policies on sustainable forestry, water quality, and forest industry development.

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