Bill 1011

                    Current Status

Bill Number:                       1011
Type of Legislation:               Senate Resolution SR
Introducing Body:                  Senate
Introduced Date:                   19980211
Primary Sponsor:                   Drummond 
All Sponsors:                      Drummond 
Drafted Document Number:           res1613.jwd
Date Bill Passed both Bodies:      19980211
Subject:                           Coy Johnston, Resolutions

Body    Date      Action Description                       Com     Leg Involved
______  ________  _______________________________________  _______ ____________

Senate  19980211  Introduced, adopted

A SENATE RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE SINCERE APPRECIATION OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA SENATE FOR THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE OF COY JOHNSTON OF SUMMERVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA, AS DIRECTOR OF THE WETLANDS AMERICA TRUST PROGRAM OF DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC., UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

Whereas, the members of the Senate have learned with deep regret that Coy Johnston has retired as Director of the Wetlands America Trust Program of Ducks Unlimited, Inc.; and

Whereas, Coy grew up as an avid hunter and fisherman in the towns of Varnville and Estill, South Carolina, where he learned to appreciate our valuable land and precious wildlife; and

Whereas, Coy graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Forestry from the University of Georgia in 1952 and then answered the call to arms of our country in the Korean War where he served as a First Lieutenant Combat Engineers Platoon leader along the 38th Parallel; and

Whereas, Coy, upon his return to South Carolina, began a twenty-five-year career with Westvaco and married his lifelong best friend, the former JoAnne Holladay of Brunson, and together they have three outstanding daughters: Helen Holladay Johnston Richardson, Kelley Johnston Ratliff and Elizabeth Brunson Johnston Parvey and six loving and loved grandchildren: Will, Emmett, Ellis, Anne, Madison and Harrison; and

Whereas, Coy is an internationally respected conservationist who is dedicated to preserving the Lowcountry marshes and coastal lands as well as the uplands and wetlands of South Carolina; and

Whereas, Coy has been one of South Carolina's leading ambassadors in the effort to promote wise use and conservation of our precious natural resources as well as our hunting heritage; and

Whereas, Coy left a very successful career in the timber industry in 1979 to join Ducks Unlimited as a regional director in South Carolina where under his direction fundraising in the State rose from $250,000 to $1.25 million; and

Whereas, Coy was promoted to East Regional Director in 1987 specializing in the securement of major gifts from corporations, foundations and individuals; and

Whereas, Coy joined the Wetlands America Trust Program of Ducks Unlimited in 1989 as Project Director of the Lowcountry Initiative for the purpose of conserving wildlife habitat; and

Whereas, Coy is directly responsible for permanently protecting nearly 50,000 acres of wildlife habitat and has helped put almost one million acres of marshland, old rice fields and other lands under conservation easement; and

Whereas, Coy also negotiated the purchase and sale of several properties of critical value to wildlife, such as Mary's Island Plantation, which are now protected as state wildlife management areas; and

Whereas, Coy received the 1993 Chevron Conservation Award and has been selected to receive the National Wetlands Conservation Award from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service; and

Whereas, Coy is a true role model for aspiring conservationists, sportsmen, and stewards of our natural resources; and

Whereas, Coy's wit and humor are qualities that have enriched and delighted his wide circle of friends and acquaintances throughout all his many endeavors; and

Whereas, Coy has always remained true to his philosophy of life that "a man's word is his bond"; and

Whereas, the people of South Carolina are forever indebted to Coy for his tireless work to preserve and protect the wetlands, uplands and coastal areas of our great State for future generations of South Carolinians. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the Senate of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, hereby publicly express sincere appreciation to Mr. Coy Johnston for his distinguished service as Director of the Wetlands America Trust Program of Ducks Unlimited, Inc., upon the occasion of his retirement and wish him Godspeed and success in all of his future endeavors.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to Mr. Coy Johnston.