TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR DENNIS CHASTAIN FOR HIS COMMITMENT AND LEADERSHIP TO CONSERVATION IN THE UPSTATE AND TO THE PRESERVATION OF THE RICH HISTORY OF THAT REGION.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives are pleased to learn that Dennis Chastain was honored with the Extraordinary Achievement Award at the ForeverGreen Awards Luncheon on February 19, 2019; and

Whereas, the Extraordinary Achievement Award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to conservation and sustainable growth in the Upstate through dedication and leadership; and

Whereas, the award was given in recognition of Mr. Chastain's work as a writer, historian, botanist, guide, and conservation advocate for more than forty years; and

Whereas, called a modern day Daniel Boone, he is an award-winning outdoor writer, historian, tour guide, and interpretive naturalist who has spent most of his adult life exploring, photographing, and writing about the South Carolina mountains; and

Whereas, in the course of his distinguished service, Mr. Chastain has made a number of important discoveries, including wildflowers never recorded in Pickens County, the remnants of long-forgotten roads and Native American trails, and numerous prehistoric rock carvings on Pinnacle and Table Rock mountains; and

Whereas, every Spring Mr. Chastain leads popular tours in the Nine Times area to view rare mountain plants, and has conducted several members-only field trips for Upstate Forever through the years; and

Whereas, currently Mr. Chastain serves as the vice president of the Blue Wall of the Pickens County Historical Society and is working to secure funding for an historically accurate reconstruction of the colonial era Fort Prince George; and

Whereas, together with his beloved wife, Jane, he lives on his family's homestead in the shadow of Table Rock where his ancestors have been deeply rooted since 1796; and

Whereas, Mr. Chastain has encouraged South Carolinians to heed the wisdom of the ancient prophet who promised, "Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; then you will find rest for your souls"; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives deeply appreciates the dedicated and effective efforts that Dennis Chastain has contributed to conservation in the Upstate and to ensuring the protection of the natural heritage of the Palmetto State. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, recognize and honor Dennis Chastain for his commitment and leadership to conservation in the Upstate and to the preservation of the rich history of that region.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Dennis Chastain.