Texas Forestry Association presented Senator Robert Nichols with the Legislator of The Year award during the Association's Board of Directors Meeting on Thursday, Dec. 10,  at the Angelina College Small Business Center in Lufkin.

According to a TFA press release, Executive Director of the Texas Forestry Association, Ron Hufford said  "It is our great honor to present Senator Nichols with this achievement, this year has been especially important with changes to Highway 59 into the I-69 corridor and what that would mean for the future of forestry in Texas."

Senator Nichols represents 19 counties in the Piney Woods and serves as Chairman for the Transportation Committee where his most recent work included updating transportation policies to better benefit industry and forestry as the I-69 transportation system moves through East Texas.

"This is a real surprise," Senator Nichols said. "I am proud to represent this area and to the have the opportunity to change things. When working with our urban counterparts on various issues, it becomes very clear why we need the Texas Forestry Association."

The Senator has also worked to protect landowners' rights during his tenure and continues to be an advocate of protecting the water rights in East Texas, both important focuses for Texas Forestry Association.

"We strive to be an integral link for landowners, providing them with information on laws and issues that affect them," Hufford said. "We are grateful for the work Senator Nichols has done to protect the interests of our members."

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