[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 76 (Wednesday, April 20, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 22001-22002]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-9730]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 76 / Wednesday, April 20, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 22001]]


                Proclamation 8656 of April 15, 2011

                
National Park Week, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Every day, America's national parks--from the smallest 
                historic sites to the largest natural spaces--
                contribute to our Nation's collective health and 
                spirit. These places preserve our unique history and 
                iconic symbols. They protect ecosystems and serve as 
                reservoirs of biodiversity. They are sources of natural 
                sounds, clean water, and fresh air. Our parks provide 
                accessible, safe, and affordable places to appreciate 
                the bounty of our land. They offer opportunities for 
                wholesome outdoor recreation, which can improve the 
                health and vitality of all Americans.

                In no place is America's natural and historic legacy 
                more evident than our extraordinary collection of 394 
                national parks. ``Healthy Parks, Healthy People,'' the 
                focus for this year's National Park Week, highlights 
                the role of public lands--whether an iconic national 
                park or a local green space--in connecting human and 
                environmental well-being. To encourage citizens to 
                spend time in national parks, all entrance fees will be 
                waived during National Park Week. All Americans can 
                visit www.NPS.gov to find nearby parks where history 
                can be discovered and nature explored.

                America is fortunate to have a long history of 
                conservation pioneers, like President Theodore 
                Roosevelt, who understood the value of protecting our 
                most precious landscapes. My Administration is building 
                on this legacy with the America's Great Outdoors 
                Initiative, designed to create a 21st-century 
                conservation ethic and reconnect Americans with our 
                natural, cultural, and historic heritage. We are 
                working to ensure more American children have access to 
                safe and clean parks and open spaces close to their 
                homes. We will better support the farmers, ranchers, 
                and private landowners that help protect rural 
                landscapes and we will manage our public lands and 
                waters with a renewed commitment to sound stewardship 
                and resilience. As part of this responsibility, Federal 
                agencies are also partnering with the First Lady's 
                ``Let's Move!'' initiative on ``Let's Move Outside!,'' 
                a program that connects young people and their families 
                to the outdoors to encourage healthy recreation.

                The National Park Service, with 84 million acres of 
                land and 17,000 miles of trails, works with 
                environmental groups, scientists, business innovators, 
                and health-care providers to promote physical activity 
                in parks. Every Federal dollar invested in our national 
                parks generates benefits for State and local economies. 
                Beyond park boundaries, the National Park Service's 
                Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program 
                works with communities to create and enhance local 
                parks, revitalize rivers, preserve valuable open 
                spaces, and develop trail and greenway networks that 
                provide close-to-home outdoor opportunities for 
                everyone--from children to seniors--to get outside, get 
                healthy, and have fun.

                During National Park Week, we reaffirm our need to 
                maintain connections to the natural world. Whether on 
                the open range or in the heart of a bustling city, each 
                of us can work to conserve our lands and reinforce the 
                importance of setting aside beautiful places for 
                inspiration, relaxation, and recreation for all people.

[[Page 22002]]

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the 
                United States, do hereby proclaim April 16 through 
                April 24, 2011, as National Park Week. I encourage all 
                Americans to visit their national parks and be reminded 
                of these unique blessings we share as a Nation.

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                fifteenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth. 
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2011-9730
Filed 4-19-11; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P