[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 173 (Wednesday, September 7, 2011)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 55211-55212]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-22939]


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  Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2011 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 55211]]


                Proclamation 8704 of September 1, 2011

                
National Wilderness Month, 2011

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                The mystery and wonder of wilderness is deeply rooted 
                in our national character. For many of the first 
                Americans--American Indians and Alaska Natives--the 
                wilderness provided a source of sustenance and a 
                foundation for their ways of life. Later, as explorers 
                and the pioneers of a young country moved west, they 
                found adventure and new beginnings in the landscapes of 
                our Nation.

                 As we continue our country's proud journey and explore 
                new opportunities in the 21st century, the importance 
                of maintaining our wilderness has only grown. 
                Protecting our wilderness areas and their riches--clean 
                water, stretches of undisturbed land, thriving 
                wildlife, and healthy ecosystems--is critical to the 
                health of our environment and our communities. Today, 
                wilderness areas serve as places for us to roam, hunt, 
                fish, and find solitude. They are also strong engines 
                of local economies, providing tourism and recreation 
                revenue for communities.

                 To help preserve our natural surroundings, I 
                established the America's Great Outdoors Initiative to 
                advance a conservation agenda for the 21st century, 
                with ideas stemming directly from the American people. 
                We are working with State, local, and tribal 
                communities to support community-driven initiatives 
                that embody the values and character of our wilderness 
                heritage and other landscapes. And in recognition of 
                the importance of our wilderness, my Administration has 
                expanded protected wilderness areas by 2 million acres.

                From our earliest days, America's identity has been 
                tied to the powerful waterfalls, soaring peaks, and 
                vast plains of its land. As a people, we are defined by 
                its diversity and empowered by its richness. This 
                month, we honor this land that we love, and commit to 
                ensuring our wilderness remains a place where all can 
                experience the spirit that has shaped America. During 
                National Wilderness Month, let each of us embrace our 
                Nation's legacy of protecting and preserving our vast 
                wilderness for generations to come.

                 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 September 2011 as 
                National Wilderness Month. I invite all Americans to 
                visit and enjoy our wilderness areas, to learn about 
                their vast history, and to aid in the protection of our 
                precious national treasures.

[[Page 55212]]

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

[FR Doc. 2011-22939
Filed 9-6-11; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-W1-P