[Federal Register Volume 79, Number 171 (Thursday, September 4, 2014)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 52949-52950]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2014-21261]


 
 
                         Presidential Documents 
 
 

  Federal Register / Vol. 79 , No. 171 / Thursday, September 4, 2014 / 
Presidential Documents  

[[Page 52949]]


                Proclamation 9160 of August 29, 2014

                
National Wilderness Month, 2014

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Fifty years ago, a forward-thinking Nation came 
                together, a President put pen to paper, and a great 
                society secured an enduring gift for future 
                generations. Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on 
                September 3, 1964, the Wilderness Act and the Land and 
                Water Conservation Fund Act began a new era of American 
                conservation. Together, they set aside an initial 9.1 
                million acres of Federal land for the use and enjoyment 
                of the American people and recognized our obligation to 
                preserve a piece of our original and unspoiled splendor 
                for posterity. For the first time, our Nation defined 
                vast stretches of our continent as wilderness and 
                codified the simple premise that when we take something 
                from the earth, we have a responsibility to give 
                something back. On the anniversary of this 
                environmental milestone, we reflect on our rich 
                tradition of stewardship, which has preserved the wild 
                and scenic places we enjoy today, and renew our 
                commitment to advancing our country's legacy of 
                conservation in our own time.

                Our Nation's wilderness shaped the growth of our 
                country and the character and spirit of our people. 
                Early pioneers explored its expanse as they pushed 
                westward, and its natural bounty sustained settlers who 
                found new land and new opportunities for prosperity. 
                Today our vast wilderness--which has grown to more than 
                109 million protected acres--provides laboratories for 
                our researchers and classrooms for our students 
                pursuing new frontiers of science, medicine, and 
                technology. This land is the habitat for our Nation's 
                diverse flora and fauna and refuge for Americans of all 
                ages. And it supports recreation and tourism that 
                strengthen our economy.

                My Administration continues to pursue a conservation 
                agenda for the 21st century. During my first year as 
                President, I designated over 2 million acres of 
                wilderness and more than 1,000 miles of rivers. And 
                earlier this year, I established the Organ Mountains-
                Desert Peaks National Monument, marking the eleventh 
                time I have used my Executive authority to protect our 
                pristine landscapes and historic and cultural heritage.

                America's open spaces stretch from rocky mountain tops 
                to windswept tundras, but they are also found between 
                city blocks and at the end of country roads. In small 
                towns and urban centers across our Nation, my 
                Administration is working to reconnect Americans to our 
                natural beauty. To empower local communities to protect 
                and utilize these natural resources, we launched the 
                America's Great Outdoors Initiative. For decades, the 
                Land and Water Conservation Fund has supported these 
                efforts by making critical investments to increase 
                access to the outdoors for hunting and other 
                recreation, protect our country's iconic features--from 
                National Parks to Civil War battlefields--and advance 
                over 40,000 local projects establishing everything from 
                baseball fields to community green spaces. But 50 years 
                after President Johnson signed the Fund into law, it is 
                set to expire without action from the Congress. I have 
                called for the full and permanent funding of this vital 
                tool of environmental stewardship, and I continue to 
                work to make it easier for families to spend time 
                outside no matter where they live.

[[Page 52950]]

                Today, our outdoor spaces are more precious than ever, 
                and it is more important than ever to come together and 
                protect them for the next generation. During National 
                Wilderness Month, we draw on the audacity and vision of 
                previous generations of environmental stewards and 
                resolve to do our part to preserve our planet for our 
                children and for their children.

                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 2014 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.

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

[FR Doc. 2014-21261
Filed 9-3-14; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F4