[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 79 (Thursday, April 23, 2020)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 22945-22946]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-08840]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 85 , No. 79 / Thursday, April 23, 2020 /
Presidential Documents
[[Page 22945]]
Proclamation 10011 of April 17, 2020
National Park Week, 2020
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
Our national parks embody the magnificence and grandeur
of our great Nation. Every year, more than 300 million
visitors enjoy the breathtaking landscapes, abundant
wildlife, historic landmarks, and patriotic memorials
found at these great American sites. During National
Park Week, we recognize the majesty of our national
parks, pay tribute to the tranquility and solace they
provide, and applaud the men and women who work
tirelessly to preserve our heritage for us and for
future generations of Americans.
This year, the recognition of our national parks is
particularly poignant as our country continues to
combat the challenges posed by the coronavirus
pandemic. Where our national parks have been able to
remain safely open, they continue to provide a respite
for the American people. Guidance from local health
departments and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention has led the National Park Service to
determine that access to national parks must be
temporarily curtailed, and that entire parks must be
closed in some cases, to ensure the safety of visitors,
employees, volunteers, and others. In the interim, we
have found creative ways for Americans to connect with
national parks through virtual opportunities that can
be experienced remotely. At the same time, we look
forward to when we can once again fully share with the
public the benefits of our national parks.
Even in challenging times, my Administration remains
committed to maintaining and improving the condition
and infrastructure of our national parks. Since 2017,
we have invested in the restoration of the USS Arizona
Memorial at Pearl Harbor, the restoration of the
Washington Monument, and the construction of a new
boardwalk around Old Faithful in Yellowstone National
Park. My fiscal year 2021 budget proposes the
establishment of a Public Lands Infrastructure Fund,
which would ensure continued long-term investments in
the infrastructure of our Nation's public lands.
Additionally, last year, I signed into law the John D.
Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation
Act, the first comprehensive legislation addressing
public lands management in over a decade. This
legislation permanently reauthorized the Land and Water
Conservation Fund, adjusted the boundaries of 15
national parks, and extended 2 national trails. These
improvements will allow increased visitor access to our
iconic national parks and landmarks.
The National Park Service also collaborates with a
growing network of States, local governments, and
nonprofit organizations to encourage all Americans to
use parks and other public lands as resources. The
programs offered through these partnerships share the
storied history of our Nation's triumphs and challenges
with visitors from around our country and the world.
For example, this year, we commemorate the 100th
anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment,
which secured for women the right to vote. The voices
of women whose vision, tenacity, and resilience moved
them to tear down barriers and lead reform movements
are shared at the Women's Rights National Historical
Park in New York, the Belmont-Paul Women's Equality
National Monument in Washington, DC, and other sites
across the country.
[[Page 22946]]
The splendor of our Nation's landscapes and landmarks
is a true reflection of our rich history and the beauty
and greatness of America. As we observe National Park
Week, we reaffirm our commitment to providing all
Americans with greater opportunities to experience the
stunning mountains, plains, deserts, coastlines,
forests, and cultural and historical monuments
displayed in our national parks. This week, we
recognize the importance of our national park system
and look forward to reopening all areas of our sites
and parks to provide the public with more opportunities
to enjoy all of our tremendous national landmarks.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, 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 18 through
April 26, 2020, as National Park Week. I encourage all
Americans to celebrate our national parks by learning
more about the natural, cultural, and historical
heritage that belongs to each and every citizen of the
United States of America.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two
thousand twenty, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and forty-fourth.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 2020-08840
Filed 4-22-20; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3295-F0-P