[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 123, 111th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8423--SEPT. 25, 2009

Proclamation 8423 of September 25, 2009
National Public Lands Recognition Day, 2009
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

Borne out of a commitment to protect and preserve our natural treasures,
America's public lands are an indispensable component of American life.
As we work to protect their integrity for future generations, vast
expanses of land remain available for the use and enjoyment of all who
visit them. National Public Lands Day is an opportunity for all
Americans, young and old, to celebrate the majesty of our open spaces
and devote our collective efforts to conserving our Nation's unique
landscapes.
Today, from the largest National Parks and Forests to neighborhood
playgrounds and urban parks, 130,000 volunteers are working on over
2,000 public land improvement projects across the Nation. Committed
individuals, including participants from schools and universities,
private businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies,
are continuing the American tradition of stewardship through their
service.
Dedicated to improving all aspects of our natural environment, this
year's Public Lands Day focuses on water. Across the country, volunteers
are highlighting the need to protect our Nation's water bodies by
monitoring water quality in rivers and lakes, restoring wetlands,
preventing stormwater runoff and erosion, cleaning up trash from
shorelines, and learning techniques to conserve water at home.
Public lands help preserve our Nation's quality of life, offering fresh
water, abundant natural resources, and educational and recreational

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opportunities. I was proud to sign the Omnibus Public Land Management
Act of 2009 to add to our Nation's treasured landscapes and build on our
rich history as guardians of our natural environment. Today, we affirm
our resolve to conserve these cherished spaces for our enjoyment and for
that of future generations.
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 26, 2009, as
National Public Lands Day. I invite all my fellow citizens to join me in
a day of service for our public lands.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth day of
September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.
BARACK OBAMA