    [United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    PROCLAMATION 8568--SEPT. 24, 2010

    Proclamation 8568 of September 24, 2010
    National Public Lands Day, 2010
    By the President of the United States of America
    A Proclamation

    From majestic mountain ranges to beloved neighborhood parks, Americans
    enjoy the natural places our ancestors have celebrated and protected for
    centuries. Our public lands represent the American spirit and reflect
    our shared experience--our history, our culture, and our deep love for
    wild and beautiful places. Every September, thousands of Americans
    volunteer their time and talents to protect our parks, national forests,
    wildlife refuges, and other public lands. National Public Lands Day is
    an occasion to join together in honor of our Nation's unique natural
    treasures.
    Every year, Americans take this opportunity to conserve and restore our
    public places. Last year, an estimated 150,000 dedicated volunteers
    removed litter and invasive plants; cleaned water resources; built and
    maintained trails; and planted trees, shrubs, and other native plants.
    This year, I encourage even more Americans to volunteer in local
    projects to have a greater impact on parks and public lands across our
    Nation.
    Taking care of our public lands is and must continue to be a proud
    American tradition. In April, I hosted the White House Conference on
    America's Great Outdoors to address challenges and opportunities
    surrounding conservation today, and to identify new ways to work
    together to preserve our natural bounty. I also inaugurated the
    America's Great Outdoors Initiative to build a conservation agenda for
    the 21st century, and to reconnect Americans to our great outdoors. To
    do this, I instructed my Administration to participate in listening
    sessions around the country to hear Americans' concerns, and to learn
    about what citizens and communities are doing to safeguard our land,
    water, and wildlife, as well as places of historic and cultural
    significance. As a Nation, we must engage in a new conversation about
    the conservation of the cherished places that have helped define us.
    On this day of service and celebration, I encourage all Americans to
    give their time and energy to care for--and to go out and enjoy--our
    public lands. Together, we can build upon our history of stewardship so
    our unique landscapes are preserved for countless 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 25, 2010, as
    National Public Lands Day. I invite all Americans to join me in a day of
    service for our public lands.
    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day
    of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
    Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
    fifth.
    BARACK OBAMA