[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 125, 112th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
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.

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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.
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.
BARACK OBAMA