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

 
Proclamation 8738 of October 14, 2011

National Forest Products Week, 2011
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
America's forests have long played an integral role in shaping and
developing our Nation. They help us access clean water and air, drive
discovery as natural laboratories, and make our communities more
beautiful and vibrant places to live. From renewable energy and biofuels
to green building materials, forests also provide a wide variety of
products that make up an important part of our economy. During National
Forest Products Week, we celebrate the value of our woodlands and
recommit to careful stewardship and preservation of these national
treasures.
Through the America's Great Outdoors Initiative, my Administration
continues to advance a 21st century conservation agenda and ensure we
use our precious natural resources sustainably. Meeting the test of
environmental stewardship often means finding the best ideas at the
grassroots level, and this initiative is guided by the insights of
Americans from across our country. From hunters and fishers to tribal
leaders and young people, we all have a stake in safeguarding the
woodlands we cherish. As we build the foundation for a smarter, more
community-driven environmental strategy, we embrace the uniquely
American idea that each of us has an equal share in the land around us
and an equal responsibility to protect it.
This year, we also join the global community in commemorating the
International Year of Forests. By bolstering our commitment to the
responsible management and conservation of forests around the world, we
sow the seeds of a greener future for our children and grandchildren.
To recognize the importance of products from our forests, the Congress,
by Public Law 86-753 (36 U.S.C. 123), as amended, has designated the
week beginning on the third Sunday in October of each year as ``National
Forest Products Week'' and has authorized and requested the President to
issue a proclamation in observance of this week.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, do hereby proclaim October 16 through October 22, 2011, as
National Forest Products Week. I call on the people of the United States
to join me in recognizing the dedicated individuals who are responsible
for the stewardship of our forests and for the preservation, management,
and use of these precious natural resources for the benefit of the
American people.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day of
October, 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