[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 128, 113th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 9160--AUG. 29, 2014

Proclamation 9160 of August 29, 2014

National Wilderness Month, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Fifty years ago, a forward-thinking Nation came together, a President
put pen to paper, and a great society secured an enduring gift for
future generations. Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on September
3, 1964, the Wilderness Act and the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act
began a new era of American conservation. Together, they set aside an
initial 9.1 million acres of Federal land for the use and enjoyment of
the American people and recognized our obligation to preserve a piece of
our original and unspoiled splendor for posterity. For the first time,
our Nation defined vast stretches of our continent as wilderness and
codified the simple premise that when we take something from the earth,
we have a responsibility to give something back. On the anniversary of
this environmental milestone, we reflect on our rich tradition of
stewardship, which has preserved the wild and scenic places we enjoy
today, and renew our commitment to advancing our country's legacy of
conservation in our own time.

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Our Nation's wilderness shaped the growth of our country and the
character and spirit of our people. Early pioneers explored its expanse
as they pushed westward, and its natural bounty sustained settlers who
found new land and new opportunities for prosperity. Today our vast
wilderness--which has grown to more than 109 million protected acres--
provides laboratories for our researchers and classrooms for our
students pursuing new frontiers of science, medicine, and technology.
This land is the habitat for our Nation's diverse flora and fauna and
refuge for Americans of all ages. And it supports recreation and tourism
that strengthen our economy.
My Administration continues to pursue a conservation agenda for the 21st
century. During my first year as President, I designated over 2 million
acres of wilderness and more than 1,000 miles of rivers. And earlier
this year, I established the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National
Monument, marking the eleventh time I have used my Executive authority
to protect our pristine landscapes and historic and cultural heritage.
America's open spaces stretch from rocky mountain tops to windswept
tundras, but they are also found between city blocks and at the end of
country roads. In small towns and urban centers across our Nation, my
Administration is working to reconnect Americans to our natural beauty.
To empower local communities to protect and utilize these natural
resources, we launched the America's Great Outdoors Initiative. For
decades, the Land and Water Conservation Fund has supported these
efforts by making critical investments to increase access to the
outdoors for hunting and other recreation, protect our country's iconic
features--from National Parks to Civil War battlefields--and advance
over 40,000 local projects establishing everything from baseball fields
to community green spaces. But 50 years after President Johnson signed
the Fund into law, it is set to expire without action from the Congress.
I have called for the full and permanent funding of this vital tool of
environmental stewardship, and I continue to work to make it easier for
families to spend time outside no matter where they live.
Today, our outdoor spaces are more precious than ever, and it is more
important than ever to come together and protect them for the next
generation. During National Wilderness Month, we draw on the audacity
and vision of previous generations of environmental stewards and resolve
to do our part to preserve our planet for our children and for their
children.
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 2014 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 twenty-ninth day of
August, in the year of our Lord two thousand fourteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.
BARACK OBAMA