[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 31, Number 42 (Monday, October 23, 1995)]
[Page 1847]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6842--National Forest Products Week, 1995

October 14, 1995

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    America's forests are a priceless inheritance--one of our country's 
greatest treasures. From National Forests to State and local parks, from 
industrial timberlands to privately-owned lots, wooded areas offer us 
numerous gifts and promise future generations continued benefits. During 
National Forest Products Week, we renew our commitment to care for our 
woodlands and to preserve their capacity to sustain themselves.
    Providing nutrients and habitat to countless species--including 
those threatened or endangered--our Nation's forests extend their bounty 
to mankind as well. Many Americans depend on timberlands for their 
livelihood; countless people enjoy camping, hiking, and picnicking; and 
others seek out the woods to find peace and spiritual renewal. In 
addition, these rich tracts of land produce raw materials for building 
and other uses and are an essential source of food and medicines derived 
from trees, shrubs, forbs, fungi, and micro-organisms.
    The current state of our forests requires our government, citizens, 
and the forestry industry to examine past and current forest management 
practices and to develop new strategies. We are moving toward a new era 
in stewardship with increased emphasis on forests that are diverse, 
robust, productive, and sustainable. Understanding that our wooded 
regions are part of a global mosaic of ecosystems, we must continue to 
promote public and private environmental responsibility and ensure that 
our conservation efforts set standards for the world to follow.
    In recognition of the central importance of our forests to the 
welfare of our Nation, the Congress, by Public Law 86-753 (36 U.S.C. 
163), 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, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, do hereby proclaim October 15 through October 21, 
1995, as National Forest Products Week. I call upon the people of the 
United States to honor the vital role America's forests play in our 
national life and to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and 
activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day 
of October, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-five, 
and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred 
and twentieth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 10:37 a.m., October 17, 
1995]

Note: This proclamation was released by the Office of the Press 
Secretary on October 16, and it was published in the Federal Register on 
October 18.