[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 23 (Monday, June 10, 2002)]
[Page 943]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7569--National Fishing and Boating Week, 2002

 May 31, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Our Nation's landscape contains thousands of bodies of water that 
offer endless opportunities for recreational boating and fishing. Every 
year, millions of Americans, including me, look forward to enjoying 
these popular pastimes.
    In addition to providing opportunities for recreation, fishing and 
boating play important roles in our Nation's economy. They support 
thousands of American jobs and generate millions of dollars that go 
directly back to protecting and conserving resources at the local level. 
Since 1950, State fish and wildlife agencies have received nearly $4 
billion through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act. These 
funds have helped to purchase over 322,000 acres for boating, fishing 
and fish production, and research. In addition, funding has been used to 
help educate the public about fish and their habitats. These measures 
enhance the quality of life for people of all ages and continue a vital 
legacy of environmental stewardship.
     Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States 
of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution 
and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2 through June 8, 
2002, as National Fishing and Boating Week. During this week, I 
encourage people of the United States to participate in the thousands of 
local events scheduled in communities throughout the United States, 
offering hands-on opportunities for families and friends to share in 
these recreational activities.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this thirty-first 
day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
sixth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., June 4, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on June 5. 
This item was not received in time for publication in the appropriate 
issue.