[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 24 (Monday, June 17, 2002)]
[Pages 977-978]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

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Proclamation 7572--Great Outdoors Week, 2002

 June 7, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During Great Outdoors Week, our Nation celebrates the wonderful 
legacy of our parks, forests, wildlife refuges, recreation areas, and 
other public lands and waters. Protection of many of these special 
places started with initiatives begun by President Theodore Roosevelt. 
He established a commitment to conservation that we continue today. 
President Roosevelt believed that, ``The nation behaves well if it 
treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the 
next generation increased; and not impaired in value.'' As we enjoy the 
many benefits of our great outdoors, we also must renew our individual 
and collective dedication to natural resource conservation.
    Across our Nation, federally managed lands comprise nearly one out 
of every three acres. Thousands of recreation sites nationwide are 
managed by Federal agencies. These agencies work to make it easier for 
all people to enjoy our natural resources. ``Recreation One-Stop'' 
provides information on the Internet to help Americans find and 
experience the land we love. In addition, through increases in 
appropriations, fees paid by visitors, and partnerships with non-
profits, communities, and businesses, we are addressing and reversing 
years of neglect.
    Americans have a special appreciation for the great outdoors. Each 
year, thousands of hard-working volunteers contribute millions of hours 
to our parks and other sites. They build trails, act as campground 
hosts, staff visitor centers, serve as interpreters, clean shorelines, 
and introduce children to safe and healthful outdoor fun. Their efforts 
enhance the enjoyment of those who visit our parks each year. My call to 
service through the USA Freedom Corps will help energize volunteerism on 
these Federal lands. In addition, my Administration's new Cooperative 
Conservation Initiative will provide millions of dollars to help 
citizens undertake conservation projects on public lands.
    The events of September 11 have reminded us of our deep and abiding 
love for our homeland. And our natural, historic, and cultural sites 
have played an important role since that tragic day, serving as places 
for many Americans to reflect upon life and renew their hope. During 
Great Outdoors Week, I encourage all Americans to experience and 
celebrate our wonderful natural heritage.
     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 9 through June 
15, 2002, as Great Outdoors Week. I call on all Americans to observe 
this week with safe and wholesome outdoor recreational activities.
     In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of 
June, 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 11, 
2002]

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

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