[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 41, Number 42 (Monday, October 24, 2005)]
[Pages 1546-1547]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7948--National Forest Products Week, 2005

 October 14, 2005

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    America's forests are a source of pride, and they provide crucial 
products and materials for our citizens and communities. As we celebrate 
National Forest Products Week, we recognize the importance of our 
forests to our economy and way of life, and we reaffirm our commitment 
to protecting them through wise stewardship and sensible land 
management.
    Across our Nation, people and businesses use forest products to meet 
their daily needs. Forests provide paper for books and newspapers, 
lumber for homes and buildings, and materials for countless other items. 
As good citizens, we have a shared responsibility to cultivate and 
sustain our forests and minimize the risk of catastrophic fires that 
harm people, property, and the environment.
    My Administration has made good forest stewardship a priority. 
Through the Healthy Forests Initiative, we are reducing the frequency 
and severity of wildfires by thinning out and removing forest 
undergrowth before disaster strikes. The commonsense management 
practices we are implementing are helping to strengthen our economy, 
keep communities safe, save the lives of firefighters, and protect 
threatened and endangered habitats and wildlife.
    Sound conservation policies and responsible maintenance provide 
improved protection for our forests and greater economic prosperity for 
our citizens. During National Forest Products Week, we renew our 
commitment to sustain America's forests.
    Recognizing the importance of our forests, the Congress, by Public 
Law 86-753 (36

[[Page 1547]]

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, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, do hereby proclaim October 16 through October 22, 2005, as 
National Forest Products Week. I call upon all Americans 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 two thousand five, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and 
thirtieth.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 18, 
2005]

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