[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 43, Number 21 (Monday, May 28, 2007)]
[Pages 682-683]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8149--Great Outdoors Month, 2007

 May 25, 2007

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During Great Outdoors Month, we celebrate the rich blessings of our 
Nation's natural beauty, and we renew our commitment to protecting our 
environment so that we can leave our children and grandchildren a 
healthy and flourishing land. This month is also an opportunity to pay 
tribute to those whose hard work and dedication keep our country's open 
spaces beautiful and accessible to our citizens.
    Through recreational activities such as fishing, skiing, biking, and 
nature watching, we can teach our young people about the wonders of our 
Nation's landscapes. Experiencing our Nation's natural splendor 
contributes to healthier lives for our citizens and a deeper 
appreciation for the great outdoors.
    My Administration is working to protect and conserve our natural 
wonders for future generations. To keep our National Park System 
vibrant, we requested the highest increase ever in park operations 
funding in the FY 2008 Budget and launched the National Parks Centennial 
Initiative. We are also promoting responsible stewardship and 
conservation of our air, water, and land. Harmful air pollutants are 
down more than 10 percent since 2001, but there is more work to be done. 
Through the ``Twenty in Ten'' plan, my Administration aims to limit 
greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles and reduce America's 
dependence on oil by cutting our gasoline usage by 20 percent over the 
next 10 years.
    In addition, we have restored, improved, or protected millions of 
acres of wetlands and enhanced our parks and wildlife refuges. We are 
also encouraging cooperative conservation, innovation, and new 
technologies to help ensure America's outdoors remain places where 
families and friends can learn, exercise, and create meaningful 
memories.
    Countless citizens volunteer their time and talents to protect 
America's natural resources. By working together with the private and 
non-profit sectors and the general public, we can help preserve our 
local parks, lakes, rivers, and working lands. I am grateful for the 
efforts of all those who work to conserve our Nation's natural wonders, 
and I encourage citizens to visit takepride.gov to learn about more 
opportunities to help keep our environment healthy and safe.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by

[[Page 683]]

the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 
2007 as Great Outdoors Month. I call on all Americans to observe this 
month with appropriate programs and activities and to take time to 
experience and enjoy the outdoors.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fifth 
day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
first.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 11:05 a.m., May 29, 
2007]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on May 
30.