[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 44, Number 41 (Monday, October 20, 2008)]
[Page 1352]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 8309--National Forest Products Week, 2008

 October 16, 2008

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    During National Forest Products Week, we highlight our country's 
commitment to protect and wisely use America's forests for our Nation's 
prosperity and well-being.
    Across our country, citizens rely on forest products to meet their 
daily needs. Our forests enable us to produce goods such as paper and 
furniture, provide raw materials such as lumber for homes and buildings, 
and offer job opportunities that bring economic security for many 
Americans.
    My Administration is steadfast in its commitment to protect our 
forests from both manmade and natural harm. It is vital that we continue 
to make progress in conserving our natural resources and using them 
responsibly. Since 2002, we have worked to restore our forests and 
protected them against catastrophic fires as part of the Healthy Forests 
Initiative. Americans take great pride in our country's natural 
splendor, and by working together to be good stewards of the 
environment, we can leave our children and grandchildren a healthy and 
flourishing land.
    Recognizing the importance of our forests in ensuring our Nation's 
well-being, the Congress, by Public Law 86-753 (36 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 19 through October 25, 2008, 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 sixteenth day 
of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand eight, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
third.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., October 20, 
2008]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
October 21.