[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 124, 111th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
PROCLAMATION 8568--SEPT. 24, 2010

Proclamation 8568 of September 24, 2010
National Public Lands Day, 2010
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation

From majestic mountain ranges to beloved neighborhood parks, Americans
enjoy the natural places our ancestors have celebrated and protected for
centuries. Our public lands represent the American spirit and reflect
our shared experience--our history, our culture, and our deep love for
wild and beautiful places. Every September, thousands of Americans
volunteer their time and talents to protect our parks, national forests,
wildlife refuges, and other public lands. National Public Lands Day is
an occasion to join together in honor of our Nation's unique natural
treasures.
Every year, Americans take this opportunity to conserve and restore our
public places. Last year, an estimated 150,000 dedicated volunteers
removed litter and invasive plants; cleaned water resources; built and
maintained trails; and planted trees, shrubs, and other native plants.
This year, I encourage even more Americans to volunteer in local
projects to have a greater impact on parks and public lands across our
Nation.
Taking care of our public lands is and must continue to be a proud
American tradition. In April, I hosted the White House Conference on
America's Great Outdoors to address challenges and opportunities
surrounding conservation today, and to identify new ways to work
together to preserve our natural bounty. I also inaugurated the
America's Great Outdoors Initiative to build a conservation agenda for
the 21st century, and to reconnect Americans to our great outdoors. To
do this, I instructed my Administration to participate in listening
sessions around the country to hear Americans' concerns, and to learn
about what citizens and communities are doing to safeguard our land,
water, and wildlife, as well as places of historic and cultural
significance. As a Nation, we must engage in a new conversation about
the conservation of the cherished places that have helped define us.
On this day of service and celebration, I encourage all Americans to
give their time and energy to care for--and to go out and enjoy--our
public lands. Together, we can build upon our history of stewardship so
our unique landscapes are preserved for countless generations to come.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 25, 2010, as
National Public Lands Day. I invite all Americans to join me in a day of
service for our public lands.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-fourth day
of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fifth.
BARACK OBAMA