National Forest Products Week, 1995

Proclamation 6842 of October 14, 1995

National Forest Products Week, 1995

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

America's forests are a priceless inheritance--one of
our country's greatest treasures. From National Forests
to State and local parks, from industrial timberlands
to privately-owned lots, wooded areas offer us numerous
gifts and promise future generations continued
benefits. During National Forest Products Week, we
renew our commitment to care for our woodlands and to
preserve their capacity to sustain themselves.

Providing nutrients and habitat to countless species--
including those threatened or endangered--our Nation's
forests extend their bounty to mankind as well. Many
Americans depend on timberlands for their livelihood;
countless people enjoy camping, hiking, and picnicking;
and others seek out the woods to find peace and
spiritual renewal. In addition, these rich tracts of
land produce raw materials for building and other uses
and are an essential source of food and medicines
derived from trees, shrubs, forbs, fungi, and micro-
organisms.

The current state of our forests requires our
government, citizens, and the forestry industry to
examine past and current forest management practices
and to develop new strategies. We are moving toward a
new era in stewardship with increased emphasis on
forests that are diverse, robust, productive, and
sustainable. Understanding that our wooded regions are
part of a global mosaic of ecosystems, we must continue
to promote public and private environmental
responsibility and ensure that our conservation efforts
set standards for the world to follow.

In recognition of the central importance of our forests
to the welfare of our Nation, the Congress, by Public
Law 86-753 (36 U.S.C. 163), 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, WILLIAM J. CLINTON, President of the
United States of America, do hereby proclaim October 15
through October 21, 1995, as National Forest Products
Week. I call upon the people of the United States to
honor the vital role America's forests play in our
national life and 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
nineteen hundred and ninety-five, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twentieth.