National Forest Products Week, 2008

Proclamation 8309 of October 16, 2008

National Forest Products Week, 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.