Great Outdoors Week, 2002

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Title 3--
The President

Proclamation 7572 of June 7, 2002

Great Outdoors Week, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

During Great Outdoors Week, our Nation celebrates the
wonderful legacy of our parks, forests, wildlife
refuges, recreation areas, and other public lands and
waters. Protection of many of these special places
started with initiatives begun by President Theodore
Roosevelt. He established a commitment to conservation
that we continue today. President Roosevelt believed
that, ``The nation behaves well if it treats the
natural resources as assets which it must turn over to
the next generation increased; and not impaired in
value.'' As we enjoy the many benefits of our great
outdoors, we also must renew our individual and
collective dedication to natural resource conservation.

Across our Nation, federally managed lands comprise
nearly one out of every three acres. Thousands of
recreation sites nationwide are managed by Federal
agencies. These agencies work to make it easier for all
people to enjoy our natural resources. ``Recreation
One-Stop'' provides information on the Internet to help
Americans find and experience the land we love. In
addition, through increases in appropriations, fees
paid by visitors, and partnerships with non-profits,
communities, and businesses, we are addressing and
reversing years of neglect.

Americans have a special appreciation for the great
outdoors. Each year, thousands of hard-working
volunteers contribute millions of hours to our parks
and other sites. They build trails, act as campground
hosts, staff visitor centers, serve as interpreters,
clean shorelines, and introduce children to safe and
healthful outdoor fun. Their efforts enhance the
enjoyment of those who visit our parks each year. My
call to service through the USA Freedom Corps will help
energize volunteerism on these Federal lands. In
addition, my Administration's new Cooperative
Conservation Initiative will provide millions of
dollars to help citizens undertake conservation
projects on public lands.

The events of September 11 have reminded us of our deep
and abiding love for our homeland. And our natural,
historic, and cultural sites have played an important
role since that tragic day, serving as places for many
Americans to reflect upon life and renew their hope.
During Great Outdoors Week, I encourage all Americans
to experience and celebrate our wonderful natural
heritage.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim June 9 through June 15,
2002, as Great Outdoors Week. I call on all Americans
to observe this week with safe and wholesome outdoor
recreational activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
seventh day of June, in the year of our Lord two
thousand two, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth.

(Presidential Sig.)B