National Public Lands Recognition Day, 2009

Proclamation 8423 of September 25, 2009

National Public Lands Recognition Day, 2009

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Borne out of a commitment to protect and preserve our
natural treasures, America's public lands are an
indispensable component of American life. As we work to
protect their integrity for future generations, vast
expanses of land remain available for the use and
enjoyment of all who visit them. National Public Lands
Day is an opportunity for all Americans, young and old,
to celebrate the majesty of our open spaces and devote
our collective efforts to conserving our Nation's
unique landscapes.

Today, from the largest National Parks and Forests to
neighborhood playgrounds and urban parks, 130,000
volunteers are working on over 2,000 public land
improvement projects across the Nation. Committed
individuals, including participants from schools and
universities, private businesses, non-profit
organizations, and government agencies, are continuing
the American tradition of stewardship through their
service.

Dedicated to improving all aspects of our natural
environment, this year's Public Lands Day focuses on
water. Across the country, volunteers are highlighting
the need to protect our Nation's water bodies by
monitoring water quality in rivers and lakes, restoring
wetlands, preventing stormwater runoff and erosion,
cleaning up trash from shorelines, and learning
techniques to conserve water at home.

Public lands help preserve our Nation's quality of
life, offering fresh water, abundant natural resources,
and educational and recreational opportunities. I was
proud to sign the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of
2009 to add to our Nation's treasured landscapes and
build on our rich history as guardians of our natural
environment. Today, we affirm our resolve to conserve
these cherished spaces for our enjoyment and for that
of future generations.

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 26, 2009,
as National Public Lands Day. I invite all my fellow
citizens to join me in a day of service for our public
lands.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
twenty-fifth day of September, in the year of our Lord
two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
fourth.