National Wilderness Month, 2013

Proclamation 9011 of August 30, 2013

National Wilderness Month, 2013

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

In September 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed
the Wilderness Act into law, recognizing places ``where
the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by
man, where man himself is a visitor who does not
remain.'' Throughout our history, countless people have
passed through America's most treasured landscapes,
leaving their beauty unmarred. This month, we uphold
that proud tradition and resolve that future
generations will trek forest paths, navigate winding
rivers, and scale rocky peaks as visitors to the
majesty of our great outdoors.

My Administration is dedicated to preserving our
Nation's wild and scenic places. During my first year
as President, I designated more than 2 million acres of
wilderness and protected over 1,000 miles of rivers.
Earlier this year, I established five new national
monuments, and I signed legislation to redesignate
California's Pinnacles National Monument as Pinnacles
National Park. To engage more Americans in
conservation, I also launched the America's Great
Outdoors Initiative. Through this innovative effort, my
Administration is working with communities from coast
to coast to preserve our outdoor heritage, including
our vast rural lands and remaining wild spaces.

As natural habitats for diverse wildlife; as
destinations for family camping trips; and as venues
for hiking, hunting, and fishing, America's wilderness
landscapes hold boundless opportunities to discover and
explore. They provide immense value to our Nation--in
shared experiences and as an integral part of our
economy. Our iconic wilderness areas draw tourists from
across the country and around the world, bolstering
local businesses and supporting American jobs.

During National Wilderness Month, we reflect on the
profound influence of the great outdoors on our lives
and our national character, and we recommit to
preserving them for 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 2013 as
National Wilderness Month. I invite all Americans to
visit and enjoy our wilderness areas, to learn about
their vast history, and to aid in the protection of our
precious national treasures.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of August, in the year of our Lord two
thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
eighth.