THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release October 14, 2000
NATIONAL FOREST PRODUCTS WEEK, 2000
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BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
In the early years of the 20th century, President Theodore Roosevelt
challenged his fellow citizens to begin the vital task of conserving the
precious natural resources with which America has been so abundantly
blessed. As part of his notable conservation achievements, he consolidated
65 million acres of Federal forest reserves into the National Forest System
and created the United States Forest Service to provide wise stewardship of
these lands for future generations.
Today, the National Forest System comprises more than 190 million
acres of forests and grasslands, a priceless remnant of the great
wilderness that once stretched across our country. Whether sustaining
ecosystems, supplying water, providing lumber, or offering recreation,
these precious areas benefit millions of Americans.
We must continue to sustain the health and beauty of the forestlands
President Roosevelt first set aside for us so many decades ago. I am proud
that my Administration has made significant progress in improving the
management of Federal forestlands. With science-based planning and
research, we have sought to achieve a balance between strengthening
protections for wildlife and water quality and providing a steady,
sustainable supply of the building materials, paper products, and other
commodities we need to meet the challenges of our growing economy.
America?s forests have always offered us unique and irreplaceable
benefits. They are a treasured inheritance, and we must ensure in this new
century that our policies and actions sustain this precious legacy for the
prosperity and well-being of generations to come.
To recognize the importance of our forests in ensuring the long-term
welfare of our Nation, the Congress, by Public Law 86-753 (36 U.S.C. 123),
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, 2000, 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 fourteenth day of
October, in the year of our Lord two thousand, and of the Independence of
the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-fifth.
WILLIAM J. CLINTON
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