WHEREAS, America’s system of public lands includes parks, unique landscapes, forests, wildlife refuges, historic trails, natural streams and wetlands, nature centers, gardens and other landmark areas throughout the nation that individually and collectively represent irreplaceable national resources; and

        WHEREAS, public lands provide locally accessible natural and cultural resources for environmental learning, wildlife appreciation and recreation; and

        WHEREAS, public lands promote civic ideals that include shared stewardship and recognition of public ownership; and

        WHEREAS, shared stewardship requires the goodwill, cooperation and active support of citizens, community, city and state officials, business leaders, children and adults; and

        WHEREAS, the Civilian Conservation Corps (1993-1944) gave our nation a magnificent legacy of stewardship of our treasured natural resources that is being passed to younger generations; and

        WHEREAS, land conservation builds awareness among urban dwellers with concerns about planned development, shared land use, preservation of wild areas and natural habitats, and the benefits realized by diligent restoration and enhancement efforts; and

        WHEREAS, an alliance between private citizens, land managers and community leader improves the condition of publicly held lands for the greater enjoyment and enrichment of all Americans; and

        WHEREAS, National Public Lands Day, co-sponsored by the National Endowment & Training Foundation, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Department of Defense, the National Park Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and USDA Forest Service, and has become an annually anticipated event for local participation on publicly held lands in this State;

        NOW THEREFORE, I, JAMES E. RISCH, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby proclaim September 30, 2006, to be

NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY

In Idaho, and call upon the people of Idaho to recognize and participate in this special observance.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this 18th day of August in the year of our Lord two thousand and six and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-first and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred seventeenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE