104 STAT. 5422 PROCLAMATION 6204—OCT. 12, 1990 sary to build ships and railroads for transportation and commerce, as well as telegraph and telephone lines. Today we continue to rely on our Nation's forests and forest products in a multitude of ways. Forests serve as the habitat for much of our Nation's wildlife and provide a peaceful, scenic setting for family outings and other recreational activities. They also continue to provide raw materials for fuel, construction, and a variety of wood and paper products. Although we have the choice of many different building products, we continue to value wood for our homes and furnishings. Wood is strong and dtirable, yet also flexible and versatile. New technology and techniques for its treatment, preservation, and design continue to increase its usefulness. The Department of Agricultm-e reports that forest products contribute 4 percent to the Gross National Product and account for almost 2 million jobs in wood manufactiu'ing and related industries and an estimated $25 billion in annual wages to working men and women. According to the Department, the forest industry ranks among the top 10 employers in 48 of the 50 States. Forest products thus make a significant contribution to our Nation's economic strength and progress, as well as to our individual physical comfort and well-being. Unfortunately, in the past, our ancestors did not always recognize the need for careful stewardship of our forest resources. Taking for granted this country's vast, dense forests and striving to meet the great and urgent demands of a growing Nation led to rapid and sometimes wasteful use of forest resources. Forest cut-out and move-out practices were, for too long, assumed to be an inevitable part of development, while conservation strategies were viewed as a limitation on progress. Fortunately, however, a more enlightened view of forest management eventually emerged. Farsighted leaders such as President Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot, the Nation's first trained forester, successfully contended that systematic and scientific management of our forests could guarantee their productivity for years to come. While it is clear that forests can be used to meet consumer needs, it is also clear that they must be replenished in a timely manner—especially when natural regeneration does not appear to be sufficient. Over the years careful studies and experience have helped us to improve management of this precious, yet renewable, resource. Indeed, today's forest managers view the forest as a whole ecosystem that, when handled wisely, can ensure a sustained yield of forest products. Policies and practices developed according to this view are compatible with other environmental interests such as watershed and wildlife protection. Targeting research to develop more environmentally sensitive methods of harvesting forest products and increasing cooperation among government and private forest managers are keys to successful stewardship of this vital natural resource. Each of us has a stake in the stewardship of our Nation's forests. Ensuring that our children and our children's children are able to enjoy abundant natural resources and a healthy environment calls for personal action. Accordingly, local govenmients are rapidly organizing recy- cling programs in which every citizen can participate. Each American can also make a difference by planting trees. Through Federal efforts
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