12 2 STA T .53 5 9PROCL A M AT I O N8 295 — S E PT. 2 6, 2 0 08 Proclam a ti o n8295 o fSep tem b er2 6, 2 0 08 Nation a lHu ntin g an dF i sh ing D a y,20 0 8BythePr e sid e n t of the U nited S t a tes of Am eri c a A Proc l amation From o u rru g g edp e aks a n d moun t a i nstoours h ining seas , our N ation is bl essed w ith remarkable natural treasures .T hese magni f i c ent land - scapes are places where families and friends can create lasting memo- ries and en j o y the outdoors. O n National H unting and Fishing D ay, our country honors the many contributions of A merica ’ s hunters and an- glers, who add to our heritage and keep our wildlife populations healthy and strong. Our Nation’s sportsmen and women are among our foremost conser v a- tionists. They care deeply about our wildlife habitats, and they have contributed billions of dollars to wildlife restoration through the P itt- man- R obertson Act, which is a levy on certain sporting goods. This in- vestment has helped restore many species, including the American elk, black bear, and wild turkey. Through the Federal W aterfowl S tamp program, the conservation of habitats for migratory birds has been greatly improved. B y protecting our Nation’s wildlife, we can continue to advance the values of good stewardship. M y Administration has created, protected, and restored millions of acres of wetlands. Through my Ocean Action Plan, we are protecting fish populations and marine habitat. I was pleased to amend Ex ecutive Order 1296 2 to recogni z e the value of recreational fishing as a sustain- able activity in Federal waters. We have also improved the health of millions of acres of forests under the Healthy Forests Restoration Act. This important legislation is helping to protect our public lands from the risk of catastrophic wildfires and contributes to a healthier environ- ment for all Americans. On this special day, we remember our responsibility to preserve the great American landscape for future generations, and we celebrate the joy of hunting and fishing in the great outdoors. NOW, THEREFORE, I, G EORGE W. B U SH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the C on- stitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 2 7 ,2 0 0 8 , as National Hunting and Fishing Day. I call upon the people of the United States to join me in recognizing the contributions of America’s hunters and anglers, and all those who work to conserve our Nation’s fish and wildlife resources. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty- sixth day of September, in the year of our L ord two thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hun- dred and thirty-third. GEORGE W. BUSH
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