| Great Outdoors Week was first proclaimed by | | | | annually. Even though the outdoor recreation industry is |
| President Clinton in 1997. In 2004 President Bush | | | | responsible for over $250 in annual expenditures, it still |
| proclaimed Great Outdoors Month, and it has become | | | | relies on volunteerism, it requires special attention from |
| an annual celebration every year. It helps to highlight | | | | the public in order for people to realize how important |
| the level of appreciation for the environment, the | | | | the outdoor recreation industry is to the national |
| splendor of the parks, and the general physical | | | | economy, and the outdoor recreation requires special |
| wonderment about the great outdoors of the United | | | | education programs for people to join in the debate |
| States. In 2008 28 state governments and the | | | | how much respect peoples should have for the |
| president of the United States proclaimed June as | | | | splendid natural habitats that exist in this country. |
| Great Outdoors Week. As of April 2009 only 9 state | | | | National Trails Day 2009 - June 6th is being sponsored |
| governments have issued proclamations for Great | | | | by the American Hiking Society is to help people |
| Outdoors Month. As of May 1st there has not been an | | | | become more aware of the trails that exist around |
| official proclamation from President Obama (President | | | | communities. The American Hiking Society is also |
| Bush made his last Presidential Great Outdoor Month | | | | responsible for sponsoring educational exhibits and |
| Proclamation on June 2, 2008). I am sure that President | | | | other activities that help to increase people's |
| Obama's proclamation will be worth the wait, if his | | | | awareness of the trails around them. The American |
| speech to the Department of the Interior on March 3, | | | | Hiking Society also thanks volunteers, Government |
| 2008 is of any indication. | | | | Agencies and Businesses that provide them with |
| The outdoor recreation industry is one of the largest | | | | financial help to develop and maintain the trails in parks |
| economic activities with over250 billion dollars spent | | | | and other outdoor settings. |