George W. Bush

“ Our national parks provide outstanding recreational possibilities for Americans, and more than 287 million visitors each year come to these beautiful places to explore those possibilities. My Administration recognizes and accepts the importance of making these great lands more accessible to all our citizens. Our Government bears a clear and direct responsibility for the stewardship of our parks. ”

“ National Public Lands Day also serves as a special time for our country to recognize the accomplishments of the Civilian Conservation Corps, the hard-working men who built more than 800 of America's national and State parks during the 1930s and 1940s. ”

“ Only by developing partnerships among States, local communities, tribal governments, public agencies, the nonprofit sector, the private sector, and individual landowners can we truly maintain and protect our Nation's best places. ”

“ This year, more than 60,000 volunteers are expected to work at approximately 335 sites in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. In cooperation with their community partners, these individuals will contribute nearly $9 million of needed improvements to America's public lands. ”