Proclamation 9315-National Wilderness Month, 2015
Issued 2015-08-31 by Barack Obama
Plain-English Overview
AI-generated summary explaining what this action does, who it affects, and why it matters
President Obama issued this proclamation to designate September 2015 as National Wilderness Month. This is a ceremonial declaration that draws national attention to America's wilderness areas and encourages Americans to visit and learn about these protected lands. The proclamation does not create any new laws or legal requirements—it simply expresses the President's recognition of wilderness preservation as important to the nation.
The proclamation highlights the administration's conservation efforts, including designating more than 2 million new acres of wilderness and launching the Every Kid in a Park initiative, which provides free admission to public lands for fourth graders and their families. It also calls on Congress to permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has supported over 40,000 local projects protecting parks, battlefields, and community green spaces.
This action affects all Americans by inviting them to visit wilderness areas and participate in their protection. It matters because it brings national focus to conservation and outdoor recreation during the designated month. Ceremonial proclamations like this fall within longstanding presidential tradition dating back to George Washington and face no constitutional challenges, as they are purely declaratory statements rather than legally binding directives.
AI-generated summary for educational purposes
Constitutional Analysis
How this action fits (or doesn't) within Article II authority and existing law
This proclamation designates "Proclamation 9315-National Wilderness Month, 2015" — a ceremonial observance that brings national attention to wilderness. Presidents have issued ceremonial proclamations since George Washington, and they fall squarely within the executive tradition. They do not create new law, direct federal spending, or impose legal obligations on citizens.
Ceremonial proclamations like this one are purely declaratory. They express the sentiment of the President on behalf of the nation, drawing public awareness to causes or communities. They require no congressional approval and face no constitutional challenges.
Official Summary
Administration of Barack Obama, 2015 Proclamation 9315—National Wilderness Month, 2015 August 31, 2015 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation The beauty of America's wilderness has always been central to our character as a Nation. Our untrammeled lands and waters are part of a rich legacy that is carried forward from one generation to the next, reflecting a spirit of conservation deeply rooted in the quintessential American belief that each of us has an equal share in these special places and an equal responsibility to protect them. Every day, individuals across our country embody this idea by maintaining our trails and parks, working to restore cherished sites, and inspiring communities to preserve the areas they treasure. Since I took office, I have been committed to protecting the pristine areas that enrich our lives and our country. That is why I have set aside more lands and waters than any other President in our history, including by designating more than 2 million new acres of wilderness. And to ensure our children have the chance to experience the wonder within our protected lands, my Administration launched the Every Kid in a Park initiative, which provides free admission to public lands for all fourth graders and their f