State of Arkansas
Executive Department
Proclamation
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS COME - GREETINGS:
WHEREAS: Arkansas, known as "The Natural State", is a special place endowed with more than 1,800 miles of public trails covering a remarkable variety of landscapes and geography. The people of Arkansas have a long tradition of appreciation for the beauty of this great land; and
WHEREAS: The Arkansas trails council is a voluntary, cooperative organization of state, federal, and local agencies, private land owners, and trail users who oversee the Arkansas Trails System in cooperation with the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism; and
WHEREAS: Members of the Arkansas Trails Council include numerous Arkansas counties and municipalities, all fifty-two Arkansas State Parks, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the United States Park Service, and the United States Forest Service. Also, thousands of volunteers donate their time and energy every year to building, maintaining, and promotins Arkansas trails, and
WHEREAS: The Arkansas Trails System has something for everyone, from short nature walks to long-distance backpacking trails, and many others in between that lead to spectacular scenic areas that contain prairies, bluffs, caves, mountain vistas, wildlife viewing areas, wilderness areas, waterfalls, hiking and canoe trails, scenic drives, nature centers, and swamps; and
WHEREAS: It is well-known that exercise reduces the incidence of countless illnesses, including heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, high blood pressure, and obesity. In addition to helping prevent these illnesses, exercise builds muscle, bone, and joint health, helops raise self-esteem, and increases our bodies' energy levels;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, MIKE BEEBE, Governor of the State of Arkansas, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the laws of the State of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim June 14, 2008, as
ARKANSAS TRAILS DAY
across the State of Arkansas, and I encourage my fellow citizens to participate in the activities and enjoy the health benefits and scenic beauty of our Arkansas Trails System.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 23rd day of May, in the year of our Lord 2008.
"Seal"
Signed
MIKE BEEBE, GOVENOR
Signed
CHARLIE DANIELS, SECRETARY OF STATE