US National Forest Products Week Proclamation

On Friday, President Biden issued a proclamation declaring October 20th through October 26th as National Forest Products Week. The statement reads, in part, as follows:

“Our forests are central to our country’s heritage, history, and economy. Forests support livelihoods across Tribal Nations, rural towns, and big cities—from foresters and loggers to mill workers and carpenters—while also sustaining the health of our environment and our communities. During National Forest Products Week, we recognize that conserving our bountiful forests is critical to sustaining our economy and ensuring that Americans can enjoy the wonder of our forests for generations to come.

As a Nation, we rely on our forests for so much—from cleaning the air we breathe and the water we drink to providing the lumber and paper we use every day. But the existential threat of climate change endangers our forests, putting those jobs, livelihoods, and critical products at risk. After decades of fire suppression and ignoring climate change, wildfire seasons have become wildfire years, burning down communities, destroying forest ecosystems, and upending people’s lives.

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Conserving our forests is good for our economy, the planet, and the soul of our Nation. This week, may we recommit to responsibly stewarding our forests and the abundant resources they provide so that we may all enjoy their benefits and beauty for years to come.”