A Proclamation on National Forest Products Week, 2023 | The White House

America’s Forests: A Key to Sustainable Development

For generations, America’s forests have served as a vital resource for various purposes. They have provided recreational spaces, held cultural significance for Tribal ceremonies, and supported the livelihoods of many individuals and communities. As we observe National Forest Products Week, it is crucial to reaffirm our commitment to conserving these valuable forests. By responsibly managing the renewable resources found in our forestlands, we not only protect the environment but also contribute to a crucial pillar of our economy that uplifts communities across America.

The Importance of Forests

Our forests play a significant role in sustaining our environment and fueling our economy. They provide essential resources such as lumber, paper, clean water, and fresh air. However, these forests, along with the jobs and livelihoods they support, face numerous risks, including the existential threat of climate change. Factors like extreme heat, intense droughts, and inadequate forest management have transformed wildfire season into wildfire years, resulting in the destruction of vast forested areas and spreading smoky haze across the country.

The America the Beautiful Initiative

Since the beginning of my Administration, we have prioritized the health, diversity, and productivity of our forests. In my first week as President, I signed an Executive Order establishing the “America the Beautiful” Initiative. This initiative sets a national conservation goal to conserve at least 30 percent of all U.S. lands and waters by 2030 through voluntary, locally-led efforts. Sustaining the work of foresters and farmers across the country is central to achieving this goal.

Investing in Resilience

We are building upon our conservation efforts through the Investing in America Agenda. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law enables us to enhance the resilience of our forests and communities. We are taking measures such as removing overgrown vegetation near homes and power lines, improving evacuation routes in wildfire-prone areas, and addressing invasive species that contribute to the spread of fires. Additionally, the historic funding provided by the Inflation Reduction Act supports tree planting, sustainable forest management, and fire prevention, mitigating the effects of climate change on our forests. Notably, we have increased the minimum wage for Federal firefighters to $15 an hour, recognizing their invaluable service.

Promoting American Forest Products

My Administration is dedicated to creating more opportunities for producers of American forest products. By combining funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, we support American businesses that advance forest conservation and create jobs. Through initiatives like the Wood Innovations, Community Wood, and Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance grant programs, we have awarded millions of dollars to expand the sustainable and innovative use of American wood products and wood waste materials. These efforts contribute to renewable energy production, strengthen emerging wood markets, and promote sustainable forest management.

Safeguarding for Future Generations

America’s majestic forests hold a significant place in our national identity, connecting us to something greater than ourselves. Conserving these forests not only sustains a vital part of our economy but also preserves an essential aspect of the American story for future generations. During National Forest Products Week, my Administration reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding and stewarding our precious forests, ensuring that they can be enjoyed by us, our children, and our grandchildren for years to come.

Proclamation of National Forest Products Week

To recognize the importance of the products derived from our forests, the Congress has designated the week beginning on the third Sunday in October of each year as “National Forest Products Week.” In accordance with this designation, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, hereby proclaim October 15 through October 21, 2023, as National Forest Products Week. I call upon the people of the United States to join me in this observance and to acknowledge all Americans who contribute to the stewardship of our nation’s beautiful forested landscapes.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 15: Life on Land
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

The article highlights the importance of conserving forests, protecting the environment, and supporting the economy. These issues are directly connected to SDG 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. The article also mentions the threat of climate change and the need for sustainable forest management, aligning with SDG 13 on climate action. Additionally, the article discusses the economic aspect of forests and the need to support jobs and livelihoods, which relates to SDG 8 on decent work and economic growth. Lastly, the article briefly mentions clean water as one of the resources provided by forests, linking to SDG 6 on clean water and sanitation.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 15.2: By 2020, promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests, and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• SDG 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation.
• SDG 6.6: By 2020, protect and restore water-related ecosystems, including mountains, forests, wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and lakes.

Based on the article’s content, the targets mentioned above can be identified. The article emphasizes the need for sustainable forest management (SDG 15.2), integration of climate change measures (SDG 13.2), support for job creation (SDG 8.3), and the protection of water-related ecosystems (SDG 6.6).

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Forest area as a percentage of total land area
• Forest degradation and deforestation rates
• Number of policies and plans integrating climate change measures
• Employment rate in the forestry sector
• Investment in sustainable forest management
• Water quality and availability in forested areas

Although the article does not explicitly mention indicators, the identified targets can be measured using indicators such as forest area as a percentage of total land area, forest degradation and deforestation rates, number of policies and plans integrating climate change measures, employment rate in the forestry sector, investment in sustainable forest management, and water quality and availability in forested areas.

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: whitehouse.gov

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