Proc 10631ProclamationBiden · DCeremonial

Proclamation 10631

National Public Lands Day, 2023

This proclamation designates September 23, 2023 as National Public Lands Day, inviting Americans to volunteer in conservation activities and announcing fee-free access to national parks, forests, refuges, and grasslands on that day. The document largely recites past administration accomplishments on land conservation and climate policy without issuing new binding directives.

Impact dates

  1. Final 2023 fee-free day (Veterans Day)

  2. National Public Lands Day; fee-free day for federal lands

Key directives

  • Proclaim September 23, 2023 as National Public Lands Day
  • Invite Americans to day of service for public lands
  • Encourage volunteers to perform conservation work

Timeline

Immediate

  • September 23, 2023 designated as National Public Lands Day
  • Fee-free day for national parks, forests, refuges, and grasslands on September 23, 2023

Near term (90d)

  • November 11, 2023 fee-free day (Veterans Day)

Long term

Risks & tensions

  • No new policy created; reiterates existing conservation agenda
  • Mentions previous executive orders and legislation without amending them
  • Encouragement language ('I invite', 'I encourage') is non-binding
Proclamation 10631: National Public Lands Day, 2023 · Executive Orders