STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

Whereas, New York State is richly endowed with more than 7,600 freshwater lakes, ponds and reservoirs – in addition to two of the five Great Lakes – and is strongly committed to preserving these and all of our treasured natural resources, so as to provide a healthy environment for all residents of and visitors to this great State; and

Whereas, access to clean, fresh water is one of the most fundamental needs of people worldwide, and our lakes, ponds and reservoirs serve as the drinking water supply for nearly every large city and many small towns throughout the State; and

Whereas, New York State=s lakes and reservoirs provide flood control and serve as a basis for significant sectors of our economy including recreation, tourism, agriculture, fishing, power generation, and manufacturing; and

Whereas, the clean waters of our lakes, ponds and reservoirs provide habitat for aquatic plant and animal life, and offer recreational opportunities for residents and visitors of all ages who enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating and who appreciate the unparalleled scenic beauty of so many of these waterbodies; and

Whereas, efforts to protect valuable water resources are among our highest priorities, and we will continue to support New York State’s water resources through funding for projects that further protect water quality and aquatic resources in this State; and

Whereas, it is vital that we remain vigilant in our efforts to preserve the quality of lakes, ponds and reservoirs by reducing excessive nutrient levels that increase sedimentation, acid deposition and the growth of invasive species of plants and animals; and

Whereas, New York State, building upon the foundation established by the federal Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act, is dedicated to protecting our lakes, ponds and reservoirs so that present and future generations will always be able to use and enjoy access to clean and healthy water; and

Whereas, New York State works with many partners and communities, including the thousands of citizens, both professionals and volunteers, who have demonstrated an avid commitment to protecting our water resources by joining in the many programs that promote monitoring, education and better stewardship of our lakes, ponds, and reservoirs;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim July 2009 as

LAKES APPRECIATION MONTH

in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-fourth day of June in the year two thousand nine.

David A. Paterson
Governor