WHEREAS, Virginia embraces and accommodates all kinds of outdoor lovers from mountain biking, hiking, hunting, rafting, horse riding, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, running, kayaking, fishing, boating, and many more outdoor activities; and

WHEREAS, Virginia’s outdoor recreation industry is an economic driver that contributes $13.4 billion annually to the state economy and employs more than 122,000 Virginians; and

WHEREAS, Virginia is home to 43 beautiful state parks, 78 wildlife management areas and wildlife conservation sites, 67 state nature area preserves, 26 state forests, numerous national parks, forests, wildlife refuges, and countless historic sites, all providing opportunities to experience the outdoors; and

WHEREAS, Virginia has created and maintains 23 artificial reefs in the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters, replicating fish habitats that serve to provide enhanced fishing opportunities while creating new habitats for native species; and

WHEREAS, more Virginians are participating in outdoor recreation pursuits, with nearly eight million visitors to Virginia State Parks in 2024 and over 4,000 anglers recognized in Virginia’s annual Saltwater Fishing Tournament; and

WHEREAS, the Virginia Land Conservation Foundation awarded $14.4 million in grants during its 25^th Anniversary Year in 2024, providing for the permanent protection and conservation of 11.220 acres and increasing access to nature and historic sites, providing clean air and safe drinking water, protecting views from scenic byways, trails and parks, and making Virginia a national leader in land conservation; and

WHEREAS, the outdoors improves the quality of life in Virginia supporting physical wellness in our communities and making Virginia a great place to live, work, and raise a family; and

WHEREAS, during Great Outdoors Month and throughout the year, citizens are encouraged to get outside and experience everything Virginia has to offer;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize June 2025, as GREAT OUTDOORS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.