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ACR 96 (Assembly Concurrent Resolution 96, 1988):
First Legislation on John Muir Day


Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 96
Resolution Chapter 27
[Filed with Secretary of State April 18, 1988]

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL's DIGEST ACR 96 Campbell.. John Muir.

This measure would proclaim April 21, 1988, as John Muir Day, request the Governor to make a similar proclamation, designate the state's observance of April 21 of following years as a commemorative holiday to honor John Muir and observe the importance of an ecologically sound environment, and request public schools and public agencies to observe John Muir Day, as specified.

WHEREAS, John Muir was the founding father of the conservation efforts which resulted in our national park system, which today has grown to almost 80 billion acres, and

WHEREAS, He began his conservation efforts in the 1880's, when the social consciousness of America concentrated on the Industrial Revolution and its expansionist philosophies which would have led to the devastation of the natural environment; and

WHEREAS He popularized the concept of conservation and land use and was instrumental in changing the direction of this country toward socially beneficial goals which resulted in the United States becoming a leading force that worked on behalf of global unity and the preservation of the environment; and

WHEREAS, He was cofounder and lifetime president of the Sierra Club, a private, nonprofit organization that acts as an advocate on environmental issues and is known worldwide; and

WHEREAS John Muir was an outstanding figure in the history of the United States and of California and was subsequently named Greatest Californian by the California Historical Society in 1976; and

WHEREAS He was an accomplished author whose writings about wildlands and wildlife are still widely read and treasured; and

WHEREAS, He is honored by more geographical namesakes than any other person in the State of California; and

WHEREAS, Despite his death 70 years ago, John Muir still holds a preeminent place in the hearts and minds of many Californians; and

WHEREAS, Generations of Americans have reveled in the beauty and magnificence of national parks such as Yosemite, Sequoia, the Kings Canyon, the Grand Canyon, and Petrified Forest, all of which were set aside at the urging of Muir, now therefore, be it

Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That April 21, 1988, is hereby proclaimed by the Legislature as John Muir Day, and be it further

Resolved, That the Governor is requested to make a similar proclamation, and be it further

Resolved, That this measure be adopted with urgency as this April 21st marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of John Muir who was born in 1838 on that date; and be it further

Resolved, That April 21st of every year after this resolution is enacted be designated as a commemorative holiday to observe the importance that an ecologically sound natural environment plays in the quality of life of us all and indeed the future of our own existence; and be it further

Resolved, That the observance of John Muir Day emphasize John Muir's significant contribution to the fostering of such an awareness and the indelible mark left on California and the world by him, and be it further

Resolved, That, in their observance, public schools endeavor to include special studies in their curriculum and public agencies providing services to the public endeavor to institute special programs in their activities to deal with the contributions of John Muir, and be it further

Resolved, That the chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit a copy of this resolution to the Governor.



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