WHEREAS, the State of (state name) is blessed with more than (#) lakes and ponds (and/or (#) acres of lakes and ponds) within its boundaries; and

WHEREAS, lakes and ponds are important resources to the (state name) way of life and its environment, providing sources of recreation, scenic beauty and habitat for wildlife; and

WHEREAS, (state name) lakes are valuable economic resources for (state name) businesses, tourism and municipal governments; and

WHEREAS, over (#) citizen volunteers have demonstrated their intense interest in (state name) lakes by actively monitoring lake quality over the last (#) years through the Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program; and

WHEREAS, the State of (state name) recognizes the need to protect these lakes and ponds for future generations;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, (Governor’s name), Governor of the State of (state name), do hereby proclaim dates as

LAKES APPRECIATION MONTH

In the State of (state name), and invite all citizens to take due note of the observance.