RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) -  Gov. Pat McCrory has signed a proclamation to celebrate the establishment of North Carolina's first state park: Mount Mitchell.

In commemorating the 100th anniversary of the state parks system, the governor has established “North Carolina State Parks Week.”
 
North Carolina plans to celebrate the state parks system's centennial throughout 2016 with a series of special events and a public-private partnership campaign with the Friends of State Parks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting North Carolina's state parks. The General Assembly authorized the purchase of land for a state park at Mount Mitchell on March 3, 1915, and 795 acres on the summit were acquired by the end of 1916, which firmly established the first state park in the southeastern United States.

The Proclamation:
 

NORTH CAROLINA STATE PARKS WEEK
Proclamation
March 3, 2015 • Ethics and Accountability

WHEREAS, the North Carolina General Assembly, at the behest of Governor Locke Craig, authorized the purchase of land for a state park at Mount Mitchell on March 3, 1915; and

 

WHEREAS, in 1916, 795 acres on the summit of Mount Mitchell were acquired, which became North Carolina’s first state park to protect the scenic beauty and unique ecosystem of the highest peak east of the Mississippi River as part of North Carolina’s heritage; and

 

WHEREAS, in the century since that time, North Carolina’s citizens have worked with great dedication and resolve to include in their State Parks System examples of our state’s most spectacular natural and cultural resources; and

 

WHEREAS, today the State Parks System stretches from Mount Mitchell in the west to the tallest sand dune on the East Coast at Jockey's Ridge; and

 

WHEREAS, the State Parks System protects more than 225,000 acres, including the scenic landmarks, the ecological wonders, and the outdoor recreation destinations that make North Carolina outstanding among the states; and

 

WHEREAS, the State Parks System is important to North Carolina’s tourism industry, a vital component of the state’s economy; and

 

WHEREAS,the State Parks System contributes to the health and well-being of the state’s citizens by encouraging physical activity and fostering volunteerism; and

 

WHEREAS,the State Parks System contributes immeasurably to the quality of life that makes North Carolina a great place to visit, to work and to live;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAT McCRORY, Governor of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the North Carolina State Parks System, starting with the North Carolina General Assembly authorization of the first state park on March 3, 1915, the first week of March shall henceforth be known as “NORTH CAROLINA STATE PARKS WEEK,” and commend its observance to all citizens, and encourage all citizens during that week to visit a state park, volunteer in a state park, learn about our state parks, and show support for our state parks system.