WASHINGTON, Aug. 31 -- President Biden issued the following proclamation on Aug. 30, 2024, honoring National Wilderness Month: * * * America's beautiful natural landscapes are part of our Nation's identity, history, and heritage. One century ago, the Gila Wilderness was established as our country's first designated wilderness area, protecting this national treasure and beginning a new era of Federal conservation. Across our Nation, designated wilderness areas protect some of our most precious   more