WHEREAS, geology and the other earth sciences are fundamental to the safety, health, and welfare of Arkansans and to the economy of Arkansas; and

WHEREAS, the earth sciences are integral to finding, developing, and conserving mineral, energy, and water resources needed for Arkansas's continuing prosperity and well-being; and

WHEREAS, the earth sciences provide the basis for preparing for and mitigating natural hazards such as floods, earthquakes, droughts, expansive soils, and sinkholes; and

WHEREAS, the earth sciences are crucial to environmental and ecological issues ranging from water-resources assessments and conservation, to air quality and waste disposal; and

WHEREAS, the earth sciences provide the fundamental basis of "earth systems understanding" as the foundation ecosystem-management principles; and

WHEREAS, geological factors of resources, hazards, and environment are vital to land-management and land-use decisions made in Arkansas; and

WHEREAS, the earth sciences contribute critical pieces to our understanding and appreciation of and our respect for nature;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mike Huckabee, acting under the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Arkansas, do hereby proclaim October 8-14, 2000, as

                                       EARTH SCIENCE WEEK

in the State of Arkansas.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Arkansas to be affixed this 8th day of September, in the year of our Lord 2000.

 Mike Huckabee
(signed)
Governor
Sharon Priest
(signed)
Secretary of State