    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [May 24, 1991]
    [Pages 564-565]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Niobrara Scenic River Designation Act of 1991

    May 24, 1991

        Today I have signed into law S. 248, the ``Niobrara Scenic River
    Designation Act of 1991.'' This action will, among other things,
    designate three segments of the Niobrara River and one segment of the
    Missouri River in Nebraska and South Dakota as ``instant'' components of
    the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System without the benefit of a
    formal study.
        The Niobrara River is an outstanding river resource, and the
    national significance of the resource is not in question. Approval of
    this bill will preserve and protect the resources of the Niobrara for
    future generations and will provide for a worthy addition to the
    National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.
        However, I am extremely disappointed that the Congress has acted to
    designate these segments for Wild and Scenic River status without the
    benefit of a study under section 5(a) of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
    This study is not just a matter of blind process; rather, such a study
    would have given the Congress all the information needed to determine
    the most appropriate method of protecting the valuable resources along
    the Niobrara. Such a study is especial-

    [[Page 565]]

    ly important when the lands along the designated segments are
    predominantly privately owned. Where private property interests are at
    stake, a formal study should be an absolute requirement before Federal
    action is taken that may infringe such rights.
        I believe that to protect the integrity and viability of the
    National Park System, completion of feasibility studies should be a
    prerequisite for establishment of any new unit of the National Park
    System. Any component of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System that
    is administered by the National Park Service becomes a unit of the
    National Park System. I urge the Congress to adhere to the requirement
    for such studies in the future.

                                                                 George Bush

    The White House,
    May 24, 1991.

                        Note: S. 248, approved May 24, was assigned Public
                            Law No. 102-50.