[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.