    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1993, Book II)]
    [August 13, 1993]
    [Pages 1377-1378]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Colorado Wilderness Act of 1993
    August 13, 1993

        I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 631, the ``Colorado Wilderness
    Act of 1993.'' This Act designates 19 areas within the National Forests
    and public lands of Colorado, encompassing 612,000 acres, as components
    of the National Wilderness Preservation System. This Act also

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    protects five areas, totalling some 155,000 acres, under management
    plans that are slightly less restrictive than wilderness designation.
        Enactment of this bill ends a long debate regarding wilderness
    designation in the National Forests of Colorado. Key to resolving this
    debate is the compromise language on the protection of wilderness water
    resources. Because all of the areas designated as wilderness lie at the
    headwaters of river watersheds, wilderness water resources can be
    protected by restricting new diversions of water from within these
    areas. Existing water rights and water diversions are also protected by
    this Act. In short, the Colorado delegation has found an innovative
    solution to a very complicated water resources issue, and for this they
    are to be commended. However, the circumstances in Colorado are unique
    and this compromise language may have to be refined if it is to be used
    to protect wilderness water resources in other States.
        By signing this bill into law today, we further the protection of
    unique and sensitive lands within the National Forests of Colorado. The
    areas designated in this Act are outstanding additions to the National
    Wilderness Preservation System. These areas join the 2.6 million acres
    of outstanding National Forest System (NFS) lands in the State that have
    already been designated as wilderness. At the same time, this Act
    releases about 115,000 acres of NFS lands in Colorado for other
    purposes, balancing the goal of environmental protection with the need
    to provide for a healthy economy.
        Today, we complete the decade-long process of reviewing wilderness
    study areas in Colorado that were designated in earlier legislation. I
    commend the Colorado delegation for their diligence and bipartisan
    leadership in making this Act a reality. This balanced approach to
    wilderness designation preserves opportunities for economic development
    in Colorado, while maintaining the quality of life that makes Colorado
    such a wonderful place to live and work.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,
    August 13, 1993.

    Note: H.R. 631, approved August 13, was assigned Public Law No. 103-77.
    This statement was released by the Office of the Press Secretary on
    August 14.