    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book I)]
    [June 28, 1996]
    [Pages 988-989]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Death of Mollie Beattie
    June 28, 1996

        America lost one of its great spirits with the untimely passing of
    Mollie Beattie. Mollie was a person who believed in the value of life
    and wildlife so deeply that she dedicated her many talents to preserving
    God's gracious Earth.
        As the first woman director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
    Mollie presided over a sea

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    change in the administration of the Endangered Species Act by improving
    the way Government worked. She was the number one advocate for our
    national wildlife refuges, forever fighting to keep the system strong
    and growing.
        Mollie Beattie's devotion to this Earth and its creatures was
    passionate, caring, and wise. There is a grace and natural beauty in
    America; because of Mollie our country has even more of that grace.
    Hillary and I send our prayers and sympathies to Mollie's family. We
    will miss her.