    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [June 13, 2000]
    [Pages 1138-1139]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Message to the Congress Transmitting a Report on the Wekiva River and
    Tributaries in Florida
    June 13, 2000

    To the Congress of the United States:
        I take pleasure in transmitting the enclosed report for the Wekiva
    River and several tributaries in Florida. The report and my
    recommendations are in response to the provisions of the Wild and Scenic
    Rivers Act, Public Law 90-542, as amended. The Wekiva study was
    authorized by Public Law 104-311.
        The National Park Service conducted the study with assistance from
    the Wekiva River Basin Working Group, a committee established by the
    Florida Department of Environmental Protection to represent a broad
    spectrum of environmental and developmental interests. The study found
    that 45.5 miles of river are eligible for the National Wild and Scenic
    Rivers System (the ``System'') based on free-flowing character, good
    water quality, and ``outstandingly remarkable'' scenic, recreational,
    fish and wildlife, and historic/cultural values.
        Almost all the land adjacent to the eligible rivers is in public
    ownership and managed by State and county governments for conservation
    purposes. The exception to this pattern is the 3.9-mile-long Seminole
    Creek that is in private ownership. The public land managers strongly

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    support designation while the private landowner opposes designation of
    his land. Therefore, I recommend that the 41.6 miles of river abutted by
    public lands and as described in the enclosed report be designated a
    component of the System. Seminole Creek could be added if the adjacent
    landowner should change his mind or if this land is ever purchased by an
    individual or conservation agency who does not object. The tributary is
    not centrally located in the area proposed for designation.
        I further recommend that legislation designating the Wekiva and
    eligible tributaries specify that on-the-ground management
    responsibilities remain with the existing land manager and not the
    Secretary of the Department of the Interior. This is in accordance with
    expressed State wishes and is logical. Responsibilities of the Secretary
    should be limited to working with State and local partners in developing
    a comprehensive river management plan, providing technical assistance,
    and reviewing effects of water resource development proposals in
    accordance with section 7 of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
        We look forward to working with the Congress to designate this
    worthy addition to the National Wild and Scenic River System.

                                                          William J. Clinton

     The White House,

     June 13, 2000.