    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [December 21, 2001]
    [Page 1542]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing Legislation Establishing the Detroit River
    International Wildlife Refuge
    December 21, 2001

        Today I am very pleased to sign into law H.R. 1230, which will
    establish the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, the first-
    ever international wildlife refuge.
        The Detroit River on the Michigan-Canada border has lost over 95
    percent of its coastal wetland habitat and has been designated a
    Waterfowl Habitat Area of Concern by the Canadian and American
    governments. Establishing this International Wildlife Refuge will do a
    lot to provide this special place with the protection that it needs.
        This area is a prime waterfowl migration corridor and is considered
    a special place for sportsmen, birders, and boaters. An estimated
    300,000 diving ducks stop in the River to rest and feed during their
    fall migration from Canada. At least 65 species of fish live in the
    Detroit River, including millions of walleye.
        This innovative legislation enhances public-private partnerships for
    conservation and habitat restoration. I want to thank the many area
    businesses and groups that developed the conservation vision for the
    refuge.

                                                              George W. Bush

     The White House,

     December 21, 2001.

    Note: H.R. 1230, approved December 21, was assigned Public Law No. 107-
    91.