[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 30, Number 5 (Monday, February 7, 1994)]
[Page 211]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Message to the Congress Transmitting the Maurice and Manumuskin River 
and Menantico Creek Study

February 3, 1994

To the Congress of the United States:

    I take pleasure in transmitting the enclosed report on the Maurice 
and Manumuskin River and Menantico Creek in the State of New Jersey. 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 study of 
the Maurice River and these two tributaries was authorized by Public Law 
100-33, approved on May 7, 1987.
    The study of the Maurice River and tributaries was conducted by a 
task force composed of representatives of affected municipalities, State 
and Federal agencies, organizations with river-related interests, and 
local residents under the leadership of the National Park Service (NPS). 
The NPS, together with the task force, identified the outstandingly 
remarkable resources within the study area, analyzed existing levels of 
protection for these values, investigated major issues and public 
concerns, assessed the attitude of riparian landowners, reviewed and 
analyzed the impact of existing and potential development, and developed 
alternative plans and management strategies.
    The NPS determined that 42.4 miles of the Maurice River and its 
tributaries are eligible for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic 
Rivers System. This is based upon their free-flowing condition and fish, 
wildlife, and vegetative values. There are also important cultural 
values and surface water quality of the Manumuskin and Menantico is very 
good.
    In accordance with the wishes of local government, the NPS did not 
consider Federal land acquisition or management as an alternative for 
protecting river resources. Instead, the study focused on assisting the 
political subdivisions in developing and adopting local measures for 
providing resource protection where existing protection had been 
inadequate.
    Due to strong local and congressional support, the 103d Congress 
proceeded to designation without waiting for submittal of the required 
report and Presidential recommendation. While a Presidential 
recommendation is now moot, I am submitting the report to fulfill the 
requirements of section 4(a) and sections 5(a)(96) through 5(a)(98) of 
the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
                                            William J. Clinton
The White House,
February 3, 1994.