    [Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 51 (Monday, December 24, 2001)]
    [Pages 1819-1820]
    [Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

    <R04>
    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

    [[Page 1820]]

    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.