THE WHITE HOUSE 

 Office of tha Pross Sdcratary 



For InunetSlato Rdldasd August 9, 1991 



FACT SHggT 

 PROTECTIWQ AMraiCA'fl WKTIAMDH 



The President announcsd today a comprehensive plan for 

 Improving the protection of the nation's wetlands. Wetlands 

 serve an important role in flood control; they help filter wastes 

 ffom water) they provide an important habitat and breading ground 

 for fish/ birds and animals; and they are an important 

 reoreational resource. 



Three quarters Of the remaining wetlands are privately 

 owned, and the pressure to serve other valid human needs often 

 comes in conflict with conservation* A coordinated wetlands 

 policy requires balancing all these interests. 



The President believes we must look beyond regulation to 

 encourage wetlands protection. We must enhance public 

 understanding of the value of wetlands as well as support non- 

 regulatory programs that encourage private, state and local 

 aotions to conserve wetlands. 



Tha Administration has a three-part plan to slow and 

 eventually stop the net loss of wetlands, taking a significant 

 stsp toward the President's goal of no net loss of wetlands: 



1. Strengthen wetlands acquisition programs and other 

 efforts to protect wetlands; 



2. Revise the Interagency manual defining wetlands to 

 ensure that it is workable; and 



3. Improve and streamline the current regulatory system. 



Wetlandfl Expansion Mfta«uraB 



Since taking office, the Bush Administration has 

 proposed: 



The purchase of approximately 450,000 acres, at a cost of 

 over $200 million, of critical wetlands habitat; 



