White House Press Release

403 #842 IMMEDIATE RELEASE AUGUST 16, 1946 MEMORANDUM OF DISAPPROVAL I have withheld my approval from H. R. 4362, "To abolish the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Essex County, Hassachusetts, to authorize and direct the restoration to the former owners of the land comprising such refuge, and for other purposes," because in my opinion it would not be in the public interest to authorize the abandonment of this national wildlife refuge and, in any event, because the measure does not provide workable or equitable procedures for the restoration to the former owners of the lands in question. NARA The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge was established in order to fill a serious gap in the National refuge system for waterfowl and other birds. Because of the position of the coastal section of the State of Massachusetts on the migratory route of these birds, the location of a national refuge in that section is directly related to the accomplishment of the national program for the protection of migratory birds, as authorized by statute and international treaty. The Parker River refuge is of real value, not only as a nesting and feeding area, but also as a breeding ground and wintering place, for several economically important species of game birds which are sought-after by hunters, in Massachusetts and many other States. Its site was selected. only after a careful survey of the entire region for the purpose of determining the particular location best fitted for carrying out the protection program in that region. The need for a national wildlife refuge on the coast of Massachusetts, and the suitability of the Parker River area for refuge purposes are supported by con- vincing scientific data, as well as by the opinions of outstanding biologists and wildlife conservationists. I am advised that the Secretary of the Interior on June 12, 1945, conducted a formal hearing with a view to affording an opportunity to those opposed to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge to present their objections. The findings of the Secretary, which include a review of the history of the refuge and a discussion of the issues presented, failed to disclose any real basis for the abandonment of the refuge. Sub- sequent hearings before the Committee on Agriculture of the House of Representatives indicated that, although certain individuals and organizations in the State of Massachusetts favored the abolishment of this refuge, others were strongly of the view that it should be retained in Federal control. The usefulness of the refuge, both locally and nationally, because of its strategic location with respect to the Atlantic flyway, was also stressed by national conservation organizations. The acquisition of lands for migratory waterfowl refuges was authorized by the Migratory Bird Conserva- tion Act of February 18, 1929 (45 Stat. 1222; 16 U. S. C. secs. 715-715r), as amended, and, in accordance with such authorization, a national refuge system has been in the process of establishment for some 15 years. AS a condition precedent to the acquisition of the lands for migratory waterfowl purposes, the Migratory Bird Conservation Act requires (a) that the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approve all of such acquisitions, and (b) that the State in which the lands are to be acquired shall have consented by law to the acquisition of such lands. Proceeding in accordance with the requirements of the act, the (OVER)