Conservation and Preservation at the Turn of the 19th Century

Conservation and Preservation at the Turn of the 19th Century

Missing Works Cited

The environmentalist movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries presents a picture of America at the time: torn between the desires to expand while seeking to protect nature. Although all members of the movement sought to protect nature, there were two predominant schools as to how to go about this. In their two philosophies, they created two methods for human interaction with the wilderness. The conservationist movement can be called the utilitarian movement, and sought the greatest good for the greatest number over the longest term. In contrast, the preservationist school aimed at keeping nature in its current state, although the individual members had differing reasons why. From these two conflicting views, the American public land system developed into its current state, in which it pursues a two headed program that preserves and conserves.

Among the leaders of this populist movement, two men stood out above the rest, trailblazers upon which all others have been judged. Of the conservationists, Gifford Pinchot, American’s first formally trained forester, was held in high esteem. Because of that distinction he led the Forest Service in its formative years and would influence elected and appointed officials for years to come. His double within the preservationist movement was the prolific nature writer John Muir. Where Pinchot had his government posts to affect change, Muir’s Sierra Club and his eloquent articles influenced eastern representatives and brought his philosophy to the masses.

Gifford Pinchot was born into a wealthy family, who had made their money in the business world of New York City. With the political...

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... continue to demonstrate Pinchot’s belief in multiple use utilitarian land management. However, the National Park Service serves as a foil to this, promoting tracts of land that have a preservation mandate. The National Wildlife Refuge system maintains an even more Muirist environmental standpoint, in that it allows for some human use, but gives first priority to flora and fauna.

In recent history the swing seems to be in favor of preservationism. During the 1960s and 1970s, the Wilderness Protection Act began to set aside thousands of acres that would be ruled only by the “forces of nature.” This landmark act was followed by the Wild and Scenic River act that extended similar rights to specific waterways. Public opinion continues to become more green and supportive of preservation, leading one to believe that Muir’s words have outlasted Pinchot’s action.