George Perkins Marsh Conservationism

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The history of environmentalism in the US is outlined by two diametrically opposed philosophies that ironically sprouted from a single source. George Perkins Marsh, considered to be America's first environmentalist, founded ideas and concepts on how to keep the world around us the way it is given all the reaping that was taking place. Here we find the first makings of the conservation movement. With help of others Marsh’s philosophies split into two different ways of thinking and action, utilitarian conservation and romantic preservation. The term conservation was widely promoted by Teddy Roosevelt's chief forester Gifford Pinchot. Pinchot along with Teddy lobbied hard for the creation of a national forest system, the transfer of the …show more content…

Though by today’s standards EVERYONE is a conservationist. Or, I should say that it seems as though almost every organization is partly a conservation organization. When really it seems as they are just using it as a catch all phrase to get people interested. I.e. the Sea Shepherds are NOT conservationists. If anything they are very left wing “preservationists” which one could argue even international terrorists.
We see lots of conservation planning issues arising within the government and bills and laws trying to get put through but those almost fit into their own category because they are mostly focused wildlife habitat management. This idea being a seemingly third movement in modern environmentalism.
Socioeconomically speaking we have to use the land. Especially if we want progress. We need what the earth has for us. But being conscience to replace what we have taken is the other half. I feel as though this part has been lost. Everyone wanting to jump on the conservation bandwagon has cheapened what once was a great idea. Now instead of taking just what we need we take everything. The go to great lengths to try and find ways to fix what we have done. Farm raised fish, GMOs, lab grown diamonds, other sources of fuel etc. All of these “alternative” resources or methods to obtain resources are really not at the heart of what Gifford Pinchot had in mind when he created the idea of …show more content…

Muir associated with Pinchot at first however their views quickly diverged as Muir ultimately valued nature for its spiritual and transcendental qualities. Not unlike Emerson and Thoreau. He we quoted as saying that the National Parks were “ places for rest, inspiration, and prayers”. This is where the idea of conservation vs. preservation was born. While everyone was basically in the same boat the preservationists romanticized nature. They believed that it should not be touched or harmed in any way. What was directly opposed to the also emerging conservation

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