Conservation Movement: Protecting American Wilderness — Reading Comprehension

The conservation movement in the United States began in the late 1800s as people grew concerned about the destruction of natural resources. Industrialization and westward expansion led to extensive logging, mining, and hunting. Rivers were polluted, forests were cut down, and animal populations declined. Some Americans worried that if these activities continued unchecked, future generations would lose the country’s wild spaces forever.

Leaders like John Muir, a naturalist and writer, argued that wilderness had intrinsic value and deserved protection. He stated, “Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in.” Muir’s words inspired many, including President Theodore Roosevelt, to support the idea that government should set aside land for parks and reserves. Roosevelt used his power to create national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.

The movement was not without conflict. Business owners and settlers believed that land was meant for economic development. They argued that using resources created jobs and wealth. On the other hand, conservationists insisted that the government had a duty to act as a steward of natural resources, balancing public use with protection. This debate raised important questions about who should control public lands and how they should be used.

In 1905, the U.S. Forest Service was established to manage forests for both conservation and resource use. Gifford Pinchot, its first chief, promoted the idea of “the greatest good for the greatest number.” This approach, called sustainable use, aimed to allow logging, grazing, and recreation while ensuring forests would last for future generations.

Still, not everyone agreed on the best solution. Preservationists like Muir wanted some places left untouched, while conservationists like Pinchot supported careful use. Conflicts erupted over areas like Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite. In 1913, the government allowed a dam to be built there to provide water for San Francisco, despite protests. This decision disappointed many who believed that some wild places should remain unaltered.

African Americans, Native Americans, and other marginalized groups often saw conservation policies as unfair. Sometimes, they were removed from their lands to create parks, or their traditional ways of using the land were restricted. Their perspectives challenge us to think about whose voices are heard in decisions about the environment.

The Conservation Movement has left a lasting legacy. The National Park Service, created in 1916, now manages over 400 parks and monuments. Americans continue to debate the best balance between development, recreation, and preservation. The movement reminds us that protecting the environment is complex and requires ongoing dialogue and compromise.

Interesting Fact: Interesting Fact: The world’s first national park, Yellowstone, was established in 1872, inspiring countries around the globe to protect natural wonders.

Who inspired Theodore Roosevelt to protect wilderness?

What year was Yellowstone National Park established?

What government agency manages national parks?

Why did some business owners oppose conservation?

What was the main disagreement between preservationists and conservationists?

What does the phrase 'intrinsic value' mean?

The Conservation Movement still affects America today.

What is a 'steward' according to the passage?