Conservation and preservation are two terms that are closely linked and often mean the same thing. Both terms involve a form of protection but this protection is carried out in a different way when it comes to conservation and preservation. In the 20th century two men by the name of John Muir and Gifford Pinchot had contrasting views on the use of America’s lands and worked hard with Congress as well as the President to find a way to protect America’s vast lands. Muir promoted the use of preservation while Pinchot believed in conservation. Conservation involves the protection of our natural resources with the proper use of nature. While on the other hand preservation involves the protection of nature from use. In both cases we see that nature …show more content…
Gifford Pinchot’s said that “humans belong in their environment, as inhabitants and stewards. This belief helped Teddy Roosevelt establish a land ethic use in which humans and nature could co-exist. This belief helps form a connection with humans and nature ensuring that humans respect our lands for what they are there for and that is to provide us with resources to survive. The US Department of Agriculture continues to follow this belief that was established by Roosevelt as they state “embodying the ethic of caring for lands while they simultaneously provide for a human population – a diverse human population with a multitude of needs and multiple uses”. The conservation movement has proved to be beneficial as its main goal is to still respect what has been given to …show more content…
In his journal he makes it clear between his distinction of conservation and sustainable use. Pinchot during this time understood that raging forest fires occurring in certain areas of the country was one aspect that needed to be fixed. Pinchot made efforts to understand the physical and biological background behind forest fires and this would impress politicians and those who were involved in the environmental field. Pinchot would soon face opposition from ranchers and miners that began to hurt his position on conservation. Pinchot was a smart man and knew that if he wanted to gain the support from all over that he had to push his ideas not in an aggressive way. Pinchot stated that “to be a good forester you must be a good citizen”. By being able to connect socially and politically Pinchot was able to push his agenda to improve environmental