Summary One of the oldest Acts of legislation to influence conservation is the Multiple Use and Sustained Yield Act of 1960. Land management on national forests is overseen by this act where lands are “administered for outdoor recreation, range, timber, watershed, and wildlife and fish purposes.” People felt it was needed so one use was not treated with emphasis (such as timber production and harvest) while others were treated with ignorance. Resources and activities are treated with equality within the management plans of the national forests. The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was one of the first laws set out to specifically protect our environment. All branches of government must consider the environment before making any actions that may affect the environment. When buildings, construction, and projects are proposed NEPA acts by requiring Environmental Assessments (EAs) and the Environmental Impact Statements (EISs). They are also posted and made public making them quite powerful. Few projects proceed today that would be unsatisfactory through the EPA, and this is seen as a …show more content…
This act was passed in 1966, listed native animals as endangered, and gave some protection. It was amended in 1969 to provide more protection to species in danger of extinction. The ESA prohibits the importation and sale of protected species. It defines “endangered” and “threatened” and made plants and invertebrates eligible for protection. It requires federal agencies to conserve listed species and consult on action that might affect a species. The act also defines and sets aside critical habitat for species, to the point where said habitat can’t be modified or destroyed. The act’s principal intention is to prevent extinction of species and recover and maintain those populations by removing or lowering threats to their survival, as well as protecting critical