How Did John Muir Contribute To The Conservation Movement

Throughout the history of the United States, many significant figures and groups have taken stands for what they believe in. Perhaps one of the most overlooked, yet successful of these groups is the environmentalist and conservation movement. Just over 150 years ago, a movement sparked within a Scottish-American immigrant named John Muir. He pledged to dedicate his time to standing up for and protecting the environment. Muir was only the beginning of this powerful movement, as he helped to make way for the movement in national politics. The work by Muir initiated a larger national conservation movement carried out by numerous presidents. Theodore Roosevelt, brought environmental protection to a whole new level during his presidency. Franklin

Publishing articles in the Century, popular support for Muir developed from the public. With the help of Underwood Johnson (publisher of the Century), Muir helped introduce a bill to Congress that would establish Yosemite National Park. Sheep ranching and lumbering were to be outlawed in 1500 square miles of Sierra forest when the bill passed on October 1st (Muir Book, 30-31). This was a key contribution for John Muir, it truly established his leadership position in the conservation movement. Nonetheless, Muir moved on modestly with his effort. Just a few years leader in May of 1892, Muir, Warren Olney, and J. H. Senger collaboratively founded the Sierra Club. Placing Muir as the club’s leader, they aimed at conserving the environment and fighting back against big businesses trying to impede on the environment (Muir Book, 32). The Sierra club turned out to be extremely successful in its efforts. Just a year after the clubs creation, President Benjamin Harrison had already reserved 13 million acres of land as forest reserves. The Sierra Club certainly helped to achieve this (Muir Book, 33). In 1894,

Similar to Muir, Roosevelt’s love for the environment developed at a young age. It was in college however when he recognized his true desire to help protect it. During his education at Harvard, Roosevelt began to encourage environmental embracement, publishing works about nature. Also during this time he began to go on expeditions to Maine where he picked up many outdoor skills and grew closer to the environment (Sandy - Roosevelt). In 1888 Roosevelt became involved in true conservation when he founded and joined the Boone and Crockett Club. The club aimed at protecting 'big game' species and their environments (Sandy - Roosevelt). This was the first notable ‘stand’ Roosevelt took for protecting the nation’s environment. Overseen by his actions during his presidency, is Roosevelt’s actions during his governorship of New York. In his two years as governor, Teddy was adamant about eliminating pollution, especially water pollution. He issued an order that prohibited the dumping of waste and sewage into the Saratoga Lake. He also established sewage facilities at Saratoga Springs that treated waste before it was put into the water (Curtis, TR legacy). Roosevelt, as New York governor put in a considerable amount of time into cleansing and protecting the environment. By prohibiting dumping and other unhealthy actions such as the ones previously