History of Wildlife Conservation

Intro to National Parks: PBS Video http://www.pbs.org/nationalparks/for-educators/lesson-plans/#mapping

 

According to the segment, what is the park’s purpose?

What types of environments compare to your idea of a “park”

Which of those environments would you like to know more about?

Which parks are near us? Which parks have you been near?

Wildlife conservation based on Public Trust Doctrinecertain resources are

preserved for public use (public resource)---gov’t owns and preserves

EX: fish, water, scenic places too valuable to be held in private ownership

NEWS JULY 18, 2014: A California court has issued a ruling requiring the regulation of groundwater withdrawals that harm the Scott River.This marks the first time a state court has decided the public trust doctrine applies to groundwater interconnected to nearby rivers, attorneys involved in the case told Bloomberg BNA July 17.

Wildfire used heavily by Native Americans until Europeans arrived in 1400’s

Fire is essential to maintaining native species diversity. Also affects nutrient cycling.

1500’s-1700’s settlers experienced “unlimited” supplies of forests, grasslands, and wildlife

1800’s subjugation (defeat) of Native Americans, conversion of wildlife habitat to farms and ranches

Roosevelt era (1930s)---set aside millions in public parks and forests

1930’s wildlife/game research and management began with funding by hunters

1960’s public outrage over pesticide use led to bills to enhance environmental quality 1963 Clear Air Act 1965 Water Quality Act 1969 National Environmental Policy Act 1973 Endangered Species Act 1989 Wetlands Conservation Act 1990 Oil Pollution Act 1992 Energy Policy Act

Current: Debate over state versus federal authority, public good versus private property rights