National Park Service Formation and Historical Context

In the early 20th century, the idea of a national park in the United States began to take shape as conservationists recognized the need to preserve natural spaces for future generations. John Muir, an influential advocate for wilderness preservation, argued fervently for the establishment of protected areas. His efforts culminated in the creation of several national parks, with Yosemite being one of the most significant. In 1916, the National Park Service was founded, tasked with managing these parks while ensuring that their pristine conditions were maintained. The park service's guiding principle was to conserve park landscapes and wildlife unimpaired for future generations. Additionally, this movement paved the way for other countries to adopt similar conservation measures, sparking a global awareness of the importance of natural preservation.

However, not all aspects of the movement were positive. Critics argued that the establishment of national parks often meant the displacement of Indigenous populations who had lived on the land for generations. This tension highlighted a critical aspect of environmental conservation, where the preservation of nature can sometimes come at the cost of cultural heritage. As the national park system expanded, efforts were made to acknowledge and incorporate Indigenous perspectives in park management and conservation practices.