Benjamin Harrison was responsible for the creation of the national forest reserves through the Land Revision Act of 1891. After being inspired by the conservation efforts of Ulysses S. Grant, on March 30th, President Benjamin Harrison set aside land for the Yellowstone Park Timber Land Reserve, located along the eastern and southern boundary of Yellowstone National Park. The presidential proclamation followed a decade over the fate of America’s forested areas. In 1890 Benjamin Harrison asked Congress for legislation that would provide for the end of the rapid and needless destruction of our great forests. More than 22 million acres of land was persevered during Harrison’s presidency. These acres would make up some of America’s most notable natural places. Presidents such as Theodore Roosevelt followed in Benjamin Harrison’s footsteps as more National Parks were designated and further protections passed for the nation’s forests, wildlife, and cultural heritage sites.
WATCH
Did you know?
- While he served in the Senate, he helped limit the number of acres leased to hotels to 10, as well as introducing a bill to set apart a tract of land lying on the Colorado River in 1882.
- While Benjamin Harrison was in the senate, he tried to pass a bill called The River and Harbors Act of 1882. However, under President Chester A. Arthur, the bill failed, but in 1919 the Grand Canyon National Park was finally created.
- Benjamin Harrison was not just an advocate of nature preserves, but also animal rights. This protection came in the form of the Land Revision Act of 1891, proclamation 287. This act extended to prohibiting the hunting of any fur-bearing animals that live in the Bering Sea.
- Benjamin Harrison was the pioneer of national forest reserves. He loved the outdoors, living on a farm in his younger years. After the Yellowstone National Park was created in 1872, President Harrison visited 3 times.
Civil Discourse
QUESTIONS
1) What are some of the most important environmental issues in the world today?
2) Should governments be solely involved in our environmental protections?
3) What legislation could you pass to help protect our environment?
LEARN
PRIMARY RESOURCES
-
Classroom Activities
-
Documents
National Archives – Yosemite Valley Protection 1864
-
Paintings / Pictures / Graphic Art
