The fundamental ... purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wild life therein and to
provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by
such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of
future generations.
- The Organic Act of 1916
What was the primary result of this legislation?
States instituted their own environmental regulations.
National parks were created as a way to manage land resources.
O Settlement on lands with fragile ecosystems was prohibited.
O Monopolies seized control of natural resources.