Two people, Gifford Pinchot and John Muir, are responsible for the American conservation movement.

However, they had different visions of what it should be. Char Miller's book focuses on Pinchot, emphasizing his environmental career.

While it may somewhat overlook the political aspect, Pinchot is known today as our original environmentalist public official.

Pinchot was born in 1865 into a wealthy Pennsylvania family. As a youth, he was an outdoorsman.

He studied in Europe, where in Third Republic France and Bismarck's Germany, conservation, especially the preservation of forests, was a movement before it took hold in the US.

In 1905, he was appointed Chief of the Forestry Service of the federal government and had the good fortune to work for Theodore Roosevelt, the first president to make environmentalism an issue. Their friendship lasted until TR's death in 1919.

Pinchot continued in service until he got into a controversy with Interior Secretary Richard Ballinger in the Taft administration. Taft fired him.

Pinchot backed Roosevelt in 1912 when he ran as the Progressive Party candidate for president.

In 1914, Pinchot ran for the US Senate as a Progressive, but finished second.

He later became the chief forester for Pennsylvania.

In 1923, he was elected Governor of Pennsylvania. He had a liberal administration and a short-lived candidacy for the White House in 1924.

One thing he did differently from his neighboring governor was to try to enforce Prohibition in Pennsylvania.

Pinchot ran for the Senate again in 1934 but lost in the primary.

He made one final run for Governor in 1938 but lost the GOP primary.

Interestingly, one of his best friends was Rabbi Stephen Wise. In 1932, Pinchot spoke out against the Nazis at an anti-Nazi rally in New York City, before Hitler came to power.

In retirement, Pinchot wrote and lectured extensively on environmentalism. He died in 1946. His story is important for anyone concerned with environmental issues.

I had the opportunity to read two biographies about Gifford Pinchot.

The first one left a more profound impression on me compared to the second one, which was titled "Gifford Pinchot: Forester Politician."

In the earlier biography, I felt a stronger connection to the subject. It seemed to offer a more in-depth and detailed exploration of Pinchot's life and work.

The author's writing style was engaging and captivating, making it easy for me to immerse myself in the story.

On the other hand, the second biography, although it had its merits, didn't quite have the same impact.

Perhaps it was the way the information was presented or the lack of a certain je ne sais quoi that made the earlier one more enjoyable.

Nevertheless, both biographies provided valuable insights into the life and contributions of Gifford Pinchot, a significant figure in American history.

It is always interesting to see how different authors approach the same subject and present their interpretations.

Overall, while I preferred the earlier biography, I still appreciate the efforts of both authors in bringing Gifford Pinchot's story to life.

Gifford Pinchot should receive as much recognition as Muir for ensuring that America's forests did not transform into a desolate wasteland.

National Parks are truly remarkable, yet not everything can or ought to be designated as a National Park. In the majority of cases, it is essential for us to utilize our natural resources in a sustainable manner.

And the National Forests present an excellent means to achieve this. They provide a balance between conservation and utilization.

Pinchot understood the importance of sustainable forestry and worked towards its implementation. His efforts have had a lasting impact on the management and protection of America's forests.

By properly managing the National Forests, we can meet our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.

This approach allows for the extraction of resources while also maintaining the ecological integrity of the forests.

In conclusion, both Pinchot and Muir have made significant contributions to the conservation of America's natural heritage, and their work should be equally celebrated and remembered.

This book was recommended by author and historian Char Miller. It is part of the Rocky Mountain Land Library's "A Reading List For the President Elect: A Western Primer for the Next Administration."

Char Miller, a respected figure in the fields of authorship and history, has put forth this particular book as a valuable addition to the reading list. The Rocky Mountain Land Library has curated this list with great care and intention.

The "A Reading List For the President Elect" aims to provide the incoming administration with a comprehensive understanding of the West. This book, in particular, offers unique insights and perspectives that can contribute to a more informed and well-rounded approach to governance.

By including this book in the reading list, the library and Char Miller hope to inspire the president elect and the new administration to consider the importance of the West and its diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories.

It is a call to action for the next administration to engage with the region and make decisions that are sensitive to its unique needs and challenges.

Overall, this book holds great significance as it is recommended by an expert and is part of a curated list designed to shape the thinking and actions of the president elect and the new administration.

This is a very interesting read on innovative forest management techniques.

Forest management is crucial for maintaining the health and sustainability of our forests. Traditional methods have their limitations, but innovative techniques are emerging to address these challenges.

One such technique is the use of drones for monitoring and mapping forests. Drones can provide detailed and up-to-date information about the forest, including tree health, species distribution, and areas at risk of fire or disease.

Another innovative approach is the implementation of community-based forest management. This involves engaging local communities in the management and protection of forests, giving them a stake in the forest's health and success.

These are just a few examples of the many innovative forest management techniques that are being developed and implemented around the world. By using these techniques, we can ensure the long-term health and sustainability of our forests for future generations.

The battle between Gifford Pinchot and John Muir over the Hetch Hetchy reservoir is truly one of the most captivating political developments in American history.

What swung the balance in Pinchot's favor was the 1906 San Francisco Earthquake, which left the city in desperate need of reconstruction and a reliable water supply. The creation of the reservoir within Yosemite National Park raises profound questions. Is anything designated as "natural" and protected from development truly sacred? Or will, given time and population growth, everything on Earth be developed and exploited for human consumption?

Pinchot's philosophy of natural resource management was centered around the great good for the greatest number of people. As the population of San Francisco grew over the next two centuries, the question remains: what would stop the government from damming the Yosemite River Valley if the need for potable water became overwhelming? With the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir as part of our history, it seems that under the right circumstances, everything is vulnerable to human exploitation and consumption.

The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir debate also reminds us of the story of Adam and Eve in the Bible. Just as God's apple tree in the Garden of Eden was off-limits but still succumbed to human consumption, so too did the Hetch Hetchy river valley.

While the Hetch Hetchy reservoir has undoubtedly altered the free-flowing natural river valley, I believe that environmentalists sometimes become too fixated on protecting against all human influence, rather than allowing for properly managed and balanced concessions in environmental management on protected land. For example, would the beauty and mystique of Yellowstone be significantly tarnished if bicycles were allowed on dirt trails?

Pinchot's life work was to promote and market forests as an agricultural commodity, like a corn stalk. A well-administered management program could replenish forested areas while safeguarding them from harsher alternatives that could damage ecosystems, either permanently or for a much longer period.

On the other hand, Muir's life work was to promote and market the idea that natural areas are inherently beautiful and spiritual, whether it be the spirit of the holy trinity or the Native American spirits.

The book does an excellent job of highlighting the sources of Pinchot's influence, such as George Perkins Marsh's "The Earth as Modified by Human Action," which claims that environmental despoliation was a key factor in the collapse of once-powerful Mediterranean civilizations. However, the book also downplays Pinchot's role in forest management at the Vanderbilt estate Biltmore, suggesting that he was mostly putting the finishing touches on a plan conceived by Olmstead.

One conflict highlighted in the book regarding the Pinchot-Muir relationship was the issue of sheep grazing in the Pacific Northwest. Muir believed that Pinchot was selling out to the wool growers association, as Pinchot agreed with Muir's view that sheep's trampling and chewing caused significant harm to mountain grasslands. Pinchot, however, thought that under a new approach, the damage could be mitigated. Interestingly, over a century later, the revitalization of the pre-Columbian ecosystem has a new culprit in the form of wild mountain goats causing destruction.

The difference in world view between Pinchot and Muir is truly fascinating. Muir was steadfast in his belief that certain areas of the country needed to remain free from human influence, while Pinchot took a more practical view of the nation's beautiful places. His saying, "the greatest good for the greatest number," will likely echo throughout human history as we continue to develop, whether as an interplanetary civilization or as we face a highly populated Earth experiencing climate shifts.

Pinchot believed that to avoid the fate of Greece and Rome, the United States needed to base its natural resource management and national success on careful environmental husbandry.

The topic at hand is truly a great one. It delves into a realm that is both academic and somewhat slow-paced. This combination creates an interesting dynamic as it requires a deeper level of exploration and analysis.

Academic topics often demand a thorough understanding of the subject matter, with a focus on research, evidence, and logical reasoning. The slowness of this particular topic might suggest a need for patience and a willingness to engage in a more deliberate and thoughtful examination.

While it may not be as immediately exciting or action-packed as some other topics, the depth and complexity it offers can be highly rewarding. By taking the time to explore this academic and slow topic, one can gain valuable insights and a more comprehensive understanding of the subject.

It allows for a more in-depth exploration of the theories, concepts, and ideas that underpin the topic, enabling us to uncover hidden connections and make more informed judgments. In a world that often values speed and instant gratification, this slower, more academic approach can provide a refreshing alternative.