a) Preservation, promoted by John Muir, values the protection of natural wilderness from economic use. Conservation, advocated by Gifford Pinchot, emphasizes the importance of the sustainable use of natural resources (Bulkan, 2016a). Preservation is the concept of forests being a “never failing fountain of wealth and beauty” for everyone to relax and enjoy, not for economic prosperity (Muir, 1901, p.51). This can be achieved by creating protected areas, allowing nature to be uninterrupted and uninfluenced by man (Bulkan, 2016a). Conservation, on the other hand, is the practice of sustainably using forests for development, for the present and future generations (Pinchot, 1910, p. 33). Natural resources are to be efficiently utilized while reducing …show more content…
The environmentalist Sierra Club was founded due to his desire of protecting nature (Bulkan, 2016b). During the end of the 18th Century, Muir wrote articles and books promoting the preservation of wilderness. His efforts helped create numerous protected areas within America, such as Yellowstone Park (2016b). Muir believes that the forests are an unmatched beauty, a place of psycho-spiritual therapy and for man to enjoy (Muir, 1901, p. 45; Bulkan, 2016b). According the Muir (1901, p.50-51), timber harvesting and economic development will only wreak havoc, creating a dry and barren land. He advocated that only the American government can protect the wilderness from destruction (1901, …show more content…
216). Muir’s preservation and Pinchot’s conservation philosophies did not place any value in the land. According to Leopold, land has an important role other than of economic use (Bulkan, 2016c). Contrary to conservation, the land ethic is strongly opposed to giving the wilderness solely an economic value (2016c). The land is the foundation of an energy chain; a highly complex system that consists of all living things (Leopold, 1949, p.220). Leopold, however, still believes the conservation philosophy had good intentions (1949, p.224). Using the land is necessary, but viewing and respecting it as a community will help advance society intellectually (1949, p.224). This is only possible through proper education and understanding of ecology (1949, p.223). Neither conservation nor preservation explored the value of the land being an integral part of properly managing a