Book SummaryThat Wild Country, by Mark Kenyon

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of That Wild Country

The evolution of the framework that manages the shared lands of the United States.

The creation of the system for America's public lands signified a critical transition towards conservation and a step back from exploitation.

The individual responsible for establishing the United States acknowledged the significance of conserving pristine regions and natural resources for the collective enjoyment and advantage of everyone.

Early European settlers regarded public territories as resources for individual use and profit, not for communal protection.

The establishment of America's public lands system is rooted in the actions and viewpoints of the initial settlers and policymakers. Upon arriving in what is now known as the United States, European settlers saw the territory as a vast reservoir of exploitable natural wealth, a stark departure from the stringent twelfth-century English regulations that confined hunting and resource collection solely to the aristocratic class. Extensive tracts of land were secured by private organizations, often with the aim of enhancing their own financial gain.

The establishment of parks, forests, and monuments to safeguard the natural heritage of the United States was actively supported by Presidents including Theodore Roosevelt and Franklin Roosevelt.

The recognition of the importance of maintaining unique natural landscapes for the pleasure of all began to emerge in the 19th century. Notable figures such as President Abraham Lincoln and the artist George Catlin were advocates for the...

That Wild Country Summary The crucial role played by committed individuals in protecting and expanding spaces set aside for communal access.

Understanding the significance of key individuals in conservation is crucial to acknowledging the safeguarding and expansion of America's public lands.

Aldo Leopold and Bob Marshall fervently advocated for the perpetual conservation and judicious stewardship of wilderness areas.

Visionaries like Aldo Leopold and Bob Marshall recognized the significance of pristine wilderness for ecological balance, recreational activities, and its intrinsic spiritual worth. Muir's writings were instrumental in influencing public opinion, culminating in the creation of Yosemite, Sequoia, and General Grant National Parks in the year 1890. He also founded the Sierra Club, an entity that profoundly influenced the stewardship of lands held in public trust.

Drawing inspiration from Muir and his peers, Theodore Roosevelt prioritized the preservation of natural spaces, leading to the creation of national parks, forests, sanctuaries, and monuments. The government prioritized environmental preservation as a key national issue.

Bob Marshall ardently advocated for the protection of wilderness areas, which were later named in his honor. The Copeland Report consistently impacted how forthcoming lands...

That Wild Country Summary Conversations have advanced on the administration and care of territories preserved for the public good.

The 1980s Sagebrush Rebellion and the continuous attempts to transfer land ownership have sparked debates regarding the legitimacy and stewardship of the federal government over public trust lands.

Recent research delves into the debates and dialogues surrounding the appropriate custodians and managers of America's communal territories, illuminating the complex character of opposition campaigns, including those from the 1980s pushing for states' authority over public territories, as well as modern initiatives aiming to transfer stewardship of these lands to state-level administration.

Ranchers, industry groups, and some politicians argued that economic growth warranted the transfer of control over public lands to state authorities.

Ranchers, industry groups, and certain politicians frequently champion the stimulation of economic growth, emphasizing it as the foremost goal when it comes to the stewardship of public territories by state authorities. They contend that their lifestyle is often interrupted by government regulations that impose restrictions on the use...

That Wild Country Summary The author's deep connection to the nation's shared lands and the difficulties they face at present.

The author conveys a deep and personal connection to the nation's shared natural spaces, emphasizing that this relationship, cultivated over many years of exploration, is currently threatened by political and commercial forces.

The writer's extensive experiences and journeys across public territories have molded his profound respect for their significance.

Since childhood, the author's existence has been intimately linked with the natural splendor of public lands, from family excursions to Mount Rainier and Glacier National Park to captivating experiences in some of the most untamed and picturesque areas. During his travels across America's untamed regions, encompassing the secluded expanses of Yellowstone and the grandeur of the Tetons, Mark Kenyon cultivated a profound appreciation for these shared natural settings. The cherished moments spent with his family in numerous state and national parks molded his professional direction and intensified his dedication to advocating on a personal level.

The author discovered that the immense public lands provided an opportunity to forge a profound connection with nature, its dwellers, and his own path of exploration marked by...