American Environment History Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

American Environment History - Essay Example tury and even felt to date whereby some especially the preservationists led by Muir termed those supported â€Å"wise use† of natural resources for humanity’s benefits as â€Å"temple destroyers† (Fitzsimmons 13). This is evident specifically when the two sides disagreed on damming Tuolumne River in Yosemite National Park to act as a reservoir with the intention of availing water supply to San Francisco city (Fitzsimmons 13). Pinchot’s idea encompassed the then dam that was basis of argument after completion and effective management to flood Hetch Hetchy Valley and in turn avail necessary water to the city dwellers (Chapman). Hence, aligning with what he cited as â€Å"wise use† of resources not only during then but also in future whereby currently San Francisco continues to depend on this water supply. This was after Pinchot’s idea received massive congressional approval for complete construction in 1913 (Fitzsimmons 13). Consequently, this brought about Western Civilization ideals of utilizing natural resources with the intention of benefiting from them though with consideration of their sustenance despite being anti Muir’s argument. This is because Muir on his part termed natural resources as sacred thus referring Hetch Hetchy Valley as â€Å"shrine† and those of contrary opinion were holding perfect contempt against nature (Fitzsimmons 13). Chapman, Ann, E. American Conservation in the Twentieth Century. National Park Service. n.d. Web. 27Th October 2013.