OPINION/COMMENTARY

A Short History of Federal Land Acquisition & A Suggestion It began a century ago in an age of political frenzy, “progressive” reforms, and environmental concerns. For the first120 years, the Federal government held title only to forts, magazines, naval areas, and lands in recent states and territories that either State governments or citizens had not claimed or homesteaded in some fashion. During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s national concerns and Federal politicians focused on the “need” to preserve both “nature” and natural phenomenon unique to our nation. Simple divestiture of Federal ownership of vast western grazing lands and mountains slowed to a trickle at that time. Specific designations began with first public lands and then certain private properties for national preservation needs. The physical phenomena and game animals of Yellowstone were “saved” as a National Park. The first Park Rangers took off on a mission to stop hunting in the new “Park” and never looked back. Hunting, trapping, and even fishing (proactive management of either animals or plants) remains anathema to National Park policies and employees to this day. Concern for colonial nesting birds in Florida and elk in Oklahoma led to National Wildlife Refuges at Pelican Island and Wichita Mountains. Gifford Pinchot, a man concerned with forest management directed the President to forestry needs and thus were the first National Forests designated for multiple uses from timber production and wildlife to camping and fishing....