Water Rights
Conservationism
(Gifford Pinchot. 1900,
Library of Congress (2014684970))
(Pinchot, Gifford, The Fight for Conservation, 1910)
Pinchot introduced the new concept of conservation, which means using environmental resources for the greater good of humanity. Conservationism helped people recognize ways to utilize the environment responsibly.
“Gifford Pinchot, United States Forester, head of the Bureau of Forestry … as the special commissioner appointed by president Roosevelt … ”
(Conservation of Forests, 1903).
Many argue Pinchot’s conservationism significantly influenced the approval of the Hetch Hetchy project for the betterment of San Francisco’s water rights and development.
“The conservation idea covers a wider range than the field of natural resources alone. Conservation means the greatest good to the greatest number for the longest time.”
(Gifford Pinchot, The Fight for Conservation, 1910).
“Charges of lobbying in connection with the bill to permit San Francisco to take a water supply from the Hetch Hetchy valley involving Gifford Pinchot.”
('Lobbyist!' is Applied to Pinchot, 1913).
(King of the Forest Reserve. Forest Service (8))
(He's Good Enough for Me. 1914, Forest Service (12))
Garfield Permit
President Roosevelt was in a tight spot, balancing relationships with both Muir and Pinchot, who both held opposing opinions on Hetch Hetchy. Initially, Roosevelt opposed the Hetch Hetchy Project alongside Muir but ultimately approved the project through the Garfield Permit to support San Francisco’s water rights over environmental responsibility.
(The Day President Roosevelt Enters His Fifteenth Year, 1907)
“The purpose of this resolution is to … grant to San Francisco the right to use the Government land for reservoir purposes … the injury to the park and the interference with the pleasures of those who will visit do not outweigh the great advantages accruing to the … city.”
(United States Congress. House. Committee On The Public Lands et al., Granting use of Hetch Hetchy to the City of San Francisco, 1909).
“I will do everything in my power not only to protect Yosemite … but other similar great natural beauties … but … I have been in the disagreeable position of seeming to interfere with the development of the State for the sake of keeping a valley … ”
(Theodore Roosevelt, Letter from Theodore Roosevelt to John Muir, 1903).
(Granting use of Hetch Hetchy to the City of San Francisco. 1909,
Library of Congress (09035276))