Duckworth 1

Paige Duckworth
Ethan Glaittli
Dailee Hamilton

Mrs. Sieverts

English 2010

12 September 2018

National Parks: The Understanding of Nature

Boiling water bursting from cracks in the Earth. Red rock eroded into perfect, delicate

arches. Flimsy, rust stained gates surround peaks over-looking monstrous canyons. Natural

forces working continuously in forming what are now known as National Parks. These natural

attractions have brought tourists from surrounding cities, states and various countries with the

allure of their unique features. Tourists contribute to the income of revenue and awareness, as

well as promote economic growth for each National Park.

The Beginning of National Parks

 Duckworth 2

The establishment of National Parks began in 1872, when President Ulysses S. Grant

dedicated land as Yellowstone

National Park. The intent for this

Act was to set aside area for the

public enjoyment and help them

develop an understanding of

nature and its importance. The

creation of Yellowstone brought The United States established Yellowstone National Park in 1872,
President Ulysses S. Grant signed Park Protection Act.
attention to National Parks, as

people sought out for other undiscovered natural phenomenons and their unseen beauty.

Intrigued by the allotment of land for Yellowstone, tourists began crowding the newly developed

park. The initial creation set off a nationwide movement, eventually leading to the enactment of

Sequoia and Yosemite National Park in 1890, leading to the currently established 58 National

Parks in the United States (“Quick History of the National Park Service”).

Addition of the National Park Service

After the development of Yellowstone, it was known that necessary actions would need

to be taken in order to maintain the grounds. This included helping direct the flow of tourists in

and out of National Parks. On August 25, 1916 the National Park Service was announced as the

“Organic Act” signed by President Woodrow Wilson (“Organic Act of 1916”).

The Park Service was designed to aid in the protection of the land, as well as the wildlife

on the park. Along with protection, they aim to support enjoyment and preservation. The

National Park Service claimed their mission:

 Duckworth 3

To conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and wildlife therein,

and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means

as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.

(“Mission & History”)

With this mission in mind the Park Service, also known as Park Rangers, have continued to

protect, preserve and provide genuine experiences for those who visit National Parks.

Increased Popularity

As National Park popularity increased, people became interested in observing the natural

occurences of the parks. Curiosity blossomed, which brought forth tourism. Demands, such as

ample space for hiking trails and parking lots, began to be placed on the Parks by tourists.

Inquisitiveness struck those who had yet to see the vast depths of the Parks, leading to an

increase of visitors as time passed. Jim

Robbins, a veteran journalist for the New

York Times draws attention to current

tourism details saying, “Yellowstone, for

example has gone from 2 million visitors in

1980 to more than 4 million last year

[2016] … there were 2.3 million visitors to

Showing the number of visitors in 4 popular National Parks
the Grand Canyon in 1980. In 2015, in 2016.

attendance broke the 5 million mark” (Robbins). Record highs of visitors to the parks continue to

rise each year. Various parks see more visitors than others, due to the popularity and natural

attractions.

Impact of Tourism
 Duckworth 4

National Parks were created with the intent of allowing people from all places to explore

and understand the workings of

natural phenomenons from the

surrounding nature. Based upon

this an industry promoting

responsible travel was formed,

called Ecotourism. The basis of

Ecotourism is the enrichment of

natural occurences to tourists.

Showing the increase of spending, income, visits and jobs for
While providing an Yellowstone National Park in 2015.

understanding of nature, Ecotourism also “boosts local economic growth, provides jobs and

improves conservation awareness” (Sencer, KQED Education). Alongside benefits of

Ecotourism, the National Park Service also promotes the “Leave No Trace” program. This

program was designed in order to help tourists recognize their impact on the environment. The

National Park Service places principles in order to provide knowledge on how to put forth this

program: planning ahead of time, disposing of waste correctly, respecting wildlife (“Leave No

Trace”). The Park Service allows tourists to take time to educate themselves on how to preserve

the National Parks while cohesively enjoying their stay.

Preservation Awareness

“The creation of National Parks… is a pact between generations, a promise from the past

to the future” (“Rethinking the National Parks for the 21st Century”). National Parks tell the

story of the Nation’s history. National Parks were dedicated as a place for people to revel in,

taking in scenery and learn to appreciate nature’s creations. As National Park attendance
 Duckworth 5

continues to increase, environmental preservation has been threatened. Government support has

made it possible for the creation of programs supporting preservation. The National Park

Foundation is currently supporting various

projects aiming to restore the parks. These

restorations include: “Investing $13M to the

Elwha River restoration project. Providing

over 30 million dollars to build the Flight 93

National Memorial. Supplying $67M to

restore 6,600 acres of the Everglades”

Chart showing the funds needed in order to
maintain Yosemite National Park based on (“Programs That Protect”). The programs set
Tourist need, information collected in 2017.
into place by the National Park Service allow for tourist to visit parks, fully immersing

themselves in nature, while preserving the land for future generations to enjoy as well.

National Parks were founded in order to provide enjoyment and an understanding of

nature to people who seek such knowledge. Tourists continue to visits the 58 established parks,

soaking up the serenity of nature. Revenue generated through tourism supports the occupying

states and cities. Preservation is brought forth through programs, allowing the natural wonders of

the world to be relished in. The sun sets over the dense foliage of the Everglades, rays peak over

the towering walls of the Grand Canyon, natural forces continue to work together, molding

nature into National Parks.

 Duckworth 6

Works Cited

“Leave No Trace.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 17 Aug. 2018,

www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/leavenotrace.htm.

“Mission & History.” National Park Foundation,

www.nationalparks.org/about-foundation/mission-history. Web.

“Organic Act of 1916.” National Parks Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, 5 Feb. 2017,

www.nps.gov/grba/learn/management/organic-act-of-1916.html

“Programs That Protect.”National Park Foundation,

https://www.nationalparks.org/our-work/programs/programs-protect.

“Quick History of the National Park Service (U.S. National Park Service).” National Parks

Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/articles/quick-nps-history.htm.

“Rethinking the National Parks for the 21st Century.” National Parks Service,

U.S. Department of the Interior, www.nps.gov/policy/report.htm

 Duckworth 7

Robbins, Jim. “How A Surge in Visitors Is Overwhelming America's National Parks.” Yale

E360, 31 July 2017,

yale.edu/features/greenlock-a-visitor-crush-isoverwhelming-americas-national-

parks.

Sencer. “Is Ecotourism Helping or Hurting Our National Parks?” KQED, 15 July 2017,

www2.kqed.org/education/is-ecotourism-helping-or-hurting-our-national-parks.