What was the reason behind Herbert Hoover’s decision to reserve Arches National Park?

Tourist Attractions

By Kristy Tolley

Herbert Hoover and Arches National Park

Herbert Hoover was the 31st President of the United States, serving from 1929 to 1933. During his presidency, he established several national parks and other protected areas. One of these was Arches National Park, located in southeastern Utah. This park is known for its unique rock formations, including over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, as well as hoodoos, fins, and balanced rocks. Today, Arches National Park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and scenic driving.

The establishment of Arches National Park

The area now known as Arches National Park was first protected as a national monument in 1929, during Hoover’s presidency. The monument was established by presidential proclamation under the Antiquities Act of 1906, which allows the President to set aside areas of federal land as national monuments without congressional approval. The monument encompassed 4,520 acres and was originally called "Arches National Monument." The purpose of the monument was to protect the unique rock formations in the area and to make them accessible to the public.

The proposed federal land reservation

In 1938, a proposal was made to Congress to establish Arches National Monument as a national park. This would give the area greater protection and would provide more resources for its management and development. The proposal was supported by the National Park Service, which had been created in 1916 to oversee the nation’s national parks and monuments. The National Park Service believed that Arches National Monument was worthy of national park status because of its exceptional natural beauty and scientific value.

Herbert Hoover’s involvement in the park reservation

Herbert Hoover was a strong supporter of national parks and conservation. During his presidency, he established several new protected areas, including Grand Teton National Park and Death Valley National Monument. Hoover was also involved in the decision to reserve Arches National Park. As a former mining engineer, Hoover was particularly interested in the geology of the park. He believed that the rock formations in Arches National Park were unique and deserved protection. Hoover’s support for the park reservation was instrumental in its ultimate success.

The debate over the park reservation

The proposal to establish Arches National Monument as a national park was not without controversy. Some local residents and business owners opposed the park reservation, fearing that it would restrict their access to the land and hurt the local economy. Others were concerned about the cost of managing and developing the park, as well as the potential impact on nearby grazing and mining activities. Despite these concerns, the proposal received widespread support from conservationists and the public.

The benefits of reserving Arches National Park

The establishment of Arches National Park provided several benefits. It ensured the protection of the unique rock formations and other natural features in the park, as well as the wildlife and plant species that call the area home. It also made the area more accessible to the public, allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty and learn about its natural history. Finally, the park provided economic benefits to the region, attracting tourists and creating jobs in the tourism industry.

The opposition to the park reservation

Despite the benefits of reserving Arches National Park, there was some opposition to the park reservation. Some local residents and business owners were concerned about the impact on nearby grazing and mining activities, as well as the cost of managing and developing the park. Others believed that the federal government should not be involved in managing lands in their state. However, the proposal received widespread support from conservationists and the public, and ultimately the park reservation was approved.

The role of conservationists in the reservation decision

Conservationists played a significant role in the decision to reserve Arches National Park. They recognized the exceptional natural beauty and scientific value of the area and worked to raise awareness about the need for its protection. Conservation groups also helped to mobilize public support for the park reservation, demonstrating the importance of citizen advocacy in the preservation of public lands.

The impact of the stock market crash on the reservation

The stock market crash of 1929 and the subsequent Great Depression had a significant impact on the reservation of Arches National Park. The economic downturn made it more difficult to secure funding for the management and development of the park. However, the Depression also increased the demand for public works projects and job creation, making the establishment of national parks and other protected areas more politically feasible.

Signing the Arches National Park Executive Order

On April 12, 1929, Herbert Hoover signed the executive order establishing Arches National Monument. This set aside the area as a federal protected area, and laid the foundation for its eventual designation as a national park. The executive order acknowledged the exceptional natural beauty and scientific value of the area, and recognized the importance of preserving it for future generations.

The legacy of Hoover’s decision to reserve Arches National Park

Herbert Hoover’s decision to reserve Arches National Park has had a lasting impact. The park has become a popular destination for tourists from around the world, attracting over a million visitors each year. It has also helped to promote conservation and public lands protection, inspiring others to work to protect and preserve natural areas of exceptional beauty and scientific value.

Conclusion: The significance of Arches National Park for future generations

Arches National Park is not only a testament to the beauty and diversity of the natural world, but also to the importance of public lands protection and conservation. Its unique rock formations, wildlife, and plant species tell the story of the Earth’s history and offer a glimpse into its future. As we face increasing threats to our natural world, it is more important than ever to protect and preserve places like Arches National Park for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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