JOHN MUIR

John Muir was a very important person in the early conservation movement in the United States.  Muir did not spend much time in Michigan, but spend quite a bit of time in Wisconsin.  He was responsible for making Yosemite Valley the first National Park as well as helping to get Congress to authorize Sequoia, the Grand Canyon, Mt. Rainier, and the Petrified Forest as National Parks.  He knew Gifford Pinchot and Teddy Roosevelt, two other key people in the conservation movement. 

John Muir came to the United States from Scotland in 1849. He lived and traveled in many places in North America and elsewhere.  The activities and writings of Muir have inspired many environmental groups, such as the Sierra Club.  These groups represent the beginnings of the "environmental movement" or "preservationism" which often conflicts with natural resource management.  This early division can be seen in the differences between John Muir and Gifford Pinchot. 

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This site created and maintained by Bill Cook, MSU Extension Forester for the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.   Editing and modification is ongoing.  Submit suggestions, questions, and corrections to cookwi@msu.edu or call 906-786-1575.