Most would say that Theodore Roosevelt was just a president. But as an outdoorsman myself, I am able to recognize others that share the same passion, and Roosevelt fits the mold. Let me tell you a little bit about his environmentalist side.

During his time in office, Roosevelt created 4 National Game Preserves, 5 National Parks, 18 National Monuments, 24 Reclamation Projects, 51 Federal Bird Reservations and 150 National Forests! These conservation efforts are seen in some of the most naturally unique places in the United States. The total amount of land is about 230,000,000 acres of land or 359,375 square miles.

He was a big-game hunter who ventured west in order to hunt. However, when he went west he was startled to find how the big-game was being damaged along with the land itself.  After being a first-hand witness to the destruction that was happening to America, conservation became his top priority.  After entering office, Roosevelt created the U.S. Forest Service. I have to think that if it were not for Roosevelt, I may not have as beautiful of a home here in the northwest!

If you would like to read more on Roosevelt’s legacy and how he became the “Conservationist President”, visit here: http://www.theodore-roosevelt.com/trenv.html

"It is also vandalism to destroy or to permit the destruction of what is beautiful in nature, whether it be a cliff, a forest, or a species of mammal or bird. Here in the United States we turn our rivers and streams into sewers and dumping-grounds, we pollute the air, we destroy forests, and exterminate fishes, birds and mammals -- not to speak of vulgarizing charming landscapes with hideous advertisements. But at last it looks as if our people were awakening." Theodore Roosevelt