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Book Cover
E-book
Author Keiter, Robert B., 1946-

Title To conserve unimpaired : the evolution of the national park idea / Robert B. Keiter
Published Washington, DC : Island Press, [2013]

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Description 1 online resource (xix, 343 pages)
Contents What is a national park? -- "Nature's cathedral": a wilderness sanctuary -- "A pleasuring ground": tourism in the wild -- "The nation's playground": recreating in paradise -- "A commercial commodity": putting nature on sale -- "Ancestral lands": nature, culture, and justice -- "Nature's laboratory": experimentation and education -- "Fountains of life": an (imperfect) wildlife reserve -- "A vital core": ecosystem scale conservation -- "Growing the system": new parks and new strategies -- Nature conservation in a changing world
Summary When the national park system was first established in 1916, the goal "to conserve unimpaired" seemed straightforward. But Robert Keiter argues that parks have always served a variety of competing purposes, from wildlife protection and scientific discovery to tourism and commercial development. In this trenchant analysis, he explains how parks must be managed more effectively to meet increasing demands in the face of climate, environmental, and demographic changes. Taking a topical approach, Keiter traces the history of the national park idea from its inception to its uncertain future. Thematic chapters explore our changing conceptions of the parks as wilderness sanctuaries, playgrounds, educational facilities, and more. He also examines key controversies that have shaped the parks and our perception of them. Ultimately, Keiter demonstrates that parks cannot be treated as special islands, but must be managed as the critical cores of larger ecosystems. Only when the National Park Service works with surrounding areas can the parks meet critical habitat, large-scale connectivity, clean air and water needs, and also provide sanctuaries where people can experience nature. Today's mandate must remain to conserve unimpairedbut Keiter shows how the national park idea can and must go much farther. Professionals, students, and scholars with an interest in environmental history, national parks, and federal land management, as well as scientists and managers working on adaptation to climate change should find the book useful and inspiring
Analysis milieuwetgeving
environmental legislation
internationaal recht
international law
wildbeheer
wildlife management
wild
wildlife
natuurbescherming
nature conservation
milieu
environment
Environmental Sciences (General)
Milieuwetenschappen (algemeen)
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references and index
Notes Print version record
Subject National parks and reserves -- United States -- Philosophy
Nature conservation -- United States -- Philosophy
National parks and reserves -- Government policy -- United States
BUSINESS & ECONOMICS -- Infrastructure.
SOCIAL SCIENCE -- General.
Sciences de la terre.
Environnement.
National parks and reserves -- Government policy
National parks and reserves -- Philosophy
Nature conservation -- Philosophy
United States
Form Electronic book
ISBN 9781610912167
1610912160