CONSERVATION IS A line of environmental thought and action that emerged in the United States during the last half of the 1800s. Conservationists are often seen as opposing growth, but this universal judgment is problematic. The underlying premise of the predominant branch of conservations philosophy is wise use, that is, the preservation of the land's natural resources through efficient management based on science, strategic planning, and carefully-monitored extraction. This approach is dedicated to lessening polluting emissions into the environment and opposes growth in cases where there will be unnecessary environmental damage.

Another significant branch of conservation thought focuses on preservation of lands in their natural state as a haven for humans to recuperate from the stress and strains of everyday life. Land is viewed for its ...