Refuge
1894 – 1904
Preservation activities ramped up during this period, helmed by President Theodore Roosevelt, who launched the modern Wildlife Refuge System with a flurry of designations across the United States.
Hand-painted glass slide of Pelican Island refuge and happy pelicans (1903).
1894:
FOREVER WILD: “Forever wild” designation is made in the New York Constitution, the first permanent preservation of wilderness lands in the U.S. Learn more.
1896:
MASSACHUSETTS AUDUBON SOCIETY: Massachusetts Audubon Society is formed. It focuses on elimination of trade in wild bird feathers, uses scientific information, and encourages women to play an active role. Learn more.
1897:
WHITE PINE DECIMATED: 160 billion board feet of virgin white pine is cut in Michigan, leaving only 2 billion board feet remain standing. 98% of virgin white pine forest is gone. Learn more.
1900:
LACEY ACT: Lacey Game and Wild Bird Preservation and Disposition Act establishes a Federal role in the enforcement of laws aimed at protection of wildlife. Learn more.
ATLANTIC SALMON DISAPPEAR: Atlantic Salmon are gone from the Great Lakes. Learn more.
1901:
BISON RANGE PRESERVATION: Wichita Forest and Game Preserve sets aside land suitable for a bison range. Learn more.
1902:
RECLAMATION ACT: Reclamation Act creates reservoirs and irrigation systems to help populate and develop the West. Learn more.
1903:
PELICAN ISLAND REFUGE: Under the Forest Reservation Creation Act, President Theodore Roosevelt designates Florida’s Pelican Island as a “preserve and breeding ground for native birds,” which would be designated the first unit of the modern Wildlife Refuge System – “Bully for mangroves!” In the following year, he would go on to designate 51 additional refuges in 17 states and the territories of Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. Learn more.
