By the later half of the nineteenth century, a few national parks had come into existence, but they were either privately run or run by the U.S. Army. During this time, land conservationists such as John Muir and Gifford Pinchot began putting pressure on the federal government to put aside more land to remain undeveloped, as development of the West by railroads and homesteaders, grew more widespread. The National Park Service Organic Act was passed in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson, establishing the National Park Service (NPS), which has been responsible for the management of the parks ever since. Due to budget cuts in recent years, however, certain services may be reduced, such as fewer campsites open and fewer hours the visitor center is in operation. An idea proposed by the North Carolina state legislature suggests closing down certain state parks for two months out of the year to save money. This is not a new issue, but an ongoing one. In 1995, the Grand Canyon National Park was shut down for a couple of days due to federal budget problems.

“I believe there are more important things we should be spending our money on,” junior Andrea DeLorimier said.

In 1872, the first official national park, Yellowstone National Park, was founded. Yellowstone is located in Wyoming, with small parts also located in the states of Idaho and Montana. Not only is Yellowstone thought to be the first major national park in the United States, it is also thought to be the first in the world. It is home to many species of wildlife, and famous for grizzly bears, bison, and elk.

“My grandfather practically lived at Yellowstone because he loved it there so much,” junior Chanelle Cadot said. “I got the chance to go with him a few years before he passed away. It was beautiful there, and we saw lots of wildlife including moose and bears.”.

Over the years, the American national parks have become a source of national pride, and important to many generations of Americans. Another very famous national landmark, the Grand Canyon, was designated as a national park in 1919 by Woodrow Wilson. It is the largest canyon in the world, and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

“The Grand Canyon is really big,” junior Addison Chappell said.

Another major American national park is Yosemite. It is located in eastern central California, and is visited by 3.7 million people every year. Yosemite is also famous for the giant Sequoia trees that grow there, which are among the largest in the world.

“National parks are important,” senior Paul Copley said, “because they preserve some of the most beautiful and awesome land in America for future generations.”