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Category Archives: Conservation
Unveiling the Language of Anti-Environmentalism: Insights from the James Watt and Malcolm Wallop Papers
As a recipient of the AHC’s 2021 Alan K. Simpson Fellowship in Western Political History, my research project delved into the intriguing world of two influential figures, James Watt and Malcolm Wallop, to shed light on their roles in shaping … Continue reading
James Watt: From Wyoming’s Landscapes to Political Stances, Faith as a Driving Force
James “Jim” Watt, the former Interior Secretary, passed away on May 27, 2023, at the age of 85. While his tenure as Interior Secretary during the Reagan administration defined him, his career spanned various roles and contributions. Born and raised … Continue reading
Posted in American History, Conservation, Economics, Extraction and Energy, Wyoming
Tagged Environmental Policy, James Watt, Land Management, Milward L. Simpson, natural resources, Public Policy, Reagan Administration, Sagebrush Rebellion, U. S. Secretary of the Interior, Watt Book, western politics and leadership
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The “Messiah” of the Desert?: Floyd E. Dominy and Water Conservation in the West
Concern over the future of water in the West is growing. Record breaking droughts and rapidly growing cities where water is already scarce has strained the current water infrastructure to its limits. The current path appears unsustainable, so in the … Continue reading
Wyoming’s Nuclear Response to Project Plowshare
Vice President Richard Nixon delivered these words in October 1960 to a Toledo, Ohio, fraternity group: “Our plan to develop peaceful constructive uses of nuclear explosives has been given the name of Project Plowshare, because it is literally an attempt … Continue reading
Posted in Conservation, Extraction and Energy, Wyoming
Tagged Atomic Energy Commission, Cliff Hansen, Cold War history, Dixy Lee Ray, Edward Teller, El Paso Natural Gas Company, Energy development, Gale McGee, Nuclear detonations, Nuclear safety, Project Plowshare, Project Wagon Wheel, Sublette County, Teno Roncalio, Wagon Wheel Information Committee
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Female Fire Finders of the American Forests
Standing guard atop a lookout tower dozens of feet above the forest floor, female fire finders, sometimes called “lady lookouts” have been helping to protect American forests since before World War I. Hallie Morse Daggett was the first female lookout … Continue reading
Posted in Conservation, Women's History
Tagged Female fire lookouts, Fire Detection, Forest Conservation, Forest Management, Forest Service, Forest Surveillance, Lookout Towers, Margaret Evens, Mary Lockett, Medicine Bow National Forest, Osborne Firefinder, Roberta Eads, Spruce Mountain Fire Lookout Tower, World War I & II
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Reclaiming the Colorado: The Differing Visions of the Bureau of Reclamation and the Chemehuevi
In 1931, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California praised plans to build the Parker Aqueduct, which would redirect water from the Colorado River to the rapidly growing Los Angeles metropole. To the engineers and planners of the Metropolitan Water … Continue reading
Posted in Conservation, Western History
Tagged Chemehuevi, Colorado River, Colorado River Compact, Environmental Justice, Indigenous Land Rights, Indigenous Peoples, John B. Kendrick, Mary Ludwig, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Parker Dam, Sinclair O. Harper, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Water Disputes
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American oil exploration and memories of western Venezuela in the early 20th century
My interest in oil narratives stems my own personal experience as a native of one of the most representative oil towns in western Venezuela, Cabimas. I grew up in the shadow of towering oil derricks and gas flares, understanding that … Continue reading
Posted in Conservation, Economics, Extraction and Energy
Tagged Environmental Deterioration, Gulf Oil Company, Harper McKee, Infrastructure Development, John Douglas, John Galey, Max Krueger, oil, Oil exploration, Oil Industry, Oleski Miranda Navarro, Petroleum History, Ralph Arnold, Socioeconomic Impact, Venezuela
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Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson Hole National Monument Controversy
Grand Teton National Park – one of the most beautiful spots in Wyoming – turns 93 on February 26. It was originally a Native American hunting ground. British and American fur traders were drawn to the area for its exceptionally … Continue reading
Mardy and Olaus Murie, Conservation Enthusiasts
Margaret (Mardy) and Olaus Murie were fiercely dedicated to protecting America’s most beautiful places and wildlife. The couple enriched the concept of conservation, all while experiencing the outdoors and enjoying the wildlife and beautiful scenery around them. The story of … Continue reading
Finis Mitchell (and Matthew Troyanek) Trailing through the Wind Rivers
In my preparations to become a backpacker seeking adventures in Wyoming’s Wind River Mountains, my research led me to take the footsteps of a man from the golden age of American mountaineering, whose chronicles and photographs bade me to these … Continue reading