The document, Declaration of the Conservation Conference, is a response by governors of the United States of America to President Roosevelt’s call to consider and act on the waste and exhaustion of the country’s natural resources. The governors were convicted of their interdependent situation in utilization of natural resources and the fact that they needed to collectively support conservation. In one way, conservation would be a way of fulfilling their forefathers’ will. The forefathers expected “the great natural resources to supply the material basis on which civilization must continue to depend.” The natural resources also had a role in establishment and development of the country’s future progress. It was, therefore, improper to waste, deteriorate or needlessly exhaust the resources. The governors agreed with President that it was their turn to conserve the natural resources, which were threatened by exhaustion.
The conference participants and authors were political leaders with authority to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend solutions to issues affecting the development of the Nation and states. The document was, thus, written to the general public (the United States civilians) to remind them of the important role of natural resources, inform them of the existing wastage, and show them the recommended conservation steps. The Governors’ main point was to show their stand in matters of environmental conservation. The document discusses the various divisions of natural resources including the residential land, living waters, forests, and minerals. Each of these had specific and fundamental benefits to the People and the environment. The information was communicated before the actual conservation strategies were implemented. This shows the possibility that the governors expected cooperation and support of the People in adoption of the conservation measures. Conservation required, prevention of soil-wash and erosion, irrigating the arid and semi-arid regions, draining the swampy areas, conservation of water sources, maintenance of forest, and encouraging proper use of minerals. The civilians are apparently larger in number, compared to the leaders, and also has a higher chance in utilizing the natural resources. For this reason, it was appropriate to include them in the conservation plan.
The file was written on the 15th of May 1908, after the country’s leaders felt the urge to maintain the supply of natural resources. They understood that the whole nation depended on the resources for greater functionality. The governors emphasized proper environmental care by presenting beneficial facts about it. In support of conservation, they said that the accessible natural resources required to be treated as valuable inheritance and be managed appropriately to help the American citizens. They also viewed the raw materials as the basis of the country’s prosperity in the future. Therefore, the country had to fight against the wastage, overexploitation, and destruction of natural resources.
The document was written at the time when awareness was to be created on the importance of conservation. Significant concerns were raised on soil erosion, deforestation, and improper use of other resources. The governors expressed their acceptance that usage of natural resources needed to avoid depletion. The authors also pointed out the reason why the United States President warned against the mismanagement of natural resources. This emphasis clarified the critical state of the message and justified that quick response which would follow had direct association with the matter.
