Progressive Era Conservation and Land Use Acts

Desert Land Act of 1877

The Desert Land Act allowed the government to sell arid land to private people cheaply as long as they irrigated the land in three years. This was part of Teddy Roosevelt's attempt to use nature as was applicable to progressive thought.


Forest Reserve Act of 1891

The Forest Reserve Act gave the president the ability to set aside land as national parks or reserves. This unique law gave Teddy an even stronger position to advance the progressive ideas on conservation. This mindset ran along the lines of Beauty vs Use where Beauty was exploited only to provide the greatest use to the greatest number, but not so much as to annihilate the Beauty.


Carey Act of 1894

The Carey Act, like the Desert Land Act, gave land to states under the condition that it would become irrigated and settled. Teddy's law allowed progressive thought to rule over these newly enriched lands.


Newlands Act of 1902

The Newlands Act was the most important dedesertification act passed. It allowed Congress to collect money to be put towards the effort of irrigating the remaining desert. Projects, such as the Hoover Dam and many other, can be attributed to this piece of legistlation.