Working together for the benefit of the natural world
By Tom Ryle
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Since time immemorial, humans have had an intimate connection to land, water, and wildlife. This remains true today in the United States and around the world. Historically, humankind depended on the landscape and natural resources to survive and multiply. People were part of the ecosystem, not observers of it, and their deep understanding of and respect for nature laid the foundation for the conservation ethic we recognize today.
A brief history
It is difficult to discuss conservation in America without reference to President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) and Aldo Leopold (1887-1948), among a long list of other architects of its philosophy and framework.
In the early years of the United States, there were few laws protecting fish and wildlife. Many wildlife populations declined significantly due to unregulated market hunting and habitat loss. Some species faced extinction, while other populations were severely reduced.
Conservation was at the core of Roosevelt’s presidency (1901-1909). He stood for protecting natural resources from being exploited by businesses, firmly believing that public rights should outweigh private interests. During his time in office, he established five national parks, four wildlife refuges, 51 national bird reservations, and the U.S. Forest Service. His determination and rather strong personality set the tone for America’s outlook towards conservation. Roosevelt was also a hunter who viewed hunting as an opportunity to further one’s knowledge about the land and the species that inhabit it. In 1887, he founded the Boone and Crockett Club, North America's oldest wildlife and habitat conservation organization.
Leopold was a foundational figure in American wildlife conservation and one of the early leaders of the wilderness movement. He led a life of many interests and talents, serving as a wildlife manager, hunter, father, naturalist, poet, scientist, and philosopher. Leopold is best known for his influential book A Sand County Almanac and Sketches Here and There, where he described the natural world in great detail and also introduced the concept of the “land ethic.” This idea advocated for a deeper, more ethical relationship with the land, encouraging people to consider the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the responsibility humans have to protect and preserve them.
Growing concern for America’s wildlife and habitat in the early 1900s resulted in groundbreaking laws aimed at preserving the nation’s natural treasures. Key among these were the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Act of 1934, the Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937, and the Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950. These laws laid the foundation for a powerful collaboration between state and federal governments and industry.
Together, the Wildlife Restoration Act and Sport Fish Restoration Act have become critical sources of funding for state fish and wildlife agencies, fueling conservation efforts and public access, safety, education, and habitat restoration projects. With more than $71 billion directed to state agencies to date, these acts remain unparalleled in their support of conservation, ensuring a legacy for future generations.
The North American Model
Today’s conservation model has been evolving for over 100 years and has been practiced in its current form since the 1930s. Today, we refer to this as the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Dr. Valerius Geist and fellow natural resource professionals Shane Mahoney and John Organ are credited with formalizing the model, which they presented at a wildlife professional conference in 2001. This model has provided the foundation for the success of fish and wildlife conservation in North America.
The North American Model of Wildlife Conservation comprises seven principles:
1. Wildlife is a public resource and held in public trust. In the United States, wildlife is considered a public resource, independent of the land or water where wildlife may live. Various levels of government have a role in managing that resource on behalf of all citizens and ensuring the long-term sustainability of wildlife populations.
2. Markets for game have been eliminated. Prohibitions on buying and selling meat, game parts, and non-game species have removed a huge threat to the survival of those species. There are still legal fur markets in the United States, but they are highly regulated.
3. Allocation of wildlife by law. Wildlife is a public resource managed by government. Legal mechanisms such as established hunting seasons, bag limits, and license requirements regulate public access to hunting wildlife.
4. Wildlife can only be killed for a legitimate purpose. Wildlife is a shared resource that must not be wasted. Laws prohibit killing wildlife for frivolous reasons.
5. Wildlife species are considered an international resource. Some species, such as migratory birds, cross international boundaries. Treaties such as the Migratory Bird Treaty and Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) recognize a shared responsibility to manage these species across international boundaries.
6. Science is the proper tool for discharging wildlife policy. In order to fairly, objectively, and knowledgeably manage wildlife as a shared resource, wildlife management decisions must be based on sound science such as annual waterfowl population surveys and the work of professional wildlife biologists.
7. The democracy of hunting and fishing. In keeping with democratic principles, government allocates access to wildlife without regard for wealth, prestige, or land ownership.
The meaning of it all
“There can be no greater issue than that of conservation in this country,” Roosevelt said in 1912. He defined conservation as the "wise use of the earth and its resources for the lasting good of men" and believed in balancing resource use with preservation, ensuring that natural resources were managed sustainably for future generations.
“Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land,” Leopold famously wrote in A Sand County Almanac. This line captures the sentiment of Leopold's "land ethic" philosophy, which emphasizes the need for humans to live in balance with the natural world, considering themselves as part of the ecosystem rather than its masters.
Both interpretations suggest that “men” – or, more accurately, people – are integral to the landscape and natural resources. As such, we are all responsible for stewarding and sustaining these precious resources.
“The wildlife and its habitat cannot speak. So, we must and we will.” — Theodore Roosevelt
The terms “conservation” and “preservation” are related and often confused. Often, definitions will use either or both words to define the other. It is helpful to delineate how they are related, yet different.
Preservationists and conservationists are both environmentalist-minded groups of people who work to protect nature - but they may have different goals and methods. Generally, preservationists seek to protect nature from human use and believe that nature is better off without human control or interference. Conservationists generally strive to protect natural resources while allowing regulated human use and believe that humans play a vital role in actively and wisely managing nature for a sustainable future.
Conservation is everyone’s responsibility
Different philosophies and ideologies about humans’ role in nature often leads to conflicts. One example is the common practice of describing wildlife enthusiasts as either “consumptive” or “non-consumptive” “users,” wherein someone like a wildlife photographer may be considered a “non-consumptive” user, while a hunter or angler is considered “consumptive.” When you look at these terms through the lens of philosophies like “preservation” and “conservation,” you can see where conflict may arise.
However, these labels only serve to divide people, distracting from bigger conservation issues that matter to all nature lovers. The real challenges facing America’s wildlife – such as habitat fragmentation, climate change, and ecosystem disruption – require collaboration, not division.
Urban sprawl, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development continue to fragment habitats, complicating conservation efforts. Meanwhile, climate change is disrupting ecosystems, altering habitats, food sources, and migration patterns, particularly for endangered and vulnerable species.
The truth is no one is entirely free from the impact of “consumptive” actions. As Leopold wrote, humans are a part of nature, not separate from it. As a member of our worldwide ecosystem, we consume the same resources as other natural life. By nature of our existence, we all contribute to the wildlife and habitat challenges at hand. It’s inescapable.
Take, for example, the widespread use of chemicals to control weeds and pests. Millions of people apply herbicides and pesticides that kill undesirable plants and animals, even some native to the environment. These same chemicals also poison waterways, harming fish and wildlife. It would be contradictory to condemn hunting for its impact on wildlife while simultaneously contributing to habitat destruction by using these toxic chemicals.
We all share responsibility for our human impact on nature, both individually and collectively. Acknowledging this truth is essential. Humanity’s impact on fish, wildlife, and ecosystems is staggering, and the conservation challenges at hand are daunting. However, by focusing on our shared interests instead of our lifestyle differences, we can make a difference and protect wildlife and habitats.
It’s up to each of us to contribute our time, resources, and effort to help restore the damage we’ve collectively caused. There are many ways to make a difference. Joining and volunteering with conservation organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Mule Deer Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, Trout Unlimited or any of the other organizations that are making a difference for habitat and wildlife. Volunteering with state and federal agencies or local community-based organizations is another option. Finally, by simply purchasing a fishing and hunting license in your home state, you are making a valuable contribution.
Despite our differing lifestyles, we can unite with a common purpose, working together as partners in conservation.
"A longtime hunter, angler, and conservationist, Tom resides in Washington State, where he leads Marketing and R3 for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The views expressed in this article are solely his own."
Rachel Barringer - Marketing & Digital Manager, Blaser Group
Allen Forkner - Vice President Public Relations & Brand Management - Gunbroker.Com
Cassie Gasaway - Outdoor Content Creator & Freelance Writer
Jeff Rawlinson - Vice President, National Archery in Schools Program
Tom Ryle - Sales and Marketing Manager, State R3 Lead for Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
Taylor Schmitz - Director, Federal Relations, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
Facilitators
The Voice of Leadership Panel is an appointed group of outdoor industry leaders who have volunteered to contribute their voices on crucial hunting and outdoor recreation issues to inform, inspire, and educate participants within our community.