Yellowstone Park Protection Act 



question should be constituted a forest reserve. This 

 was done. In 1891 the President issued a proclamation, 

 establishing the Yellowstone Park Forest Reserve. It 

 embraced some 1,800 square miles, abutting on the east 

 and south boundaries of the Park. The Secretary after- 

 ward had the same regulations extended to the Re- 

 serve as had been put in operation in the Park. This 

 important action was followed by further proclama- 

 tions, instituting other forest reservations in different 

 sections of the country. The Executive and its repre- 

 sentative, the Department of the Interior, have at all 

 times been most sympathetic and helpful in the move- 

 ment for forest and game preservation. They have 

 sternly resisted all assaults upon the Park. 



The organization of the Boone and Crockett Club had 

 been a great step toward Park protection. Its member- 

 ship included those who had shown most interest in 

 obtaining legislation. One of the main objects of the 

 society was the preservation of the game and the forests. 

 It brought together a body of men whose motives were 

 entirely disinterested, and who were able to make their 

 influence felt. To their efforts must be largely attributed 

 the success which was ultimately attained. But that suc- 

 cess might have been indefinitely deferred had not Con- 

 gress been awakened to its duty by an event as shocking 

 as it was unlooked for. 



For years one of the cherished objects of the Park had 

 been the preservation of perhaps the only surviving band 

 of buffalo. It had sought refuge in the mountains. It 

 was known to be on the increase and it was supposed 

 that it would remain unmolested. Its number had been 

 estimated as high as 500. Its habitat was a wild and 



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