- In 1890, Yosemite was declared a National Park. What is the significance of naming an area, such as Yosemite, a "National Park?"
- Years later, in 1916, Congress established the National Park Service. What do you think prompted the government to create the National Park System?
- In the early 1900's, most Americans still had not visited the wilderness in a National Park like Yosemite. If most of the public had not experienced this "wilderness," what do you think their perceptions of it were at this time?
- John Muir, legendary naturalist, led the fight for preservation of outdoor wilderness areas, such as Yosemite. What sort of opposition to the preservation of wilderness areas would you anticipate - governmental or otherwise?
- In your opinion, what purpose do National Parks serve in the United States?
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