Katmai National Park and Preserve was founded through a series of events and expansions, with key figures like Robert Fiske Griggs, Horace M. Albright, and Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor playing crucial roles in its establishment and protection.
What Led to the Establishment of Katmai National Monument?
In 1912, the massive volcanic eruption of Novarupta in the Alaskan wilderness created the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a unique and awe-inspiring landscape. Botanist Robert Fiske Griggs led expeditions to the area in 1915 and 1916, discovering and naming this remarkable natural wonder. Griggs advocated for the protection of the region, which eventually led to its designation as Katmai National Monument in 1918 by President Woodrow Wilson.
Who Played a Key Role in Establishing Katmai National Monument?
Robert Fiske Griggs
Griggs, a botanist, was the driving force behind the protection of the Katmai region. His expeditions to the area in 1915 and 1916 led to the discovery and naming of the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a landscape formed by the 1912 Novarupta volcanic eruption. Griggs recognized the significance of this natural wonder and advocated for its protection, which ultimately resulted in the establishment of Katmai National Monument.
Horace M. Albright
Horace M. Albright, the acting director of the National Park Service at the time, played a crucial role in the establishment of Katmai National Monument. Albright advised that national park legislation was unlikely to pass, and instead suggested protecting the area as a national monument using the Antiquities Act of 1906.
Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor
Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor, the president of the National Geographic Society, supported Griggs’ expeditions to Katmai and advocated for the protection of the region. The National Geographic Society’s backing was instrumental in bringing attention to the area and its unique features.
How Did Katmai National Monument Evolve Over Time?
Expansion of the Monument
In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a boundary adjustment that expanded Katmai National Monument westward by 94,547 acres, further protecting the region.
Redesignation as Katmai National Park and Preserve
In 1980, under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, Katmai National Monument was redesignated as Katmai National Park and Preserve, reflecting its growing significance and the need for more comprehensive protection.
What is the Significance of Katmai National Park and Preserve?
Katmai National Park and Preserve is renowned for its diverse wildlife, particularly its large population of brown bears and the important sockeye salmon runs. The park’s unique geological features, such as the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, also make it a popular destination for visitors and researchers.
References
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katmai_National_Park_and_Preserve
- https://www.nationalparks.org/explore/parks/katmai-national-park-and-preserve
- https://www.npca.org/parks/katmai-national-park-preserve