WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, FRERIEKEThe decimation of Native American populations during the colonization of North America resulted in a major shift in values and demographics. The introduction of many new species, such as trout and potatoes has been beneficial. Others were catastrophic. And the overharvest and reduction of natural habitats endangered many native species. The white tail deer, furbearers, bison, and many of America’s migratory birds were all, at some point, on the brink of extinction.
Congress passed the Pitman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act in 1937, resulting in the recovery of many large and small mammals, as well as migratory birds. But as the country’s human population continues to expand—from 281 million people in 2000 to 309 million today, according to the 2010 national Census—conservation efforts remain critical to preserve America’s biodiversity. Importantly, these efforts require the involvement of local communities, whose support is vital to their success.
In the southern and western states, for example, where the vast majority of the nation’s human population growth is occurring, wildlife habitats are altered by increased demand on natural resources, such as water and timber. The increased water demand of the growing human population reduces flows in local streams and rivers, which is threatening ...
