1897 - Environment

Environment

President Cleveland signs legislation February 22 establishing the Washington and Mount Rainier Forest Preserves in Washington State plus 11 other such western forest reserves totaling 20 million acres (see Harrison, 1891). Congress has passed the Forest Service Organic Act, enabling legislation for the establishment of a national forest system (it forbids government sale of National Forest timber not dead or fully mature and individually marked for felling). Some senators demand his impeachment, but Cleveland vetoes bills passed to reverse his proclamation and Congress adjourns without overriding the vetoes (see Pinchot, 1898).