Shafroth Act

The Shafroth Act, passed in 1914, was a U.S. law that restructured the management of federal lands, especially in the West. It established the U.S. Forest Service and aimed to conserve natural resources by creating national forests and emphasizing sustainable use. The Act shifted the focus from simply selling public lands to managing them responsibly for future generations. It also promoted scientific forestry practices and protected watersheds, ensuring that natural resources like timber, water, and wildlife were preserved while supporting public and economic needs.