This important collection of primary source documents highlights the founding, evolution, and challenges of one of the defining American institutions: The National Park Service. . . .This book showcases 79 documents (some have been abridged) ranging from Acts of Congress to fire management reports and advocacy letters which speak to the history of ‘America’s best idea’ and the diverse purposes it serves.

American Reference Books Annual

To have so many hard-to-find documents presented with such lucid explanations in one place makes this an invaluable reference. . . . Members of Congress and officials in the executive branch would do well to read these formative documents about our cherished public lands.

Forest History Today

Dr. Dilsaver has provided an extraordinary service in collecting the critical documents into one manageable reference.

Jonathan B. Jarvis, Director of the National Park Service

This fine volume—fully updated and enlarged to reflect the ongoing evolution of the National Park Service—belongs on the bookshelves of scholars, planners, decision makers, and anyone interested in the formative legal and institutional processes that have shaped ‘America’s Best Idea.’ Dilsaver’s invaluable collection of critical documents will serve as an enduring reference and an insightful overview of the National Park Service for the next generation of scholars and citizens who share a fascination for these very special American places.

William Wyckoff, Montana State University

For anyone who has ever wondered why the National Park Service is concerned about protecting its resources, while at the same time providing high-quality interpretation of those same resources; or, for anyone who noticed that in 1933 the National Park Service nearly doubled in size without any legislation to do so; or for anyone else who visited Yellowstone in their childhood and saw bears nearly everywhere, then went back years later and wondered where all the bears went, these and many other questions are answered in Lary Dilsaver’s outstanding, and newly expanded book. From the origins of Yosemite and Yellowstone to the recent ideas for the future of the National Park Service in the twenty-first century, all of the pertinent acts of Congress, executive orders, management policies, plans for current and future management, and many other important documents are reproduced in this wonderful volume.

Robert K. Sutton, Chief Historian of the National Park Service

An invaluable compilation of the documents that define the National Park System. Reading the source materials is the best way to understand the story of the parks, while Professor Dilsaver’s introductions to each chapter help to weave that story together nicely. I used the first edition of this book in teaching many courses on park law and policy. I am delighted that this revised and updated version is now available for the benefit of park professionals and the enjoyment of park lovers.

Molly N. Ross, Assistant Solicitor for National Parks, retired