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 "The nation behaves well if it treats the natural resources as assets which it must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value." -Theodore Roosevelt
From 1890 to 1903 the high mountain meadows of the Wasatch Plateau were severely stressed by nine years of drought. The impacts of drought were further compounded by overgrazing of huge herds of livestock. Torrential floods rampaged down the mountain with each summer thunderstorm, destroying valley towns and farms.
Local citizens of Sanpete, Carbon and Emery counties petitioned Congress for help. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt created the Manti Forest Reserve, which became a National Forest in 1905.
Since then new issues challenge forest managers -- such as increased recreational use, especially motorized recreation; the results of nearly 100 years of fire suppression and fuel overgrowth; insect infestation; noxious weeds; drought and climate change; and the varied demands of multiple users.
Through planning, managers hope to address those issues in ways that are good for the forest and ultimately, good for the generations of human beings who use it.
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