The archway above Yellowstone National Park reads, “For the Benefit and Enjoyment of the People,” reinforcing the democratic ideals at the core of the national park system. While visiting the Grand Canyon, President Theodore Roosevelt declared “Leave it be. Man can only mar it,” demonstrating his commitment to keeping these beautiful landscapes pristine. To Roosevelt, the concept of preservation was democratic: parks were created and maintained for the people, and would be maintained by the people.