Final answer:
President Theodore Roosevelt's dedication to conservation stemmed from his personal connection to the outdoors, recognition of the damage caused by exploitation of natural resources, and his vision for a sustainable environmental future. The correct answer will be He found spending time outdoors the best outlet for his vast amounts of energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reasons Behind Roosevelt's Dedication to Conservation:
President Theodore Roosevelt became dedicated to conservation as a reaction to witnessing the extensive environmental damage caused by the indiscriminate exploitation of natural resources in the United States. Influenced greatly by the encounters with nature and naturalists like John Muir, and his own experiences as a sportsman, Roosevelt sought to ensure the preservation of wilderness areas for the enjoyment and benefit of future generations.
His conservation efforts included the establishment of national parks, wildlife refuges, and the co-founding of the U.S. Forest Service which promoted the scientific management of forest reserves. This new government agency enacted policies to prevent activities such as overhunting and clear-cutting of forests, emphasizing the need for sustainable management of natural resources.
Overall, Theodore Roosevelt's dedication to conservation was fueled by a deep-seated belief in the intrinsic value of nature and a strong personal connection to the outdoors, coupled with a progressive vision for America's environmental future.