Final answer:
During the Progressive Era, the conservation movement split into two factions: utilitarian conservation led by Gifford Pinchot, and preservation led by John Muir. These factions disagreed on the purpose of conservation, with the former emphasizing resource management for public benefit and the latter valuing wilderness for its inherent value. Both factions rejected the idea of limitless resources.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Progressive Era, two factions emerged in the conservation movement: one led by Gifford Pinchot, Chief Forester under Teddy Roosevelt, which advocated utilitarian conservation, and another led by John Muir, which advocated preservation of forests and wilderness for their inherent value. The conservationists focused on sustainable resource management for the public good, while the preservationists emphasized the aesthetic and spiritual value of contact with wild nature. Both factions rejected the assumption that resources are limitless.