John Wesley Powell was a 19th-century American explorer and scientist.  He contributed substantially to various fields of environmental science.  He is known for his exploration of the Green and Colorado Rivers.

John Wesley Powell.  Photo Credit: Powell Memorial Museum.

Powell was born in Mount Morris, New York, in 1834.  His father discouraged formal education, feeling that this was only necessary for a minister.  However, Powell worked hard to support his own school attendance, even though he never completed a formal degree.  Much of his knowledge was self-taught.

Powell helped found the Bureau of Ethnology.  In addition, he was the second Director of the United States Geological Services.  While holding the later position, he began projects that included mapping and the study of soils and groundwater.  His Irrigation Survey eventually led to the establishment of the Bureau of Reclamation.

In 1878, Powell published the Report on the Lands of the Arid Region of the United States.  In it, he called for land-use planning.  He thought that the U.S. government should be involved in organizing environmentally sound Western settlements.

While they were new at the time, many of Powell's views subsequently influenced the entire conservation movement, and they continue to do so even today.  Due in part to his urging cautious development of the American West, the Grand Canyon remains intact today.  John Powell died in 1902.