Colonel John Roberts White and sustainable management from the Philippines to Sequoia National Park

Colonel John Roberts White managed Sequoia National Park from 1920-1947. In those years he implemented new conservation ideas that influenced national park policy and wilderness management in the United States. Prior to his time with the Park Service, White traveled extensively and experienced several important historical events. After leaving his childhood home of Reading, England, he fought with the Greek Foreign Legion before traveling to Alaska and the Yukon in search of his fortune. During his travels to America, he enlisted in the military and served in the Philippines. White spent several years with the Philippine Constabulary before managing Iwahig penal colony, also located in the Philippines. Struggling from poor health, White returned to America and actively sought work within the newly created National Park Service. After serving briefly in the Grand Canyon, White transferred to Sequoia National Park, where he fought for sustainability, especially within the Giant Forest.