in 1906, conservationist charles alexander sheldon conceived the idea of preserving the denali region as a national park. he presented the plan to his co-members of the boone and crockett club. they decided that the political climate at the time was unfavorable for congressional action, and that the best hope of success rested on the approval and support from the alaskans themselves. sheldon wrote, "the first step was to secure the approval and cooperation of the delegate who represented alaska in congress."