John F. Seiberling built support for a park through the democratic process, rallying backing from citizens and government alike. In the 1960s, he encouraged park studies, involvement by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and citizen activism. After his election to the U.S. Congress in 1970, he immediately introduced legislation to create a federal park, but Congress ignored the first bill in part because it had not heard enough community interest. That defeat spurred Seiberling to organize stronger public support. In 1974, Congress easily passed his new bill creating Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and President Ford signed it into law after Seiberling mobilized Ohio political leaders to persuade him of the park idea's popularity.
