Buffalo

Tens of millions of bison lived on the North American continent prior to settlement of the west. The estimated number is 30 million to 60 million. 

The bison covered a huge portion of the United States. Of course they were all but obliterated (down to the hundreds) during western settlement.

Where did that plan come from?

Imagine if you were dropped on the east coast of the USA back in 1600. There would have been Indians living in settlements, plus huge areas of virgin forest, plus huge numbers of animals like bison, wolves, elk, deer, etc...

It's pretty unlikely that the impulse of a modern person would be to obliterate the natural wealth. Why was it the impulse of the 17th century-20th century Europeans?