The Enduring Forests: Northern California, Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Southeast Alaska

Rating:
Summary: Saving the forests of the north west
Review: This is not a new book but the subject matter - the need for the preservation of forests along the north west coast of North America - is as relevant and important now as it was then. Looking back, it's encouraging to see that we have made some progress towards this since 1996, even if it is progress of the "two steps forward, one step back variety".

This beautifully illustrated book consists of five essays, one for each of the geographical regions from northern California to south eastern Alaska. The five writers offer very different perspectives on the ecological issues facing the forests in their own area. Each essay, in its own way, addresses issues common to the whole region. The book in its entirety looks at the past of these forests and offers a look at the future. In 2004 we are eight years into that future so we can compare our progress, or lack thereof, with the hopes expressed.

This book tries to engage us, as readers, to understand and treasure our forests for what they are and not just for the wood or wealth they provide. "...the more we humans know, the more we will care, and the more we care the better will we take care."

Amen to that.