The Northern Forest

This is probably the most well-balanced, sane depiction I've read about any environmental issue. Definitely the most sane, well-balanced there is regarding the Northern Forest. Dobbs and Ober provide a comprehensive look at the issues facing the forests of Northern New England and Upstate New York which integrates all viewpoints. They provide insight into the barriers and hurdles we create in trying to make tough decisions about environmental issues. Well worth reading for anyone interested in a fresh perspective on managing environmental resources in a 21st century economy, or anyone just interested in forests, the people of New England or the timber industry.

This book provides an interesting window into life in the forested corners of the Northeast. The book is divided into 4 sections: New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and New York. In each of the first 3 sections, the authors present an in-depth portrait of a family and way of life in the northern forest. Through their interviews and descriptions, readers learn about the lifestyles of hunters, foresters, and loggers, and the variety of issues that affect both the northern forest and the northern economy. The last section, about the Adirondack forest, presents some of the more political issues regarding forest conservation. Overall, the book is interesting as well as informative, and provides a very readable introduction to issues affecting the region.