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Our National Forests: Stories from America's Most Important Public Lands
“An inspiring reminder of the incredible resource that is our public lands.” —Brendan Leonard, author of The Camping Life and Surviving the Great Outdoors
Across 193 million acres of forests, mountains, deserts, watersheds, and grasslands, national forests provide a multitude of uses as diverse as America itself. They welcome 170 million visitors each year to hike, bike, paddle, ski, fish, and hunt. But “the people’s lands” offer more than just recreation. Lost habitats are recovered, timber is harvested, and endangered wildlife is protected as part of the Forest Service’s enduring mission.
In Our National Forests, Greg Peters gives an inside look at America’s most important public lands and the people committed to protecting them and ensuring access for all. From the Forest Service growing millions of seedlings in the West each year, to their efforts to save the hellbender salamander in Appalachia, the story spans the breadth of the country and its diverse ecology. And people are at the center, whether the dedicated Forest Service members or the everyday citizens who support and tend to the protected lands near their homes.
This complete look at America’s national forests—their triumphs, challenges, controversies, and vital programs—is a must-read for everyone interested in the history of America's most important public lands.
Across 193 million acres of forests, mountains, deserts, watersheds, and grasslands, national forests provide a multitude of uses as diverse as America itself. They welcome 170 million visitors each year to hike, bike, paddle, ski, fish, and hunt. But “the people’s lands” offer more than just recreation. Lost habitats are recovered, timber is harvested, and endangered wildlife is protected as part of the Forest Service’s enduring mission.
In Our National Forests, Greg Peters gives an inside look at America’s most important public lands and the people committed to protecting them and ensuring access for all. From the Forest Service growing millions of seedlings in the West each year, to their efforts to save the hellbender salamander in Appalachia, the story spans the breadth of the country and its diverse ecology. And people are at the center, whether the dedicated Forest Service members or the everyday citizens who support and tend to the protected lands near their homes.
This complete look at America’s national forests—their triumphs, challenges, controversies, and vital programs—is a must-read for everyone interested in the history of America's most important public lands.
Audible Audio
First published October 1, 2021
About the author
Greg M. Peters
4 books3 followersGreg Peters is a freelance writer based in Missoula, Montana. Before writing full time as a freelancer, Greg was the director of communications at the National Forest Foundation where, among many other things, he edited the NFF’s magazine Your National Forests. His writing has appeared in National Parks magazine, High Country News, Down East magazine, Big Sky Journal, Outside Bozeman, Missoula Independent, and more.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
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July 4, 2023Looking forward to adding to what I learned while enjoying Timothy Egan's The Big Burn (ten years ago).
May 25, 2022
I really enjoyed this audiobook about the national forests in America. The author included a lot of history on the national forest system, including the indigenous people that were here when the Europeans showed up. He also spoke of the bison, and how Obama made it the national mammal while he was president. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the national forests, nature or history. The narration was also very well done. I want to thank the author, the publisher, and Netgalley for giving me an e-copy of this book, in return for an honest review.
September 14, 2021
I found this to be an excellent book about the history of the Forest Service and the National Forests. Everyone is familiar with our National Parks, not so many with our National Forests. This is unfortunate, as the Forests also offer almost unlimited possibilities for recreation, and are much less likely to be crowded. I found the history behind National Forests to be interesting, as well as the dedication of the employees. The illustrations and photographs are awesome! All in all, this is an excellent book!
January 24, 2022
That afterword was one of the most magical things I've ever read.
November 8, 2021
Did you know our country has National Forests? I am not talking National Parks but land that has been set aside for the use of all and to protect our country's water? And we are not talking solely about places with big trees. Forests encompass many diverse climates. This book is part coffee table picture (oh my the photos!), part history of how the National Forest system was established, part personal stories from the author and others, and part a critical look at the racism and inequality in the forming and running of the system. I was enthralled by many of the ecological projects happening at many of the Forests. I liked that the author acknowledged his own privilege, very openly discussed the tragedy in how many of these lands came to be under government control, and the continued inequity in access to the Forests. (Cynical me wonders how the writing would have differed had this book been written a decade or so ago.) But Mr. Peters is very open about he good, the bad, and the ugly in forming what is a beautiful system of resources available for all Americans, how access and equality have improved within the system, and what is being done to further diversity and inclusion. But overall, this is a gorgeous tribute to something many people don't even think about, and should. I was given a digital copy for review purposes and even before finishing the book, I had ordered a hardcopy. I recommend you do the same to fully enjoy the photos included!
Thanks to NetGalley and Timber Press for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley and Timber Press for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.
November 28, 2021
Anyone interested in trees, the history of North America, environmental issues and the development of National Parks will be keen to read this book. The photos and other illustrations are beautiful, sometimes uplifting, other times sad. Much research went into the publication.
History includes the mass slaughter of buffalo, which were generally left to rot, in just a few decades. The made and broken treaties with the original managers of the land. We see that the loss of people from agrarian communities meant that tribes moved back to being hunter gatherers, so trees regrew on previously cleared land. Antarctic ice cores prove that trees were absorbing considerably more carbon by 1610, not long at all after Old World diseases arrived. History also includes railroads which made possible industrial logging.
The chapters bring us to pine forests, genetic adaptation and grafting to beat fungal diseases. To tallstem grass prairie forests. To a glacier melting gently into the mountain river, to hikers getting into difficulty, wildlife issues, and water management. Firefighting, which generally followed intense logging. This looks to be a good roundup of modern issues on the scene, with room for a few personal anecdotes. A chapter reminds us that not everyone has equal access to parks, whether because of economic difficulty or other factors.
I recommend this book. Notes and credits P 261 - 268 in my e-ARC. Index 267 - 277.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
History includes the mass slaughter of buffalo, which were generally left to rot, in just a few decades. The made and broken treaties with the original managers of the land. We see that the loss of people from agrarian communities meant that tribes moved back to being hunter gatherers, so trees regrew on previously cleared land. Antarctic ice cores prove that trees were absorbing considerably more carbon by 1610, not long at all after Old World diseases arrived. History also includes railroads which made possible industrial logging.
The chapters bring us to pine forests, genetic adaptation and grafting to beat fungal diseases. To tallstem grass prairie forests. To a glacier melting gently into the mountain river, to hikers getting into difficulty, wildlife issues, and water management. Firefighting, which generally followed intense logging. This looks to be a good roundup of modern issues on the scene, with room for a few personal anecdotes. A chapter reminds us that not everyone has equal access to parks, whether because of economic difficulty or other factors.
I recommend this book. Notes and credits P 261 - 268 in my e-ARC. Index 267 - 277.
I read an e-ARC from Net Galley. This is an unbiased review.
October 4, 2021
Known as "the people's land," Greg M. Peters reveals an inside look at America's most important public land.Our National Forests centers around the people: dedicated employees part of the Forest Service and the citizens supporting and tending to protected lands near their homes. Through Peters' extensive research, this book examines multiple bodies on history, legislations, controversies, challenges and triumphs surrounding our essential public lands across the United States.
This book is filled with gorgeous photographs that were just captivating and moving. Through Peters' excellent writing with intriguing premise, the content was very insightful and informative. For someone like myself who had limited knowledge about our national forests, the writing was very accessible and easy to understand. Peters' passion and his love for our national forests truly shines bright. I always carried mother nature in a special place in my heart, but after delving in-depth it provided me with a greater respect and admiration for what our public land represents and offers. Most importantly, the ongoing fight and the devotion of the people who love and support our national forest is truly remarkable and awe-inspiring. Filled with fascinating basketful of contents plus beautiful illustrations that will be a delightful treat for readers interested in nature and conservation elements.
Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is filled with gorgeous photographs that were just captivating and moving. Through Peters' excellent writing with intriguing premise, the content was very insightful and informative. For someone like myself who had limited knowledge about our national forests, the writing was very accessible and easy to understand. Peters' passion and his love for our national forests truly shines bright. I always carried mother nature in a special place in my heart, but after delving in-depth it provided me with a greater respect and admiration for what our public land represents and offers. Most importantly, the ongoing fight and the devotion of the people who love and support our national forest is truly remarkable and awe-inspiring. Filled with fascinating basketful of contents plus beautiful illustrations that will be a delightful treat for readers interested in nature and conservation elements.
Thank you to NetGalley and Timber Press for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2022
This book has beautiful pictures and attempts to inform us about the National Forests. You won't be able to read through this in one sitting, but you should read it. Our National Forests are such a valuable resource to our nation and this book highlights that. The National Forest that I visit the most has on the sign "Land of Many Uses" and that is very true. I hope everyone will work to keep our National Forests available for everyone to enjoy.
April 30, 2022
A fairly straightforward history of U.S. Forestry Service that plods along at times, but it's honest in telling the nation's dark history of stealing land from Indigenous Peoples and the organization historically excluding African Americans and women from its ranks. Gorgeous photography accompanies the text and the author conveys a genuine love of our forests.
February 22, 2022
I love this book! Excellent read on the history and future of the national forests. I got this book from my local library but will purchase a copy to own. Nice photographs included also!
March 21, 2022
Some good info. It was interesting to learn what part of government had different filings for National Forests
January 18, 2025
WOW. If you give a single hoot about being outside you should read this book. And PLEASE get a physical copy - the pictures are absolutely gorgeous. 10/10, absolutely loved it.
September 5, 2023
I felt that this book was a prime example of the sheer amount of experiences that the national forests of the United State have gone through. Each of the nine chapters dealt with a different aspect of the forest and below I will lay them out and highlight interesting things from each.
There were so many wonderful pictures throughout the book that made it even easier and more fun to read. I would give this book 5 stars but it didn't have citations for any of the facts so I had to deduct one.
1. Eastern National Forests: I liked how this was a clear history of the NFS. It was intriguing to me how the argument for protecting the forests came from a need to protect the drinking waters of cities after a flood in Pittsburgh.
2. The Art and Science of Growing Trees: You can make a tree think that it's mature by grafting it onto an older tree and then it makes pinecones! This was just so cool to me. I really enjoyed this chapter a lot.
3. Restoring America's Grasslands: Grasslands are quite out of luck but lots is being done to improve them, such as turning old arms factories into a tall grass prairie.
4. Native Voices and the Struggle to be Heard: Many treaties were broken.
5. Crowd Control: Interesting to think about how the conflicting interests of various users are fought for. This one gave some good food for thought.
6. The Origins and Future of Wilderness: What does wilderness mean and how do we help it continue? I liked the questions posed here and the historical perspective.
7. Citizen Science: Wolverines are massive.
8. The Eagle Creek Fire: The fire sure brought people together.
9. Diversity and Representation: It's been a long road to getting minority groups into the NFS.
There were so many wonderful pictures throughout the book that made it even easier and more fun to read. I would give this book 5 stars but it didn't have citations for any of the facts so I had to deduct one.
1. Eastern National Forests: I liked how this was a clear history of the NFS. It was intriguing to me how the argument for protecting the forests came from a need to protect the drinking waters of cities after a flood in Pittsburgh.
2. The Art and Science of Growing Trees: You can make a tree think that it's mature by grafting it onto an older tree and then it makes pinecones! This was just so cool to me. I really enjoyed this chapter a lot.
3. Restoring America's Grasslands: Grasslands are quite out of luck but lots is being done to improve them, such as turning old arms factories into a tall grass prairie.
4. Native Voices and the Struggle to be Heard: Many treaties were broken.
5. Crowd Control: Interesting to think about how the conflicting interests of various users are fought for. This one gave some good food for thought.
6. The Origins and Future of Wilderness: What does wilderness mean and how do we help it continue? I liked the questions posed here and the historical perspective.
7. Citizen Science: Wolverines are massive.
8. The Eagle Creek Fire: The fire sure brought people together.
9. Diversity and Representation: It's been a long road to getting minority groups into the NFS.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2022
Until only a handful of years ago, I (like most Americans, I believe) had no understanding of the difference between National Forests and National Parks. Coming to understand that the Forest Service has many oft-competing goals, I gained an appreciation for the political, scientific and practical balancing act the Service must perform. This book might well help you come to a similar appreciation. That said, I had anticipated a bit more of an in-depth history of the Service and the National Parks than the book provided. It is my disappointment in that regard that, more than anything, accounts for the 3-star review. The book is otherwise well written, beautifully illustrated, and occasionally downright inspiring.
December 28, 2022
This review originally published in Looking For a Good Book. Rated 3.5 of 5
I am, admittedly, a sucker for just about anything related to our National Parks and National Forests system - especially books - so this immediately caught my attention.
Author Greg M. Peters offers some insight to various aspects of our (U.S.) National Forests system. Peters has had a long career with the Forests - though not as a ranger - and he's able to draw on some insider knowledge. There's nothing too scurrilous however - Peters was a faithful employee, not a disgruntled one.
The book covers a lot of ground (pun intended) - perhaps a little too much so as we get a little bit of information about a lot of topics in a brief book (under 300 pages and full of photos and illustrations). We get 'the story of Eastern National Forests' and the 'art and science of growing trees' in the first two chapters and the 'restoring America's grasslands' in the third. The fourth chapter, about the 'Native Voices' and the challenge of Indigenous People's ability to be heard in the conversation about the land. That their ancestors lived harmoniously with the land well before the arrival of the white man should be proof enough of the need to have their voice at the table in any conservation conversation.
Along the same line, the last chapter in the book was perhaps the most important to me. "All the People's Land" opens (or continues) an important conversation about diversity in outdoor America. I've watched a number of documentary films about this and how some of us (I'm Caucasian, male) have taken this for granted but how such a large portion of the population, specifically Black and other BIPOC persons don't typically take advantage of our National Forests and largely because they have never felt welcomed and even in today's world, they feel like an oddity. I'm glad that Peters addresses this subject even if there are no easy answers or solutions to how to get people of all races and backgrounds into the outdoors.
Fires have to be a major problem for our national forests, and this is addressed in the chapter "After the Burn." But I found this to be a little too specific about the Eagle Creek Fire which took me out of my reading this book in some generalized ways to suddenly reading about something very specific. And something which, for me, was not something I was very aware of, so I was left a bit confused.
Overall, a slightly above average book. I'm glad to have read it and if someone were looking for a recommendation specifically about forests or the outdoors, I might suggest this, but it's not high on the recommendation list.
Looking for a good book? Our National Forests by Greg M. Peters is a nice, general overview of the American National Forests, and addresses some challenges to the program which should not be ignored.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
I am, admittedly, a sucker for just about anything related to our National Parks and National Forests system - especially books - so this immediately caught my attention.
Author Greg M. Peters offers some insight to various aspects of our (U.S.) National Forests system. Peters has had a long career with the Forests - though not as a ranger - and he's able to draw on some insider knowledge. There's nothing too scurrilous however - Peters was a faithful employee, not a disgruntled one.
The book covers a lot of ground (pun intended) - perhaps a little too much so as we get a little bit of information about a lot of topics in a brief book (under 300 pages and full of photos and illustrations). We get 'the story of Eastern National Forests' and the 'art and science of growing trees' in the first two chapters and the 'restoring America's grasslands' in the third. The fourth chapter, about the 'Native Voices' and the challenge of Indigenous People's ability to be heard in the conversation about the land. That their ancestors lived harmoniously with the land well before the arrival of the white man should be proof enough of the need to have their voice at the table in any conservation conversation.
Along the same line, the last chapter in the book was perhaps the most important to me. "All the People's Land" opens (or continues) an important conversation about diversity in outdoor America. I've watched a number of documentary films about this and how some of us (I'm Caucasian, male) have taken this for granted but how such a large portion of the population, specifically Black and other BIPOC persons don't typically take advantage of our National Forests and largely because they have never felt welcomed and even in today's world, they feel like an oddity. I'm glad that Peters addresses this subject even if there are no easy answers or solutions to how to get people of all races and backgrounds into the outdoors.
Fires have to be a major problem for our national forests, and this is addressed in the chapter "After the Burn." But I found this to be a little too specific about the Eagle Creek Fire which took me out of my reading this book in some generalized ways to suddenly reading about something very specific. And something which, for me, was not something I was very aware of, so I was left a bit confused.
Overall, a slightly above average book. I'm glad to have read it and if someone were looking for a recommendation specifically about forests or the outdoors, I might suggest this, but it's not high on the recommendation list.
Looking for a good book? Our National Forests by Greg M. Peters is a nice, general overview of the American National Forests, and addresses some challenges to the program which should not be ignored.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2022
Part travelogue, part history lesson, part environmental plea, Our National Forests is exactly what we need to ignite a renewed interest in our country's protected lands.
Turns out, National Forests (not National Parks, which are something else entirely) are much more than I thought. I was surprised to learn that not only had I likely visited a National Forest without even knowing it, they're absolutely essential to the fabric of our nation. The National Forests are steeped in history -- both good and bad -- and the author doesn't shy away from either. Whatever your mood (introspective, light, frustrated, or scientifically curious) you'll be greeted with insightful stories and huge color images that you could easily get lost in.
Our National Forest is as varied as the lands in question: sometimes dense and textbooky with dates and figures, sometimes sprinkled with relatable anecdotes that'll make you chuckle, and sometimes sobering. The author addresses challenging topics from the early days of the Forest Service as well as ongoing issues like human impact, apathy, and inequality. But just before the reader's heart breaks, we're presented with new stories of citizen science, advancements, and renewals. I especially enjoyed the historical chapter about the first planted forest in Nebraska. What an uphill battle it must've been to learn how to efficiently establish a forest where there was none!
As the author points out, much of the forests themselves are millennia old, but the Forest Service is only 115. Clearly, there's a lot more history to be written in this ongoing tribute to trees. If you love our lands and are interested in what's protected, how, and why, Our National Forests belongs on your coffee table.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Turns out, National Forests (not National Parks, which are something else entirely) are much more than I thought. I was surprised to learn that not only had I likely visited a National Forest without even knowing it, they're absolutely essential to the fabric of our nation. The National Forests are steeped in history -- both good and bad -- and the author doesn't shy away from either. Whatever your mood (introspective, light, frustrated, or scientifically curious) you'll be greeted with insightful stories and huge color images that you could easily get lost in.
Our National Forest is as varied as the lands in question: sometimes dense and textbooky with dates and figures, sometimes sprinkled with relatable anecdotes that'll make you chuckle, and sometimes sobering. The author addresses challenging topics from the early days of the Forest Service as well as ongoing issues like human impact, apathy, and inequality. But just before the reader's heart breaks, we're presented with new stories of citizen science, advancements, and renewals. I especially enjoyed the historical chapter about the first planted forest in Nebraska. What an uphill battle it must've been to learn how to efficiently establish a forest where there was none!
As the author points out, much of the forests themselves are millennia old, but the Forest Service is only 115. Clearly, there's a lot more history to be written in this ongoing tribute to trees. If you love our lands and are interested in what's protected, how, and why, Our National Forests belongs on your coffee table.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 24, 2022
This book does a wonderful job in describing the history, the challenges then and now, and the actors/actresses that made our national forests what they are today. It also introduces you to the inside of forests and their importance and beauty. It was great that the author, Greg Peters, also included a whole chapter on including more BIPOC and LGBTQ+ into the fight to manage and save some our most precious national public treasures.
The only two complaints, which really aren't complaints and more of a preference, is one that the author tends to concentrate 75% of the time on forests in the West. Granted, most federal lands and forests are in the west, but the majority of population in which he is trying to encourage to become active lives in the East. The White Mountains of New Hampshire are include most of the time to represent the east, he misses opportunities to expand on other national forests on the east coast. The other preference/complaint I have is the somewhat white-washed history and current role of the National Forest Service. He does try to hide the fact that the NFS has been a mostly white-male dominated government agency or playing a extractive role in protecting the forest, but he shies away from it for the most part. Some solid prognosis and recommended treatments, especially on my second point would have been very welcome. Perhaps that's why he is laser focused on getting more people into the realm of giving a shit about something so important, yet rarely spoken of.
If you're a fan of history, the outdoors, trees, etc., then this book is for you. It also has gorgeous photos from the forests and lands he discusses in the book. If after reading this you don't want to go out in the forests, protect the forests, or join the NFS, then check your pulse.
4.5/5
The only two complaints, which really aren't complaints and more of a preference, is one that the author tends to concentrate 75% of the time on forests in the West. Granted, most federal lands and forests are in the west, but the majority of population in which he is trying to encourage to become active lives in the East. The White Mountains of New Hampshire are include most of the time to represent the east, he misses opportunities to expand on other national forests on the east coast. The other preference/complaint I have is the somewhat white-washed history and current role of the National Forest Service. He does try to hide the fact that the NFS has been a mostly white-male dominated government agency or playing a extractive role in protecting the forest, but he shies away from it for the most part. Some solid prognosis and recommended treatments, especially on my second point would have been very welcome. Perhaps that's why he is laser focused on getting more people into the realm of giving a shit about something so important, yet rarely spoken of.
If you're a fan of history, the outdoors, trees, etc., then this book is for you. It also has gorgeous photos from the forests and lands he discusses in the book. If after reading this you don't want to go out in the forests, protect the forests, or join the NFS, then check your pulse.
4.5/5
September 19, 2021
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
Our National Forests is an engaging look at public lands and the history of the forest service in the USA written by Greg M. Peters. Due out 9th Nov 2021 from Workman Publishing on their Timber Press imprint, it's 280 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a well written and philosophical history and examination of public lands in the United States. The author clearly has a deep engagement and broad knowledge of the subject and writes accessibly and authoritatively. In addition, the book is packed with beautiful color photos of awe-inspiring and unspoiled nature.
The content is arranged thematically: eastern forests, growing trees/reforestation, grassland restoration, Native Americans and their struggles to be heard, the (harmful) impact of humans on fragile ecosystems (poop, for example), future scenarios, citizen science (counts and spotting), fires and aftermath, and diversity and representation in public land use. The book is well annotated and the chapter notes will give keen readers many additional hours of enjoyment.
Four stars. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, gardening/nature groups, home library, or for fans of nature and conservation reading.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Our National Forests is an engaging look at public lands and the history of the forest service in the USA written by Greg M. Peters. Due out 9th Nov 2021 from Workman Publishing on their Timber Press imprint, it's 280 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
This is a well written and philosophical history and examination of public lands in the United States. The author clearly has a deep engagement and broad knowledge of the subject and writes accessibly and authoritatively. In addition, the book is packed with beautiful color photos of awe-inspiring and unspoiled nature.
The content is arranged thematically: eastern forests, growing trees/reforestation, grassland restoration, Native Americans and their struggles to be heard, the (harmful) impact of humans on fragile ecosystems (poop, for example), future scenarios, citizen science (counts and spotting), fires and aftermath, and diversity and representation in public land use. The book is well annotated and the chapter notes will give keen readers many additional hours of enjoyment.
Four stars. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, gardening/nature groups, home library, or for fans of nature and conservation reading.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 27, 2023
I came upon this book randomly while in my local library recently and decided to pick it up. What I found was a well-researched book from a lover of the outdoors and former employee of the National Forest Foundation. Author Greg Peters does a nice job of researching stories about different aspects of public lands in the US and he presents them in an interesting way.
One thing that was helpful to learn early on was the differing designations for public land, be it National Park, National Forest, Wilderness Area, and so on. I feel that these terms are not common knowledge to many of us, although they probably should be as they denote differing levels of protection and allowable activity. A chief aim of the book is education which is done in the form of history of our public land and the designations, but also of the indigenous peoples who inhabited them prior to European colonization. Also covered are the changing ways in which we now interact with public lands. The book closes with an eye opening chapter on how minority groups have historically (and currently) been kept from taking advantage of using public land for recreation and the need to make this a resource that can be enjoyed equally by all people in the future
I find myself wavering between rating this book with 3 or 4 stars but, in the end, this is a worthwhile read for all who are either interested in the outdoors or for any American who wants to stay informed about public lands in the country. There is much to be learned here and reading this will make you want to get out on that weekend hike you've been planning!
One thing that was helpful to learn early on was the differing designations for public land, be it National Park, National Forest, Wilderness Area, and so on. I feel that these terms are not common knowledge to many of us, although they probably should be as they denote differing levels of protection and allowable activity. A chief aim of the book is education which is done in the form of history of our public land and the designations, but also of the indigenous peoples who inhabited them prior to European colonization. Also covered are the changing ways in which we now interact with public lands. The book closes with an eye opening chapter on how minority groups have historically (and currently) been kept from taking advantage of using public land for recreation and the need to make this a resource that can be enjoyed equally by all people in the future
I find myself wavering between rating this book with 3 or 4 stars but, in the end, this is a worthwhile read for all who are either interested in the outdoors or for any American who wants to stay informed about public lands in the country. There is much to be learned here and reading this will make you want to get out on that weekend hike you've been planning!
January 26, 2022
A beautiful book that talks about the history (including aboriginal) of the lands that are now included within the National Forest system. Even though I worked as a park ranger for 20 years, and am fairly versed in the history of the NPS and USFS, I learned some interesting history about why the forests were set aside in the first place - water. The photos are a gorgeous addition (although I would have really liked to have seen a photo of the female smokejumper he talked about), and he tackles some issues around access (mountain bikes, wheels, and cultural barriers). There were a few spots where I skimmed, some of the info was more in-depth than my brain was able to register, and I would have given five stars if he had covered the history of Smokey Bear (keeping timber in the forest for wartime use) and more solid information on wildland fire, since that is where a lot of the resources go. He did talk about this briefly, but personally I would have liked more (and I know there are plenty of books on just those subjects alone.) I enjoyed reading about the Eastern forests, and areas in Michigan, and how seeds and seedlings come to be forests, and learning about wolverine monitoring, who knew? Overall, a great book on our National Forests.
August 9, 2021
Stunning pictures representing a beautiful country! A fascinating yet sobering look into the creation of the Forest Service and their work to preserve the land that progress has been trying to take away the touch of history will provide insight to many who are unfamiliar with the historic aspect. Additionally, I did find the book some what political providing the Bills and Barons of the country how they tried to help preserve when others tried to continue to bleed the resources. Their efforts to stem the tide of deforestation are inspiring, forward reaching and much needed to restore our landscape. There's also a section about the Native Americans and how they were treated. I liked how visual this book was. And also how it included forests from all over the US and not just the west. I thought it was a good overview that allowed the reader to learn without feeling overwhelmed., also engaging enough to give the reader a good understanding.
April 2, 2022
A beautiful telling of our National Forests. From the history, it was originally only in the west before it expanded to include parts of the east when some rich men wanted to preserve some of their land, to the future, they have seed farms! There are history chapters, starting with it forming in the west to the east and building up our seedling farms. And a chapter about grasslands (who knew that was part of the National Forest). A chapter about the Indigenous People being forced from the lands they lived and cared for, while also ignoring their guidance on keeping the forests and lands thriving. This is a fantastic book for people who love nature and traveling the country. I found it interesting and loved the pictures included in each chapter.
Thanks to Timber Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
Thanks to Timber Press and NetGalley for an advanced copy.
January 5, 2022
To most people, national forests, national parks, national grasslands, and national wildlife refuges are the same thing. Author Greg Peters takes the time to delineate between these and to highlight the special place the national forests hold in maintaining our nations’ biodiversity. He cites these outdoor spaces as places for easing the current racial tensions, alleviating the effects of climate change, and promoting civic responsibility in children and adults. “Our National Forests” is surprisingly dense with facts and detailed information. The author promises tales to illustrate his chapters, but the personal stories are few and far between. This book is not for the casual reader, but if you are interested in a topic like reforestation, Native American lands, the aftermath of forest fires, or how citizen groups can help wildlife, I highly recommend getting this book and reading the appropriate chapter. The photographs throughout this book are amazing, too!
July 22, 2022
I’ll be buying myself a copy. It gave me a much deeper appreciation of our national forests and the people who work to support and preserve those lands. The perspective shared helped in understanding not only a piece of our nation’s history, but the delicate - and often difficult to maintain - balance between industrial, ecological and recreational interests in our forests. While (admittedly) not exhaustive, Greg Peters well written book is a great jumping off point for anyone interested in our federally managed forests, one in which I read many interesting passages aloud to my husband, and one in which I would recommend to others.
July 15, 2021
Beautiful pictures! A fascinating yet sobering look into the creation of the Forest Service and their work to preserve the land that progress has been trying to take away. Their efforts to stem the tide of deforestation are awe-inspiring and much needed to restore our landscape. There's also a section about the Native Americans and how they were treated. I learned so much from this book and highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in history and science.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 9, 2021
A gorgeous book that covers the history of the usually forgotten National Forests (not National parks). This book delves into a lot of information and crisscrosses the country. I myself have a pretty deep knowledge of the National Forests since I recreate there and have worked in forestry. This book is reserved for those with a deep seated interest in how our lands came to be protected. Wouldn't recommend it for an easy, breezy read.
November 27, 2021
The next best to being out in a National Forest is reading about the history of them. The author covers their unique features, the good, the bad and in between of the richly diverse system of protected forests that are ours to explore. Fun and easy to read in small chunks as each chapter is bout a different forest.
**I received an electronic ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review of this book.
**I received an electronic ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and unbiased review of this book.
January 12, 2022
Iam very fortunate to be living in close proximity to Green Mountain National Forest
in Vermont. I’m finding Greg Peters’ new book, Our National Forests, a good read. However, I’m concerned that there is little if any reference to global warming’s impact on our National forests not to speak of the fact there is no reference to having recently experienced the four year reign of a president who has been touted as the most anti-environmental in our nation’s history.
in Vermont. I’m finding Greg Peters’ new book, Our National Forests, a good read. However, I’m concerned that there is little if any reference to global warming’s impact on our National forests not to speak of the fact there is no reference to having recently experienced the four year reign of a president who has been touted as the most anti-environmental in our nation’s history.
January 14, 2022
An interesting book that compiles stories on the state of various forests across the United States. This is NOT a history of the National Forests, at least how it exists, so if this is what you're looking for, you will be disappointed. That said, it does incorporate the history of the National Forests into its various stories that go over such amazing topics as the restoration of grasslands, the Origin of Wilderness, and the like.
February 4, 2022
Our National Forests... personal opinions and professional interviews regarding America's surprising number and type of National Forests. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the types of employees of the Forest Service and how trees are bred, grown, and transplanted to areas needing reforestation. The various weather environments featured along with wildlife and humans who depend on and enjoy the forests was incredible. This story is relatable and a useful guide to planning regional trips.
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