Landscapes of Conflict: The Oregon Story, 1940-2000

Weyerhaeuser Environmental Books

by William G. Robbins, William Cronon (Foreword)

Post-World War II Oregon was a place of optimism and growth, a spectacular natural region from ocean to high desert that seemingly provided opportunity in abundance. With the passing of time, however, Oregon's citizens -- rural and urban -- would find themselves entangled in issues that they had little experience in resolving. The same trees that provided income to timber corporations, small mill owners, loggers, and many small towns in Oregon, also provided a dramatic landscape and a home to creatures at risk. The rivers whose harnessing created power for industries that helped sustain Oregon's growth -- and were dumping grounds for municipal and industrial wastes -- also provided passageways to spawning grounds for fish, domestic water sources, and recreational space for everyday Oregonians.

The story of Oregon's accommodation to these divergent interests is a divisive story between those interested in economic growth and perceived stability and citizens concerned with exercising good stewardship towards the state's natural resources and preserving the state's livability. In his second volume of Oregon's environmental history, William Robbins addresses efforts by individuals and groups within and outside the state to resolve these conflicts. Among the people who have had roles in this process, journalists and politicians Richard Neuberger and Tom McCall left substantial legacies and demonstrated the ambiguities inherent in the issues they confronted.

Genres: Science

416 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Erik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book utilizes three main elements in the relationship between Oregon's land/rivers and those that use it: agriculture, timber, and fisheries. Government also features prominently as it pertains to those industries. The experience of typical Oregonians is also not forgotten. I found the topics covered within those elements to be exactly what I was desiring. The tension and drama that the title suggests is an oversell, as many book titles are. The writing was a bit dry. At times, it felt like reading one really long newspaper article presenting the facts of what happened year after year. Boring in some ways, especially if the reader is not already familiar with and interested in Oregon history, but a clear presentation nonetheless. That said, a reader not somewhat familiar with Oregon geography will find themself a bit adrift. All that didn't bother me much because the premise of the book dominated--that a conflict has existed and will continue to exist between the physical resources of Oregon and the people who utilize it for business and pleasure.