The Final Forest: Big Trees, Forks, and the Pacific Northwest

I grew up with loggers and did a bit myself but never liked to see the clearcutting or abuse of the "old growth" forests. Most people don't understand that forests grow old and age but this book brings out the fact that even forests in decay serve an ecological purpose. We'll never have an effective approach to our environment as long as we only view it as a producer of products, but, on the other hand we also need an intelligent, scientific approach to harvesting resources, from wood to wheat to mined ores. Can't recommend this book enough! Very balanced and intelligent.

The Final Forest is a work of pure genius. A must read for anyone interested in old growth forests, the forest products industry, or the environmental movement. The forests around Forks Washington are among the most productive in the world. This book tells an incredible story of how the dissapearing habitat of a small but fearless bird .. the spotted owl .. was used to justify preserving the last remaining stands of old growth forests in the Pacific North West. Dietrich writing is obviously brilliant .. but it's also an even-handed and accurate work of journalism. He patiently explains the wildly divergent views of many actors involved .. from wood cutters, truck drivers, mill owners, Warehouser executives, forestry academics, wildlife biologists, environmental activists, Forrest Service employees, WA Dept. Natural Resources employees, and the good people of Forks WA. The book is so well researched and so well written .. it's hard to put down.

Cycling around Southwestern Washington a lot roused my curiosity about how all the forested lands became privately owned. There are signed everywhere, ex. “This or That Forest Resourses Planted 1985” This book gives an amazingly detailed accounting of the greed, ignorance, and goodwill on both sides of the NW forest issues and Spotted Owl debate. It’s impossible not to see the dilemma from the loggers point of view as well as the conservationists. Very informative and open ended since we haven’t arrived at solid answers that satisfy either side yet. A solid real life compliment to The Overstory by Richard Powers.

If you are interested in forestry, logging, or the issue regarding the spotted owl controversy, this is the book for you. It tells the story from many different perspectives. The author does not preach or state his opinion but rather shows you the significant challenges that were being dealt with on all sides.

Is a really good book, I got to know a lot more about the conflicts in forks and how the city is now.

Growing up in an era where I heard of the spotted owl and the surrounding controversy as told by the loggers in my family, this book was a wonderfully impartial recount of the facts of the case. The back stories of all sides of the issue were very helpful in being able to more completely understand why each person formed the opinions that they did. With the mainstream media focusing only on the controversial aspect of any issue, it was refreshing to be able to read and form my own opinions on the subject.

I took this class, and it was required reading. I am glad that it was. My professor is in the book and for good reason. We also had a chance to chat with the author in class, and he was a great guy. I recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn more about what is going on in the forest on the Olympic peninsula from the activists to the loggers. Great read.

nice book