People, Forests, and Change: Lessons from the Pacific Northwest

The layered canopy of the moist coniferous forests of the Pacific Northwest thrives in an environment of moderate temperatures, high precipitation, and relatively fertile soils. Tending and maintaining the land is in the interest not only of those indigenous and more recently settled communities, but of the governmental and commercial agencies that utilize the forests, and of all who value the forests as a public commons.

In some areas, the declining timber industry has contributed to severe rural poverty, and efforts continue to turn this around and also maintain and manage the shrinking traditional skills and plant use. Those familiar with the region can point to where in Puget Sound it was common practice to harvest nettle plants for medicines and dye, burning the land annually to enrich the soil. Different parts of the widespread western red cedar served for barter, ceremonial use, dye, food, and medicines and to supplement cooking, hunting, and fishing needs.

In four sections, People, Forests, Change synthesizes the background, the dynamic socioeconomic ecological context, the science advances, and the undetermined future directions of the region.

The editors have drawn contributions from specialists in a broad variety of sciences. Numerous maps and charts illustrate land use past and present, and superb color plates attest to the region’s beauty and worth.