The Changing Nature of the Maine Woods (UNH Non-Series Title) - Softcover

Barton, Andrew M.; White, Alan S.; Cogbill, Charles V.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1584658320 ISBN 13: 9781584658320

Publisher: University of New Hampshire Press, 2012

Synopsis

The Changing Nature of the Maine Woods is both a fascinating introduction to the forests of Maine and a detailed but accessible narrative of the dynamism of these ecosystems. This is natural history with a long view, starting with an overview of the state's geological history, the reemergence of the forest after glacial retreat, and the surprising changes right up to European arrival. The authors create a vivid picture of Maine forests just before the impact of Euro-Americans and trace the profound transformations since settlement.

Ambitious in its geographic range, this book explores how and why Maine forests differ across the state, from the top of Mount Katahdin to the coast. Through groundbreaking research and engaging narratives, the authors assess key ecological forces such as climate change, insects and disease, nonnative organisms, natural disturbance, and changing land use to create a dramatic portrait of Maine forests--past, present, and future.

This book both synthesizes the latest scientific discoveries regarding the changing forest and relates the findings to an educated lay and academic audience.

About this title

About the Author:

ANDREW M. BARTON is a professor of biology at the University of Maine at Farmington. ALAN S. WHITE is a professor of forest ecology at the University of Maine. CHARLES V. COGBILL is a historical ecologist in Vermont.

Review:

“This book is the single best guide to the Maine Woods since Henry David Thoreau. It is an indispensable resource for scientists, land managers, historians, teachers, students, naturalists, sportsmen, and nature lovers alike.” (Bill Roorbach, author of Temple Stream and Big Bend, winner of the Flannery O'Connor Award)

“Very readable and accessible, the authors’ personal research and observations gives The Changing Nature of the Maine Woods authenticity.” (Malcolm Hunter, University of Maine)

“This is simply an excellent and enjoyable book. . . . The material is engaging, important, and remarkably comprehensive. These guys know their landscape and recognize what anyone needs to know to understand it today and begin to manage and conserve it for tomorrow.” (David Foster, director of the Harvard Forest)

“In this book you will discover how geology, climate, and human activity over millenia have shaped the forests of Maine, what research scientists have learned over the last few decades about Maine’s amazingly diverse forest communities, and what the present challenges and future prospects for the Maine woods are. The Changing Nature of the Maine Woods is, quite simply, an indispensable reference for anyone who cares deeply about the fate of this great ten-million-acre forest that is both a key resource in Maine's economy and the heart and soul of the Pine Tree State.” (Robert Kimber, author of Upcountry: Reflections from a Rural Life)

About this edition

• Publisher: University of New Hampshire Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1584658320
• ISBN 13: 9781584658320
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 304