U.S. Forest Service Grazing and Rangelands


Book Description

The early luxury of free forage on unclaimed western public domain allowed the building of fortunes in cattle and sheep and offered opportunities to successive waves of settlement. But the western public lands could not last. The range became overgrazed, overstocked, overcrowded. Animals were lost, much range was irreversible damaged, and even violence occurred as cowmen, sheepmen, and settlers competed for the best forage. Congress intervened by designating the U.S. Forest Service as the pioneer grazing control agency. The Forest Service's controls represent not only attempts to protect a resource but also a social experiment designed to prevent the monopolization of rangelands by large outfits and to encourage small enterprises. The Forest Service has become the undisputed leader in bringing order, rationality, and economic use to the range resources under government supervision. The problems and continuing challenges of the task emerge in these pages.




Famous Trees of Texas


Book Description

Famous Trees of Texas was first published in 1970 by the Texas Forest Service (now Texas A&M Forest Service), an organization created in 1915 and charged with protecting and sustaining the forests, trees, and other related natural resources of Texas. For the 100-year anniversary of TFS, the agency presents a new edition of this classic book, telling the stories of 101 trees throughout the state. Some are old friends, featured in the first edition and still alive (27 of the original 81 trees described in the first edition have died); some are newly designated, discovered as people began to recognize their age and value. All of them remain “living links” to the state’s storied past.







Sawdust Empire


Book Description

This first comprehensive story of logging, lumbering, and forest conservation in Texas records the industry’s history from the earliest days of the Republic, when a few isolated operations provided for local needs, through the first four decades of the twentieth century. Supplemented by over one hundred photographs, many never before published, the text re-creates Texas’ heyday as one of the nation’s leading timber producers. At that time, the forested area equaled the state of Indiana. In the words of one visitor, the forest was “like a vast wave that has rolled in upon a level beach . . . creeping forward, thinning out, and finally disappearing, except where, along a river course, it pushes far inland.” The industry’s most significant growth occurred between the end of Reconstruction and the beginnings of World War II, when entrepreneurs from the North, the South, and the East ventured into the vast stands of virgin timber in the Texas Piney Woods. These pioneers, attracted by the great potential fortunes to be made, provided the capital, expertise, and energy that introduced large mills and railroads to Texas lumbering and developed markets for their products—not only in Houston, Dallas, and other Texas cities but also across the United States and throughout the world. Various lumber companies, logging and mill operations, company towns, and the genesis of forest conservation are all featured in the text and illustrations. This account will appeal to historians, conservationists, and general readers interested in the Texas lumber industry and in Texas economic history.




Forest Plans of North America


Book Description

Forest Plans of North America presents case studies of contemporary forest management plans developed for forests owned by federal, state, county, and municipal governments, communities, families, individuals, industry, investment organizations, conservation organizations, and others in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The book provides excellent real-life examples of contemporary forest planning processes, the various methods used, and the diversity of objectives and constraints faced by forest owners. Chapters are written by those who have developed the plans, with each contribution following a unified format and allowing a common, clear presentation of the material, along with consistent treatment of various aspects of the plans. This work complements other books published by members of the same editorial team (Forest Management and Planning, Introduction to Forestry and Natural Resource Management), which describe the planning process and the various methods one might use to develop a plan, but in general do not, as this work does, illustrate what has specifically been developed by landowners and land managers. This is an in-depth compilation of case studies on the development of forest management plans by the different landowner groups in North America. The book offers students, practitioners, policy makers, and the general public an opportunity to greatly improve their appreciation of forest management and, more importantly, foster an understanding of why our forests today are what they are and what forces and tools may shape their tomorrow. Forest Plans of North America provides a solid supplement to those texts that are used as learning tools for forest management courses. In addition, the work functions as a reference for the types of processes used and issues addressed in the early 21st century for managing land resources. - Presents 40-50 case studies of forest plans developed for a wide variety of organizations, groups, and landowners in North America - Illustrates plans that have specifically been developed by landowners and land managers - Features engaging, clearly written content that is accessible rather than highly technical, while demonstrating the issues and methods involved in the development of the plans - Each chapter contains color photographs, maps, and figures




Timeless Heritage


Book Description




Forest Trees of Texas: How to Know Them


Book Description

Within the pages of 'Forest Trees of Texas: How to Know Them', the editors Wilbur R. Mattoon and C. B. Webster curate an extensive exploration into the rich tapestry of Texas' arboreal treasures. This collection is remarkable not only for its comprehensive detailing of species but as a manifestation of the wider discourse on conservation and the vital importance of ecological awareness. Showcasing a diverse array of literary stylesfrom the academic to the anecdotalit is a significant contribution to environmental literature, providing a compelling overview for enthusiasts and scholars alike. The range of topics covers identification, distribution, and characteristics of trees, making it a standout reference in its field. The contributions from Wilbur R. Mattoon and C. B. Webster, both esteemed in their own right for their pioneering work in forestry and ecological studies, bring together a wealth of knowledge. Their collective expertise, grounded in early 20th-century conservation efforts, positions the anthology as a cornerstone text in environmental and botanical literature. It mirrors broader movements in ecological study and preservation, offering readers insights into the historical and cultural significance of forests in Texas and beyond. 'Forest Trees of Texas: How to Know Them' is a must-read for anyone interested in botany, environmental conservation, or the natural history of Texas. This anthology not only serves as a comprehensive guide but as a bridge between the scientific community and the general public, inviting readers to deepen their understanding of the natural world. The editors meticulous attention to detail and broad-ranging knowledge makes this collection an invaluable resource for both academic study and personal enrichment, fostering a greater appreciation for the complexities and beauty of Texas' forests.




From Prairies to Peaks


Book Description