Olympic: A Visitor's Companion (National Park Visitor's Companion Series , No 5)

Book Description

56 color photos
* 202 color drawings
* 6 x 9
* Guide to one of the nation's most popular national parks
* Illustrated in full color

Praise for Wuerthner's Grand Canyon:

"The best, most useful and most attractive [book] I have seen on the canyon."--Stephen Allen, publisher of The Guide

The ecosystems within Olympic National Park are diverse--from coastline to forest--and support a variety of birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes, mammals, and plants. Olympic describes and illustrates in full color each of these plant and animal species and explores the park's geological history, land use issues, native people and past explorers--at once a traveler's guide, field guide, and natural history of one of America's most popular and extraordinary national parks.

Book Description

New edition of the classic account of the struggle to create and preserve Olympic National Park.

This is the first comprehensive history of the heavily visited park.

A case study of the need for citizen action to protect our natural areas

A provocative chronicle of intrigue, political chicanery, and citizen activism, this first comprehensive account of the struggle to create and preserve Olympic National Park provides an eye-opening history of forestry in the Pacific Northwest, from 1890 to the present. Illustrated with maps, charts, vintage political cartoons, and historical photos, and updated to include recent events.

Customer Reviews:

An astounding history of Olympic National Park.......2007-10-17

This book provides an incredible example of an agency failing to follow its own mandate as well as ignoring the will of the public. For several decades, the National Park Service (NPS) not only allowed, but encouraged, loggers to cut down old-growth forest inside Olympic National Park. It also fought to reduce the boundaries of that park to increase the amount of timber available to the local logging industry. Even when found out, important people in the NPS remained determined to cut down the old-growth timber in the park wherever it thought local sawmills would benefit, and on any land that the NPS didn't want in the first place.

When I had first heard this story, it was presented as a couple of loose cannons getting away with tree murder. However, Lien's book provides so many smoking guns - - or should I say, "smoking chainsaws" - - that there is an obvious policy problem here.

Lien's ultimate explanation of this history remains somewhat unsatisfactory to me. He argues that the NPS has a weak management culture and unclear mandate (both true) and that it is also eager to compromise with anyone who makes demands on it - - including loggers looking for old-growth timber. I'm not sure that wimpy acquiescence is the dominant NPS norm, since it does resist certain types of demands, such as those of horse outfitters, hunters, and in some parks, mountaineers. The case of hunters is particularly interesting, since elk hunting in Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain, bison hunting in Yellowstone, and deer hunting in many eastern battlefield parks would solve a number of other policy problems, and there *is* public demand for such hunting. So, the NPS doesn't simply acquiesce to everybody, and that part of Lien's argument can't be right.

Lien grounds this story in a brief history of the U.S. Forest Service and the NPS, and how Pinchot's "conservation" eventually alienated preservationists such as John Muir and public opinion more generally. These chapters provide, at best, an unconventional history of the USFS and NPS in the Progressive era. I think Lien overstates the preservationist element of public opinion, and is too eager to see preservationism even among the elites of the Theodore Roosevelt era.

Criticisms aside, this is one of the most remarkable national park histories out there.

Thorough, heartbreaking, but..........2003-04-18

Mr. Lien's book is one of the most thoroughly researched works on the state of national parks in America. His experience working at Olympic National Park, and serving as a sort of intern with Mrs. Edge gives us a rare insight into many of the personalities that shaped - and continue to influence - the fate of OLYM. Mr. Lien's documentation is highly impressive. However, I'm concerned that his passion for the park - and his apparently wholesale mistrust of the National Park Service - has lead to some critical mistakes.
For example, Stephen Mather was chosen "on the personal whim" of Secretary Franklin Lane. Lane knew more about Mather than Lien claims. Mather should hardly be remembered as "Saint Stephen" as so many in the NPS are anxious to do, but to dismiss him as someone chosen so cavalierly as Lien suggests is a dangerous underestimation of the man.
Second, it is unfair of Lien to put former NPS Director Newton Drury in essentially the same category as Fred Overly. Drury's tenure was that of a caretaker, and though his legislative skills were nil and his administrative abilities only slightly better, his focus and his integrity are things for which we should all be grateful. Drury was an outsider and he fought the good ol' boys: Overly, Albright and Wirth, to bring some measure of scientific integrity and conservation ethic to a deeply troubled park service.
Lien's breadth of scholarship is impressive. Unfortunately, his passion - while inspiring and insightful at times - has clouded his interpretation of early NPS history, and of the role of Newton Drury, a devoted, if sometimes uninspiring, conservationist.

A landmark book and invaluable resource.......2002-01-29

I read this book shortly after spending several months on Washington's Olympic Peninsula and hiking in the Olympic Mountains of Olympic National Park in 1993. I own the first edition when it was published by Sierra Club Books. In my opinion Olympic Battleground is one of the most important works relative to the environemntal movement, on par with "Silent Spring" and "A Sand County Almanac," though it is relatively unknown.

Lien tells the story of the Olympic Peninsula and how it was systematically logged by people of European descent in the late 19th century, through the creation of ONP in 1937, and the management of ONP through the 1950s (when Lien was there as a seasonal ranger) and beyond. Tells the story of how one overzealous development minded ONP manager named Fred Overly enthusiastically allowed LOGGING in the park. And not just salvaging downed trees off trails and roads, but systematically cutting the largest old-growth Douglas-fir trees that could be found! Later talking to a ranger at ONP, I learned that Overly also coached the supervisor of Mount Rainier National Park on how to get the cut out of that park as well. There is correspondance on record of this happening.

Olympic Battleground demonstrates that we can never be complacent, that the only way we will be able to preserve our most significant natural areas is through eternal vigilance. Lien's book recounts that during WW II, "patriotic" timber barons attempted to log ONP to "aid the war effort." Thankfully that initiative was thwarted. Olympic Batleground should be read by everyone interested in preserving National Park land, National Forest land, federal Wilderness Areas, etc. We should know our history.

When the Public's Guardians --ARE-- the Thieves.......2001-01-25

A rare and wonderful animal(not extinct after all), that holds secrets to cures, anti-venoms and facts behind unsolved mysteries has reappeared! Not long ago I encountered and purchased "Olympic Battleground" at a rare book store. It was out of print. No longer. It took but the first few pages to have me swallowing bile and bouncing hard objects off walls. So inflaming was the tale that it awakened an activism in me I had not felt since the Viet Nam War days. I sought out and interviewed the author who assured me that it had taken almost thirty years to write. Battleground is destined to become the definitive source in four areas: 1) It is a complete history of Olympic National Park(and indeed the founding of all National Parks),beginning in 1895 and now updated to today. Sound dull? Uh uh, not with the kind of intrigue, fraud, scheming and plotting that underlay the movements to keep the old growth timber OUT of the Park, ventures often aided and abetted by the very public servants whose jobs were to PROTECT it. It should be mentioned that the entire book is documented with painstaking primary sources. What happened and how it happened is inarguable; the barrels are smoking. WE BEEN ROBBED! Yo, to the tune of billions and billions of dollars of assets. 2) There is a treatise here of decades of activism. But for the lifelong battling of a core of three people;fighting against power and unrelenting greed, this book convinces us that there would not be one tree left standing. It is the definitive tale, the tangible proof of just how mighty is 'the power of the pen'. No advocate person or group should have a bookshelf without this book on it. 3) Were there any congressional investigative committees with the bajoongas to take on the timber companies,local politicians and even the Park Service itself, Mr. Lein's book would be the place to start. Inditements lie there in wait! 4) Fail not to hear the warning: ye who would protect and preserve our national Parks, wilderness areas, monuments and wildlife reserves. Pass over this book at peril to their future existence. Beware by learning how boundaries shift in the night and legal wording gets shuffled and forests vanish with the turn of a phrase and promise . The very words are in place in even the newest documents of our "roadless areas" and "forest reserves". For anyone with 'green' agendas, in fact, any kind of activist intentions, this book is an absolute must.

Olympic National Park: A Natural History

Average customer rating:

Great guide to the Olympic Peninsula
A good overview to a spectacular park

Olympic National Park: A Natural History
Tim McNulty
Manufacturer: University of Washington Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Natural History | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

Conservation | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Ecology | Environment | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0295983000

Book Description

On Washington's Olympic Peninsula more than 1400 square miles of rugged mountains, richly forested river valleys, and pristine wilderness coast have been preserved as Olympic National Park. From rain forests with more than 160 inches of annual precipitation to arid rainshadow slopes, from rugged glacier-covered mountains to the wild Pacific coast, the park's varied ecosystems feature an extraordinary range of plants and animals, including many species found nowhere else on earth. This illustrated complete guide covers geology, wildflowers and other plant life, rain forest ecology, glaciers, wildlife, rivers, the Pacific coast, and visitor information.

Customer Reviews:

Great guide to the Olympic Peninsula.......2007-09-20

This book covers just what the title promises - - the geology, rain forests, rivers, ocean, alpine regions, and other areas of Olympic National Park. It's a little jarring to see Indians included as part of the "natural" history, equivalent to Roosevelt elk or Olympic marmots, but McNulty treats white settlers and the National Park Service in the same way.

McNulty weaves together an overall story of the peninsula despite dividing it into habitats and the like. This makes it a good read from start to finish, but it would also be useful as a companion for a visit - - just read the rainforest chapter when you're in the rainforests, and so on.

McNulty also includes various personal moments, all well-timed and appropriate in length. This is not a personal memoir but these memories truly enhance the natural history that he presents. He also has an infectious enthusiasm, makes this book a lively read for a general audience.

It also has beautiful pictures.

In short, a great book if you're at all interested in the Olympic Peninsula.

A good overview to a spectacular park.......2000-05-16

Olympic National Park rangers often recommend this book as the best overall guide to this intriguing wilderness region. With environments as diverse as wavespept Pacific coasts, glaciated alpine country and lush temperate rainforests, McNulty had his work cut out for him in capturing the essence of the Olympic Mountains. All in all, he has done an excellent job, hitting on these topics, as well as the human history and conservation issues of the region. I was disappointed with his coverage of the rainforests, whose stunning grandeur really deserves more than the brief chapter he gives them. To his credit,though, he concludes the book with an extensive bibliography that will satisfy anyone who wants to delve deeper. All in all, I would say that this book earns a home in the backpack or suitcase of anybody who plans on visiting this wonderful National Park.

Draft environmental impact statement for mountain goat management within Olympic National Park, Washington, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson and Mason Counties, WA

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Draft environmental impact statement for mountain goat management within Olympic National Park, Washington, Clallam, Grays Harbor, Jefferson and Mason Counties, WA
Shelley Sparhawk
Manufacturer: U.S. Dept. of the Interior, National Park Service, Olympic National Park
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Wildlife | Conservation | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books

Natural History | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0006QGMZ0

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Olympic

Manufacturer: KC Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Olympic National Park (Natural history handbook series ; no. 1)

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Olympic National Park (Natural history handbook series ; no. 1)
Gunnar O Fagerlund
Manufacturer: National Park Service : [for sale by the] Supt. of Docs., U.S. Govt. Print. Off
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

North America | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007HXKQM

Olympic National Park, Washington (United States. National Park Service. Natural history handbook series)

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Olympic National Park, Washington (United States. National Park Service. Natural history handbook series)
Gunnar O Fagerlund
Manufacturer: [U.S. Dept. of the Interior, National Park Service]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Natural History | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007DPJWY

Olympic National Park: A Natural History Guide (Olympic National Park)

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Olympic National Park: A Natural History Guide (Olympic National Park)
Tim McNulty
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

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The Olympic Rain Forest: An Ecological Web

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The Olympic Rain Forest: An Ecological Web
Ruth Kirk , and Jerry Franklin
Manufacturer: University of Washington Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Environmental Science | Earth Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

Rain Forests | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0295971878

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The Olympic seashore
Ruth Kirk
Manufacturer: Olympic Natural History Association
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Natural History | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007EVJ8Q

Customer Reviews:

Everything you want to know about Streptocarpus.......1998-02-11

This book is a little on the technical side, but has plenty of beautiful illustrations and lots of useful information on Streptocarpus, also known as "cape primrose", one of the up-and-coming new houseplants of the 1990's. If you are interested in Streptocarpus, this hard-to-find book is a bargain at any price!

Customer Reviews:

Excellent background information, not very useful map.......2006-07-14

This guide provides excellent background information on the flora and geophysical and cultural history of the area on top of detailed information on the walk and beautiful photographs.

But there are some negative points too:
- The map is useful as an overview, but do not assume you can hike with it. Elevation countours are barely indicated, other paths and junctions are not shown (except major roads). So buy Ordinance Survey maps in addition! Do not think you can do without!
- The guide is low on alternatives. No word about the beautiful Spink trail.
- The guide emphasizes three reasons to start the Wicklow way in the South and walk in Northerly direction, but then continues to describe the walk North to South. It would be useful to finally have a guide that does it the other way around.
- You will find little to no information about accommodation. For that you'll need Lonely Planet's "Walking in Ireland" or sources from the web, like wicklowway.com.

The Wicklow Way.......2004-11-16

The Wicklow Way is a guide detailing Ireland's longest established Waymarked Way. This trail starts in Dublin and ends at the Village of Clonegal , County Carlow. The route is broken down into seven sections: from Marley Park to Glencree; from Glencree to Oldbridge; from Oldbridge to Glendalough; from Glendalough to Glenmalure; from Glenmalure to Iron Bridge; from Iron Bridge to Tinahely; and from Tinahely to Clonegal. The sections of the Wicklow Way range from 10 to 31 kilometers (plus the distance to accommodation in nearby towns) and each portion of the trail can either be completed individually for a day hike or as a one continuous route for a week long hike as time schedules and inclination permit.

The Wicklow Way traverses three different environmental habitats: the uplands, the woodlands, and the hedgerow. Each of these environments contains different geological, floral, and faunal aspects creating an exceptionally varied and beautiful landscape.

In addition to the breathtaking view, the Wicklow Way also contains a number of interesting historical sites. One of the oldest and most awe inspiring site is the monastic city of Glendalough. Glendalough was founded in honour of St. Kevin. St. Kevin was a monk that legend states lived from 498-618 AD. Various legends abound about how this monk left his life as a royal descendent of the house of Leinster to become a solitary monk and how the monk achieved his extraordinarily long lifespan. Glendalough was in use from the seventh century to the late 1530's. Nonetheless, the St. Kevin's Church, the Cathedral, and the Round Tower (complete with gravestones) still stand on the site today as does the Glendalough Visitor Centre.

The Wicklow Way outlines not only the background and the various sections of the trail (including waterproof full color maps) but also details various long walking and hiking fundamentals. These details include what types of equipment the participant should bring to complete the walk, how long the various sections of the journey will take, and how temperature and seasonality will affect the walk. There are also helpful tips especially for novices about daily mileage, feet, weight, and the right gear.

Immensely useful - in fact essential.......2003-04-04

This is vital reading for anyone intending to walk all or part of the Wicklow way. Even if you have no plans to do so you will finish wishing you did. Packed full of useful, interesting and informative advice as well as essential maps and marvellous photography, the book is set out in a clear and concise manner. It can be used as either a practical guide full of helpful tips and must know facts or just an absorbing read. This is the third Rucksac Reader I have read and they just keep on getting better.

St. Kevin's Way: Hollywood to Glendalough, County Wicklow

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St. Kevin's Way: Hollywood to Glendalough, County Wicklow
Peter Harbison , and Joss Lynam
Manufacturer: Heritage Council
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

This way up: Access routes into the Wicklow Mountains

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This way up: Access routes into the Wicklow Mountains
David Herman
Manufacturer: Shanksmare Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Mountaineering | Sports | Subjects | Books

Mountain Climbing | Mountaineering | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 095145479X

Wicklow Way brings taste of Ireland to Adams Avenue. (Newsmakers).(specialty store, San Diego, California)(Brief Article): An article from: San Diego Business Journal

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Wicklow Way brings taste of Ireland to Adams Avenue. (Newsmakers).(specialty store, San Diego, California)(Brief Article): An article from: San Diego Business Journal
Lee Zion
Manufacturer: CBJ, L.P.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from San Diego Business Journal, published by CBJ, L.P. on April 29, 2002. The length of the article is 7098 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Wicklow Way brings taste of Ireland to Adams Avenue. (Newsmakers).(specialty store, San Diego, California)(Brief Article)
Author: Lee Zion
Publication: San Diego Business Journal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 29, 2002
Publisher: CBJ, L.P.
Volume: 23 Issue: 17 Page: 47(1)

Article Type: Brief Article

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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Complete Wicklow Way

Manufacturer: Dufour Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Do-It-Yourself | How-to & Home Improvements | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9994037021

The Complete Wicklow Way: A Step-By Step Guide (Walks Series)

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The Complete Wicklow Way: A Step-By Step Guide (Walks Series)
J. B. Malone
Manufacturer: O'Brien Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

World | Atlases & Maps | Reference | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0862781582