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Alternative Energy: Political, Economic, and Social Feasibility
By Christopher A. Simon ('97 Ph.D.)
As we experience an increase in the price of petroleum, energy experts caution us about the coming of a time when easily accessible petroleum will begin to decline. The United States is confronted with the challenge of meeting current energy demands in the face of a declining and unstable energy supply. Alternative Energy systematically explores the most viable alternative sources of energy, discussing the technical, political, economic, and social feasibility of each technology in understandable terms. In addition, the book discusses the history of energy policy as well as current policy. Intended for courses in energy and public policy and for those interested in developing energy-efficient plans for sustainable communities, Alternative Energy will help readers become active participants in making future energy choices for their communities. Alternative Energy includes an interactive model of alternative energy mixes and estimated prices.
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Conserving Forest Biodiversity: A Comprehensive Multiscaled Approach
By David B. Lindenmayer and Jerry B. Franklin '66
The authors argue that the conservation of forest biodiversity requires a comprehensive and multiscaled approach that includes both reserve and nonreserve areas. Their book lays the foundation for such a strategy, bringing together the latest scientific information on landscape ecology, forestry, conservation biology, and related disciplines.
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Flames in Our Forest: Disaster or Renewal?
By Stephen F. Arno '65 and Stephen Allison-Bunnell
Are forest fires good or bad—or some of each? Flames in Our Forests is a primer to this debate. Stephen Arno, a forester who has been at the vanguard of rethinking the role of fire in forests, and Steven Allison-Bunnell, a science writer, have combined their talents to produce a book that skillfully and judiciously examines the issues.
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Mimicking Nature's Fire: Restoring Fire-Prone Forests in the West
By Stephen F. Arno '65 and Carl E. Fiedler
From the publisher: In Mimicking Nature's Fire, forest ecologists Stephen Arno and Carl Fiedler present practical solutions to the pervasive problem of deteriorating forest conditions in western North America. Advocating a new direction in forest management, they explore the promise of "restoration forestry"—an ecologically based approach that seeks to establish forest structures in which fire can once again serve as a beneficial process rather than as a destructive aberration.
The . . . book presents case studies of restoration projects in the western United States and Canada, representing different forest types, different historic fire regimes, and contrasting management goals. For each project, the authors describe why and how the project is being conducted, profile forest conditions, and describe methods of treatment. They also report what has been accomplished, identify obstacles to restoration, and offer their candid but understanding evaluation. Mimicking Nature's Fire concludes by placing restoration forestry in the broad context of conserving forests worldwide and outlining factors critical for its success.
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Northwest Trees: Identifying and Understanding the Region's Native Trees
Stephen F. Arno '65 & Ramona P. Hammerly
From the publisher: A classic, sumptuously repackaged as the perfect gift for anyone who loves nature and the Northwest's crown jewels—it's trees.
- Completely updated and expanded—covers more geography and 50 percent more tree species than the previous edition
- Provides a new, easy-to-use illustrated identification key based on the most reliable and non-technical features of each species
- Features the latest knowledge on the ecology and human history associated with all Northwestern trees
- Over 250 exceptionally accurate drawings and historical photos bring these ancient giants to life.
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O Palouse!
Dan Walker
A tale of the Palouse region of eastern Washington and northern Idaho. . . . The next best thing to living there.
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River of Life, Channel of Death: Fish and Dams on the Lower Snake
By Keith Petersen '73
The four lower Snake River dams stand at the center of a continuing national debate over the fate of salmon in the Pacific Northwest, and Petersen’s book remains the most important scholarly study of the history of those dams.
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The Secret Life of Dust
By Hanna Holmes
Recommended by Candis Claiborn, interim dean, College of Engineering and Architecture, and atmosphere and particulate expert. The author traces all kinds of dust, from cosmic to volcanic to international pollution. She writes about how dust could have led to the demise of dinosaurs and how it might affect our own health. She does this in a way that brings out the personalities of scientists who study dust.
