Book Description

What happened when native peoples and Spanish landowners in eighteenth-century Mexico competed for increasingly scarce water? In an unusual book that studies the interplay between the environment and colonial social institutions, Sonya Lipsett-Rivera examines the exercise of power by elites in colonial Puebla and how it brought ruin on Indian communities by denying them access to the water they needed to survive.

Because control over water was vested in the colonial bureaucracy rather than a local corps of guards, large landowners were able to manipulate the system in order to control irrigation and access for other purposes such as watering livestock. Not content to grow crops for local consumption, by the eighteenth century a creole elite emerged and, seeing an expanding and lucrative market for wheat, sugar (most of which was made clandestinely into cane brandy), corn, and livestock, they increased their production and therefore their irrigation. These owners of large haciendas and sugar plantations changed agriculture and thereby disrupted the fragile ecosystem of a semi-arid environment. Their domination of water resources denied it to smaller users, resulting in the loss of crops and animals on which Indian communities depended.

As a first study in the ecology of water in Latin America, this book delineates the social and environmental consequences of power exercised to create a monopoly over irrigation. ... Read more

Book Description

During John Muir's extraordinary life as a conservationist, he traveled through most of the American wilderness alone and on foot, without a gun or a sleeping bag. In 1903, while on a three-day camping trip with President Theodore Roosevelt, he convinced the president of the importance of a national conservation program, and he is given major credit for saving the Grand Canyon and Arizona's Petrified Forest. Muir's writing, based on journals he kept throughout his life, gives our generation a picture of an America still wild and unsettled only one hundred years ago. Edwin Way Teale has collected here the best of Muir's writing, selected from all of his major works, including MY FIRST SUMMER IN THE SIERRA and TRAVELS IN ALASKA. THE WILDERNESS WORLD OF JOHN MUIR provides "reading that is often magnificent, thrilling, exciting, breathtaking, and awe-inspiring" (Kirkus Reviews). ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent place to start
Whether you are interested in John Muir specifically or just want to read about an interesting life, this book is an excellent place to start.

John Muir had an incredible and important life, and it is told here succinctly in his own words, excerpted to emphasize the profound. It is a glimpse into a lifestyle 99.9% of us will never know, yet it is truly important to our times. His love of nature, adventure and exploration is a reminder of why we need to experience more than our 9 to 5 workdays and why we need to apply ourselves to the protection of the Earth.

Muir was a gentle but strong man, a genius with simple needs, solitary yet influential. This book is a terrific way to look into his life and his time and to gain some inspiration into our lives and our times. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Used as Textbook
I am a student of Urban Planning at the University of Illinois. This book was one of required reading in a policy ananlysis class. The chapters in this book that relate to economic methods made my proffessor's lectures actually make sence and the intensive use of graphics and figures allow visual conprehension of the methods discussed. ... Read more

Book Description

The fluidity of transboundary waters perfectly represents contemporary challenges to modern governance. This book offers conceptual and empirical support for the idea that the human relationship with water must move beyond rationalist definitions of water as product, property, and commodity. Depending on context, water may be a security issue, a gift of nature, a product of imagination, or an integral part of the natural or cultural ecology.

The contributors represent a range of disciplines, including anthropology, law, environmental analysis, political science, and social ecology. Included are case studies of the Imperial and Mexicali valleys on the U.S.-Mexico border, parks and rivers in Zimbabwe, salmon in the Pacific Northwest, the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative, Lake Constance in Central Europe, the Black Sea, and the Inguri River between Azerbaijan and Georgia.

Contributors Joachim Blatter, Joseph F. DiMento, Pamela M. Doughman, Paula Garb, María Rosa García-Acevedo, David McDermott Hughes, Helen Ingram, Suzanne Lorton Levesque, Richard Perry, Kathleen M. Sulllivan, John M. Whiteley. ... Read more

Book Description

Marine pollution causes significant damage to fisheries and other economically productive uses of the ocean. The value of that damage can be quantified by economists, but the meanings of those valuations and how they are derived are often obscure to noneconomists.

Economic Losses from Marine Pollution brings a fuller understanding of the variety and extent of marine losses and how they are assessed to scientists, lawyers, and environmentalists by systematically identifying and classifying marine losses and relating them to models and methods of economic valuation. The authors use a step-by-step approach to show how economists have used these methods and how they approach the problem of assessing economic damage.

The book begins by describing the importance of economic valuation of marine damages, the history of concern over marine pollution, and the development of economic methodologies to assess damage from it. Following that, the book:

• considers types of marine pollution and their effects on organisms, ecosystems, and humans, and the corresponding economic effects of those biological impacts
• introduces the economic principles and methods needed to understand and to assess economic damages
• expresses losses from water quality impairments in terms of economic value
• introduces the basic economic techniques that have been developed and used to measure changes in economic value
• discusses how to apply those economic techniques, and presents a variety of practical examples
• explores limitations and problems that can arise in such applied work.

Economic Losses from Marine Pollution includes all of the relevant economic theory together with specific examples of how that theory has been and can be applied. It offers environmental professionals with little or no background in economics the basic economic tools needed to understand economic valuations of environmental damage, and represents a unique handbook for environmental and marine scientists, lawyers, economists, policy professionals, and anyone interested in issues of marine water quality. ... Read more

Book Description

The devastating environmental effects of deforestation and the exploitation of other natural resources in the developing world have been well documented, yet their impact on local communities has received far less attention. This volume fills this gap by looking at how land degradation and deforestation are being addressed at the local level, where households have experienced the reduction of farm size and the decline of natural resources. Through a comparison of Asia and Africa,Land Tenure and Natural Resource Management examines the evolution of land tenure institutions within diverse cultural, natural, and policy environments. Specific topics include the evolution of customary land tenure, the impacts of land tenure policies, and common property management. The editors conclude that the best strategy for managing land and forest resources lies in promoting the establishment of property rights and investment in the improvement of the natural resource base.--

Book Description

Efforts to improve natural resources management practices must takeinto account not only the scientific aspects of an issue, but also political and emotionaldimensions. This practical book uses ten case studies to show how the policy sciencescan address and resolve the human issues underlying natural resource problems. Thepolicy sciences approach proves flexible, widely applicable, and useful in diversesituations. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

6X9 In, 266 Pp, Bibliography, Footnotes, < Appendices < Practicing Is Simple. Nothing Forced, < Nothing Violent, Just Settling Into Our < Place. Deep Ecology, A Term Originated < In1972 By Norwegian Philosopher Arne < Naess, Is Emerging As A Way To Develop < Harmony Between Individuals, Communities < and Nature. Deep Ecology--The Term and < The Book--Unfolds The Path To Living < Simple, Rich Life and Shows How To < Participate In Major Environmental < Issues In A Positive ... Read more

Reviews (2)

An excellent resource for the already converted.
As a long time environmental activist and graduate student in philosophy I found the book wonderfully comprehensive in its analysis and explanation of deep ecology. The book delves nicely into the sources of deep ecology and its response to other perspectives on environmental issues. I found it a quick read (I read it at the gym, but then, I read Heidegger for fun) and well put together.

It will not, however, make someone who is coming from a perspective far from deep ecology change their mind. For that I would recommend Muir or Jeffers or better yet, spend some time in the real wilderness yourself. What it does is provide extensive background material and elucidation of the philosophy to someone who already believes in the importance of wilderness preservation.

A ponderous classic of the environmental movement.
This classic text of the environmental movememt has influenced groups as diverse as The Nature Conservancy, Greenpeace, and Earth First! Devall and Sessions explore the emotional and spiritual underpinnings of hamanity's ties to the earth in this deeply philosophical work. They link a plethora of sources in their exploration of Deep Ecology, including numerous religions, the words of such notables as David Brower, Aldo Leopold, and Edward Abbey, and the perspectives of many cultures. Despite all of this, though, I found it somewhat lacking. Not present is the graceful beauty of Aldo Leopold, nor the raw passion of John Muir. Perhaps this book might grow dog-eared with use in the library of a Philosophy Professor or a career activist, but I suspect that most people, like me, will find this book a bit dull. Call me simpleminded, but I was more deeply moved by Leopold's heartfelt musings on the chickadee in "A Sand County Almanac" than by Devall and Sessions' philosophical ruminations. ... Read more

Book Description

A key question for individuals involved in managing watersheds is, "What is an effective process that will integrate science, policy, and public participation in order to help manage water resources effectively?" The Watershed Project Management Guide presents a four-phase approach to watershed management that is based on a collaborative process that responds to common needs and goals. It utilizes assessments and decision processes that are based on local knowledge and a combination of biophysical, social, and economic information. Individually these principles and practices are not new, but in combination they describe an innovative approach for addressing complex water and related management issues. This recommended process consists of a series of four basic phases; Assessment, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation, which are built on stakeholder involvement, social capacity, and adequate monitoring. This four-phased approach will assist watershed practitioners develop a plan consistent with the recently released USDA-EPA Watershed Management Planning and Implementation Process guidance. This process can be used to implement a management strategy to meet the load allocations required by an approved Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), the goals of a Source Water Protection Plan, USDA programs such as EQIP, or Section 319 Project.The process outlined in the text is applicable for both restoration and prevention projects. The Watershed Project Management Guide focuses on the complexities of the watershed management process, the watershed partnership's role in the processes, and what needs to be done next. The author has kept the technical jargon to a minimum to help the reader easily grasp the important points and where appropriate directs the reader to specific resources and references for further information.About the Author:Thomas E. Davenport is an Environmental Scientist for the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency and was designated as the Agency's National Expert on Nonpoint Source Control in 1991. Dr. Davenport has received seven Bronze Medals from the EPA for outstanding contributions for various activities related to nonpoint source, lake restoration, and watershed management. Dr. Davenport has published over 40 papers, book chapters, and project reports. Present duties include serving as the Water Program Lead for the Great Lakes/Baltic Seas and 3 Rivers 3 Countries Watershed Capacity Building Projects. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A Great Survey Book for Watershed Management
This is a really comprehensive guide for those looking to learn more about Watershed Management practices.I would highly reccomend it to anyone interested, because it has everything you need all in one place, and has extensive lists of references for the things it does not include. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

THE Indispensible guide to the ecology of Florida
For more than a decade, 'Ecosystems of Florida' has become the standard by which all other books on Florida's unique ecology are judged. The flora, fauna, soil, climate, and hydrological characteristics of all of Floridas ecosystems are explained in exhaustive yet accessible detail. The book also has general information about the soil, climate, and geological history of Florida that helps the reader explore the ecosytem chapters with a broader understanding of the ecology of the state as a whole. Concluding chapters tie in the influence of people to the history of Florida's ecology and explain the role people will take in shaping or breaking Florida's natural areas in the future. This book has become more than a reference to me. It presents a very complex set of information in a clear, easily-read, and entertaining format that makes it hard to put down. ... Read more

Book Description

In this ambitious and provocative text, environmental historian Ted Steinberg offers a sweeping history of our nation--a history that, for the first time, places the environment at the very center of our story. Written with exceptional clarity, Down to Earth re-envisions the story of America "from the ground up." It reveals how focusing on plants, animals, climate, and other ecological factors can radically change the way that we think about the past. Examining such familiar topics as colonization, the industrial revolution, slavery, the Civil War, and the emergence of modern-day consumer culture, Steinberg recounts how the natural world influenced the course of human history. From the colonists' attempts to impose order on the land to modern efforts to sell the wilderness as a consumer good, the author reminds readers that many critical episodes in our history were, in fact, environmental events. He highlights the ways in which we have attempted to reshape and control nature, from Thomas Jefferson's surveying plan, which divided the national landscape into a grid, to the transformation of animals, crops, and even water into commodities. The text is ideal for courses in environmental history, environmental studies, urban studies, economic history, and American history.Passionately argued and thought-provoking, Down to Earth retells our nation's history with nature in the foreground--a perspective that will challenge our view of everything from Jamestown to Disney World. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

I had to read this for a class--it was great!
I had to read this book for my Enviornmental History class, and it was totally interesting. I was far less interested in the other book we had to read for the same class.

I had no trouble reading the assigned chapters, and often kept reading past the assigned pages. Steinberg has an interesting 'take' on history. My favorite chapter was #10, Death of the Organic City, which was about the role of human "waste" in the cities in the ecology of outlier farming, and how the advent of piped sewage insured (unintentional) pollution of rivers & other waterways. At the time, it was believed that running water cleaned up filth-- which it would have, in smaller amounts.

I had never considered that the clean-up of human waste in the cities had a downside. As well, the role of pigs as waste recyclers was intriquing and illuminating, as well as being the mainstay of most poor families.

Steinbergers version of the Civil War was also very intriquing. According to Steinberg, the South would have won the war but for nature's vagaries.

My review is lame compared to the book, but I do highly recommend it.

a real environmental history
Since environmental history staked its claim to status as an independent subfield of history, environmental historians have clamored for the acknowledgment of the rest of the profession. While many environmental historians have won awards and been honored by the profession at large, injecting the substance of the discipline into mainstream historical scholarship and teaching has been a harder task. The field has come a long way since Donald Worster was asked by his graduate school mates how he would present history from the bear's point of view, but it has long been too easy to consign environmental history to the ghetto of disciplinary subfields. American historians have embraced the idea that the U.S. was and saw itself as "nature's nation," but explored that idea no farther. For the longest time, no one truly attempted to understand what that particular relationship meant in the nation's history.

Some of the blame for this circumstance falls on the discipline. For the better part of a generation, synthesis was beyond the reach of environmental history. The field produced brilliant monographs, but little that appealed beyond the boundaries of a growing field to main vein of American history, wrapped up as it was and is in the topics of race, class, and gender. Only in recent years have a series of syntheses been published, paving the way for the next step, the integration of environmental history into mainstream history.

Ted Steinberg Down to Earth: Nature's Role in American History is a bold attempt to jump that gap. One of the first people to be trained in environmental history by an established environmental historian, Steinberg produced three major works before undertaking this volume. Here he makes the case for treating the American environment as an actor on the stage of national history. He argues that the commodification of nature became the catalytic factor in the transformation of the physical nature of the North American continent. "The benefits of modern, from fast food to flush toilets, for all their virtues," he writes, "have come at the price of ecological amnesia" (xii).

Steinberg retells American history through this lens with varying degrees of success. The book is bold and in places wise; simultaneously and despite Steinberg's attempt to create distance from declensionism, he is closely tied to the idea in Marxian terms. His characteristic incisive insights are tempered by the need to cover vast swaths of the past in narrative style, creating something that is simultaneously a textbook and a far more sophisticated argument about the role of nature in history. The complexity of the topic and the need for broad coverage imperil the reader, for the larger argument, that the nature of American nature mattered in the history of the continent, gets lost in the telling and retelling of American history. While the reader is offered Thomas Midgely, the chemist who put lead back into gasoline to eliminate engine knock early in the twentieth century, and Norman Borlaug, the progenitor of the Green Revolution, it feels like the kinds of stunts textbook writers use to invigorate the past for students, not the dawning of a new appreciation for the role of the physical environment in the human past. Despite the brilliance of the work and the marvelous grasp Steinberg displays, he can't quite bring the role of environment as a driving force to the fore.

Down to Earth is marvelous step toward the synthesis that will command the attention of the discipline, but it falls just short of reaching Steinberg's goal of giving environment a place in American history. The best synthesis to yet appear, Down to Earth opens the way for the final integration of environmental history into mainstream American history.

Every one should read
A thoroughly engaging review of American history from the forming of the continent to the current day-- with an important difference. Originally conceived to be a textbook, this is a wonderful presentation of the significant role our natural resources and other environmental factors have played in the development of the U.S. I find Steinberg to be a skillful and diplomatic writer: he rightfully highlights the blessings and curses of the natural environment (and our obligation as stewards) without minimizing or displacing other influences.

A Good History with some Disappointing Rhetoric
DOWN TO EARTH: NATURE'S ROLE IN AMERICAN HISTORY by Ted Steinberg is an interesting book, particularly the first half which is a well-researched environmentally based history of the United States. The tenor of the book in these early chapters was very objective and gave a holistic sense of the many factors (natural, political and otherwise) that led to the development of our nation.

I must admit however that I was disappointed with the last few chapters of the book as it quickly declined (in my opinion) into a stereotypical environmentalist diatribe on the evils of American capitalism. The meat-packing, automotive (read "SUV's"), and biotechnology industries (along with the United States as a global dominant) are the waxed-mustachioed villains in the global environmental drama and, if only we would return to some pristine form of existence, then all would be OK. We have a responsibility of stewardship toward the earth's resources, however, global ecology and human health, safety AND PROSPERITY are not mutually exclusive items. Economic development within an integrative ecological context can be very profitable indeed, however it requires a shift away from the often adversarial posturing and categorization of positions into the camps of stereotypical tree-huggers as well as self-styled imperial despoilers. What is needed is a more balanced approach where humanity is recognized as part of nature, not as an alien component to be thwarted. Given the first part of the book, I had hoped that there would be new ideas and approaches rather than predictable rhetoric.

The Best History Book in the Past Decade
Though I am not a professional historian or environmentalist, I am interested in how humans impact nature and vice versa--that is why I originally purchased Ted Steinberg's book. However, much to my delight, Professor Steinberg's book is much more than that. In a very cogent, readable style, he weaves together a novel and intricate portrait of America. His thoroughly researched arguments which are never dogmatic, opened my eyes to many things that I take for granted--such as the environmental impact of the fast food industry. The publisher call Steinberg's work a "tour de force." I would agree. Down to Earth is the rare book that the casual reader, the college student and the experienced historian will benefit from. This is perhaps the best nonfiction book that I have read in the past decade! ... Read more

Book Description

Foreword by Jimmy Carter.

In An American Idea: The Making of the National Parks, Kim Heacox—winner of the Benjamin Franklin Nature Book Award, and twice winner of the Lowell Thomas Award for excellence in travel journalism—explores the development of our nation’s environmental consciousness. Heacox depicts the remarkable feats accomplished by dedicated people, from Lewis and Clark and Henry David Thoreau to John Muir and Teddy Roosevelt. Delving into original sources that date back to the 1600s, he pieces together an inspirational story peopled with such fascinating characters as young artist Thomas Moran, whose stunning landscapes of Yellowstone compelled Congress to deem it the first national park, and John Wesley Powell, the one-armed Civil War officer who first mapped the Grand Canyon.

Enhanced by a portfolio of Ansel Adam’s photography, commissioned in the 1940s by the Department of the Interior to bring the beauty of the parklands to greater public awareness, An American Idea: The Making of the National Parks is a literary and visual treasure. Through compelling text enriched with stunning photographs, maps, and paintings—many of which have never been seen—this volume gives three centuries of American history an original and unexpected twist.

Reviews (1)

Summary of how national parks came to be
First I should note that this is a National Geographic book so that can give you some idea of what this book is like. In short it details the history and philosophy of the National Park System. The book is not a coffee table book. It does have a lot of nice pictures and illustrations - mostly from photographers or painters who were among the first to visit Yellowstone, Yosemite, or the Grand Canyon with expeditions. Don't expect nice color photos from modern photographers. Instead you get lots of early black & white photos along with paintings.

The text covers the idea of national parks starting with lands reserved for the King of England. It traces American Transcendentalists who helped popularize the idea of nature. It also details some of the early expeditions into the West to explore areas that became U.S. National Parks. The book also summarizes Teddy Roosevelt's importance in setting aside lands. It should be noted that Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon make up the bulk of the material. There is very little on any of the other parks here. In addition the book ends in the early 20th century so there is little on how the Park Service evolved or conservation fights later.

The book is a very good summary of how National Parks came to be for a general audience. If you are looking for a more meaty treatment of the subject look to "National Parks: The American Experience" by Alfred Runte. If you are looking for a general treatment with a lot of illustrations then this book may be what you are seeking. There are few books that will give you the history of parks in such a nice layout. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Hiking Death Valley : A guide to its natural wonders
A very important piece of your Death Valley information package. It has everything you need to know or want to learn.However - PLEASE - have more than just this one source! This guide may instruct you to go to "the foot of the conical shaped mountain". Then the canyon mouth is "to the left". BELIVE ME - when you get to these places, ALL mountains are 'conical' shaped. The canyon mouth forks and there is a right side with 2 canyons and a left side with one. An hour and a half up the left side will finally tell you that you wanted the right side canyon and the left opening on that side! Just be sure you are in the right place. Get help from a ranger or another camper. Don't expect the guide to be the end all and be all. The book is great. It will give you all kinds of interesting information and history.It will tell you everything you want to about the area you are in. Just be sure you are in the RIGHT area FIRST. There's lots of interpretation here. You don't want to be guessing about a two hour struggle up a long, winding canyon when you want to be on the next grand wash over in the next valley!!

Definitive guide to exploring Death Valley
This is a superb book that provides a large amount of exceptionally useful information about Death Valley. Having visited the park multiple times over the last 2 years, I had become familiar with most of the general areas and some of the less-known gems.

This book takes it to the next level for me. It is excellently laid out, totally comprehensive regarding the hikes it discusses and has well-chosen photos, genuinely useful maps and lots of interesting illustrations. I particularly liked the sections on the Last Chance Range and the Panamints.

Most importantly the author exactly captures the appeal of the place - the space, the astonishing world of rock, the light and the solitude - and does a nice job of emphasizing the need for us desert users to practice the "minimum impact" approach without ramming it down our throats.

Finally, he has wisely left out a few "secrets" - it'd be tough to explore if *everything* was already in a book!

Desert Resource
For anyone who has heard of Zabriskie Point, but was afraid to ask. Though written by a hiker for hikers, this book is an indispensable resource of history, geology, archaeology, flora and fauna for this unique region. It will take you far beyond the trails.

hot feet to hell!
This book is a staggering achievement, the crystallization of one person's adventuring on foot in one of the harshest terrains in the USA. The breadth of the book is amazing; the author travelled many routes that have been little-explored and some that appear nowhere else but here. I remain in awe of his knowledge and perseverence. The writing is clear, witty, and most importantly for foot travellers he doesn't give away all the secrets of the places he highlights. Containing detailed maps, the variety of one day and multi-day excursions allow for all experience levels from novice to superjock. His advice on hiking in hot conditions is the best anywhere. A must-have book for any desert rat.

Like having a personal guide in Death Valley
Get out a detailed map of Death Valley. Close your eyes and point to something on the map. I guarantee, it'll be in the index. Well written by someone who obviously loves the place. ... Read more

Book Description

Amazon.com

Bordering the northern border of California’s Yosemite National Park is a wilderness areanearly forgotten by the crowds of tourists ogling the vertical face of El Capitan or the graceful curvature ofHalf-Dome--and therein lies its charm. This guidebook to the Emigrant Wilderness covers all the area'strails, as well as fishing options, climbing routes, mountain biking, winter recreation, natural history, andhorsepacking. Also included is a handy fold-out topographic map. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Good Book - Campsite Information
The copy I perused had an update for 1999. The book had a Map with trails not on my current US FS map. It showed trails which may be hard to find, but that's the challenge. Trails from old books from the 1960's are often included here, but not in current maps or US FS literature. Again, this is a great resource book for this area.

As with any wilderness area, campsites will close due to overuse, restoration, natural changes (flood, earthquake, fire, mudslides, etc). For up to date information, check with the local US Forest Station (Sometimes helpful) and local clubs. Local bulletin boards such as craigslist.org, San Francisco are helpful too.

Always obtain a permit for overnight stays. These are still required and free as of this writing for most wilderness areas.
If there is a fee write your Senator and Congress person.

Please, Ben, go back...
This is a very good guide, as far as it goes, but unfortunately, that's often not nearly far enough. Much of the information is badly outdated (most of the campsites described in some areas no longer exist, forexample). I've been waiting several years to get an updated edition,because we've used ours so much, it's fallen apart. Now that it'scompletely disintegrated, into a dozen or more pieces, I gave up andordered another copy of the same old edition; but if you come out with anew edition, with better information, I'd get that, right away, even now.

Oustanding Guide
I have used this book several times to plan backpacking trips.The Emigrant Wilderness has quickly become my favorite area for getting away from it all.With detailed and accurate directions for finding everything,this book makes me feel like a seasoned mountain man is showing me the way. Definitely, the best trail guide I own. ... Read more

Book Description

Groundwater Science is a timely, current, and comprehensive presentation of groundwater hydrology that integrates chemistry, physics, geology and calculus. With the input of students and other hydrology instructors, the author has developed a text reference that will be appreciated by students and professors alike.

* Provides an accompanying Web site (http://www.academicpress.com/groundwater) with sample data sets for problems, and links to groundwater sites and public domain software
* Integrates up-to-date material on field methods and flow modeling methods
* Covers recent contamination topics including non-aqueous-phase liquids (NAPLs), complex solute transport processes, and remediation
* Presents clear explanations, two-color figures, case studies, and worked examples throughout
* Solutions manual for all end-of-chapter problems is available to faculty who adopt the text ... Read more

Book Description

The opposing forces of conservation and development have shaped and will continue to shape the natural environment and scenic beauty of the American West. Perhaps nowhere are their opposite effects more visible than in the neighboring states of Colorado and Utah, so alike in their spectacular mountain environments, yet so different in their approaches to land conservation. This study explores why Colorado has over twenty-five land trusts, while Utah has only one.John Wright traces the success of voluntary land conservation in Colorado to the state's history as a region of secular commerce. As environmental consciousness has grown in Colorado, people there have embraced the businesslike approach of land trusts as simply a new, more responsible way of conducting the real estate business.In Utah, by contrast, Wright finds that Mormon millennialism and the belief that growth equals success have created a public climate opposed to the formation of land trusts. As Wright puts it, "environmentalism seems to thrive in the Centennial state within the spiritual vacuum which is filled by Mormonism in Utah." These findings remind conservationists of the power of underlying cultural values that affect their efforts to preserve private lands. ... Read more