Attitudes about land use, Catherine Henshaw Knott suggests, may reflect profound differences in class, religion, and life experience, pitting urban Americans who see nature at risk against rural Americans whose lives are dominated by nature's forces. She documents the thoughts and feelings of people whose lives are intimately connected to the forest, including loggers, trappers, craftspeople, and guides, as well as tree farmers and maple syrup producers. After describing the key players in the conflict and chronicling battles and bridge-building between stake-holders, Knott concludes that the participation of local people in decision making is the only process that can shift an increasingly hostile cycle toward resolution.

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An interesting read for those studying American land use conflicts and those with regional interests in the North Country. Though it has a particular philosophical perspective, it is straightforward about its perspective and intelligently portrays the complexities of the Adirondack situation.

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Knott's excellent overview of the issues and perspectives of management and uses of the Adirondack forest draws upon this forest to frame the wider land-use debate taking place across the nation, especially in the Northwest.... This book also contributes to the emerging concepts within ecosystem management, using the critical lessons learned in the Adirondack forest as an example. Excellent bibliography; good illustrations; thorough index. General readers; upper-division undergraduates through professionals.

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Knott's first-hand reportage from the dramatic public hearings held in the Park on the Commission's report is riveting, an example of the value of participant observation.