Conifer Country: A natural history and hiking guide to 35 conifers of the Klamath Mountain region
Half a century ago ecologist Robert Whittaker stated,All western plant formations dominated by trees occur in the Klamath Region, as in no other area.This remote area is a center toward which temperate forests of the past have shrunk, and it contains twice as many conifers as other areas of diverse forest such as the Olympic Mountains and Sierra Nevada.At last someone has produced a comprehensive guidebook for people who are interested in exploring the Klamath Region s wealth of conifers. Michael Kauffmann is a self-professed tree lover and devotee of the region whose book imparts both enthusiasm and vast knowledge of the conifers found there. To that end, Conifer Country introduces readers to the region s natural history how remnants of diverse prehistoric forests happened to survive here, and the role that complex topography, geology, climate, and escape from human disturbance has played in maintaining a fascinating mélange of forests. After setting the scene, the book gives detailed descriptions of each conifer species, including identifying characteristics, common associates, distribution, ecological relationships, and more. Each species write-up is accompanied by a range map and a pair of small color photos of foliage, cones, or habit. A large section is then devoted to maps and descriptions of trips (mostly hikes) into areas where fine examples of different conifers are found. A glossary defines many of the technical terms, and a bibliography cites other literature that may be helpful. The appearance and quality of the book and illustrations is good.The author expresses his appreciation of trees with literary flair: For example,Every Klamath encounter I have had with Pacific silver fir has inspired euphoric elation.And,Under a vast array of harsh subalpine conditions from sheltered forests in north-facing lake basins to storm-beaten krummholz thickets on ridgelines mountain hemlock is effectively refined for high-elevation survival. With a seemingly delicate appearance, no other conifer so efficiently veils its strengths.The book is a unique contribution that will greatly interest serious students of the tree bounty of this special region. --Steven ArnoJohn Muir would have loved this book. California's matchless diversity of pines, firs, sequoias and other genera was very close to his heart, and Conifer Country approaches the subject in a way that he would have thoroughly approved... Michael s attitude toward the trees is very much in Muir's tradition, seeing them not just as objects of study - plants or part of the scenery - but as highly evolved beings, companions and friends on the path of life, and that comes across strongly in Conifer Country's lively descriptions of the species and their wild environments... Anyone who wants to know why the region's forest biodiversity is considered a biotic treasure of primary international importance can now buy this book, access its extraordinary wealth of information, and take some of the hikes it recommends. --David Rains WallaceMichael Kauffmann has prepared a feast for all conifer lovers. The banquet consists of 35 courses (species), with 29 adventures skillfully roadtested and with clear maps for hikes to savor them all. One thing immediately becomes clear from reading Michael s book: the extraordinary love and contagious enthusiasm he has for his subject. Novice and professional alike will find much of interest here, and if you do not follow at least a dozen of Michael s directions for hikes, I would be very surprised. Readers beware: you are about to become infected with a love and appreciation for California s Conifer Country. --David Charlet