Stepping Back to Look Forward: History of the Massachusetts Forest

These essays, by forestry and environmental specialists, tell the story of the conservation, use and changes in Massachusetts’ forests over time. The work begins with ecology and land use history, progresses through pre-settlement, colonial and post-colonial periods, and finishes with recommendations on how history may inform policy. It documents the origin and growth of state forestry programmes and underscores the importance of private and local leadership and the Massachusetts’ role in the emergence of national conservation and forestry efforts. Economic contributions and educational programmes are detailed. The book concludes with a call to awaken and rinvigorate the historical connection beween citizens and their forests, an initiative of potential significance not only to Massachusetts but to the nation.