Smokey the Bear is turning seventy-five this year! In honor of Smokey’s birthday, we (1) promise not to start any forest fires, and (2) want to share some of our favorite local forest-fire-related books with you. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we’re pretty big forest enthusiasts, so we have books for all types of readers:
For the History Buff . . . Money Trees
Emily Brock approaches the history of forestry in the Pacific Northwest through an interdisciplinary lens, exploring political and economic forces, ecological changes, and wilderness activism in the twentieth century. Money Trees is a key resource for those interested in environmental studies and the history of forestry management in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
For the Forest Service Enthusiast . . . Toward a Natural Forest
Part revealing memoir, part historical account, longtime Forest Service employee and leader Jim Furnish honestly and candidly explains the controversies assailing the US Forest Service in the late twentieth century. As he grows as an environmentalist, so does the Forest Service as an organization dedicated to the stewardship of our natural resources.
For the Young Reader . . . Ellie’s Log 
Judith Li and M. L. Herring have created an engaging book set in the Oregon Cascades that blends science and storytelling. Encouraging both natural curiosity and scientific practices, such as keeping a field notebook, Ellie’s Log is set to inspire future botanists, foresters, and researchers.
For the Forestry Student . . . Silviculture and Ecology of Western U.S. Forests, Second Edition
John Tappeiner II, John Bailey, Timothy Harrington, and Douglas Maguire compiled this introductory text that covers the biological, ecological, and managerial silviculture practices associated with western U.S. forests. With particular focus on contemporary research and practice, new and experienced silviculturists will appreciate this refresher on forestry management.
For the Philosopher . . . The Way of the Woods
In this interdisciplinary text, Linda Underhill explores the ways America’s forests contribute to the health of the planet, and her own relationship with them. Meditative, thoughtful, scientific, and lyrical, The Way of the Woods inspires its readers to ponder the magnificence of our forests of all types.
For the Concerned Activist . . . The Tillamook
Gail Wells transcribes the history of the Tillamook Forest in this book. She explains how, after a series of devastating fires, foresters and ordinary citizens rallied to create one of the largest forest rehabilitation efforts ever. However, its fate is still undecided as competing perspectives of forest use continue to create controversy. Wells uses the Tillamook Forest as a touchpoint to explore the activism of ordinary citizens and the ways we conceptualize contemporary forest-use issues today.