Book: Toward a Natural Forest

Over time, people change, and after reading Toward a Natural Forest (Oregon State University Press, $20), it’s clear government agencies do too. In Jim Furnish’s memoir about the United States Forest Service, we’re treated to a behind-the-scenes look at a once-highly-regarded federal agency whose stubbornness and deeply entrenched bureaucracy stalled change and progress. Originally founded to responsibly manage America’s vast natural resources, the Forest Service morphed into a partner of the timber industry, focusing on board feet instead of balanced management. Furnish tells of his own transformation from a proud forester to a disillusioned leader of an agency out of touch with changing American priorities. This is a particularly timely read for any Bozemanite interested in how the Forest Service has evolved, and how it goes about business these days. With our Forest Plan Revision underway, now is the time to pick up this quick-read memoir.