Fire Ecology of Pacific Northwest Forests

A leading expert in the emerging field of fire ecology, James Agee analyzes the ecological role of fire in the creation and maintenance of the natural forests common to most of the western U.S. In addition to examining fire from an ecological perspective, he provides insight into its historical and cultural aspects, and also touches on some of the political issues that influence the use of fire. Although the focus of chapters on the ecology of specific forest zones is on the Pacific Northwest, much of the book addresses issues that are applicable to other regions. Illustrations, tables, index.

<p>"Agee examines in depth the issues in the ecological context and history of fire, wild and human. He sheds considerable light on this most important topic. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants a thorough understanding of the ecological and management issues related to fire in the forests.<p>-International Journal of Forestr.<p>The structure of most virgin forests in the western United States reflects a past disturbance history that includes forest fire. James K. Agee, an expert in the emerging field of fire ecology, analyzes the ecological role of fire in the creation and maintenance of natural western forests, focusing primarily on forest stand development patterns. His discussion of the natural fire environment and the environmental effects of fire is applicable to a wide range of temperate forests.

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Agee (forest ecology, U. of Washington) analyzes the ecological role of fire in the creation and maintenance of natural western forests, with a focus on forest stand development patterns. His discussion of the natural fire environment and the environmental effects of fire is applicable to a wide range of temperate forests. Throughout, he interprets critical current management issues--park and wilderness management, new forestry, spotted owl preservation, global climate change--from the perspective of fire ecology. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

James K. Agee is professor of forest ecology in the College of Forest Resources at the University of Washington, Seattle. He recently completed a five-year term as chair of the Division of Ecosystem Science and Conservation, and he continues to teach and conduct research on forest and fire ecology. Before coming to the University of Washington, he was a forest ecologist and research biologist for the National Park Service in Seattle and San Francisco. Agee received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1973. He is the author of more than 100 technical reports and professional papers in forest and fire ecology, and he has extensive experience with fire research and management in the Pacific Coast states. He has been a trustee for the Washington chapter of The Nature Conservancy, was chair to the Washington Natural Heritage Council, and associate editor of Northwest Science.