John O. Sawyer 
Northwest California 
A Natural History

Northwestern California is mainly known for its majestic redwood forests and incomparable coastline, but there is much more in its rich biota and scenery. The forests are part of the most diverse temperate coniferous forest in the world. Rugged mountains, numerous lakes, wilderness areas, and wild rivers attract outdoor enthusiasts and geologists came here to refine the theory of plate tectonics. Distilling a vast amount of knowledge, this book is the starting point for anyone who wants to explore the biological and geographical richness of northwestern California. John O. Sawyer describes the famous forests and varied landscapes from a geographic perspective. He explains its long geological history and the changing roles of fire and land use. The result of a lifetime of work, his rich narrative illustrates how the region, in many ways the least modified portion of the state, is a place where plants and animals have been shielded from extinction. Sawyer documents the restoration of dunes and forests, the control of nonnative plant invasions, and innovative approaches to restoring rivers so they can support thriving fisheries.

Table of Content

Preface

Prologue


The Klamath: Land of Mountains and Canyons

The North Coast: Land of Towering Trees

High and Low: Looking for Patterns in Vegetation

Beyond the Ancient Meeting Ground

Regimes of Fire

Agents of Change

The Status of Northwest California Today

Northwest California’s Biological Future


Selected Readings

Index of Plant Names

General Index

Plates follow page 128.

About the author

John O. Sawyer is Professor of Botany, Emeritus, at Humboldt State University. Among his books is Trees and Shrubs of California, from UC Press.