Grand Canyon For Sale
Public Lands Versus Private Interests in the Era of Climate Change
Evocative and passionate, this examination of invasive species, climate change, and public land use will appeal to both politically minded outdoors enthusiasts and members of the ranching community.
Grand Canyon for Sale endeavors to describe the damage being done to the Grand Canyon natural area by private developers and lack of government regulation.
Though it opens with issues surrounding the Grand Canyon specifically, the book’s scope soon broadens. Ranching becomes a major focus, particularly the harm caused by non-native cattle grazing, which spreads the stubborn invasive plant cheatgrass.
Openly critical of the Bureau of Land Management and absentee millionaire ranchers, the book does not hesitate to dive into politics. Though not an exhaustive review of environmental legislation at state and national levels, the book shines brightest when it describes the ground-level rationalization behind greater environmental regulations with the aim of preserving national parks.
One of the book’s greatest advantages is its easy readability. Not only are its points cogent and clear, but it is written in evocative, often beautiful language that sets the scene for the unfolding environmental drama. Stephen Nash’s own experiences visiting the Grand Canyon and interviewing ranchers and ecologists give the book journalistic immediacy.
Grand Canyon for Sale illustrates the conflict between private interests, an often halfhearted bureaucracy, and ecologists who constantly stretch their resources to hold together a flagging natural landscape. Nash’s passion for this subject is infectious, and despite its tendency to wander, the book represents a good development in the public dialogue around public land use.
Reviewed by
Anna Call
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. No fee was paid by the publisher for this review. Foreword Reviews only recommends books that we love. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
