Ponderosa: People, Fire, and the West's Most Iconic Tree

Easy to read and lots of interesting information, if you are into pine trees

There have been a few books about ponderosas over the years. I have one slender volume by Enos Mills that's over a century old. This is the best of the bunch by a wide margin, written by two very knowledgeable and respected forest ecologists, one of whom (Arno) wrote quite a few successful popular books. It also has a section on great places to go see ponderosa, which is worth the price all by itself.

Ponderosa's are my favorite trees. I've used this book to zero in on ponderosa stands I haven't visited before. I wish more people would read this book so they would understand how important fire is to healthy ponderosa forests. It broke my heart to see millions of ponderosas dying because they were allowed to grow too close together while fire was suppressed for decades, making the stressed trees susceptible to attack by bark beetles. There's nothing more beautiful on planet earth than a glade of well spaced giant old ponderosas.If you like reading try some of my favorite fantasy and sci-fi authors: Richard Adams, Palo Bacigulupi, Suzanne Collins, Abe Evergreen, Diana Gabaldon, Hugh Howey, George Martin, Brandon Sanderson, John Scalzi, and Andy Weir.If you’re looking for good stuff to watch consider miniseries like The Astronauts Wives Club (2015), Band of Brothers (2001), Frank Herbert’s Dune (2000), Frank Herbert’s Children of Dune (2003), Into the West (2005), Lonesome Dove (1989), Manhattan (2014-2015), Return to Lonesome Dove (1993), Pride and Prejudice (1995), Taken (2002) and The 10th Kingdom (2000), which are all terrific because they have clear beginnings that establish an objective, then strong middles and conclusive endings where the goal is achieved, like a good novel.Other shows I’ve really enjoyed include Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009), Breaking Bad (2008-2013), Cowboy Bebop (1998), Downton Abbey (2010-2015), Firefly (2002), Game of Thrones (2011-2019), Granite Flats (2013-2015), The IT Crowd (2006-2013), Jericho (2006-2008), Merlin (2008-2012), The Prisoner (1967-1968), Rome (2005-2007), Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (2011), Spartacus: Blood and Sand (2010), Stargate: SG-1 (1997-2007), Stargate: Atlantis (2004-2009), Star Trek (1966-1969), Star Trek Voyager (1995-2001), and The Tudors (2007-2010). I didn’t list any contemporary series I’m following that don’t have an end date yet, not conducive to binge watching from beginning to finish.

Interesting history, facts, and stories about a widespread, iconic western tree. A must read for professional foresters and other western forest enthusiasts.

This is a great book loaded with all kinds of information about Ponderosa pine trees. Without too much technical terms it is entirely suitable for the book's intended audience of general readership. If you like western trees begin with this book!

Well laid out chapters and covers all aspects of one of natures great trees. Enjoyed reading. Recommend to any nature loving person, or forest buffs out there.

I wish the authors didn't sound so anti-government. It's not the government; it's some of the people in the government. The historical photos are great. Their argument for burning is persuasive.

An excellent, easily read synthesis of the ecological literature that will be useful for anyone who wants to know more about ponderosa pine, a tree that is widespread in western North America and grows in the backyards of so many people.