American Covenant
National Parks, Their Promise, and Our Nation's Future
Published on 25. May 2021
Book
Hardback
216 pages
978-0-300-14035-4 (ISBN)
Description
An intimate and candid account of our national parks detailing their strengths, vulnerabilities, and essential role in American life
"Essential reading for anyone concerned about the future of America's national parks."-John Miles, National Parks Traveler
Part memoir, part critique, and a paean to the value of national parks, American Covenant distills the experience and insights from two long careers in conservation. Michael A. Soukup and Gary E. Machlis show how the national parks are essential to maintaining the essence of our national heritage, and key to America's future in a changing climate and political landscape.
Sharing real-world examples of both victories and defeats in protecting national parks, this candid, thoughtful book reminds us that the national parks are a promise-a covenant-within and between generations of Americans. The book is also a call to revitalize, reconstitute, reconfigure, and reform the National Park Service, which the authors believe is governed too much by outdated management practices and politics instead of a foundation of expertise and science.
"Essential reading for anyone concerned about the future of America's national parks."-John Miles, National Parks Traveler
Part memoir, part critique, and a paean to the value of national parks, American Covenant distills the experience and insights from two long careers in conservation. Michael A. Soukup and Gary E. Machlis show how the national parks are essential to maintaining the essence of our national heritage, and key to America's future in a changing climate and political landscape.
Sharing real-world examples of both victories and defeats in protecting national parks, this candid, thoughtful book reminds us that the national parks are a promise-a covenant-within and between generations of Americans. The book is also a call to revitalize, reconstitute, reconfigure, and reform the National Park Service, which the authors believe is governed too much by outdated management practices and politics instead of a foundation of expertise and science.
Reviews / Votes
"American Covenant is part historical review and part memoir. The authors . . . eloquently share their personal experience and ideas on how the preservation and enjoyment of national parks can be addressed in the 21st century."-Susan Catherine Cork, Conservation Biology"American Covenant is a unique and personal contribution showcasing the hard-earned wisdom of two experts who know the National Park Service the best. Their stories and anecdotes illustrate why national parks are important for both individuals and our nation as a whole."-Justin Farrell, author of Billionaire Wilderness: The Ultra-Wealthy and the Remaking of the American West
"Michael Soukup and Gary Machlis offer a heartfelt, insightful assessment of our national park system complete with science-based recommendations for ensuring this magnificent natural heritage is passed along to future generations in an unimpaired condition."-Robert B. Keiter, author of To Conserve Unimpaired: The Evolution of the National Park Idea
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Product notice
Cloth over boards
Illustrations
10 b-w illus.
Dimensions
Height: 218 mm
Width: 147 mm
Thickness: 23 mm
Weight
422 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-300-14035-4 (9780300140354)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Michael A. Soukup served as Chief Scientist for the National Park Service. Gary E. Machlis is University Professor of Environmental Sustainability at Clemson University, and served as Science Advisor to the Director of the National Park Service.