"When we accept mankind's dominance and the mutuality of man in nature and nature in man, then we can begin to move toward comprehension of our proper role as co-determinors of what is to be, and also our need for self discipline."
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How Mendocino County Went to Pot by Dennis Tavares Trafford Publishing
book review by J.A. Garcia
A retired forester and longtime resident of Mendocino County, Tavares examines the evolution of the county's forest and fishing industries during the latter half of the twentieth century to the present day. Throughout this volume, the author emphasizes cultural and resulting political impacts on the environment and economy of this northwestern California county. Through detailed research and firsthand observations, Tavares reveals the rise and eventual decline of lumber and fishing trade in the area alongside the rise of drug culture and calls for environmental preservation. Indeed, central to this exploration of Mendocino County's struggling fishing and foresting economies is a push for responsible conservation as opposed to widespread preservation.
In a brief introduction, Tavares is careful to define terms and set clear parameters for the ideas set forth in this book. For Tavares, conservation advocates "wise use of natural resources" in a manner that privileges the needs of the people. Preservation, on the other hand, is criticized as doing away with any "productive uses" in a manner deemed "individualistic." Based on firsthand experience of this area's economic decline, which resulted from the depletion of resources and legislation (among other forces), Tavares outlines the dangers of preservation, "radical environmentalism," and increased governmental regulation and spending, going so far as to "envision the bankruptcy of our federal government." Although Tavares' cultural critiques are often dismissive and demeaning, going so far as to suggest feminists "were simply amorously challenged," readers will find many of his observations relevant and an interesting counterpoint to preservationist ideals.