Endangered: Biodiversity on the Brink by Mitch Tobin

[JimmyLyding]

This book is essential reading for anyone who's interested in the current environmental issues in the Southwest. This book is based upon Tobin's series of articles on Arizona's endangered species that were published in the Tucson Citizen, Arizona Daily Star, and the High Country News. This work is very readable and fairly even-handed.
The focus of the book is on endangered species in primarily Arizona viewed through the prism of the Endangered Species Act. California condors, jaguars (Macho B's demise is given word), Mexican wolves, Chiricahua leopard frogs, urban sprawl, the Glen Canyon Dam, and the Mount Graham red squirrel are some of the topics covered.
I've gained a new understanding of the Endangered Species Act after reading this book, particularly due to what the Chilton's have gone through. According to the book the Chilton's have been hammered by the ESA despite running a ranch (the Montana allotment west of Tucson) that is pretty environmentally-friendly. Their plight results from environmental groups using the courts to enforce the ESA. Tobin chronicles the Chilton's being victimized by these lawsuits, but never shies away from pointing out that ranching has caused an exceptional amount of environmental degradation in Arizona.
Tobin is obviously a staunch environmentalist like myself, but he's done an excellent job telling both sides of this compelling story.

[azbackpackr]

That is a good thing. And the red squirrel thing was just rampant politics. And from what I hear, we peak baggers are still not allowed to climb Mt. Graham, correct me if I'm wrong. What a crock that whole thing was.

The Ironwood High School/pygmy owl thing was also total BS.

[Jim]

Tobin's series of articles? Is he the same Tobin that wrote his famous "Tobin's Spirit Guide"?

[hippiepunkpirate]

Tobin's series of articles? Is he the same Tobin that wrote his famous "Tobin's Spirit Guide"?

Been reading up on Evo Shandor?

[Jeffshadows]

He was supposed to give a talk at the Desert Museum but I think he cancelled, or something. I wonder if that will ever be back on?

[Jim]

Been reading up on Evo Shandor?

YES!!!
You can never know too much about Gozer Worship.