The Ghost Forest: Racists, Radicals, and Real Estate in the California Redwoods

The Ghost Forest is a historical memoir by journalist and renowned redwood activist Greg King that examines how investors and a growing U.S. economy drove the timber industry to cut down all but 4% of the original two-million-acre redwood ecosystem. In 1987, King discovered and named Headwaters Forest, the largest ancient redwood habitat remaining outside of parks, and led the movement to save it. After a decade of one of the longest, most dramatic, and violent environmental campaigns in US history, in 1999 the state and federal governments protected Headwaters Forest.

Format: Hardback
Length: 480 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: PublicAffairs,U.S.

The magnificent California redwoods have a captivating history, encompassing their discovery and the subsequent exploitation. This remarkable tale is narrated by an activist who valiantly fought to safeguard their existence against those determined to cut them down. Every year, millions of tourists from across the globe flock to California to marvel at the awe-inspiring redwoods. However, it is important to note that few who strain their necks to glimpse the tops of these colossal trees fully comprehend the sheer improbability of their continued existence. In this gripping historical memoir, journalist and renowned redwood activist Greg King delves into the intricate details of how investors and the growing U.S. economy propelled the timber industry to decimate nearly all of the original two million-acre redwood ecosystem. King's journey into the world of redwood logging began in the 1980s, during his tenure as an award-winning reporter. What he uncovered in the depths of the woods left an indelible mark on his conscience, compelling him to cross the line of neutrality and dedicate himself to the noble cause of saving the very last ancient redwood groves still held in private hands.

The land grab commenced in 1849, during a green gold rush of migrants who flocked to exploit the legendary redwoods that thrived along the Russian River. Several generations later, in 1987, Greg King stumbled upon and christened Headwaters Forest, a sprawling 3,000-acre ancient redwood habitat that stood as the largest remaining expanse outside of protected parks. He assumed the mantle of leadership and spearheaded a relentless campaign to safeguard this precious grove. After a decade of relentless struggle, culminating in one of the longest, most dramatic, and turbulent environmental campaigns in U.S. history, in 1999, the state and federal governments successfully protected Headwaters Forest.

The Ghost Forest, a captivating work of non-fiction, delves into a central question that lingers as an enigmatic mystery: What was it like, this botanical Elysium that exclusively flourished along the Northern California coast, a forest so breathtakingly spectacular and uniquely valuable as a cornerstone of American economic growth? This remarkable ecosystem would ultimately inspire a life-and-death struggle.

Weight: 740g
Dimension: 238 x 156 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781541768673