Forest Giants of the Pacific Coast

The forests of the Pacific Coast are the tallest and densest on earth. Even after a century of intensive exploitation, their trees remain unmatched in overall size, height, and age. "Forest Giants of the Pacific Coast" is a guide to the 20 largest species of conifers in North America - from the southern Sierras to Vancouver Island, and from the coast to north-western Montana. Overviews of 20 species feature: colour maps showing distribution of species and locations of individual giant trees; comparative drawings and measurements of giants; colour photographs of typical trees and cones; and, discussion of species and comparison of giants. Individual profiles of 117 giant trees feature: line drawings; colour photographs; measurements; and, description of history, preservation, characteristics, present condition, and location. Giant trees are those with the greatest wood volume. From the Ponderosa Pine 'Bear Creek Twin' to the Coast Douglas Fir 'Ol' Jed', from Giant Sequoias to Western Redcedars, the trees are depicted as individuals. All are unique specimens that represent the extremes to which their species can grow. To seek out the ruling giants and their neighbouring contenders, Robert Van Pelt has travelled the length and breadth of the Pacific Coast and its forests, equipped with a camera, a sketchpad, and a survey laser, amassing a database of over 5,000 individual trees. "Forest Giants of the Pacific Coast" will be of interest to hikers and naturalists as well as to arborists, foresters, and arm-chair explorers.