Book review of America’s public lands: From Yellowstone to Smokey Bear and beyond (2nd edition)

Since the creation of the first public lands in the United States, they have been a source of turmoil, admiration, and prolonged political debate Nevertheless, our public lands have become an intrinsic part of our national identity and economic progress, exemplifying our divergent attitudes towards nature preservation and resource development. With this in mind, Randall K. Wilson makes a case for the value of our national lands in his book, America’s Public Lands: From Yellowstone to Smokey Bear and Beyond. In this second edition, Wilson aims to present the history, challenges, and complex issues surrounding these lands. This edition promises to keep guard of the present while recognizing and dissecting the past that has brought us to where we are.