The Changing Nature of the Maine Woods is both a fascinating introduction to the forests of Maine and a detailed but accessible narrative of the dynamism of these ecosystems. This is natural history with a long view, starting with an overview of the state's geological history, the reemergence of the forest after glacial retreat, and the surprising changes right up to European arrival. The authors create a vivid picture of Maine forests just before the impact of Euro-Americans and trace the profound transformations since settlement.

Ambitious in its geographic range, this book explores how and why Maine forests differ across the state, from the top of Mount Katahdin to the coast. Through groundbreaking research and engaging narratives, the authors assess key ecological forces such as climate change, insects and disease, nonnative organisms, natural disturbance, and changing land use to create a dramatic portrait of Maine forests—past, present, and future.

This book both synthesizes the latest scientific discoveries regarding the changing forest and relates the findings to an educated lay and academic audience.

ANDREW M. BARTON is a professor of biology at the University of Maine at Farmington. ALAN S. WHITE is a professor of forest ecology at the University of Maine. CHARLES V. COGBILL is a historical ecologist in Vermont.

Preface

Part I. The Maine Woods: Through Time and Across Space
1. An Ancient Forest in Portland
2. Moosehead Lake
3. Maine Forests in Time and Space
4. About This Book
5. Appendix 1.1: Common and Scientific Names of Species Used in the Text 

Part II.  From Rocks to Ice to Forests: How Did the Land and Forests of Maine Form and Change over Geological Time?
6. The Bog in the Basin 
7. The Dynamic Earth 
8. Origin of the Bedrock of Maine 
9. Climate Change 
10. Deglaciation and the Emergence of Land in Maine 
11. How Glaciation Shaped the Maine Landscape 
12. Life in a New World: The Forest Reconstituted 
13. 15,000 Years: Changing Environments, Changing Forests 
14. Postglacial Animals of Maine 
15. Lessons Learned 

Part III. The Presettlement Forest of Maine: What Were the Forests Like before European Settlement?
16. Explorers: Observers of Maine’s Presettlement Forest 
17. Land Surveys of Maine’s Presettlement Forest 
18. Paleoecology: Remains from the Past 
19. The Remnant Old-Growth Landscape: “Still Stands the Forest Primeval” 
20. Remnant Old-Growth Stands: Museums of the Past
21. Conclusion
22. Appendix 3.1: Observations by Early Explorers of the Forests along the Maine Coast 
23. Appendix 3.2: Observations of Forests by Travelers and Surveyors in the Interior of Maine before Division into Towns 
24. Appendix 3.3: Equivalent Vernacular Names for Maine Trees in Old Records 

Part IV. From European Settlement to Modern Times: How Did Human Culture Transform Maine Forests?
25. The Perham Farm, Sandy River Valley, Maine 
26. Changes in the Land, Changes in the Forest 
27. Before 1781: Colonial Maine and Its Forests 
28. 1781–1840: Settlers Come, White Pine Goes 
29. 1840–1880: Into the Interior—Forest Clearing, Tree Harvesting 
30. 1880–1920: The Remaking of the Maine Forests 
31. 1920–1970: Well-Worn Patterns 
32. 1970–2010: Conflict and Change 
33. Maine Forests Today 
34. Appendix 4.1: Chronology of Important Events in the History of the Maine Woods from European Settlement to Today

Part V. The Length and Breadth and Height of Maine: How and Why Do Forests Vary across the State?
35. Six Maine Nature Snapshots 
36. Making Sense of the Diversity of Maine Forests 
37. Maine’s Place in the Natural Geography of North America 
38. Dividing Up the State: The Ecoregions of Maine 
39. The Natural Communities of Maine 
40. Why Is Maine Ecologically Diverse? 
41. Putting Classification into Practice: Maine’s Conservation Network 
42. Appendix 5.1: Ecoregional Frameworks in Maine 
43. Appendix 5.2: Seven Ecoregions of Maine 
44. Appendix 5.3: The Natural Community System of Maine 

Part VI. The Future of the Maine Woods: What Will Maine Forests Be Like in the Year 2100?
45. View from a Maine Woodlot 
46. The Future: Changing Environments, Changing Forests 
47. Changing Nutrient Cycles: Acid Rain and Nitrogen Saturation 
48. Changing Enemies: Invasive Exotic Insects, Diseases, and Plants 
49. Changing Disturbance: Land Use–Forestry and Housing Development 
50. Changing Climate 
51. Interacting Stresses and Forest Dieback 
52. The Future of the Maine Woods: Forecasts and Uncertainty

Notes
Bibliography
Illustration Credits
Index