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Dempsey, Dave. Ruin and Recovery: Michigan's Rise as a Conservation Leader. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press. 2001. 368p. $19.95 [ISBN 0472067792]

The second chapter of Dave Dempsey's Ruin and Recovery: Michigan's Rise as a Conservation Leader, entitled "Exploiting Inexhaustible Resources," introduces the various resources that were exploited by Michigan's earlier settlers. Included in this group were the majestic white pine; the "nuisance" fish, the sturgeon; and the beautiful and once bountiful sport fish, the grayling. Dempsey successfully outlines the manner in which populations discovered this "gold mine" of natural plenty, and nearly destroyed it.

"Recovery" from this exploitation began when Michiganders from all types of professions and organizations led the cry to replenish what had been lost. Notable figures in the fight included Edith Munger, longtime president of the Michigan Audubon Society, dismayed by the 23 percent decrease in bird life; and Emma Genevieve Gillette, the "Lady of the Parks," who has made her life's work the expansion of Michigan parks. Important too, has been the overall desire and struggle of these conservation leaders to separate environmental issues from political parties and their influences. Only one governor, William G. Milliken, is sited as being interested in conservation issues.

Dempsey, who is affiliated with the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, uses his well-researched book to make a cautionary point: Are we headed for the same sort of "ruin" of Michigan's resources, under current administrations?

The book includes black and white photographs, but missing are maps that serve as illustrations of the areas discussed. This criticism aside, the book contains a remarkable wealth of information concerning the Michigan conservation movement. Having come from a different state (West Virginia) to live in Michigan, I got a fantastic history lesson!

Reviewed by Merry Beth Tacy, Young Adult Librarian, Farmington Community Library in Farmington Hills, MI, http://www-youth.fh.farmlib.org/

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