Overview

An illustrated review of the Northern Great Plains that blends natural history and human history   “The most complete, in-depth look at Dakota ecosystems and their history. An absolutely fascinating read!”—Gabe Brown, author of Dirt to Soil   W. Carter Johnson and Dennis H. Knight describe the natural and human histories of the Northern Great Plains in this comprehensive and handsomely illustrated book. Covering a vast period of time, they move from geological developments millions of years ago and the effects of glaciers to historical and ecological developments in recent centuries and the effects of agriculture. The book ends with a discussion of the future of this region, mediated by climate change, with recommendations on how to balance agriculture and other pressing needs in the twenty-first century.   Johnson and Knight bring decades of experience to chapters on the major ecosystems of the Dakotas. Written for readers with varying backgrounds, and with discussions of the Prairie Pothole Region, the Missouri River, grasslands, woodlands, the Black Hills, and rivers, lakes, and wetlands, the book is unique and will become a long-lasting source of information. Readers will appreciate the plentiful photographs and other color illustrations.

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9780300253818

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Reviews

Ecology of Dakota Landscapes is simply a grand and wonderful book. If some apocalypse removed all libraries and repositories of knowledge, this one volume would preserve the most important knowledge and insights about the Dakotas. -Dan Binkley, author of Forest Ecology: An Evidence-Based Approach There is more to the Dakotas than wheatfields and rangelands, and these landscapes have changed greatly through time. W. Carter Johnson and Dennis Knight demonstrate they have the northern prairie in their blood. -William H. Schlesinger, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY By looking back, around, and forward, Carter Johnson and Dennis Knight capture the wonder and ecological essence of a region that will never again be considered 'poorly known.' -Joy B. Zedler, Aldo Leopold Chair of Restoration Ecology, Emerita, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Ecology of Dakota Landscapes is simply a grand and wonderful book. If some apocalypse removed all libraries and repositories of knowledge, this one volume would preserve the most important knowledge and insights about the Dakotas. -Dan Binkley, author of Forest Ecology: An Evidence-Based Approach There is more to the Dakotas than wheatfields and rangelands, and these landscapes have changed greatly through time. W. Carter Johnson and Dennis Knight demonstrate they have the northern prairie in their blood. -William H. Schlesinger, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, NY By looking back, around, and forward, Carter Johnson and Dennis Knight capture the wonder and ecological essence of a region that will never again be considered 'poorly known.' -Joy B. Zedler, Aldo Leopold Chair of Restoration Ecology, Emerita, University of Wisconsin-Madison Ecology of Dakota Landscapes offers a clear understanding of the historic and current ecology of a heavily impacted region and a plan to protect its resources for future generations. -Shawn DeKeyser, North Dakota State University Ecology of Dakota Landscapes is the most complete, in-depth look at the ecosystems and history of the Dakotas. An absolutely fascinating read! -Gabe Brown, author of Dirt to Soil

Author Information

W. Carter Johnson is professor emeritus at South Dakota State University and resides in Brookings, SD. Dennis H. Knight, professor emeritus at the University of Wyoming, is the author of Mountains and Plains: The Ecology of Wyoming Landscapes. He lives in Laramie, WY.

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