Brush Cat: On Trees, the Wood Economy, and the Most Dangerous Job in America

An entertaining and informative read

Who would think that a book about chain-sawing would be so informative? The author covers a large section of political, environmental and consumer issues. His evident knowledge but willingness to learn as well makes this a book than can be comfortably read by a wide audience.

The Future of New Hampshire Forestry

Although it common to see the humongous logs on the back of semi trucks travelling Route 93, it is rare to see an actual tree logging operation.

The author helps us part time country folk (White Mountain hikers, skiiers and tourists) to see what loggers do to earn a living. Anyone who reads this book can't help but have a new appreciation for the people who ply this dangerous profession and for the products it provides us (not least of which is toilet paper).

It makes you wonder how OSHA allows chain saws to be sold en masse at Home Depot and that there aren't headlines every weekend of fatal injuries from weekend warriors wielding the saws in flip flops and shorts.

McEnany's book is a real education in the history of forestry, particularly in NH from the turn of the 20th century to today. I've often wondered going through a very quiet Berlin, NH what it must have been like in its heyday of factories. Also, there are abandoned camps along some of the hiking trails that must have been busy hives compared to the quiet areas they are now. McEnany explains for the layman the current situation regarding the Forestry Legacy Program and its implications for the future of logging in NH and the rest of the country. It is definitely something to pay attention to as it is NH's (and the U.S.'s) environmental future at stake.

McEnany is self-deprecating in style, funny at times, serious when needed and does a curious chapter on chain saw carving, logrolling et.al. which is entertaining.

I recommend this book!

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