Merchandise

Book Review by Yancey Forest-Knowles

Against All Odds…Protecting the West’s Largest Wetland The History of the Grassland Water District
By Peter J. Ottesen

Peter Ottesen’s recently released book is a substantial undertaking by any measurement. The scholarly work encompasses the entirety of the tumultuous history of the Grassland Ecological Area of western Merced County- at 240,000 acres, the largest complex of wetlands in the west. The book provides an excellent view of the Grassland Water District and chronicles the constant struggles throughout the decades and today to provide water to the Grassland Ecological Area.

Ottesen, an award-winning outdoor writer, and an author of 10 titles, provides a well-researched and very readable historical text that gathers in one convenient and handsome book all the overarching elements of how this critical area came to be preserved- an enormous and complex topic.

With deep appreciation of the region’s history, Ottesen traces the natural wealth and abundance of wildlife it earlier supported, and how, as California grew to be the most populous state in the Union, it was transformed by its unquenchable thirst for water and was nearly destroyed by urbanization and agriculture.

Drawing upon multiple sources, Ottesen succeeds brilliantly in conveying in critical details how, over time, the Grassland Water District successfully gained governmental support for restoration and legal safeguards. The book is a moving tribute to the many individual club owners, ranchers and conservationists who struggled mightily to preserve wildlife and precious ecosystems with a concerted sense of purpose.

In the 5 detailed chapters, Ottesen builds upon the area’s history by taking a close look at the past and the evolution to the present and the future. Beginning with the Northern Yokuts, the ensuing stories move through historical figures and events, including Miller and Lux- the “Cattle Kings”; construction and operation of the Central Valley Project; building of Friant Dam and the de-watering of the San Joaquin River- killing the chinook salmon; the coming of the railroads; market hunting; selenium poisoning of wildlife; and threats of zero water for wetlands. Also included are the present and future dangers of encroachment and the High-Speed Rail Authority.

There is no question that this highly important book was written by a man with a passion for knowledge and a love of the Grassland Ecological Area. Combined with several exceptional color photographs, courtesy of well-known and nationally recognized professional wildlife photojournalist, Gary Zahm, maps and charts, and an all-encompassing Appendix, Ottesen has written a formidable work that should be in every sportsman’s and conservationist’s library.

This beautifully produced 100-page quality hardcover format book, with dust cover, measures 9”x11” and costs $100. The book is available through the Grassland Water District; 200 West Willmott Avenue, Los Banos, Ca 93635-5501. To order, call: (209) 826-5188 or go online at gwdwater.org. Sales of the book will benefit the Grassland Fund, a 501(c)(3).

*You can purchase online by clicking the DONATE button below and making an online payment of $100 + shipping.  Remember to add the shipping cost to your total payment ($11.20 for 1 book)($19.30 for 2-5 books)