A key figure of conservationist history.

Mike McCloskey is an acclaimed former executive in the Sierra Club who has been called “one of the ten top environmentalists in the United States.” He is the author of six celebrated books.

Latest Work

These stories deserve to be told. Many have never heard them. They have made the conservation movement what it now is. Michael McCloskey has been in many of the campaigns described in these stories; he knows what happened. In fact, he made the difference in some of them. For instance, in campaigning to save Mineral King in the Sierra, at his behest the Sierra Club got the US Supreme Court to liberalize the rules of standing so that those filing a lawsuit no longer needed to have a financial interest in the issue at stake. With this decision, cause organizations can now file suits in federal courts. This book shows how we can make a difference. It is worth taking seriously.

John Rettig

leader of the Mazamas

and the Federation of Western Oudoor Clubs

Rarely does a book by a national leader live up to its promise. Protecting Western Landscapes: Wonderful Places in the West that Conservationists Have Worked to Protect, written by former long-time Sierra Club Executive Director Michael McCloskey, exceeds its promise. The book tells the story of the fights to save different wildernesses and other natural areas that make up so much of the American natural heritage. The author introduces the reader to little-known heroes such as William G. Steel, who almost single-handedly led to the creation of Crater Lake National Park. The book also tells stories that start off sadder, such as Californians’ initial reaction to the destruction of much of the state’s giant sequoias.

This well-written book moves briskly from one battle to save this heritage to another. It is a must-read for anyone interested in environmental history. Any reader of the book will be well-rewarded.

Gregg Coodley

author of The Green Years 1964-1976

(University Press of Kansas)

Previous Work

“A good reference for environmental historians.” Russell Peterson, former Chairman of the President's Council on Environmental Quality

Regional Nonfiction Book Award Winner

Great Northwest Book Festival

Honorable Mention

Book Festival in London, England