Local nature: Food and Politics

We received two new books recently: Seaweed, Salmon, and Manzanita Cider and Water War in the Klamath Basin.

The first book, Seaweed, Salmon and Manzanita Cider, by Margaret Dubin et al. attempts to answer the age-old question: What did they eat before there were grocery stores. For the Native People of California the answer is more complex and complicated than you might imagine. California's proximity to the ocean ensured that a lot of people had fresh fish and seaweed. But they also ate turtles, wood rats, deer and shellfish. Acrons could be beaten and eaten and mushrooms abound especially in northern California. Elderberries, strawberries and grapes grow wild in California as do a number of other nuts. Although this book could have done a better job identifying the plants in their natural state, I suppose that is what field books are for. But for edibility and a few recipes, plus lots of memories, this is the book for you.

With the recent news of the Klamath Dam agreements in the works, this next book should help us all understand this issue a little better. Water War in the Klamath Basin by Holy Doremus and A. Dan Tarlock. This account of the drama leading us up to this point is invaluable to understanding why removing the dams from the Klamath River is such a priority to so many people.