FREE Download, made available January 2009 courtesy of Mike Lynch and CSPRA GrayBears Published April 1991 by the 125th Ranger Anniversary Committee <--- 1940's drawing of Big Basin, Petey Weaver

Download and print a PDF copy of the Petey Weaver mini-publication on her Ranger career in state parks, which started in 1929.  Petey, the first uniformed woman in state parks, wrote this publication in early 1991 in honor of the 125th Ranger Anniversary. It was published by the 125th Ranger Anniversary Committee in April 1991.  Not the best quality, but very readible historic essay.

On Sale: 02/23/2009
128 Pages, ISBN: 073-8-559938, Arcadia Publishing. $21.99

Description: The first park ranger in the world was appointed in California in 1866. Galen Clark was chosen as “Guardian of Yosemite,” at what was then Yosemite State Park, and the concept of rangers to protect and administer America’s great nature parks was born. The tradition continued in 1872 with the establishment of the first national park at Yellowstone. From the earliest days, park rangers have been romanticized; they are explorers, outdoorsmen, tree lovers, animal protectors, police officers, nature guides, and park administrators. The park ranger has become an American icon, whose revered image has maintained itself to this very day.

128 Pages, ISBN: 073-8-559091, Arcadia Publishing. $21.99

Authors Don Banta, a 75-year Lee Vining resident, and David Carle, a Mono Lake ranger for 19 years, present here a collection of vintage Mono Lake photography. Working with archival materials from local families and the Mono Lake Committee, Carle and Banta show the lake, its environs, and its history through stirring imagery, including the lengthy court battle over the lake and its tributary creeks.

Eight other publications and books by Dave Carle, some shown below.

The first complete biography of the notorious but beloved Sierra mountaineer

This riveting account of one of the most notable personalities of the mountain climbing world reconstructs the life of legendary mountaineer Norman Clyde (1885-1972). He made his mark on history with more than one hundred and thirty first ascents throughout western North America, and many believe he knew the High Sierra better than anyone else, including John Muir.

176 pages, ISBN: 978-1-59714-110- at Heydaybooks Publishing. $14.95
(note 20% savings

The granddaddy of park ranger books is still available. The definitive, original and only book on the history of California State Park Rangers may be ordered from the author $10 for softcover and $15 for hardcover.  Free media mail postage (slow) or $5 for priority mail. Mail check to:
Mike Lynch
P.O. Box 3212
Auburn, CA  95604

Webmaster note - on 7/23/08 this book was selling for $35 on Amazon!

by James D. Newland, Supervising Historian, Southern Service Center

This brief “Centennial” history, with its evocative and interpretive photographs, will inspire appreciation for both the invaluable resource that the Cleveland National Forest lands represent, but also for the dedicated staff both past and present, who have stewarded this public reserve for all to enjoy. Jim has been professionally involved in cultural resources, land use planning, and historic preservation since 1991. He previously served as Historian for the USDA-Forest Service's Cleveland National Forest from 1993 to 1995. Read interview with the author. On sale used $13.59 at Amazon and new $19.99 at Arcadia Press.

by David Carle, Retired CSPRA Member

What is fire? How are wildfires ignited? How do California's weather and topography influence fire? How did the California Indians use fire? In the spirit of his highly acclaimed Introduction to Air in California and Introduction to Water in California, David Carle now turns to another fundamental element of the natural world, giving a fascinating and concise view of this complex topic. His clearly written, dramatically illustrated book will help Californians, including the millions who live near naturally flammable wildlands, better understand their own place in the state's landscape. Carle covers the basics of fire ecology; looks at the effects of fire on wildlife, soil, water, and air; discusses fire fighting organizations and land management agencies; explains current policies, and explores many other topics. 91 color illustrations and 15 mapsOnline description, $12.89 at Amazon

 Fire Fighters in Fatigues
History of a World War II Army Engineer Fire Fighting Platoon
by James G. Davis, Retired CSPRA Member

Read Fire Fighters in Fatigues description and download order form

Also check Jim's WW II websites:
Fire Fighters : http://www.firefighters.mil-fire.net/index.html
WWII Fire Trucks : http://www.firetrucks.mil-fire.net/index.html

 Insignia of the Resource Agency Fish & Game, Parks, Forestry
by Mike Lynch (CSPRA member), Doug Messer and Steve Huntington
Download book description and order form