Page 55-71 Summary

IN ECOTOPIA'S BIG WOODS

In this chapter, Weston describes the Ecotopian lumber industry. He writes that anyone who wants to buy lumber must spend time at the lumber camp, planting and caring for trees before the actual purchase of the lumber. He also describes the Ecotopian practice of mature tree cutting. Ecotopians argue that mature tree cutting is cheaper in the long run than clear-cutting, and it causes less damage to forest life. Weston feels that while these are sound arguments, they are all more likely sophisticated rationalizations for what he calls tree worship. He has seen some totem poles all over the camp, and he is sure that this is more evidence for his tree worship theory.

Weston noticed that even though it rained during part of his stay, the stream did not become muddy, which demonstrates the truth of...