The Sacramento, A Transcendent River by Bob Madgic is the first comprehensive publication on one of the most important rivers in the world. Through crisp writing and over 190 stunning photos, it traces the river from its headwaters to the estuary, and its human history from before Euro-Americans to the present. Running throughout are incisive accounts of where the river has undergone alterations and degradations, often with damaging consequences.
Few rivers possess the richness and complexity of the Sacramento River. And few are subject to such overwhelming and contentious demands. This book illuminates all of the major issues surrounding this vital waterway.
The central theme of The Sacramento. A Transcendent River is the power and beauty of the natural river. While acknowledging that the Sacramento’s dammed and diverted waters are what made California what it is today, Bob Madgic nevertheless argues that a river functions best and contributes the most when it is allowed to proceed as nature intended. And nature intended that it flow unimpeded through the Delta, the Bay, and ultimately out into the ocean, while nourishing and sustaining each of these crucial parts of the natural world.
This is an important book. As the Sacramento goes, so goes California. As rivers go, so goes the planet. Once persons see what is to be preserved and gained from keeping intact the river flowing through their midst, or lost if it is stripped of its essential character, they should choose to be a river steward rather than a river exploiter. The health of humankind hangs in the balance.
Bob is a local author, environmentalist, former educator, and avid fly fisherman. For a copy of this book, contact Bob Madgic at 365-5852, or bmadgic@yahoo.com.
The list price is $24.95 mention SEA and the price is $19.95, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Shasta Environmental Alliance.