The Land We Cared For... A History of the Forest Service's Eastern Region

Along with other readers of this history, I was impressed by the many changes taking place since I departed the Forest Service in 1976. Even more changes have occurred since the authors completed their work on this history in 1987. Times have indeed changed, and will continue to do so. New laws have resulted in the development of new rules, regulations and responsibilities, and with those came an influx of bright, new specialists to help meet the new challenges and complexities which were imposed on the Forest Service. From where I sit today, I see more enthusiasm and progress being made in the Eastern Region than in any of the other Regions.

While I spent almost one-third of my Forest Service career in the Eastern Region and thought I knew it well, I learned a great deal more in the months I have spent reading, re-reading and editing the manuscript for this history. I have gained even greater respect for what our predecessors did to acquire and establish purchase units...these were the "lands that nobody wanted!" Then they protected, managed, and helped create the magnificent National Forests we have today. This required extraordinary effort, a lot of hustling and teamwork, and much blood, sweat, tears and sacrifices on the part of those in the Forest Service family.

The reader will be reminded that the geographical, ecological diversity, and socio-political complications make the 20-state Eastern Region unique. Added to that difference is the reality that most of the Region's National Forests are within a day's drive of one-half of the nation's population.

This history names some of those builders of this Region, but a reading of this book will also bring to mind many unsung heroes who were not named by the authors. My reading, along with yours, will bring to mind other people, events, stories, and accomplishments which might have been written. But for a number of reasons, including sheer volume alone, not everything could be recorded. We can be grateful for the rich history and memories that have been captured on the following pages.

I wish the people of the Eastern Region well, and urge them to read this rich legacy of history and carry on the proud traditions of the U.S. Forest Service.

Jay H. Cravens
Milwaukee, WI
July 1997