DIRT: The Erosion of Civilizations, a discussion with the author, Wed, July 29th

Join the KGI Book Group in a discussion with David R. Montgomery, PhD regarding his 2007 book DIRT: The Erosion of Civilizations!

When: Wed, July 29th at 10 AM
Where: Zoka’s Coffee Roaster and Tea House in Seattle at Greenlake (see directions below)
PLEASE RSVP with Chris at: 798-7620 or email her at cschutz@co.pierce.wa.us
We will be van/car pooling: details will be sent out as we get closer to the date.

Pick up DIRT (the book) today and join us for what will undoubtedly be an interesting and informative conversation.

A bit about DIRT and the Author…
David R. Montgomery, Professor of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington is also the author of King of Fish: The Thousand-Year Run of Salmon.

Recipient of the 2008 John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation (five years-$500,000.00) Fellowship in Geology.

· DIRT: 2008 Winner of the Washington State Book Award in General Non-fiction, Washington Center for the book at the Seattle Public Library.

Dirt, soil, call it what you want—it's everywhere we go. It is the root of our existence, supporting our feet, our farms, our cities. This fascinating yet disquieting book finds, however, that we are running out of dirt, and it's no laughing matter. An engaging natural and cultural history of soil that sweeps from ancient civilizations to modern times, Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations explores the compelling idea that we are—and have long been—using up Earth's soil. Once bare of protective vegetation and exposed to wind and rain, cultivated soils erode bit by bit, slowly enough to be ignored in a single lifetime but fast enough over centuries to limit the lifespan of civilizations. A rich mix of history, archaeology and geology, Dirt traces the role of soil use and abuse in the history of Mesopotamia, Ancient Greece, the Roman Empire, China, European colonialism, Central America, and the American push westward. We see how soil has shaped us and we have shaped soil—as society after society has risen, prospered, and plowed through a natural endowment of fertile dirt. David R. Montgomery sees in the recent rise of organic and no-till farming the hope for a new agricultural revolution that might help us avoid the fate of previous civilizations. University of California Press

Related Link:
Dishing Dirt with David Montgomery – an interview
http://www.celsias.com/article/dishing-dirt-with-david-montgomery/

Dock Permitting to be Discussed at Next KGI Meeting

Gregg May has confirmed for May 19th to talk about his experiences with the Shorelines Hearing Board regarding dock construction in Arletta. The particular dock project he will be speaking on has been before just about every decision making examiner, board, or court possible with a surprising diversity of results. This should serve as a good primer on the complexity of legal issues surrounding shoreline development.

Website Update

The KGI website has new stuff on it! I've added our latest newsletter and the 5-Year Action Agenda. I'm still working on updating our Upcoming Events section. There are so many things happening, I can only hope I'll have time to finish the updates before they've all passed.

Also, I would like to put in a plug for the book Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations by David Montgomery. UW Professor Montgomery has graciously agreed to host our book club discussion of Dirt this summer. Thank you to Liz for suggesting the book!

Good News!

I've just received word from the Washington State Department of Ecology that another round of funding for the Pierce County Septic Repair Grant and Loan Program has been approved!

Welcome!

I guess we now have an official KGI Watershed blog! This is our chance to discuss all things related to water and the Key Peninsula-Gig Harbor-Islands area west of Tacoma, WA. Thanks for joining us!