Trains for Nature: Railroads and the American Land

By Alfred Runte

Book Overview

Discover how America's abandoned passenger trains hold the key to preserving our nation's scenic treasures and wilderness landscapes.

In this timely and provocative work, renowned environmental historian Alfred Runte challenges our blind embrace of highways and airports, revealing how the decline of passenger rail has scarred America's legendary landscapes. From national parks to urban corridors, Runte demonstrates how modern transportation choices are destroying the very vistas we claim to cherish.

Drawing on decades of research and his experience as advisor to Ken Burns's acclaimed National Parks documentary series, Runte offers a compelling vision for reuniting transportation with conservation:

Reveals how European nations successfully preserved their scenic landscapes through rail transportation Explores the hidden environmental costs of abandoning America's passenger rail system Demonstrates how restoring rail service could protect wilderness areas from destructive development Challenges conventional wisdom about "progress" in transportation policy

This expanded edition, featuring a new preface and epilogue, arrives at a critical moment as wind farms and solar installations threaten even protected wilderness areas. For anyone concerned about preserving America's natural heritage while addressing climate change, this passionate appeal for the return of passenger rail offers hope for a more sustainable and beautiful future.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1493090968
• ISBN13: 9781493090969
• Release Date: February 2025
• Publisher: Lyons Press
• Length: 222 Pages
• Weight: 0.87 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 7.0" x 10.0"