New Books Network Ecodefense: Dave Foreman and Earth First!’s Deep Ecology
Sep 25, 2025
Discover the radical journey of Dave Foreman, a former conservative, who founded Earth First! to champion deep ecology. Explore the disillusionment with mainstream conservation that fueled Foreman's push for militant action and environmental preservation at any cost. Delve into eco-defense tactics, such as tree spiking, and the controversial legacy that provoked debates on the intersection of ecology and social justice. Uncover how his life’s work continues to reshape the environmental movement today.
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Deep Ecology's Core Moral Shift
- Deep ecology rejects human-centered value and asserts nonhuman nature has inherent worth independent of human use.
- This philosophy drove Foreman to prioritize wilderness protection over human welfare and political compromise.
Birth Of Earth First!
- Earth First formed in 1980 as a radical break from mainstream conservation groups at a Wyoming ranch meeting.
- The group used theatrical stunts like draping black plastic down Glen Canyon Dam to gain media attention.
Eco-Defense As A Tactics Playbook
- Foreman published Eco-Defense, a practical manual advocating 'monkey wrenching' and industrial sabotage.
- The guide detailed tactics like tree spiking and disabling heavy equipment to impede extraction industries.
