Ned’s achievement #4: In spite of all his accomplishments Ned was first and foremost a writer. Penned and published a poem when only 7 years old! His legal work and eco-activism are simply a manifestation of his articulateness. See the full list at Ned Fritz Legacy’s Ned in a Nutshell.
In the ‘80s he wrote three groundbreaking books with the aid of Genie.
The colorfully written Sterile Forest: The Case Against Clearcutting detailed his battle to save the historic trees in the Four Notch area of the Sam Houston National Forest. The very nearly successful lawsuit birthed a forestry reform movement and brought to the public eyes the unseemly ties between the National Forest Service (NFS), forestry schools, and lumber interests.
On the tail of that fight, Ned successfully established five wilderness areas in the East Texas national forests, thanks to federal legislation shepherded by US Representative John Bryant. But it was one helluva fight against the NFS and powerful congressmen like Charlie Wilson. Realms of Beauty: A Guide to the Wilderness Areas of East Texas is Ned’s victory lap. Great descriptive passages, precise hiking trail details, and superb naturalist information. His love of the land shines through.
Clearcutting: A Crime Against Nature is the definitive argument against the barbaric forestry practice. His legal prowess is clear as he makes his case, examining his East Texas fights and several others nationwide. Genie’s skills as an editorial sounding board are apparent. The book is relied on to this day by activists determined to have the interests of nature lovers and outdoors people be heard over the forestry industry, and the need for mature forests to insure air and water quality and natural diversity.
We will be offering signed copies of Clearcutting this fall as fundraiser. Or contact us directly.
The Ned Fritz Legacy website entails many months of research and writing by long-time journalist Amy Martin. It’s a significant risk for a freelancer to take on. It can be a simple tribute site or a biography that lasts for a century. It all depends on the funds raised.
Please give what you can at GoFundMe. Or if you’d like to give by check (preferred), visit the Legacy’s donations page where credit cards are also taken. Thanks to those who’ve donated so far!
