THE OYSTER WAR:

This story is one of intrigue and complication. Nothing is simple in this case and almost nothing is what it seems at first glance. And yet issues raised in the “oyster war” may have implications for the future of wilderness legislation and administration for decades to come.

It all began simply enough. In 1976 the Point Reyes Wilderness Act was passed, with broad support, and it was to include a rare marine sanctuary, the Drakes Estuary, as “potential wilderness.” Located in the estuary was a small, struggling oyster farm. In existence for more than eighty years, it was accused of being guilty of environmental harm. In 2005 the farm was given notice by the National Parks Service that their lease on the property, due to expire in 2012, would not be renewed. The intention was to allow this area to be restored and to be a viable part of the wilderness preserve. Kevin Lunny, a local rancher, bought the oyster farm in 2005 and renamed it The Drakes Bay Oyster Farm. He refused to acknowledge the term of the lease nor did he intend to abide by it, and thus began a protracted battle in the courts and in the court of public opinion, over the future of the farm. Environmentalists, local activists, national politicians, scientists, the Department of the Interior, all joined the battle which began as a matter of local interest and determination and quickly spread to become one of national concern and import, as we began to imagine what a new environmentalist position over wilderness might become in the new century. “Wise use” people struggled against localists, purists, and wilderness defenders. National politicians joined with or against local food activists and engaged citizens. Mr. Lunny, the new owner, emboldened by a broad measure of support from important lawyers and politicians, promised to take this case, newly seen as of national importance, to the Supreme Court. Summer Brennan, an awardwinning journalist and someone intimately familiar with the scene and its players, has followed the story from its very beginning. In a lyrical narrative style she explores the case, interviews and portrays the players, (major and minor), and presents this complex matter with thorough and deliberate care. Summer Brennan is an awardwinning journalist who grew up on the rural Northern California coast. She has written for McSweeney's, the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, Fitness, Ryot News Smith Magazine and other publications. She works regularly with the United Nations Press Office in New York covering issues related to decolonization, disarmament, human rights and the environment. For the past two years she has led the press team for the UN Disarmament and International Security Committee. The Oyster War is her debut book.