Minnesota: A History of the Land; Minnesota: A History of the Land—Episode V: The Northern Forest

Produced by the Bell Museum of Natural History and University of Minnesota, this Emmy award-winning five-episode series documents the history of the land and its relationship to the peoples of Minnesota through nature footage, historic images, animation, and dramatic recreations. Beginning with the thaw of the last Ice Age, Minnesota: A History of the Land opens with the reemergence of forests and migrating wildlife. Other episodes cover indigenous Native Americans and their use of the land, the arrival of 19th-century white settlers (resulting in the cultivation of prairies, but also large scale deforestation and water and air pollution), the establishment during the 20th century of land-use management policies and reining in of industrial interests, and the strides made since the 1950s in preserving and maintaining Minnesota's ecological systems. Although not part of the original series' first TV airing, the fifth episode explores the state's northern forest, and features three 15-20 minute segments examining the effects of forestry, wildfires, and commercial development on the area. Complemented by a stirring original soundtrack by contemporary folk artist Peter Ostroushko, Minnesota: A History of the Land is a beautiful, informative, and thought-provoking series. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (L. Stevens)