For years, a big chunk of Oregon's economy rested on the assumption that trees were to be cut down and the land replanted. That changed in the 1980s, as forest activists took note of how little untouched forest remained on public land.
It all blew up as the 80s gave way to the 90s and the northern spotted owl became a symbol of the fight over the forests. Oregon Public Broadcasting has produced a podcast series, "The Timber Wars," telling the stories of that time anew.
OPB's Aaron Scott hosts the seven-part series; we bring him in for a talk about the scope and details.