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CORVALLIS - Twenty-five years ago, a book titled "Yamsi" was published that described the efforts by a Klamath Basin rancher to protect his pristine land from the pressures of road building, timber harvests and fire suppression strategies.

Now the Oregon State University Press is reissuing the book as part of its Northwest Reprints series and those same issues of conservation on private lands are even more timely today.

In "Yamsi," author Dayton Hyde recounts his personal experiences as a rancher and conservationist. Hyde has spent more than 40 years raising cattle on Yamsi Ranch, at the same time preserving pine forests and marshes on his land, and enhancing the environment for owls, osprey, eagles, kingfishers and sand cranes.

He recounts his personal experiences and the challenge of running a family-owned cattle ranch in an age of agri-business.

Author and former rancher William Kittredge provides a new introduction for this latest version of "Yamsi."

"All of us in the West, particularly our lawmakers, should pay serious attention to this book," writes Kittredge. "Dayton Hyde is telling us things we need to hear, through his example showing us the way. We need to take heed."

Nationally recognized for his conservation work, Hyde has been the subject of numerous magazine articles and television features. He has written 14 books.

"Since this book was first published in 1971," Hyde writes in the epilogue, "I have had thousands of letters from readers curious to know if the Hydes still live at Yamsi, at the headwaters of the upper Williamson. There is an old bronc riders' expression, 'hang tough and rattle.'

"The Hydes have done just that. We are still there."

The "Yamsi" reprint is available from book stores and libraries, or can be ordered directly from the OSU Press by calling 541-737-3166.