The novel follows the exploits of four individuals:
* George Washington Hayduke: A former Vietnam War veteran and the ringleader of the gang. He's fiercely passionate about protecting the wilderness.
* Bonnie Abbzug: A strong-willed woman and former hippie activist who joined the gang to fight for the environment.
* Selkirk: An eccentric and brilliant inventor who provides the group with their tools and techniques for sabotage.
* Doc Saroyan: A doctor who is initially hesitant but ultimately joins the group to fight for the environment.
The novel follows them as they target various projects, including dams, power plants, and pipelines, using a variety of methods like blowing up equipment and setting fires. Their actions are motivated by a deep-seated belief that human encroachment on wilderness is detrimental to the planet and a threat to its future.
The novel is controversial, exploring themes of environmental activism, eco-terrorism, and the tension between human civilization and the natural world. It's a powerful and thought-provoking story that challenges readers to consider the ethical implications of environmental protection and the lengths to which some people are willing to go to defend the wilderness.