Florida painter, Everglades, Marco Island, artist Jo-Ann Sanborn

6/11/10

Oil & Wildlife, Clouds over the Glades daily painting by Everglades Artist JoAnn Sanborn

Clouds over the Glades
5"x7" acrylic on canvas

With the Gulf oil spill still not contained, the impact on wildlife is becoming critical. The Louisiana Gulf Coast region is home to more than forty percent--think of it, forty percent--of our nations valuable wetland habitat. More that 400 species are dependent on that area for food, protection and breeding

The spill threatens all manner of Gulf wildlife and even if stopped tomorrow, if they survive, these species will be impacted for decades. Having lived on Gulf waters for almost 20 years now, I can't imagine it without the rich bounty of sea life we so enjoy.

While BP made mistakes, big ones, and must pay, this event could have world-wide effect on our water and food supply. Nothing short of a monumental effort to stop and clean up the mess should be mounted. The full power of the United States People should be brought to bear--not to lay blame but to find solutions, to help the affected wildlife, to put to work those whose livelihood is on hold.

If the spill is stopped soon, there is some indication that by the time the oil reaches Marco Island and my beloved Everglades, it may be diluted or dispersed. Just in case, I'm glad that our County and City government are taking the threat seriously, watching closely, and taking an active role in preparing for impact.

The National Wildlife Federation is involved and has some suggestions for those of you who want to help with the sad situation of impacted wildlife. You can volunteer, donate, speak up, or share. Learn more here.

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