Book DescriptionWith Americas WETLAND, award-winning photographer Bevil Knapp and veteran reporter Mike Dunne sound the clarion call of the catastrophic effects of Louisianas vanishing coastlinenot just for Louisiana but for the nationand the world This vital landscape known as Americas Wetland is currently disappearing at a rate оещбщ of twenty-four square miles per year and could lose another five to seven hundred square miles in the next fifty years if no action is taken New Orleans could become "Americas Atlantis," one of the countrys unique cultures lost forever Knapps beautiful, sometimes startling photographs and Dunnes incisive commentary bring the urgency of this problem into full view Documented here is a way of life that is quickly waning Fishermen, oyster farmers, cattle ranchers, oil industry workers, shipbuilders, and tugboat captains are all heavily dependent on Louisianas coastal territory in bringing the people of the United States a host of products and services sometimes taken for granted Home to nearly two million residents, the states wetland serves as protection from hurricanes and storm surges and acts as a buffer for the city of New Orleans, identified by the National Hurricane Center as the city most threatened by the loss of Americas Wetland The book makes clear that as coastal erosion in Louisiana worsens at an alarming rate, the nations economic and energy security is put at ever-higher risk and the environmental repercussions become unthinkable Aerial photographs show how the oil and gas infrastructure is becoming increasingly exposed to the Gulf Wells, pipelines, ports, roads, and levees that are key to delivering energy to the nation havebeen made vulnerable Louisiana wetlands are the natural nursery ground for much of the countrys seafood and the wintering habitat for more than five million waterfowl and migratory birds Stunning photographs of owls, pelicans, egret, crab, crawfish, and alligators illustrate the vast array of wildlife whose homeif not very survivalis endangered by the possible collapse of this intricate ecosystem Americas WETLAND not only maps the causes and effects of Louisianas diminishing coast but also outlines restorative and conservation initiatives such as tree planting, rebuilding fisheries, and setting aside wildlife refuges With the active support of all Americans, there is still hope that this imperiled border of the country can be saved.  В сборник2005 г 129 стр ISBN 0807131156.