‘America’s Wetlands’ beautifully captures the plight of La.’s coast

In pictures and words, Bevil Knapp and Mike Dunne vividly tell the story of this region’s plight in “America’s Wetlands: Louisiana’s Vanishing Coast.”

Released on the heels of hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, the photographer and reporter teamed up to show the world the places and faces most effected by the devastating storms.

And the people do, indeed, come to life. From Howard Boudreaux of Avery Island, who manages a large hunting club in Pecan Island called Les Deux Ponts (Two Bridges), to Houma’s own swamp tour guide Ron “Black” Guidry, to biologist/musician Tommy Michot, the tabletop book gives voice to how they’ve seen the coastline change and its impact on their lives.

“America’s Wetlands” also delves into the effect coastal erosion is having on our nation’s wildlife and ecology. Knapp’s photographs poignantly capture the beauty and grace of the land and sea creatures – from pelicans on Breton Island to gators – common to Louisiana’s coast.

And Dunne does an excellent job of explaining to the world the importance the wetlands play in keeping industry thriving. After all, the wetlands provide protection for more than 30,000 miles of pipelines that carry much of the U.S.’s oil and gas. As Louisiana residents have learned over the last two years, our state generates 34 percent of the nation’s natural gas supply. In addition almost 30 percent of its crude oil supply is either produced off Louisiana’s shore to transported through the state’s pipelines off the coast.

No account of the threat Louisiana faces in the event of a storm would be complete without acknowledging New Orleans, and “America’s Wetlands” does give a nod to the Big Easy. The Central Business District, French Quarter and Garden District come to life in Knapp’s photographs.

Chapter 5, “Outside the Levee,” moves into lower Terrebonne Parish. Our neighbors in Isle de Jean Charles, like the Naquin family and the Portiers, talk of the rapid changes they’ve seen in their lifetimes. “If I won the Powerball [lottery], I’d build a levee all around the island,” Naquin is quoted as saying to Dunne.

In the final chapter, “Rebuilding America’s Wetlands,” Knapp and Dunne join scientists and conservationists whose work is making a difference along our coast. In pictures and words, the two clearly illustrate the heroic efforts to restore the sole of our state.

In vivid color and clear, informative and entertaining language, “America’s Wetland” speaks to the heart of the problem and the hope of the solution.

The book makes an excellent tabletop addition, and should be required reading of those who call this region home.

“America’s Wetlands,” published by the Louisiana State Press, retails for $39.95. Proceeds from the book benefit America’s WETLAND: Campaign to Save Coastal Louisiana and also fund national public education efforts about conservation.