Who:
John Engel
Where:
Bay City, MI
Wild places have always kindled my spirit. This photo represents part of what I love best. I am standing in the clear, fresh waters of Lake Huron, in the Straits of Mackinac, at the east end of Bois Blanc Island, Michigan. This location is close to the geographic center of the Great Lakes watershed, which cradles 20% of the earth's fresh water.
As I ponder the future of these great lakes, I can't help thinking of the ugly human intrusion that threatens these waters. Mercury is in all of the fish. Exotics brought in by ocean-going vessels are affecting native species. Seven other states and Canada dump their garbage in Michigan landfills. Water diversions by bottled water companies and others threaten water levels. With the vision of the present administration, this collection of fresh water will be compromised like so many other, public, wild places. This is why we must never apologize for our strong opinions about saving this planet.
John Engel
