Looking into the future the Pelican feeding its young from a self-induced wound in its own
breast (as depicted, mysteriously, on the state flag of Louisiana) is accepted as an
appropriate symbol of both self-sacrifice and rebirth. Through his selfless efforts, man is
raised from the slavery of ignorance to the condition of freedom conferred by wisdom.
Given the current state of affairs in Louisiana, one hopes that the understanding of the Pelican
as a symbol shall point the way towards a new consciousness of ourselves as a whole, and lead us
to face our futures with strength, grace, wisdom and faith, to learn from our mistakes and carry
our successes and zest for living to future generations.
Barrier Islands Must Be Rebuilt
- Peter Vuynovich
- February 24, 2001
- Source: Times Picayune
I have been an oyster farmer for 67 years in the Barataria Basin Estuary.
In the 1930s we had plenty of marsh and plenty of beautiful islands with mangrove trees from 12 to 15 feet high, where the cranes and other birds made their nests. It was a beautiful sight. Today, all of this is gone.
In the 1930s, the black gold hit the state of Louisiana. Canals were dug, pipelines laid all over the estuary and the erosion started. Salt water intrusion was the biggest cause.
Where I used to hunt and walk in the marsh, today I'm trying to raise oysters. The barrier islands are no more, and too many oysters enemies are destroying our land.
What we need to do is rebuild our barrier islands, and with the Davis Pond Diversion Project opening soon we have a good chance of keeping what we have today.
In the 1930s we had a lot of marsh and no experts. Today we have lots of experts and no marsh.
Peter Vuynovich
Capt. Pete's Oysters
New Orleans
FAIR USE NOTICE: This site contains copyrighted material the use of which has not always been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. We are making such material available in our efforts to advance understanding of environmental, political, human rights, economic, democracy, scientific, and social justice issues, etc. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material as provided for in section 107 of the US Copyright Law. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, the material on this site is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes. Save Our Wetlands Inc.(SOWL) has no affiliation whatsoever with the originator of this article nor is Save Our Wetlands Inc.(SOWL) endorsed or sponsored by the originator. For more information go to:
www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107. If you wish to use copyrighted material from this site for purposes of your own that go beyond 'fair use', you must obtain permission from the copyright owner.
