In addition, FALDO links arms with the many groups throughout Florida that work to preserve and protect the unique ecosystems that sustain us all. -- Susan Woods, President
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National Geographic freelance photographer Wes Skiles dies diving off Boynton Beach
BOYNTON BEACH — Wes Skiles from High Springs, an internationally renowned freelance photographer for National Geographic magazine and a great friend of Florida springs, died Wednesday while filming underwater in the ocean off the Boynton Beach Inlet, authorities say. His death on Wednesday has shocked his friends and colleagues across the state.
Mr. Skiles, 53, known for his work photographing and filming in caves and the deep ocean, was found unconscious on the ocean floor Wednesday afternoon after leaving his fellow divers to get more film, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office.
Skiles was filming researchers working around a reef about 3 miles east of the Boynton Inlet at 3 p.m. Wednesday afternoon when he signaled to his colleagues that he was going to head to the surface, sheriff's spokeswoman Teri Barbera said.
He ascended alone. A few minutes later other members of the group heading for the surface found him lying on the ocean floor.
A spokeswoman for National Geographic magazine, whose upcoming issue features a cover photo by Skiles of Bahamas caves, said the local assignment focused on the behavior of high-speed fish off the Florida coast.He had come originally to film the researchers for a National Geographic Television documentary, but after the documentary work ended he stayed on his own to continue filming and observing.
"The work was continuing, and he was so fascinated he decided to stay," said Barbara Moffet, a National Geographic Society spokeswoman.
Skiles' family said he had been excited about his work being featured in the upcoming National Geographic.
"We celebrate his extraordinary life and ask you to do the same," the family said in a prepared statement.
National Geographic magazine called Skiles an "accomplished underwater photographer, cinematographer and explorer with whom we've worked frequently."
National Geographic's website said that Skiles specialized "in capturing images of people and wildlife on the edge of extreme frontiers."
In addition to his freelance work with National Geographic, Skiles was featured in Outside and various diving publications, according to National Geographic's website.
He has been involved in the production and filming of more than 100 films, including documentaries for PBS, A&E TV and Discovery Channel. Skiles also owned his own production company, Karst Productions and Karst Environmental Services. He will be remembered most for his influence in protecting Florida’s springs as he served as the education chair of the Florida Springs Task Force.
He is survived by a wife, Terri, and two children, Nathan and Tessa.
Wes Skiles Remembered:
A Message from John Moran
Dear Friends of Florida,
We are poisoning our beautiful springs, and they are dying a slow death of a thousand straws.
And for the past five years, our Florida Legislature has delayed and denied and done precious little to promote meaningful springs protection.
To take the message of springs protection to the Legislature, the Florida Springs Rally was held in Tallahassee in February.
I was invited to be a speaker, as an artist who cares and grieves deeply for the loss I have seen. I cried as I wrote my speech and delivering it on the steps of the Capitol was a cathartic experience, as it forced me to crawl out of a fog of denial of the reality of our springs in decline.
The video includes a brief slide show of the beauty of our springs and the sad changes I’ve seen. Some of what you’ll see is not a pretty sight. I believe this video makes for powerful viewing and I hope it will inspire you to contact your legislators (and forward them this link!), and to consider ways in which we can all become better stewards of our unique and irreplaceable springs.
If Florida had
a Photographer Laureate, John Moran should hold that title."--Gary Mormino, co-director of the Florida Studies Program, University of South Florida
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Things you should know about
for an mp3 file from
NPR's Fresh Air
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Hydro-geology of Florida:
Harley Means, P.G. FDEP, Florida Geological Survey
http://public.pandionsystems.com/Springs/PPT/SR_2010Jan_HydrogeologyFlorida.pdf
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Our farms are water recharge zones
Published: Sunday, February 14, 2010
As higher housing densities are approved for developers, the continuation of rural land users and their economic viability is severely challenged in south Marion County.
READ WHY IT MATTERS HERE
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Another valuable resource:
(Check it out)
www.cleanwaternetwork-fl.org
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NEED SOME BASIC INFO?
WHAT'S THE AQUIFER? HOW'S IT WORK?
WHY DOES IT MATTER?
CLICK HERE FOR ANSWERS
Those facts aren't stopping a powerful group of developers and agriculture moguls, represented by the secretive Council of 100, from wanting to concentrate control of all Florida's water in the hands of one statewide commission, which they can more easily manipulate.*
Mark, Jon, and the rest of the Progress Florida team
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Dunnellon faces suit over Rainbow Ranch
By Laura Byrnes
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Forget the paddle; now
they're
wielding a big stick.
Last month, the nonprofit Rainbow River Conservation group along with 15 individual landowners - most with property on the Rainbow River - sued the city of Dunnellon to stop Minnesota developer Gerald Dodd from building 340 homes and allowing 100,000 square feet of commercial space at his Preserve at Blue Cove.
READ MORE
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(below)
"Paradise Found" by John Moran
