During the spill, there were plenty of people that spoke out about the devastation that we would certainly experience because of the spread of crude oil. They are still making such statements to anybody who will listen. While oil is much less evident to boaters and low-flying aircraft, the naysayers warn that there are vast stretches of oil contamination below the gulf's surface that will certainly kill or cripple many species of wildlife. They warn of the damage done to the marshes and the decades it will take for the ecosystem to be restored. Some maneuver to seek funding for studies on how to help these systems be restored.

This very much reminds me of the late 1960s here in the Great Lakes region. Many of the waters here were in bad shape due to heavy industrialized dumping into the water systems. Lake Erie was perhaps the worst as the waters were perpetually cloudy and the fish populations were shrinking. There were warning against eating anything caught from these waters. Scientists predicted that if all polluting practices were suddenly ceased, it would take up to 150 years to recover. Algae seemed to be the dominate plant growing in the waters. Mayfly hatchings were becoming nonexistent.

Contrary to stories that pollution devastated fish populations in the Lakes, a study from the EPA demonstrates that heavy commercial fishing caused that damage. However, the polluted waters did hinder the recovery of the fish in the area. Regulations and industry efforts have resulted in huge improvements in water quality. The result is a great improvement in fish populations. Commercial fishing is heavily restricted on the United States side of the Lakes. Sport fishing is really great, bringing tourists back to the area.

It took nowhere near 150 years to accomplish.

That brings me back to the Gulf area. Vast areas of marshland along the shores were inundated with crude. It covered plant and animal life, choking them in the process. Innumerable teams of people descended to grab up the birds, turtles, frogs and other creatures and help them clean off the sticky substances. The plant life was matted down and died.

Substantial efforts to stem the flow of crude seem to have been successful a few weeks ago and what is believed to be the final step in permanently sealing the well should take place this week. The EPA tells us that 75 percent of the leaked oil has dissipated and is gone. Now comes a report from the Associated Press that they interviewed over a dozen scientists who have been observing the plants in the marshlands and they are seeing new growth as the marshes begin taking back their territory. Fishermen are beginning to venture back out in to the waters that support them.

It just appears that the forces of nature have once again proven themselves to be the best way to go. I wonder if we will ever learn that lesson. Oh yeah, the spring Mayfly hatchings are back in full force in the spring each year.