Riding the Rim: To Save America's Wetlands

Riding the Rim is one mans response to the catastrophic events in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. The wetlands had been disappearing at an ever-increasing rate over fifty years. Americas demand for oil combined with a mismanaged levee system had finally dealt a mortal blow to the defenses of New Orleans. The city lay open to the wrath of a 20 foot wall of tidal surge. We could not let this happen again. Little was being done. It was important that someone step up. Someone did. The audacious idea was that a guy on a motorcycle traveling 16500 miles around the perimeter of the United States talking about coastal erosion just might call attention to the issue. If this rider was also a trained public speaker with a passion for his message perhaps he could be the catalyst needed to raise awareness in the rest of the country. There was no way to predict success. There was risk as well as reward. The author took the risk and discovered a nation genuinely concerned for New Orleans but with little understanding of the importance of the wetlands to the countrys economy and security. The wetlands are still endangered but one man stepped up and made his voice heard. This is his story. While many serve the cause of saving Americas WETLAND Terry Forrette takes his show on the road mile by mile enlisting supporters. These personal and sincere acts of advocacy are seldom recognized in a time of media hype but they are the backbone of our efforts to show that America cannot not afford to lose coastal Louisiana. Valsin A. Marmillion Managing Director Americas WETLAND Foundation President and Founder Marmillion + Company