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| Ichetucknee Springs Basin Working Group: Wes Skiles I am saddened to inform you that our good friend and colleague, Wes Skiles died yesterday while filming for National Geographic in the ocean off of Palm Beach. Wes was an influential member of the Florida Springs Task Force. He was a foremost authority on Florida’s springs and passionate about their importance and need for protection. His years of cave diving exploration in north Florida’s springs led to the finest films ever created about our springs. Wes felt strongly about the need to educate Floridians about springs. One of our task force priorities in our 2000 report was to produce an educational film. This was one of the first projects funded by the Springs Initiative and resulted in “Waters Journey: Hidden Rivers of Florida” which premiered at the Florida Springs Conference in Gainesville in 2003. Prior to Waters Journey, Wes filmed “Polluting the Fountain of Youth” that focused on the Ichetucknee. It was aired nationwide on the Discovery Channel in 1998. The task force presented Wes the Florida Springs Educational Award at the first Florida Springs Conference for this outstanding contribution. Both films awakened Floridians to the plight of our springs. Wes produced other films including “Protecting Florida’s Springs” designed to influence county commissions in springs country and more recently “The Springs Heartland” produced for the Suwannee River Water Management District. Wes was also the catalyst for the National Geographic Magazine article “North Florida’s Springs” in the March 1999 publication. Wes was a charter member of the Ichetucknee Springs Basin Working Group. He attended our first meeting at O'leno State Park in 1995 when we recognized that he knew more about the hydrology of the Ichetucknee then anyone else on the working group. Wes was bigger then life. His laughter would lighten every meeting and his passion for springs protection stirred people to action. He stood ready to do whatever was needed. As we were preparing for the Florida Springs Rally to be held at the Capitol in February, Wes said “Tell me what you want me to do.” I asked that he film the rally and give an inspirational presentation to the audience about how our springs have deteriorated since he has known them. He did both exceedingly well. Florida’s springs have lost their most influential champion and we have lost a special friend. Jim Stevenson |
| Posted on July 22, 2010 | 0 Comments Wes C. Skiles, a freelance photographer for National Geographic Magazine, died Wednesday while filming underwater in the ocean off Florida, his home state. He was 52. Photo of Wes Skiles by Luis Lamar "National Geographic has learned of the tragic death of Wes Skiles, the accomplished underwater photographer, cinematographer and explorer with whom we've worked frequently," the National Geographic Society said in a statement today. "The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department is investigating the incident, which occurred following the conclusion of a scientific research expedition related to marine life off the east coast of Florida. Our thoughts are with Wes' family." A photograph by Skiles is the current (August) cover story of National Geographic. Editor in Chief Chris Johns devoted his "Editor's Note" to the photographer in the same issue (Editor's Note: Diving Bahamas Caves). A gallery of Skiles' photos for the story can be seen online: Deep Dark Secrets. "Wes was a true explorer in every sense and a wonderful spirit," Chris Johns said today. "He set a standard for underwater photography, cinematography and exploration that is unsurpassed. It was an honor to work with him, and he will be deeply missed." "Wes was a big bear of a man who had a tender heart. His tenacity to get after stories and make them the best they could be was second to none," said Kurt Mutchler, executive editor, photography. "He loved working for the magazine--and the feeling was mutual. He recently told me that his mother was always getting after him to work more for us, and I am deeply saddened we won't have that opportunity. His last story for us, Bahamas Blue Holes, made the August 2010 cover. It's a testament to Wes's photographic skills, courage and child-like wonder in the search for the unknown. He will be sorely missed," Mutchler said. Wes Skiles' photograph (above) of veteran cave diver Brian Kakuk lifting a more than 3,000-year-old Cuban crocodile skull--an animal no longer found in the Bahamas--from sediment in Sawmill Sink is one of two dozen photos featured in the July 2010 National Geographic Magazine online gallery "Deep Dark Secrets" Tributes From Keenan Smart, National Geographic Television Natural History Unit Wes Skiles was a brave, brilliant and pioneering underwater cameraman with an extraordinary passion for exploring and documenting the world of cave and technical diving. His knowledge, courage and expertise in this field was tremendous and he played a vital role in improving safety procedures for diving in difficult and dangerous conditions. His explorations of his beloved Florida cave systems contributed a great deal to our understanding of groundwater science and the dynamics of water flow through Florida's karst aquifers. It was this knowledge that led him to name his company Karst Productions. Over the years Wes participated in numerous filming expeditions worldwide and his creative work featured in many award winning films. He was a great friend of National Geographic and we will miss him very much indeed. Everyone at NGT sends our condolences to his family. From Sadie Quarrier, senior photo editor, National Geographic Magazine I was lucky enough to work with Wes as his photo editor on this month's "Bahamas Blue Holes" story for NGM. He was deeply passionate about diving, exploring, photographing and protecting the waterways. His boyish enthusiasm was infectious, and he delighted in telling non-divers about the wilder aspects of his watery underworld. Wes was big-hearted and humble yet extremely driven. He was doggedly determined to produce the best possible article on these caves he called home. He dared to dream big, and no budget or contract would stop him from going after a shot he felt we needed, even if it was on his own dime. But what I will remember most about my friend is his absolutely wonderful sense of humor, his over-the-top descriptions when he was really enthused about what he had just seen, and his twinkling eyes. He was sort of the Santa Claus of the underwater world, bringing us gifts that we could never get on our own. To "Mr. Exciting," as I nicknamed him, we celebrate your great life and achievements. Thanks for being the real gift. From Adam Geiger, producer/cameraman, SeaLight Pictures I never met Wes. But our paths crossed in the people we both knew--marine scientists, photographers, filmmakers, and our colleagues at National Geographic--true explorers and visionaries, like him. I've watched his work on TV and in print for years. He did amazing things and went to amazing places. Our paths nearly intersected in Florida, where I might have met a legend and one of my heroes. I had to leave my Nat Geo crew because of another assignment, and Wes stepped in to complete a few extra days of filming. That he chose to return to work with those scientists on his own speaks to his sense of adventure, willingness to meet a challenge, and his dedication to capture images on the cutting edge of natural science. I'm not much older than Wes. We both have families, and we both work in the same business--doing things that are inherently dangerous. I am so sorry for his family, robbed of much more than a consummate professional...a husband, father, and foundation of their lives. I know that I will continue to do my best to bring nature--especially underwater -- to a world audience; and I do it enriched and guided by the legacy of images, adventure and spirit of Wes Skiles. Fair wind and tide. From Annie Pais, The Blue Path coordinator and executive director, Florida's Eden: We are all stunned by this news that Wes has died. So many of us who work in water awareness here in Florida looked to Wes as our fearless leader. He was our pioneer, our champion for springs and aquifer protection. Wes took his cameras where we'd never been before and showed us the wonders of a world out of sight...but right under our feet! He was our astronaut, exploring the unknown and then giving it to us in amazing films and photographs. His research was so current and new that much of the time he invented his exploration equipment as he went. He was totally committed to educating Florida about our own extraordinary resources...before it's too late. He showed us how our springs are the windows to our aquifer...the canaries in our watery coal mine. It took a lot out of him, physically and emotionally, to pound the political pavement...carving out inroads and getting into offices where most of us never enter. He also helped create a science curriculum, The Waters Journey, and offered it to our public education system. He worked with Fort White High School's model program, The Ichtucknee Classroom, which has embraced and taught the curriculum for five years. Recently, he joined with many of us in a new coalition, The Blue Path--a group of scientists, educators, communicators and activists. He generously provided images and information whenever we need it. His work will be part of a new exhibition, also called The Blue Path, at the Florida Museum of Natural History beginning August 12. This is a tragedy for Florida and beyond. Yes, he died doing what he loved, diving...but oh dear, what we have lost at this critical time for Florida's springs and aquifer. From Henry "Hank" Tonnemacher, 7-Seas-Ltd. My condolences to Wes' family, who will miss him more than all of us cave divers put together. I met Wes in Florida when we were both just getting into underwater video, both graduating from 16mm and 8mm film underwater, circa 1983 I think. I've followed his career closely, an easy task with the full body of work he has produced. Thanks to Wes a whole new world was shown to the public at large, and we could not protect that world without his work, his passion. Thanks Wes!!!!!!!!!!! From Alan Moskowitz, Hudson, MA I'm just an ordinary National Geographic reader. When the August issue arrived I was mesmerized by the cover photo and blown away by the pull-out photo inside. I've only started reading the article, but the pictures are so compelling that I can't wait to get back to it and be transported to the dangerous, mysterious, deep blue holes of the Bahamas. When I heard on the radio that Wes Skiles had died I was struck by how much I appreciated his work and his ability to bring me to someplace beyond my imagination. As I sit in my hammock this weekend reading the article and savoring the pictures, I'll think of Wes as now exploring the great and final mystery. From John Keltonic, composer, JDK Music I've rarely known anyone so good at (or so passionate about) the work he did. Wes fit no stereotypes at all; he was a country boy who was incredibly intelligent and deep thinking; a laid back personality who was incredibly passionate and funny. I had the good fortune to create music for several of his films. When I last chatted with him a week or so ago, he was (as usual) incredibly excited about upcoming projects, and couldn't wait to get started. You were truly one of a kind, my friend. You will be missed. From Paul Carter, Toronto, Ontario I experienced for the first time the phenomenal talent and courage of Wes Skiles in the August issue of National Geographic. As an amateur recreational diver I found his work inspiring and his contribution to our appreciation of these harsh environments truly humbling. I was shocked and very saddened to read about his death, and I would like to send my sincere condolences to his family. The diving world and humanity have lost a very special person and I know his legacy will live on in all of our commitment to appreciating and preserving this world we are blessed with. From Bron Taylor, professor of religion & nature, University of Florida We and all living things lost a great friend on Wednesday. I was one of the lucky ones who knew Wes, and am devastated to learn of his passing. He approached me after a talk I gave at a Univ. of Florida Water Institute conference a couple of years ago. My presentation explored the global spread of what can be called spiritualities of belonging and connection to nature, and was published earlier this year in Dark Green Religion: Nature Spirituality and the Planetary Future. After the talk he told me, "I had chills going up my spine" listening to the presentation, and that he immediately knew he wanted to do a documentary drawing on it. Soon, he and another scientist documentary film maker, Dr. Kenny Broad, asked me to work with them on a documentary about the trends I had been illuminating. They wanted to produce it for National Geographic. I fervently hope we can still make this happen and dedicate it to Wes, who quite clearly had a deep emotional connection to life on earth, even reverence for it. He certainly did everything he could to inspire such perception in others, and was tremendously successful in this regard. The greatest tribute we can give to Wes, little doubt, is to further the work of this remarkable and wonderful man. From John Moran, Florida Nature Photography In Memoriam: Wes Skiles, Explorer, Photographer, Colleague and Friend World-class explorer and image maker Wes Skiles, 52, died July 21 in a reef-diving incident in Palm Beach County, where he had been working on assignment for National Geographic. Wes was best known for his work in educational and adventure science films and for his pioneering exploration and documentation of Forida's springs. His death comes days before publication of his cover story on the Blue Holes of the Bahamas in the August National Geographic. Over the past 20 years, Wes created and produced more than a dozen films for major networks including PBS and was a pioneer in the field of high definition imaging, employing innovative techniques as both an underwater and topside shooter. In addition to his acclaimed Water's Journey series of films, he directed the IMAX film "Journey into Amazing Caves" and led a major National Geographic expedition to Antarctica to film the largest iceberg in recorded history. His primary goal was to focus public attention on the earth's most important resource, water. Wes successfully filmed where no one had before. His unstoppable spirit of adventure led him to exotic destinations and fantastic voyages. At ease with both motion and still photography he divided his time working on assignment for National Geographic Magazine and with television's top producers of science, adventure and natural history programming. Wes's devotion to the study and protection of Florida's springs led him to serve as the education chairman of the Florida Springs Task Force. His work in exploration and survey within Florida's groundwater systems has been widely published in scientific journals and publications. He established both Karst Environmental Services and Karst Productions in order to pursue a career centered on his primary interest. His bio goes on and on, with tales of escaping shark attacks and collapsing caves and dodging hurricanes over many years, all the while making fantastic pictures and managing to come home in one piece. Skiles's life story reads like a screenplay from a Jules Verne movie. So how did he get this job? This is my favorite part of Wes's story. He'd be the first to tell you that in spite of an early love of science, he barely made it out of high school, and never went to college. He enrolled in the School of Life and pursued a degree in "curiology," as he called it. Shortly thereafter he had a boat and was running a diving business in Haiti, setting the stage for a life of adventure to follow. Along the way he developed sound business acumen and figured out how to actually get paid to shoot the pictures he loved to shoot. Wes's adventures took him all over the world but his first love, apart from his family, was exploring the waters of Florida: the rivers, lakes, coasts, swamps and especially the springs. The writer Loren Eisley said that if there's magic to be found on the planet, it is to be found in water. Eisley and Skiles would have found much in common. Wes was about more than just adventuring for the sake of a good time. He was a man on a mission, and his mission was to educate and to inspire the people of Florida; to show us and teach us about our remarkable array of water resources and how each of us has a role to play in safeguarding this precious resource. Wes largely directed his efforts to reach out to people who generally paid little attention to the environment, and was equally at ease talking to schoolchildren, dairy farmers and governors. He knew his work made a difference when he got letters such as the one that read, "You've done for the springs of Florida what Jacques Cousteau did for the oceans." Wes was a towering inspiration. His work took us places we could never imagine, and helped us to see and appreciate the world in a new light. His impact lives on. And for that, Wes, on behalf of my grandchildren yet unborn, and for all the people of Florida who never had a chance to personally acknowledge the important work you did, I say thank you. From Lars Andersen, lead guide for Adventure Outpost, High Springs, Florida Florida has lost one of it's true heroes with the death of underwater explorer and educator, Wes Skiles. His cave diving explorations not only expanded the "known" limits of Florida's last frontier--the underground aquifer system--they also advanced the science of cave diving with innovations and inventions he created to deal with the special challenges inherent in such endeavors. He was equally fearless in the depths of the Floridan aquifer and standing on a podium in front of the Governor and other lawmakers--a rare quality. Florida's emerging "water wars" has lost a powerful ally and an unwavering voice. Wes was calling attention to the threats to Florida's water systems long before such talk became part of mainstream conversation. In fact, the general public's growing awareness and concern for these threats can largely be attributed to Wes' efforts. A shining example of Wes' unwavering passion came just a few months ago, when he lamented that he had not done enough to educate and talked about teaming-up to lead some above-water educational river trips for school kids. From Brad Nolan, Dive Chronicles Wes was a fantastic spokeperson for diving; anyone who saw his presentation/talk got excited about the sport. He was the Jacques Cousteau of cave/cavern diving. The entire dive community will miss "Mr. Excitement." Florida did not lose a diving Icon, the entire world lost a diving Icon. Wes' presentations were presented at the level that everyone understood, thus making him one incredible guy. |
| FLMNH exhibit follows Florida’s ‘Blue Path’ By Erin Everhart Published: Friday, August 27, 2010 at 2:52 p.m. Correspondent Last Modified: Friday, August 27, 2010 at 2:52 p.m.( page of 2 ) |
| The springs are one of Gainesville and North Central Florida's most treasured pastimes — rivaled only to when the Gators take the field. On any given weekend, students and natives alike flock to its cool waters like snowbirds flying south for the winter. John Moran’s photo of Mystic Springs is featured in the Florida Museum’s “The Blue Path: Protecting Florida’s Springs,” an exhibit coordinated by Florida’s Eden. Buy photo Courtesy of the Florida Museum of Natural History If you go What: The Blue Path – Protecting Florida’s Springs Where: Florida Museum of Natural History, UF campus When: On display through Dec. 12. Museum hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Cost: Free But with people using the springs faster than nature can replenish them, the springs could be in danger for Florida's future generations. The Florida Museum of Natural History's latest exhibit hopes to do something about that. Stretching across a 40-foot wall, "The Blue Path: Protecting Florida's Springs" gives users an in-depth look into North Central Florida's spring system through the lens of area artists, filmmakers, writers, educators and scientists. It only takes one float down the Ichetucknee River to see the toll taken on Florida's spring system in recent years. The bottoms of the trees lining the bank are water-stained with a line showing how high the water used to sit. Now, in parts of the river, the water never gets above head-level. "Florida's an anomaly; we are water rich," said Annie Pais, executive director of Florida's Eden, the nonprofit citizen organization aimed to protect the state's natural resources that coordinated the Blue Path exhibit. "So, how on earth did one of the wettest places on the planet come to have these water shortages?" It doesn't take much. The water we use for our homes for baths, toilets, laundry and, above all, our yards easily and quickly eats away our water supply. "Some scientists think we only have a few years to turn around the issues affecting the springs," said Darcie MacMahon, exhibits director of the Florida Museum of Natural History. Depletion, pollution and higher nitrogen levels each contribute to just how much longer people are going to be able to use the springs, according to Florida's Springs, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's website aimed at educating people about the state's springs. The exhibit is the cornerstone of Florida's Eden's Blue Path grassroots campaign to educate and inspire people to become actively involved in changing the way we value our water supply. "We have lots of water — potentially," Pais said. "But we have to use it wisely, value it more and understand how our water system works." Florida's Eden believes the Blue Path exhibit will do just that by showcasing powerful images from some of Florida's best-known artists, including abstract painter Margaret Tolbert and the late High Springs underwater photographer and cave diver Wes Skiles, for whom the exhibit is dedicated. The exhibit isn't just an art show, though. It's also a science lesson — one that captivates viewers with engaging text and even a water quiz, where people can take what they've learned and put it into practice in their own homes. To MacMahon, the most powerful piece in the exhibit is two side-by-side photos by John Moran, an award-winning Florida nature photographer. Taken at the same location on the Ichetucknee River several years apart, the first photo shows crystal clear water and lush green grass; the second, gray-green water sans foliage. Both MacMahon and Pais hope that these visual reminders will inspire Floridians to contact their legislators and voice their concerns about the water supply. The Blue Path Exhibit is only the first step of many to protect Florida's spring system, but it's the right first step. "There's nothing like seeing for believing," MacMahon said. |
