Editor:

While the Mobile Bay area marks Earth Day on April 25, Wednesday, April 22, was the official, designated day. It is a time to reflect on the wonder of our natural world and all of the life-giving resources it provides us, the human race.

Baldwin County is particularly blessed. The confluence of five rivers in Mobile Bay is an amazing bounty unto itself. From this unique arrangement of fresh water flow we enjoy the rare phenomenon known as the jubilee, which also occurs only in Asia.

Sadly, the oversiltation of Mobile Bay, a by-product of overdevelopment and poor stormwater management, has rendered the fish and shellfish of Mobile Bay jubilees inedible. Moreover, swimming in Mobile Bay is now a predictable health hazard.

It is time for citizens, policy makers and, most importantly, developers, to make a difference by enacting the best management practices for storm water runoff so that future generations will once again be able to enjoy the wonders our home environment naturally affords.

Fairhope