These paintings represent various pieces of the environment at Bonneville Dam. In my exploration I have looked at this place from different perspectives, both literal and figurative. It is a complex and diverse ecosystem full of examples of human intervention. 

  Endangered native Columbia River Gorge species. 

http://orbic.pdx.edu/documents/2013-rte-book.pdf

Can sometimes be toxic to humans and animals. Proliferates in warm, stagnant waters. Occurs along shores of the Columbia River in summer. 

These balls hover over the Columbia River, transecting the sky on either side of the dam to warn aircraft of the power lines. 

Plentiful lichen and moss are indicators of the air quality in the environment. 

Garlic mustard is one of the most invasive weeds in the Columbia Gorge region. It not only overwhelms native wild flowers, small trees and plants, it also poisons the soil for other plants. (Worst weeds of the gorge, Cape Horn Conservancy)

Population in decline, native fish in Columbia River. This fish is also important to tribes along the river.

http://www.fws.gov/oregonfwo/articles.cfm?id=149489457

The spill way creates a churning volume of water. The dam itself keeps many fish from moving up River, even with fish ladders. The deepening in places has dramatically changed the ecosystem for fish. 

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2014/06/salmon_munching_sea_lions_at_b.html

Invasive bird that, though tough and intelligent, is a threat to native bird populations. Starlings lay their eggs in the nests of other birds and when they hatch, the larger starling chick eats more than its share and causes the other chicks to starve. 

Endangered

Native Northwest wildflower  

Beneficial insect, ladybug

Native Northwest wdflower

Paved roads surround the dam, allowing humans access by vehicle.  Paved surfaces also increase heat and don't allow water to percolate. Paving also causes toxic substances to run into watersheds after rain.

http://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2010/07/13/no-more-pavement-the-problem-of-impervious-surfaces/

The Columbia River is a diverse and complex ecosystem, full of microscopic life and harmful chemicals. It is one of the most polluted rivers in the US.

Sockeye Salmon are suffering from warming water temperatures. Diseases flourish in warm water. 

Endangered: http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/frogs.html

Sea lions travel up River to feast on the bounty of salmon trying to reach their spawning grounds.  

Many birds of prey nest along the river. 

The Bonneville Dam produces apx 5 billion kwh of electricity for the region and California. 

Some species are native, a common sight in the gorge region and home to many species of animals and insects.