Olasee Davis
Oral Histories about Great Pond lagoon, St Croix as part of the Great Pond Restoration Action Plan
St. Croix, USVI has only a handful of coastal lagoons that serve as critical habitats for many commercial marine fish species, as well as providing other ecosystem services for the small island community. Great Pond Lagoon, located in the East End Marine Park, is one such area that contributes to food security and hazard mitigation. As part of restoration planning for this priority site, the territory has included oral histories from community leaders. These perspectives provide historical context and characterization of Great Pond over time and highlight the importance of restoration for the future.
This project was made possible by principal investigators at the Department of Planning and Natural Resources Division of Coastal Zone Management (CZM), including the Coastal Resilience Coordinator Hilary Lohmann and the East End Marine Park Coordinator Kelcie Troutman. The oral histories were funded by NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management and produced by Soundstage VI through an agreement between CZM and Tysam Tech, LLC to host a community charrette and produce a Great Pond Restoration Action Plan. More information can be found on the project website and DPNR’s website.
Olassie Davis is a prominent environmental advocate and community leader from the island where the Great Pond is located. His deep connection to the area began in his youth, spending time in and around the Great Pond, which was a vibrant ecosystem and a key part of the local community. He has witnessed significant ecological changes over the decades, from increased erosion to the decline of local wildlife populations. His advocacy has often focused on preserving the natural state of the Great Pond against various development pressures. Davis has been actively involved in legal battles to protect this area, notably participating in a major case that helped establish legal protections for the Great Pond, ensuring it remained a communal resource. His efforts have included educational initiatives to raise awareness about the ecological and cultural importance of the Great Pond. Davis has worked with various organizations and government bodies, contributing to management plans aimed at restoring and maintaining the area's environmental health.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Olassie Davis provides an in-depth account of his experiences and efforts related to environmental conservation, particularly concerning the Great Pond. The content covers his early life activities around the Great Pond, including fishing, camping, and observing the local wildlife, which laid the foundation for his environmental advocacy. Davis discusses the significant ecological changes he has witnessed, such as increased erosion and the impact on local fish and bird populations. He details his involvement in legal and community efforts to protect the Great Pond from development, including a landmark court case that ensured the area remained a public resource. The interview also highlights Davis's work on educational and management initiatives aimed at restoring the pond's health, such as collaborating with organizations to develop management plans and advocating for sustainable practices. Furthermore, Davis reflects on the cultural importance of the Great Pond, sharing stories passed down from his elders and emphasizing the need for younger generations to continue conservation efforts.
Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc. The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry.
The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.
Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.