Comments from KUED's John Howe, the producer of "The Great Salt Lake, America's Legacy of Wetlands with Joanne Woodward," in question-answer form.

As a filmmaker, what legacy do you want to leave?

I really hope to leave a long body of films that are important andhopefully have made a positive difference in people's lives. I've always been drawn to social issues and film is one of the most powerful mediums to illuminate and educate. It's also a very sobering responsibility because I certainly don't have the wisdom to know the answers but can only hope to occasionally ask the right questions. It's been a privilege for me to be able to make these films. It means everything to me.

Why did you choose to do something about wetlands?

The issues facing wetlands are a microcosm of symbolic issues facing the West and in many ways the world. The theme of preservation versus development is a difficult problem without simple solutions. This conflict results in inherent drama which is often the catalyst for a vibrant film story.

What do you see as threats to the ecosystem?

The main threat is ourselves. It's a recurring them of the West as population encroaches on wilderness and what may be the correct balance. We're all consumers and we all drive cars and own homes. The question is how does open space survive with such demands?

Did you encounter any problems inproducing this film?

Producing films is always a very demanding, physically grueling process. It takes an almost overwhelming dedication. That's why having an important story to tell is paramount. It's the story that motivates you to persevere through all the hard times. It motivates you to know that eventually all this hard work will hopefully pay off with something that can make a dramatic difference in people's lives.

Why did you choose Joanne Woodward to narrate?

Joanne Woodward's participation in this film came about through the efforts of Libby Ellis at The Nature Conservancy. And, I think Joanne was the perfect choice for this film. She was wonderful to work with and has a deep caring for this kind of film. She gives the film a stature and elegance by her participation. Her Hollywood career is legendary with the Academy Award, Emmy Award, and the Screen Actor's Guild Lifetime Achievement Award among many others. I think she believes this film is very important and that is probably the most gratifying of all. It means everything that people of Joanne's stature will work together with us on important films.

Is the story of the Great Salt Lake a microcosm of bigger problems?

The story of The Great Salt Lake is symbolic of choices facing the American West and resonates with similar themes on many of the environmental issues of the day.

How has your own perception of the Great Salt Lake and its surrounding wetlands changed after producing this film?

The Great Salt Lake ecosystem has priceless wetlands which surround it in a wilderness that remains virtually unknown and under-appreciated. I think many do not understand the treasures which surround the lake. The patterns and sheer numbers of migratory birds are among the most dramatic in the western hemisphere. It is America's Serengeti for migratory birds.

Why was it important for you to emphasize the ecological aspects of this region in your documentary?

Decisions made today will dramatically effect the West and its future. Education is the key to making these decisions and is something that films do in a very powerful way.