Posted by Jim on March 28, 2005 at 23:30:01:
A message related to ships to reefs asks "where are dive leaders when you need them?" Step up to the plate. It doesn't require special training, lots of money, just your commitment.
Let me tell you the story of Smitty's Cove in Whittier.
We had the only dive spot between Anchorage and Seward threatened by a proposed cargo transfer facility. One guy rallied divers and others to question the logic of putting the facility on the only readily accessible recreational dive spot. Jerry Vandergrif kept the troops rallied. Others prepared an analysis of the project in light of the requirements of the coastal plan regulations. Lots of people showed up for the hearing on the matter. Bottom line was the applicant found a suitable site within the area, less than a good stone's throw from the cove. The environmental group people contacted for help didn't give us the time of day, so we did it ourselves.
Lots of people are trying to kill your ocean access. If you are waiting for other leaders to emerge you are liable to be disappointed. Take the high road a do it yourself, you will find that the route is not all that crowded as lots of people are free riders who will wait for someone else to do it.