In Reply to: Re: California Ships to Reefs Awards Weekend posted by Curious on August 26, 2009 at 11:45:08:

Dear Curious and Time,

Thanks for your questions. The short answers are...

You ever going to sink a ship? Yes

Or just keep taking our money? CSTR doesn't "take" anyone's money. It is freely donated by those interested in CSTR's mission.

Here’s more detail…

I understand the frustration of waiting for the big ships but remember, the Vandenberg project took almost 11 years, over $8,000,000 and a bankruptcy before it was reefed in a state where the Florida Department of Fish and Game has a state funded reefing program. California is the most environmentally restrictive coastal state in the nation and there is no state agency here with the funds to support an artificial reefing program in the current economic climate.

CSTR is barely 3 years old and is already putting together model permits, master leases, and programmatic environmental impact reports for the entire California coastline so there will be sites prepared for vessels. Additionally CSTR is managing a pilot project sinking the RESTLESS C II in Moro Bay to test elements of our programmatic process.

Anyone is free to decide to contribute, or not, to CSTR’s efforts. Many of those contributions are still in segregated accounts earmarked for projects in specific geographic areas. These funds will be there when projects begin. CSTR appreciate the contributions of all our supporters.

CSTR is made up entirely of volunteers who generously contribute their time to make artificial reefs from decommissioned vessels a reality in California. Volunteers pay their own way in order to conserve funds.

Those unfamiliar with CSTR’s mission can visit CSTR’s website at www.californiashipstoreefs.org where they can find information on our activities and our progress. I suggest that you visit CSTR’s newsletter archive for detailed information.

I hope that those of you interested in CSTR’s efforts will have the patience to see them through with us. And, if you are excited by CSTR’s mission, consider joining us as a volunteer or donor to help make this happen as quickly as we can.

Joel Geldin, CEO and Chairman
California Ships to Reefs