Until the winter of 2000/2001, the mooring project was simply a small group of concerned divers (mostly NDA members) putting their own money into it. Things were happening, but very, very slowly. Fundraising (other than a few personal and a $600.00 NDA club donation) was almost nonexistent, as there was no official group or organization to receive funds or produce financial records.

At the February 2001 meeting of the Niagara Divers Association, it was decided that the Club would officially adopt the “Lake Erie Mooring Project” as an official Club function. The NDA purchased a 4000 pound lift bag, and donated an additional $500.00. Another $2000.00 was donated during the 2002 season.  Also in 2002, Save Ontario Shipwrecks (SOS) donated two "Roland Buoy" mooring buoys, which were installed on the Port Dalhousie Schooner Wreck in Lake Ontario and on the bow of the CB Benson in Lake Erie. Five additional Buoys were donated by SOS through their Trillium Fund Grant and were installed on the Niagara, George Finnie, Carlingford, J.G. McGrath and Raleigh in the spring of 2003.
 

The Niagara Diver's Association donated an additional $1500.00 in June 2003.

At Shipwrecks/2004, Shipwrecks/2005, Shipwrecks/2006, Shipwrecks/2007  again at Shipwrecks/2008, a 50/50 draw sponsored by the Fort Erie Underwater Recovery Unit was held with all proceeds going to the Lake Erie (Eastern Basin) Mooring Project. A total of $3548.75 has been  raised for the project by the Unit's draws between  the four  shows. Our thanks to the FEURU for their contribution and effort.

After losing two buoys to collision with vessels in 2005, the Niagara Divers' Association donated an additional $2500.00 to the project, earmarked specifically for the purchase of solar lights and radar reflectors to be added to existing buoys.

Additional funds are still required to complete and maintain these moorings for the use of divers and charter operators.  The sole purpose of this project is the protection and conservation of  area shipwrecks, while maintaining open and easy access for divers.  Our intent is to eliminate the very real damage caused  by anchoring boats. We welcome donations of funds, supplies or even your time to the Lake Erie Mooring Project.  All funds will be strictly earmarked for the project with complete financial records kept and available.

Donations may be made to:

Niagara Divers’ Association
P.O. Box 28060, Lakeport Post Office
600 Ontario Street
St. Catharines, ON  L2N 7P8  CANADA

or, donate now using PayPal or any major credit card

Contact:

Ian Marshall,  Past President, NDA
Phone:  905-382-2389
E-Mail: InfoNDA@yahoogroups.com