For immediate release
Contact: Kim Philippi
kphilippi@buildingconservation.org
(713) 626-4234

Partnership will benefit an Artificial Reef in East Calcasieu Lake

LAKE CHARLES, Louisiana – (November 7, 2017) – Phillips 66 has awarded a grant of $90,000 to Coastal Conservation Association’s (CCA’s) National Habitat Program, Building Conservation Trust (BCT) and CCA Louisiana. The Phillips 66 Corporate Citizenship Grant will fund an inshore artificial reef in East Calcasieu.

“We are incredibly honored and grateful to be receiving this award from Phillips 66,” said Bob Bush, chairman of CCA Louisiana. “Being from this area, I know how important marine habitat work is to local fishermen and families. Projects like this positively impact the community and could not be done without the support and generosity of great partners like Phillips 66.”

The main objective of the artificial reef is to create new habitat and enhance marine life in East Calcasieu Lake. This project will provide habitat for larger vertebrates and contribute to overall ecosystem productivity. It will be approximately 3-4 acres, and constructed of roughly 3,000-4,000 tons of limestone and recycled concrete. These materials will construct low-relief “shell-reef” type structures to enhance habitats and fisheries resources. This will attract shrimp, crabs and baitfish, appealing to recreational anglers, while also enhancing the local economy.

“As a result of this grant, our Phillips 66 Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex – in partnership with the Coastal Conservation Association’s Building Conservation Trust – is able to sustain and support environmental efforts to preserve Calcasieu Lake habitat.  This initiative is one way we can help our community and align our key company values to improve lives where we live and work,” said Richard G. Harbison, Phillips 66 Lake Charles Manufacturing Complex Manager.

Building Conservation Trust was created to provide vital funding for grassroots-driven projects that achieve one or more of five key objectives: Restore degraded habitats; Create new habitats; Advance the science of coastal habitat and marine fisheries conservation; Foster habitat stewardship; and Educate coastal communities of the value of conservation.

“BCT and CCA Louisiana have a strong partnership that has resulted in several successful marine habitat projects throughout the years,” said Sean Stone, executive director of Building Conservation Trust. “We are excited to see that relationship grow and strengthen, and to have a new great partner in Phillips 66. Together, these three groups are enhancing marine life that will be appreciated and enjoyed by the local community for many generations to come. ”

The East Calcasieu Artificial Reef is set to be permitted and completed in 2018.

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The Building Conservation Trust (BCT) was founded in 2013 as the national marine habitat program of Coastal Conservation Association. BCT is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization exclusively dedicated to providing funding for local, state and national fisheries, habitat conservation and restoration projects. BCT has created a model for the successful collaboration of business, non-profit organizations and government agencies to revitalize critical habitat and establish a vibrant foundation for the marine ecosystem.

In its 34th year, CCA Louisiana is the largest marine resource conservation group of its kind in the state. With more than 30,000 members and volunteers in 29 local chapters, CCA has been active in state, national and international fisheries management issues since 1977. Visit www.CCALouisiana.com for more information.