Editor:

Eighteen years ago, the president of College of Redwoods saw the importance of a historic preservation program and HPRT was born ("Re-imagining CR," April 11). Historic Preservation and Restoration Technology teaches the intricacies of historic preservation in all of its aspects.

The HPRT program has trained 10 DANCO employees at the Samoa site, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy employees and CCC's; helped Point Cabrillo restoration, the Falk Engine House completion, mold casting of the intricate details on the upper façade of the Arkley Center which had been slated for permanent removal and Carson Mansion floor plan documentation; completed 50 state survey forms and barn assessments.

HPRT obtained over $300,000 in grants for tools from the Carl Perkins Endowment for Career Technical Education. The Ink People have received $94,000 through community donations for the Annie B. Ryan House, which is a hands-on HPRT project. In addition, another $45,000 has been donated toward the Annie B. Ryan House because of HPRT.

After the 1906 earthquake, San Francisco Bay Area was rebuilt using local redwood. As our building stock ages, we need vast numbers of trained crafts persons in all aspects of the trades in historic preservation to address the needs. The HPRT program is the only program west of the Mississippi that teaches students how to restore historical buildings.

The spin-off of this program has long lasting effects on our communities and how we care for our environment. Please continue to support the HPRT program.

— Alexandra Stillman, Arcata