"I found similar looking nails listed on amazon as "horseshoe nails' which are used for stained glass design. "

"I know, that's the bad part. Even the most noble and appropriate conservation and or improvement projects are too easily bogged down by process. But again, I have mixed feelings. I can see how the hassles of today's process reduce potential unforeseen consequences. Everything is expensive and takes forever so people committed to the effort are the ones who make change. Oh, and the extremely wealthy :( who just throw money at it. But change is good, without it places stale. On another note, I'm interested in the ingenuity and the tools of their trade you are writing about. "

"These types of national solutions could never occur today. For one, development of public lands are open to public comment, which often bring out opponents to the project who can lob "environmental impact" grenades, triggering requirements of conducting a multi-year, multi-million dollar report to be drafted. Secondly, prevailing wage would double the labor cost of any project. I have mixed feelings about both of these issues, on one side they slow development, which might be a good idea with an ADD president. But that's not helpful for any national stimulus project. Somehow these issues need to be streamlined. "

"Hey cool, glad you found it interesting. I had never paid any attention to the design of the fin setup on my board until your story. I guess that means the design is a good one when your don't notice it because it always works and is extremely easy to use, it's also strong enough that if you hit a rock the the box and fin will break out of the surfboard intact. It's interesting to think of other applications possibilities. Thanks"