Public meeting on the subject of opening Wakulla to scuba divers Thurs, Jan 19 at 7pm

[karstdvr]

Its intentional. I don't plan a trip back to that section for quite some time (commitments elsewhere), but you should make an effort to see it. Its deplorable. Even if you DO convict someone, the damage is done. There are also harder limestones than others. The limestone at Ginnie is much harder than the St Marks formation that you see in the WKP.



No, it doesn't infer that we're more pious, it infers that there are some people out there that will f things up, and some (including me) think its just not worth the risk. That's it and that's all. Anything else is made up nonsense. The whale bone isn't the only fossil with chisel marks around it, either.



You're right, you picked out a handful of contact marks in sections of cave that are literally miles from the entrance. And we also intentionally pick spots to stage gear and not spread it out all over the place. I think its safe to say that we all make mistakes from time to time (even you). The point is to limit it. You even keep caves under wraps. You conveniently dodged the question of "under what conditions would you keep a cave closed" a few times now. Lets go for one more. What criteria would Kelly Jessop need to recommend keeping a cave closed? You won't post the coordinates to the Funnel (as James suggested). Why not? Let's open Rose and Old Bellamy. Why is Alachua guided? Seems that if its your honey hole, that it needs to be kept either hush hush or otherwise controlled with secrets and permits and guides.



Thal, I'm sure you have nothing to learn and your vast open water experience has prepared you for cave diving exploration... Not sure if hubris or just ignorance. Its a shame either way, really.





Yes. The water quality at Wakulla has been steadily diminishing over the years, to the point that the basin is choked with hydrilla, the glass bottom boats don't run, and nitrate levels are rising. While these are outward symptoms that we can all see, this is an indication of people's drinking water, and understanding where it goes, how it gets there, and where it comes from are incredibly important. In fact, the State built a waste water treatment facility based partially on the findings of the WKPP. Here's some more reading: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/geology/programs/hydrogeology/hydro_wkshp/WakullaPeerReportFinal.pdf

AJ there are reasons for what I am doing which escape the obvious,but has submitted me to ridicule,and worse yet,has cast a very negative image on the WKPP,where I really don't think it is deserved-you guys had your dark age,and don't deserve having to suffer reopened wounds. To avoid this,I will be glad to talk to you,and have extended the same to Casey,but so far the invitation has not be accepted. I have expended great personal energy in getting 2 closed sites open on my own,and playing an active role for 4 more,and helped with access plans at 2 others so continued access would seem seemless. This is not so I can have honey hole,or subject these places to damage,but provide recreational access with conservation. How does this provide conservation,it takes the stress off other sites. You seek some answers,and this exchange is becoming less productive and more inflammatory,and actually hurting both of our respective interests,so as mentioned I am more than happy to talk. I wish you good luck on your continued forum discussion,and greater luck in your diving endeavors with the team.

 

[LiteHedded]

when does cindy butler get her chance to be under the bus? why does she get to do all that sweet permit diving with no backlash?

 

[JahJahwarrior]

Not sure I'd call SRSP caves "sweet" diving...more like "sweat"! Hard to find people willing to help with that exploration for very long. Even the easy sites, I've seen some very talented divers who haven't seemed interested in returning. It's a different type of exploration and if the caves were open, I would support requirements like full cave plus Abe Davis or a three visits with a guide system. Heck a guide is necessary to even find the entrances not to mention help you rig the ladders and ropes to get in...

 

[LiteHedded]

and exploration in the woodville karst plain is all unicorns and rainbows

 

[PfcAJ]

looks like lollipops and cupcakes to me!

 

[LiteHedded]

get a tetanus shot and jump in you sissy. looks like gumdrops and sprinkles to me. a regular indian springs.

 

[JahJahwarrior]

Not all exploration is easy, they all have their own challenge. But, I don't see the point of throwing someone under the bus who would probably be glad to have you help her with exploration...

 

[LiteHedded]

Not all exploration is easy, they all have their own challenge. But, I don't see the point of throwing someone under the bus who would probably be glad to have you help her with exploration...

probably? why do I need to ask her to dive these sites? why can't we show up and dive on our own?

 

[PfcAJ]

Elitism. Duh.

 

[LiteHedded]

She probably thinks we would steal artifacts and trash the place