Hello Cave Divers and NACD Members,
My name is Michael Browning. I'm running for this year’s open NACD board of director position. I wanted to take a few minutes to introduce myself and share some of my thoughts on the Board of Director position in an open forum.
I've been diving for 34 years. I started in 1979 with a PADI open water course taught at Florida Junior College in Jacksonville, FL. Being poor college students, the springs of North Florida were our playground. I fell in love with the beauty of these natural wonderments. Over the next few years, I dove every chance I could – West Palm, The Keys, and of course, the springs. While I knew I eventually wanted to teach, I waited 10 years to get my PADI Instructor rating. Business took me away from Florida until 1999, but not away from diving. While in CA, I was a very active instructor and diver amassing over 2500 dives in a 10 year period in the beautiful (but chilly) So. Cal waters. Upon returning to Florida, I again began to yearn for the crystal blue waters of the North Florida Springs. I achieved my full cave in 2002. Since then, I have made over 500 successful cave dives and continue to be active in the cave community.
While the events of the past year have had a decidedly negative impact on our organization, I have no doubt that with a little hard work and a positive attitude, this could be a chance to evolve and actually grow in numbers and stature. What follows are a few thoughts I have had regarding our future.
Conservation-
We need a strong conservation statement that defines us as a part of the solution to growing threats facing our springs, water, and other environmentally important areas. We should reach out to other organizations, with like goals, to forge alliances that will strengthen our voice and enhance our credibility.
We need to continue to build on some of the great ideas and improvements introduced over the past few years such as Safety Day, Water sampling training, Critter count training, surveying etc.
Exploration-
I would like to see an exploration coordinator position established to track and document exploration efforts conducted by members. This person would be charged with developing a flow chart that would enable the NACD to use the information obtained to increase its relevance among government agencies, and the general public.
For instance; If a team of explorers document a new site, The EC would not only document any survey information, but would ensure that critter counts, water testing, and other factors are documented to establish a baseline to measure future impacts, or threats to the system.
I believe that taking an effective, public service approach that is measurable, and in the public's interest will enhance land owner relations, and only increase our access to the sites we care so much about.
Membership-
I think that as our credibility increases, so will our membership numbers. I would like to see a ‘Membership’ committee formed that actively targets and encourages participation in NACD events.
If elected, I challenge anyone to come to me with new ideas in areas such as cave conservation, exploration, or membership. I promise to act as a voice for the NACD members.
If you have any questions about the thoughts and ideas that I have, I can be reached by email at
scuba1dog@aol.com or Friend me on Facebook.
Thank you for your consideration in electing me to the NACD Board of Directors.
Michael Browning