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This sort of a situation is exactly the reason for certifications. The state says scooter divers can't be trusted, so we come up with a way to show the state which divers can be trusted with scooters. The state has a legitimate concern, and has the right to protect it's assets. The certification agencies should be taking this up with the state. What good is a scooter card if you can't be trusted with a scooter.
Who do we need to write and what do we need to do to try to make things change, Kelly? Edd is a great example of taking a park like JB and making it about divers. Also, the people in that area realize how much money comes from cave divers and they have changed their mindset. I can think of quite a few hotels and restaurants in High Springs that would not be in business if cave divers did not come to this area.
Not real sure you can make a direct comparison to Marianna as that's not the state and I think Counties are easier to work with. Having spent a lot of time in Marianna I do think that the local Government has seen the economic impact of diving and I think that has driven a lot of the decisions, plus Edd is a charismatic person, he's hard to say no to. Not sure a State cares frankly about local economic impact?
if everyone always says its not worth trying then no one will ever try and nothing will ever change. I agree state parks are going to be more difficult but that doesn't mean it's not possible. I understand it's not quite the same at JB but Edd spent a couple years working with the county to change things I'm sure it'll be a long road if anyone wants to change things around here too.
Keep one thing in mind, Manatee was the first state park to allow cave diving, largely due to the efforts of Sheck Exley. If one person could make a difference back then, one person could make a difference today.
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Originally Posted by FW
I appreciate the way you think :)