New Emerald/Clearcut Process

Park management has announced that come January 1st the access policy for Emerald will change. There will no longer be an application process,but you will show up at the ranger station with your credentials. The credentials to dive there have NOT changed-Full cave,trimix card,proof 100 cave dives or Abe Davis/Wakulla. These items will need to be carried by you to the park,and if there is a question about your credentials,then ask the park prior to coming. The limit is 2 teams per day,and a team can have up to 4 people. You can show up at the park to dive without a reservation,but calling in advance would be beneficial due to the limited capacity. (Would hate for someone to show up and told sorry because it has been reserved in advance). Also,making a reservation and no showing can have a negative consequence for your future diving there. Please be respectful of the park staff while learning this new process,because they really want you to enjoy your visit.

The Barbarians are at the gate!

Can you tell us more about how this will work? Will the park continue to maintain a list of divers who meet the qualifications, or will we need to carry all those credentials with us each time? I don't really care either way. Just want to make sure I show up with the right stuff.

Brian

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Originally Posted by Benthic

Can you tell us more about how this will work? Will the park continue to maintain a list of divers who meet the qualifications, or will we need to carry all those credentials with us each time? I don't really care either way. Just want to make sure I show up with the right stuff.

Brian

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I don't know if the park will maintain the list that is currently out there. Their goal is a uniform process like all the other state parks,so I would say on each visit plan on bringing all your paperwork to dive.

Way cool.

Thanks to all involved for streamlining the process.

TF

May be a dumb question, but - are rebreathers welcome?

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

Awesome, thanks Kelly.

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Originally Posted by Captain Bil

May be a dumb question, but - are rebreathers welcome?

Sent from my XT907 using Tapatalk 2

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Always have

So where is the closest ranger station to Emerald?

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Originally Posted by jcook

So where is the closest ranger station to Emerald?

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At the main gate to Wakulla Springs State Park.

Brian

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Originally Posted by jcook

So where is the closest ranger station to Emerald?

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Wakulla springs state park

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Originally Posted by Kelly Jessop

Wakulla springs state park

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Ah, that's what I thought. I was hoping not to drive all the way there just to check in, but hey at least it's not an application anymore.

Kelly,
Can we still use the same reservation form (made available to those on the current list)?
Is it two teams per site, or two teams total per day?

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Originally Posted by mer

Kelly,
Can we still use the same reservation form (made available to those on the current list)?
Is it two teams per site, or two teams total per day?

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I would say use the form until the park says stop,but personally I would secure a reservation so your not disappointed when you get there. Pretty sure it is two teams per day per site.

So you are telling me that I wasted my time with the application and it is no longer of any use???

Oh nos, 5 minutes wasted! :D

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Originally Posted by Dsix36

So you are telling me that I wasted my time with the application and it is no longer of any use???

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We don't have any decision in the process. One management team wanted the process of application,and keeping a list of divers on file in the office,the new manager wants things in line with the other parks that allow cave diving. We were there to support the process and be a facilitator. At the time if the process had been left to the park exclusively,then it would have taken a long time due to their being short staffed,and understanding all facets of training. So as a group I would say we are sorry if anybody's time was wasted,but for us individually for each application that was completed it had to reviewed,and in some cases printed and mailed at our expense,with multiple emails to make sure each name appeared quickly on the list.

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Originally Posted by Kelly Jessop

We don't have any decision in the process. One management team wanted the process of application,and keeping a list of divers on file in the office,the new manager wants things in line with the other parks that allow cave diving. We were there to support the process and be a facilitator. At the time if the process had been left to the park exclusively,then it would have taken a long time due to their being short staffed,and understanding all facets of training. So as a group I would say we are sorry if anybody's time was wasted,but for us individually for each application that was completed it had to reviewed,and in some cases printed and mailed at our expense,with multiple emails to make sure each name appeared quickly on the list.

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I don't think it was a waste of anyone's time. If the process had never started, we still wouldn't have access. The current procedure is a big step in the right direction.

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Originally Posted by FW

I don't think it was a waste of anyone's time. If the process had never started, we still wouldn't have access. The current procedure is a big step in the right direction.

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Yep

Thanks to all who have been working on this - Tracy and I may have to bite the bullet and get trimix certified.

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Originally Posted by Dsix36

So you are telling me that I wasted my time with the application and it is no longer of any use???

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This whole application process took less time than signing into dive at Ginnie Springs. I don't know why everyone complained.

I thought the application process was quick and easy myself. The new procedures will be step in the right direction IMHO.

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What I'm about to say isn't directed at any one person. Rather, it is the clarification of facts regarding what citizens in Wakulla County are saying about diving. Being the closest to the park, I can tell you this is just the first step to opening access here in wakulla. While this change really changes nothing with diving at the sites, it does show a very positive indication of what will come. The park is just one of the many with divable sites but change there will change the minds of others who also have sites. As with everything in life, there will be people who complain, people who are just out to enjoy diving and people who will continue to do the behind the scenes work to encourage change. All I can say is if you want to dive then an effort will need to be put forth. Sure one person or a group can do all the work to open sites but getting here will require effort on the part of all who want to dive. I have personally submitted applications for many people of which are all now on the list. I never had any issues. I received a rather harsh pm a few days ago by a certain person about stating this same fact. Unless you are married to bewitched then you will have to do something to dive. It may be just as simple as driving here but it will be something. 5 minutes to fill out paperwork to dive is the smallest proportion of time I spend to do a dive.

The fact is, in Wakulla County, there is a reluctance to open sites from the belief people just won't come here. It is comments like "I wasted my time for what?" that these folks hear. These are the comments that have led to the belief they have. I keep suggesting and will suggest again, there are not a ton of sites yet but there are sites. Come dive them and the disbelief will turn to belief and trust and sites will open. For those that qualify now, there are three of the greatest sites in Florida. And they are within a hour and a half from the popular sites. It's here guys you just need to show up. If you don't have someone to dive with give me a shout. I am available everyday. I teach cave diving so getting to just dive is a special treat for me. For all of you who are qualified to dive here now, you are the key that leads the way to less restrictions and more sites being opened. Yes, diving in Wakulla county requires high standards at this time. These standards are not easily obtained. They require great skill, high dedication and lots of patience. Many who have obtained these skills have gone onto mentoring, but all who have obtained it have the capability of mentoring. And mentoring isn't just about diving and honing skills. Sometimes mentoring may require those that meet the higher standards to help gain access for those that don't.

Sounds good to me too. I can never find anyone who wants to go. That might change with the new rules or ptocedure to dive there.

I'll dive there now. Reserve, show up with credentials, check in and dive. That seems way easier than filling out a 5 minute app, sending it, waiting for approval, rejection, fixing whatever errors or omissions, resending, blah blah blah. That's why I've never done it.

Also, what is the level of Trimix certification. Most of my buddies have a Normoxic cert. Will this do?

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Originally Posted by Superlyte27

I'll dive there now. Reserve, show up with credentials, check in and dive. That seems way easier than filling out a 5 minute app, sending it, waiting for approval, rejection, fixing whatever errors or omissions, resending, blah blah blah. That's why I've never done it.

Also, what is the level of Trimix certification. Most of my buddies have a Normoxic cert. Will this do?

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This is what the old application had. I suspect Normoxic would do.

The criteria for determining a cave diver’s eligibility for the issuance of authorization to dive
Emerald and/or Clear Cut Sinks shall be as follows:

1. Applicant holds a full cave diving certification equivalent from one of the following
certifying agencies: NACD; NSS-CDS; IANTD; TDI; or GUE. (If one holds a full cave
certification equivalent from another agency not listed, further review will be required
by the Panel);

2. Certification as a Trimix Diver;

3. A minimum of 100 logged cave dives after certification to NACD, NSS-CDS or TDI
Full Cave Diver/GUE Cave II Diver/IANTD Cave Diver or IANTD Technical Cave
Diver level;

4. Deep dive experience within the past 12 months consisting of a minimum of three
dives in excess of 150 feet involving staged decompression of at least 45 minutes
and;

5. DAN Master Diver insurance or the equivalent.

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Originally Posted by FW

4. Deep dive experience within the past 12 months consisting of a minimum of three
dives in excess of 150 feet involving staged decompression of at least 45 minutes
and;

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If you put commas after "feet" and "decompression" this means the dive should be 45 minutes; as it now reads, it means 45 minutes of deco. Did anybody ever clarify this with the state?

Looking at it, I had thought 45 min. of deco, I never thought 45 min. dive, and obviously that's a huge difference. I thought to get into 45 min. of staged deco, that pretty much meant full tri-mix? Yes I know full tri-mix is like saying full cave, but cut me the slack as I don't know all the proper names of all the different agencies etc.

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Originally Posted by Slüdge

If you put commas after "feet" and "decompression" this means the dive should be 45 minutes; as it now reads, it means 45 minutes of deco. Did anybody ever clarify this with the state?

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I am not sure the state cares. This was for the application, which went to the panel. It was them that decided if you were qualified. Good thing I read it as a 45 minute dive, or I would never have applied :-D

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Originally Posted by Superlyte27

I'll dive there now. Reserve, show up with credentials, check in and dive. That seems way easier than filling out a 5 minute app, sending it, waiting for approval, rejection, fixing whatever errors or omissions, resending, blah blah blah. That's why I've never done it.

Also, what is the level of Trimix certification. Most of my buddies have a Normoxic cert. Will this do?

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I have NAUI Trimix 1, which I believe counts as Normoxic (depth limit 200ft, which I wouldn't use 18 or 21% for). I was approved.

Last I checked, you breathe 15/55 the same way you breathe 21/35 and math is math, so I wouldn't get too caught up in it as I'm guessing the staff won't know.

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Originally Posted by Slüdge

If you put commas after "feet" and "decompression" this means the dive should be 45 minutes; as it now reads, it means 45 minutes of deco. Did anybody ever clarify this with the state?

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"Pardon impossible, to be sent to the guillotine." vs. "Pardon, impossible to be sent to the guillotine."

Or:

"Let's eat Grandma!" vs. "Let's eat, Grandma!"

Commas save lives!

For discussion, there is also a check in procedure for Cherokee Sink, and OW divers with instructors are allowed there. Check with the park. You are allowed there, and I doubt they will check for tri mix. There is about 2500 feet or so of cave in Cherokee, most of it about the size of the crossunder in Madison, you can backmount it, probably more comfortable in sidemount. It may hit 100 feet deep. Not a bad little dive. Line traps and silt though, watch it.

Update: Spoke with the park today and was told the new procedures will start January 1. I dove clearcut today without a reservation. There were a few phone calls made and the bugs are worked out now. (I believe) I was able to just go to the front ranger station hand over my card and was on my way to clearcut with key in hand. No paper signing and no other documentation. Went ahead and let them know I was coming back tomorrow morning and was told to just swing by, drop a card and grab a key. I'm liking the new procedure.

Hows CC lookin?

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Originally Posted by speleodiver

Update: I dove clearcut today without a reservation. .

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That is great. Due to limited carrying capacities of these places,and if you are traveling a fair distance,it would be worthwhile to make a reservation. Just like at Manatee you can show up and not be able to dive,if the possibility a reservation exists,it may be worthwhile for the nonlocals. Hate to see someone travel several hours to be told sorry.

Or if you have problems, call the shop at 850-766-7731 and I will make a call and get you the reservation or at least the schedule information. It is a ways for some to drive but we are working to eliminate all wasted trips. I have direct line access and do not mind makeing some calls. If I'm not there tell TJ or Mandy what you need and they will forward the message to me.

It might be noted, there will be a list of no shows kept and those who continue to abuse the reservations procedures will be subject to driving here to be told it is full. It is a great change so lets help the park staff feel good about it.

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Originally Posted by PfcAJ

Hows CC lookin?

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We are up and running very well. With the systems clearing and ability to dive getting a little easier, things are starting to move. Drop by when you are in the area and we will show you around. Thanks for asking

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Originally Posted by speleodiver

We are up and running very well. With the systems clearing and ability to dive getting a little easier, things are starting to move. Drop by when you are in the area and we will show you around. Thanks for asking

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I'm going to go out on a limb and guess he was asking about clear cut and what the viz was :smt102

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Originally Posted by jj1987

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess he was asking about clear cut and what the viz was :smt102

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Lol, I'm actually interested in both! Glad to see a new shop in the area, and I'll be sure to check it out when I get back, thanks for the invite :)

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Originally Posted by speleodiver

Or if you have problems, call the shop at 850-766-7731 and I will make a call and get you the reservation or at least the schedule information..

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Great...that is very nice of you guys

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Originally Posted by PfcAJ

Lol, I'm actually interested in both! Glad to see a new shop in the area, and I'll be sure to check it out when I get back, thanks for the invite :)

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The other CC is doing well. Viz is around 80-100 feet. Walls were covered in sediment a few weeks back but over the past few dives I have made there, it is clearing off. So far I have made it from CC to Promise and CC 1300' towards Emerald. Flow is low so percolation does build up a bit. It seems clearer the further upstream you go which makes sense considering Upper River was the last in the line to clear when I was watching them months ago.

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Originally Posted by speleodiver

The other CC is doing well. Viz is around 80-100 feet. Walls were covered in sediment a few weeks back but over the past few dives I have made there, it is clearing off. So far I have made it from CC to Promise and CC 1300' towards Emerald. Flow is low so percolation does build up a bit. It seems clearer the further upstream you go which makes sense considering Upper River was the last in the line to clear when I was watching them months ago.

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Sounds pretty darn good! Consider me officially jealous.