A great deal of progress toward the opening of Emerald Sink has been made since my last post. While progress may seem slow, we are steadily moving toward the opening of this cave system. The following has taken place in the past few months:
The platform and step plans prepared by Vince Ferris and Linda Jones were submitted to, and accepted by, Wakulla Springs State Park.
I obtained a cost estimate for materials to build the platform and steps in the amount of $8,000.00 and submitted that estimate to Sandy Cook for review and approval. While this cost may seem high, building materials for the steps include the use of the same laminate material as in place at Eagle's Nest. This articficial material is highly durable and much less susceptible to damage from water and the elements.
Sandy Cook submitted a proposal to the Wakulla Springs CSO to receive donations for building materials and segregate those donations for that specific purpose. That proposal has just been approved by the Friends of Wakulla. A quarterly report of funds received will be made by the Treasurer of Friends to me and I will pass that along to the cave community.
The NACD has taken the lead in beginning the donation process by authorizing the sum of $1,000.00 to be paid to Friends of Wakulla for this project.
I have solicited a like amount from the CDS and will, over the next several days, request that GUE, IANTD and TDI also make donations to this project.
My personal check for $100.00 will go in the morning mail to Friends of Wakulla and I plan to make several other contributions through the November/December teaching season.
It is at this point that I must ask for individual contributions from members of the cave community. While the training agencies will likely contribute a substantial portion of the amount required for Emerald improvements, the participation of individual cave divers is essential to the successful conclusion of this project. A number of cave divers have already indicated their willingness to volunteer time and construction resources once we are ready to begin building the paltform and steps.
Please make your donation checks payabe to Friends of Wakulla and note the check item line "Emerald Project". To avoid confusion, I suggest highlighting the item line of your donation check.
All donations should be mailed to:
Friends of Wakulla Springs State Park, Inc.
550 Wakulla Park Drive
Wakulla Springs, FL 32327-0390.
I would also suggest noting your envelope in the lower left-hand corner "Emerald Project".
It is my hope that, through this project, the general cave diving community will establish a friendly working relationship with Wakulla Springs State Park. Over time, I would like to think that this may lead to the opening of other sytems in the Tallahassee area. Nothing is guaranteed, but this is our opportunity to demonstrate a safe, responsible and mature approach to cave diving to those who manage area sites.
This project began in February, 2004 and has, at times, been slow to develop. It has come to this point only through the combined efforts of the cave diving community. I look forward to continue to develop this project to a successful conclusion with the help of all concerned cave divers.
Thank you,
Johnny Richards
Conservation Chair, NACD
