Florida Springs Rally

[PfcAJ]

I found this today, and it seems like something that would benefit us as cave divers.

http://gue.com/files/Florida_Springs_Rally_Flyer.pdf

I hope to see some of you there!

[Kelly Jessop]

This is a very good thing to get involved with. Jim Stevenson is a cave diver,and previous head biologist of the DEP,and has done a lot to help us. Some people may say I don't live in Florida,and since I am not a resident,I don't have any impact on these things. Actually the opposite, in a state that is dependent on tourist dollars,they listen to the out of state visitor. Besides GUE; NFSA,NSS-CDS,and NACD are sponsors.

[LiteHedded]

if it wasn't on a tuesday...

[sskasser]

if it wasn't on a tuesday...

Understandable. Here's a quote from Jim Stevenson explaining the choice of date:

We need as many springs advocates as possible to attend so as to demonstrate to legislators that we want our springs protected. Springs can’t be saved without legislation and legislators won’t act unless the people of Florida give springs their voice. We regret that it was necessary to schedule the rally on a week (work) day but that is the only time that legislators are at the Capitol. As this opportunity may not come again, we are hopeful that citizens will donate February 16 for the trip to Tallahassee to save their favorite spring.

Cave divers have the knowledge and an appreciation of springs not known by others. This is the time to stand tall for Florida’s springs.

[sskasser]

Also from Jim, with more information about participation:

Florida Springs Rally

Suggested Guidelines for Spring Delegations

1. The Florida Springs Rally will be 12:00 Noon to 1:00 p.m., February 16, 2010. We need a large crowd of springs advocates to demonstrate to the Legislature that the people of Florida want “Real Springs Protection in 2010.”

2. Notify your members and other local spring advocates of the event through your newsletter. Recruit as many as possible to travel to the Capitol for the Rally.

3. Provide the contact information for your state senator and state representative to your delegates. (names, telephone and email)

4. Send letters to the Editor the week leading up to the Rally to raise local awareness.

5. Ask your legislators to join your delegation at the Rally in the Capital Courtyard and schedule a meeting with them in their offices while you are in Tallahassee.

6. Bring a bottle of water from your spring to deliver to each of your legislators.

7. Have the local TV and newspapers present when you collect the water from the spring.

8. Have digital photos taken of your legislators accepting the bottle of spring water. Provide the photo to your local newspaper.

9. Bring signs to the Rally such as: “Save Rainbow Springs” “Marion County for Springs” “Restore Blue Spring” “Florida Springs Forever” “Protection not Procrastination” “No Fluff - No Foam: Real Protection Now” Please use positive messages as we are striving to win allies for springs not create adversaries.

10. Arrive by 11:30 a.m. to visit with other springs advocates.

Thank you for donating your February 16th to save Florida’s springs!

Calling or Visiting Your Legislator

Plan your call or visit carefully. Keep to the point and discuss only the springs issue. Organize your thoughts ahead of time and make notes to help you stay on track.

Make an appointment. Call or write for an appointment to meet while you are at the Florida Springs Rally at the Capitol. If you can’t get an appointment, drop by just to let them know that you care about springs protection.

Prepare a one-page fact sheet concerning your spring issue to give to your legislator or provide the “How to Protect Florida Springs” leaflet. This will help him or her better retain what you present.

To identify your House member and find his/her email address, go to: http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Representatives/myrepresentative.aspx?Address=&City=&Zip5=32303&

To identify your Senator and find his/her email address, go to:

http://www.flsenate.gov/Legislators/index.cfm?Mode=Find%20Your%20Legislators&Submenu=3 &Tab=legislators&CFID=175089828&CFTOKEN=7726364 9