Tallahassee Democrat Article

[bgillespie82]

One part was a bit messed up, I was talking about trimix class not a trimix clock. Author of article wants to do a follow up and if you think you can provide some good info to her mssg me and I will give her your contact info.


Cave divers would love chance to explore Wakulla's tunnels


By Ashton Wilkins

Wakulla County may be failing to cash in on a popular recreational hobby — cave diving.
The county has one of the largest cave systems in Florida, but cave divers cannot explore the majestic tunnels of Leon Sinks because of inconsistent state park regulations and non-accessible locations on national forest lands, said Ben Gillespie, president of the Wakulla County Dive Club.
Gillespie and economist William Huth, an economics professor at University of West Florida, said the county is missing out on tourist and recreational dollars from local and visiting cave divers.
A 2008 study Huth led analyzing the economic impact of Jackson Blue Springs on Jackson County estimates recreational diving brings in $2 million annually. Money spent by nature lovers at Marianna hotels or restaurants is included in this number, Huth added.
"The diving demand now has increased, so numbers will too," Huth said.
Gillespie, who is also the conservation chairman at the National Association of Cave Divers, said that in the last few years, the caves in Wakulla County's state parks have been closed to divers completely, except for Emerald Sink. Gillespie said divers were told by the state that closures were meant to preserve the sinkholes connected to Leon Sink or Wakulla Springs.
Apalachicola National Forest is home to Promise Sink and Go Between — called "sister sinks." Federal regulation of these sinks is "don't ask don't tell," said Matt Bull, the diving club's membership coordinator.
"We've talked to rangers and they don't mind it," Bull said.
Gillespie said he can't dive Emerald Sink because requirements are too tight.
"I don't have a Trimix clock, because they can cost $1,600," he said. Trimix clocks are used for deep-water diving around 90 feet down, and Gillespie says there is no reason for open water diving to be restricted in lower depths.
Brian Fugate, the Wakulla Springs State Park manager, said that Emerald Sink changed its rules in 2005, requiring a panel to approve divers.
The panel requires divers to show proof of diving certificated approved by National Association of Cave Divers or other approved organization, proof of Trimix certification, 100 logged dives and recent deep diving experience, Fugate said.
Bull said that these rules are not consistent with other state park regulations at Peacock Springs State Park, Manatee Springs, Jackson Blue State Park and Apalachicola State Park.
"We just want to be able to have sites opened to diving. We're not going to dive out of our comfort zones, because we value our lives," Bull said.

[Sludge]

You might want to tell her that NACD stands for "National Association for Cave Diving."

[bgillespie82]

that was going to happen

[metaldector]

Good article, keep the pressure on. The Parks are in a listening mood after the rate increase attempt.

[Kelly Jessop]

FWIW,using the term ecotourism has a more positive connotation,and happens to be the current feel good buzz word.

[wingman]

FWIW,using the term ecotourism has a more positive connotation,and happens to be the current feel good buzz word.

I certainly did not use the words nature lover...she was a well meaning reporter but when i tried to explain something to her she said sorry i don't have the time i'm in a hurry to get this done, i was reminded of all the blank stares you get from journalism students when they are taking economics and often ask, what do i need to know this or that for. Ive been involved with the media a lot over the years and it is a rare event when what you say gets translated right....Bill

[Sludge]

Bill, next time you might say, "Tell you what, I'll write the story for you and e-mail it to you. Just print it the way you get it, word for word."

[OFG-1]

WOW, a big pullet surprise awaits this fine journalist.

Bill, I always thought that the term "nature lover" was a euphemism that referred to nudists. Tell me the truth, were you wearing clothes during this interview?

A trimix clock? Damn, now I need one of those. Matt, I'm confused, is the "don't ask don't tell" bit waived only for newspapers? I mean, they wont tell anyone else will they? Deep water diving, 90 feet, You need a trimix clock for 90 feet? Comfort zones eh? Has that replaced training and certification levels as the new standard for where to dive? Does Larry Green know that? Just a hint, the two guys that drown last year in Wayne's World. They were probably real comfortable up until the last few minutes. Then they weren't. But then they were again. Dead, but real comfortable.

[LiteHedded]

my trimix clock always runs fast

[Jay]

FWIW,using the term ecotourism has a more positive connotation,and happens to be the current feel good buzz word.

Good article!

And yes, throw the 'green' word in there a dozen times also.


And tell them how we use our leftover gasses in our vehicles for cleaner emissions and 100mpg.*


*(ok, maybe leave that last part out )