Operation Madison,Peacock,and Troy-help is needed

[Kelly Jessop]

We read some unfortunate news in the media about Peacock,Madison,and Troy Springs State park being targeted for closure. We understand that each department in Florida government conducted an exercise to cut their budgets by 15%. Although this was only an exercise,of the 53 parks marked for closure,Peacock,Madison,and Troy were included on this list. Cave divers have a certain attachment to these parks,and we would like to inform the people who make decisions about the parks they are responsible for, how we feel about them.
Many representatives are far and removed from these parks,and some people have asked who could they contact to express their feelings.

Herschel Vinyard
Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection
3900 Commonwealth Blvd,MS 49
Tallahassee,FL.,32399

Office of the Governor Rick Scott
State of Florida
400 S Monroe St.
Tallahassee,FL.,32399-0001

Rep Leonard Bembry
District Office
304 NW Crane Ave
Building 36
Madison,FL.,32340- 1423
(covers Hamilton,Madison,Columbia,and Dixie)

Rep Elizabeth Porter
District Office
678 SE Baya Dr.
Lake City,FL.,32025-6038
(covers Gilchrist,Lafayette,Suwannee)

Senator Charles Dean Sr.
302 Senate Office Building
404 South Monroe St.
Tallahassee,FL.,32399-1100

Do you plan your vacation to these locations?
Do you live in Florida,but got there in lieu of a vacation to other locations?
Do you experience the ecotourism in these parks?
Do you spend money in the community?
Would you recommend a higher entrance/activity fee?
How many visits did you make to each park in the last year?

The NFSA thanks you

[murfef]

Don't forget "do you live in another state or country, but go to Florida for vacation? Not only spending money in Florida but also for travel expenses getting there."

[RN]

Will you no longer purchase an annual park pass?

[diveconjeff]

Thanks Kelly.

My letters will be going out on Friday.

[K Mejean]

I will get started on my letters tomorrow. Lets hope it helps.

[John Ploegert]

Do we have anyone working up the numbers to show the economic impact closing these 3 parks will have on Suwannee and Madison counties? Also, do any NFSA members belong to the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce, or would NFSA consider joining? Suwannee's CC has been promoting eco-tourism, including cave diving, and might be our strongest ally in this fight.
John Ploegert

[mag3]

We read some unfortunate news in the media about Peacock,Madison,and Troy Springs State park being targeted for closure. We understand that each department in Florida government conducted an exercise to cut their budgets by 15%. Although this was only an exercise,of the 53 parks marked for closure,Peacock,Madison,and Troy were included on this list. Cave divers have a certain attachment to these parks,and we would like to inform the people who make decisions about the parks they are responsible for, how we feel about them.
Many representatives are far and removed from these parks,and some people have asked who could they contact to express their feelings.

Herschel Vinyard
Secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection
3900 Commonwealth Blvd,MS 49
Tallahassee,FL.,32399

Office of the Governor Rick Scott
State of Florida
400 S Monroe St.
Tallahassee,FL.,32399-0001

Rep Leonard Bembry
District Office
304 NW Crane Ave
Building 36
Madison,FL.,32340- 1423
(covers Hamilton,Madison,Columbia,and Dixie)

Rep Elizabeth Porter
District Office
678 SE Baya Dr.
Lake City,FL.,32025-6038
(covers Gilchrist,Lafayette,Suwannee)

Senator Charles Dean Sr.
302 Senate Office Building
404 South Monroe St.
Tallahassee,FL.,32399-1100

Do you plan your vacation to these locations?
Do you live in Florida,but got there in lieu of a vacation to other locations?
Do you experience the ecotourism in these parks?
Do you spend money in the community?
Would you recommend a higher entrance/activity fee?
How many visits did you make to each park in the last year?

The NFSA thanks you

Kelly - Any special protocol to follow when writing these letters (other than the standard "politically correct" approach when seeking help from a public official)? For example, may we say "I'm writing as a member of the NFSA" etc... etc...

My MS Word Mail Merge is almost done.

[Kelly Jessop]

Do we have anyone working up the numbers to show the economic impact closing these 3 parks will have on Suwannee and Madison counties? Also, do any NFSA members belong to the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce, or would NFSA consider joining? Suwannee's CC has been promoting eco-tourism, including cave diving, and might be our strongest ally in this fight.
John Ploegert

Yes,we are working on the economic impact part now,and letting the counties know.

[Kelly Jessop]

Kelly - Any special protocol to follow when writing these letters (other than the standard "politically correct" approach when seeking help from a public official)? For example, may we say "I'm writing as a member of the NFSA" etc... etc...

My MS Word Mail Merge is almost done.

No specific protocol,we just need volume.

[Kelly Jessop]

Thanks Kelly.

My letters will be going out on Friday.

Thanks a lot!!!!