Public meeting opening Wakulla: Thurs,Jan19th 7pm

[jlcdvr]

Will the NACD or the CDS be sending official representatives to this meeting. I would think this would be in the best interest of both agencies. Joel

[FW]

Will the NACD or the CDS be sending official representatives to this meeting. I would think this would be in the best interest of both agencies. Joel

Yes, the Chairman of the NSS-CDS will be there.

[NorthWoodsDiver]

If anyone doesn't watch the news, here is a link that may interest you:

http://www.wtxl.com/mediacenter/loca...ideoid=3153380

If you did see the news that night you would notice that the version that aired at 6pm was different. I can't find a version online but the news reporter said something about the parks not needing anymore money.... If anyone has a link to the 6pm version could you please post it.

[kmev]

Is the goal free, unrestricted diving or pay-per-dive or even (shudder) guided dives? I plan to attend and am supportive of the first goals, but not so supportive of the latter. Any access is better than none, I guess.

[jlcdvr]

Yes, the Chairman of the NSS-CDS will be there.

Wow Forrest. Thanks for the quick answer. Nothing from the NACD?

Joel

[FW]

Wow Forrest. Thanks for the quick answer. Nothing from the NACD?

Joel

I am an NACD member, but not an NACD BoD member

[SuPrBuGmAn]

Is the goal free, unrestricted diving or pay-per-dive or even (shudder) guided dives? I plan to attend and am supportive of the first goals, but not so supportive of the latter. Any access is better than none, I guess.

The goal is unrestricted diving, but park fees will need to be paid all the same($5 entry). We want unrestricted access, the meeting is about telling them what we want. This is not a meeting for negotiating, if it comes to that, it'll be later - not at this meeting.

[kmev]

The goal is unrestricted diving, but park fees will need to be paid all the same($5 entry). We want unrestricted access, the meeting is about telling them what we want. This is not a meeting for negotiating, if it comes to that, it'll be later - not at this meeting.

Thanks. Are you wishing that everyone come prepared to saw a few words, or just attend?

[jmaddox]

The goal is unrestricted diving, but park fees will need to be paid all the same($5 entry). We want unrestricted access, the meeting is about telling them what we want. This is not a meeting for negotiating, if it comes to that, it'll be later - not at this meeting.

I imagine that the regulators already know what we (cave divers) want (cave diving). I think the question that they want answered is something along the lines of "what’s in it for me?" or in other words, why in Gods name should we open the crown jewel of all springs to people to swim around and get killed in, oh and take stuff and mark up the walls too. thats what they want to know.

I personally think its silly not to allow access. People die on state-funded golf courses daily. Cavedivers have much less impact on the visitors and environment then that drunk, shirtless, Rhodes scholar that was cursing at me in front of my son last time I was there.

The bottom line is that Wakulla is different, always has been. We have to convince the folks that are taking the time out of their night to listen to us that it’s the same as all the rest (at least those that are state funded and open).

[NorthWoodsDiver]

Thanks. Are you wishing that everyone come prepared to saw a few words, or just attend?

We were told that "anyone who would like to speak will be given the opportunity to do so". That being said, a large presence is probably also important.

There are lots of locals here who are not cave divers but who are cavern and open water trained that are in support of opening Wakulla (and all the associated springs/sinks in the area) This wont be just for cave divers.