Help make Silver Springs a state park!

[Gene Powell]

A meeting was held in Ocala last night to discuss the possibility of turning management of the springs over to the park system. Representatives from the DEP were on hand to receive input on how citizens would visualize such a transition. A large crowd was present, and the overwhelming majority was in favor of the state taking control and giving the citizens better access to this precious resource. They asked what types of activities we would like to see in the event it becomes a park. At least a couple of speakers mentioned cave diving.
The possible problem could be the Marion county commission, who would like to have control so they can continue to exploit it. Remember these are the guys who don't allow scuba diving in any of the major springs in this county.
The state already owns the land, and since we have the best state park system in the country, they would do the best job of protecting the spring.
Please send an email to Lew Scruggs at recreation and parks, by 12/17/2012, and give him your vote to have the park managed by the state. Please ask them to not give control to the Marion County Commission. http://lewis.scruggs@dep.state.fl.us

[Shocky]

e-mail sent.
John

[MichaelAngelo]

done John

[Gene Powell]

Thanks!

[speleodiver]

Can we have a little history on the springs? How is it that it is park owed and the park does not manage it now. My concern would be the budget issues the state is facing in the parks department. Will turning it over be a long term solution? Would just like a few facts before I send the email. Thanks

[T. Bix]

I didn't know there was a diveable spring there.... Tell us more about that.

[Gene Powell]

Can we have a little history on the springs? How is it that it is park owed and the park does not manage it now. My concern would be the budget issues the state is facing in the parks department. Will turning it over be a long term solution? Would just like a few facts before I send the email. Thanks

It's not really a park. It's an attraction. It was originally privately owned, but in 1993, the state bought the property on both sides of the river as well as the head springs, and The Silver River State Park was created. Unfortunately there was a long term contract on the attraction that the state agreed to honor. The contract changed hands a number of times resulting in the current management, which has let the place go to pot. Things have gotten to the point that both party's are looking for ways to terminate the contract early.
It really is just an expansion of the existing park. Since it is the lone remaining first Magnitude spring not under the state parks system's care and protection, it makes perfect since to put the last stone in place.
As far as the park systems' budget goes, They are one of the few departments to make money!
Consider that the current management charges an entrance fee that makes it unfeasible for the majority of taxpayers to enjoy what is ours, and doesn't even allow swimming or diving.
As far as The county commission goes, It changes too much, and is ran by politicians who are quick to compromise protections for short term gain.
It really makes sense, and I hope it will happen. Now is our chance to have input in the way it evolves.
Thanks for considering!

[Gene Powell]

I didn't know there was a diveable spring there.... Tell us more about that.

Right Now it is illegal to dive in the springs, and I'm not sure it being a state park will change that. But it is one step closer, and every step counts. From what I understand, the caves are VERY tight and are prone to breakdown, but there is an awesome cavern, and the open water diving would be a hoot in the spring basins. Again, I'm not saying it will happen, but they are asking for input, so now is the time.
Even if we don't get to dive it, we can send a message to the state that cave divers care about protecting the springs, and not just access. The more we gain their trust, the more likely we are to get them to listen when there is a chance to gain access to a system.

[RN]

Can we have a little history on the springs? How is it that it is park owed and the park does not manage it now. My concern would be the budget issues the state is facing in the parks department. Will turning it over be a long term solution? Would just like a few facts before I send the email. Thanks

Probably similar to Jackson Blue. The state owns the land but Jackson County manages the park. I think Little River is also like this.

[Shocky]

I received an acknowledgement of my first e-mail so I sent another more pleading. I've been going there since the early 50s when I was a kid. Hope they pay attention!
John