Telford

[ltb7733]

can anyone give an update or current status of Telford?.....who are the owners?....is it for sale?.....how to contact owners?

thanks.

[Kelly Jessop]

can anyone give an update or current status of Telford?.....who are the owners?....is it for sale?.....how to contact owners?

thanks.

Telford has several owners, and where they like the cave divers, being sued has caused them to close the property. As long as we stay in the spring run they don't have an issue. When Telford closed I spent time with one of the owners, and layed out many scenarios, but the bottom line they won't open the place as was previously, or even a special arrangements where there is gate with key access. Liability and insurance is the key issue (even layed out a scenario where similar to what hunting clubs have- no interest). Sportsman's act is wonderful,but there isn't guarantee they won't expend money to defend themselves.

[ltb7733]

thank you Kelly, i dont suspose they are likely to sell anytime soon?......if they have a price?..... i may have some backers that might be interested....

[jj1987]

thank you Kelly, i dont suspose they are likely to sell anytime soon?......if they have a price?..... i may have some backers that might be interested....

The land is owned by a trust IIRC, with at least some members being well off attorneys. I don't think $$$ is going to motivate them to sell it. They currently lease it to a hunt club with no option to sublease any section of the property by either party to divers. 6-7 years ago I spoke with an owner and he looked into giving a key to some of us who were willing to clean up, but liability concerns ruined that for us. The conclusion of the conversation was basically "You can dive there because it's a waterway, and we're not really going to prosecute someone for stepping off on dry land." I've always wondered if we could just join the hunt club, but given that a zodiac is under $1500 in really good condition on craigslist, I don't really see the reward given the $$$ it would cost to join and the time.

Basically this land owner is super friendly to cave divers, but has no desire to assume any additional liability.

I always enjoy diving Telford but have an uneasy feeling about leaving my vehicle at the end of the street. What are other people doing to maintain their vehicle windows and contents during the dive?

Making sure it's insured.

[ltb7733]

thank you all for the info.

[Kelly Jessop]

I've always wondered if we could just join the hunt club,

Not sure if hunt clubs want to deal with this liability of cave diving. Ironically people shooting firearms in the wood into partially obstructed brush is far safer than cave diving- in the eyes of the public/ insurers

Basically this land owner is super friendly to cave divers, but has no desire to assume any additional liability.

.

The relationship we have now,even though presents hardship, is actually very accommodating, and the best we will probably ever get.

[Kelly Jessop]

thank you Kelly, i dont suspose they are likely to sell anytime soon?......if they have a price?..... i may have some backers that might be interested....

If I remember correctly there is a first right of refusal on the property if they sell. Plus it is a lot of acreage,so it will be big$$$.

[decostanza]

I always enjoy diving Telford but have an uneasy feeling about leaving my vehicle at the end of the street. What are other people doing to maintain their vehicle windows and contents during the dive?

[bamafan]

There was some guy camping out there in the spring run most of the summer. All the locals were complaining about him but all said there was nothing they could do because he was tied up to the bank and the pos homemade houseboat wasn't on the land. He was dumping trash at the ramp and also on the bank. No one was very happy about it. After having him there I think they would really be greatful to have some courteous cave divers instead.

[karstanimal17]

There was some guy camping out there in the spring run most of the summer. All the locals were complaining about him but all said there was nothing they could do because he was tied up to the bank and the pos homemade houseboat wasn't on the land. He was dumping trash at the ramp and also on the bank. No one was very happy about it. After having him there I think they would really be greatful to have some courteous cave divers instead.

I saw him too last time I was up there. On another note, does anyone know conditions at Telford?