Manatee question

[pst]

I have only seen these two maps of Manatee Springs:
http://www.floridacaves.com/manateestickmap.JPG and
http://www.floridacaves.com/manateemap.JPG

Remember however reading somewhere that there has been some more survey and exploration done in the last few years. If that is true is the survey available - some kind of map maybe?

Also diving the system you will pass some kind of "thing" in the middle of the passage. It looks like a well or something. Do you know what it is? I think it was 4000ft or something like that from Catfish.

Thanks,

Peter

[Cindy]

The thing is a water sampling well that is used to monitor the water quality etc.
I don't know about current maps. Cindy

[pst]

Thanks Cindy.

After some more searching on the net I found this map overlay which clearly shows a lot more passage than the old map from the 80s did.
http://www.manateesprings.com/nitrate_map.htm

I also found this stick map from 2004 (not as extensive as the other one)
http://cavesurvey.com/manatee_map.htm

I'm not from Florida so I wouldn't know but what's the point of doing any survey at all unless it is intended to be released?

Regards,
Peter

[Cindy]

Mike Poucher was tabulating the data. It was a project started by Annette Long who successfully prevented a limestone mine from being opened next to the cave which also resulted in some laws protecting underwater caves around state park system. The maps you show are by no means all the system and Mike may still be in the process of making a map. It takes several years for a system that large. I know that WKPP has done some long push dives in the cave. You might try with those guys for a newer map. I hope Mike does manage a newer map because he is a good map maker and since I was one of the survey team I get my name on it. I always get a kick out of that for some reason! Cindy Butler

[mpoucher]

Manatee is a work in progress and I hope to publish a map later this year.

[jpdiver]

Are scooters allowed at Manatee?

[IowaCaveDiver]

they sure are.... and I highly recomend it if you have the means (and are qualified). It is a super high flow cave... I fist scootered it with an apollo and at times I was moving just inches per minute... I upgraded to an SS and notice a great difference, but I probably won't swim that cave again. it is big and dark and silty, but with the flow you've gotta have a ride.... the exit is a rush!

-Matt