Bonnet Springs

[mvp2026]

Has anyone dove Bonnet in the past ten years? Last I heard vis was down and a large gator had taken residence. Any changes?

thanks!
Martin.

[Kelly Jessop]

Has anyone dove Bonnet in the past ten years? Last I heard vis was down and a large gator had taken residence. Any changes?

thanks!
Martin.

The park closed Bonnet several years ago due to erosion that was occurring.

[PfcAJ]

“Erosion”

“Gator”

“Visibility”

[Kelly Jessop]

“Erosion”

“Gator”

“Visibility”

Page 24 of the Peacock Springs Unit Management Plan

"Historically, both Olsen Sink and Bonnet Spring have experienced significant amounts
of soil disturbance due to divers and other visitors traversing the steep slopes above
these karst features. In response to this threat, DRP closed these sensitive sites to public
access until visitor use guidelines could be developed. Recreational diving has since not
been allowed at Bonnet Spring, and Olsen Sink has only been used as an escape route
for divers during an emergency. Olsen has greatly benefited from its closure as a public
or diver access point... Since Bonnet Spring has a population of resident alligators, safety is also a critical
concern that must be managed at this site."

Page 123-128 in the plan has a transcript from the meeting that discusses mitigation possibility.