Lay off the State Park system!

[RN]

I'm also a big fan of the Florida state park system. The annual pass is great! I haven't seen anything like that for that price anywhere else. I'd also like to see extended hours for diving, but I'll take what I can get.

[zlyrack]

I have only been diving at a few of the state parks so I can't really say "too much" about them. I will say that I am very please with them so far. I purchased the pass nearly a year ago and it was definitely worth the money. Also, I have to agree... Peacock is pretty sweet! Nice accommodations, friendly staff, and some sweet cave. What more could you ask for?

[curtschu]

Several people are missing the point. NO ONE I know has a problem with the Florida State Park System as a whole they do a great job of providing public access to state lands. THE Problem is the inconsistency of control from park to park. I want Peacock to be the model for doing it right.
True there are some things at Peacock that give us heartburn IE: Close too early and No Solo and Scooters but ok we deal. If you are Cave Certified you go dive. Why can't the other parks that have caves just do the same thing? There is too much Local Control by the Local Manager and if that person has some sort of problem with a certain group they have the power to exclude a group. This could be Campers, Mountain Bikes, Hikers or Us. I know what you will say; OH no! We don't want blanket control because they will just cut off access to EVERYTHING.
One aspect that I have never had anyone point out is that if the state opened all the state parks that have truly divable caves this would spead the population out and there would be less impact and traffic at any one site. I think this would be a good thing.
Could someone please list the state parks that have divable systems?

I'll start with the ones I know:

Peacock Spring
Manatee
Madison Blue
Wakulla
Lafayette Blue
Suwannee River

I have left off the ones that I think are too small or dangerous to be commercially viable.

I am not bashing anyone here I love the parks I just wish logic could be used somewhere in the process.

How many people each year are killed or rescued off the Nations mountains and rock climbing areas? Hell look at Mount Hood just this past year but NO ONE has ever suggested that Mount Hood be closed to climbers and these goofballs don't have to have ANY training or Cert. No guide is required just park you car and leave a note in a mailbox letting the park know when you are planning to return so they can start looking for you if you go overdue.

[Line Squirrel]

Could someone please list the state parks that have divable systems?

I'll start with the ones I know:

Peacock Spring
Manatee
Madison Blue
Wakulla
Lafayette Blue
Suwannee River

Ichetucknee Springs State Park ~ part of the year anyway
Blue Springs, Orange City

[Ken Hill]

Several people are missing the point. NO ONE I know has a problem with the Florida State Park System as a whole they do a great job of providing public access to state lands. THE Problem is the inconsistency of control from park to park. I want Peacock to be the model for doing it right.

I agree they are hard working people, very sincere in their beliefs and public service oriented. hey do respond to their clients. Being redundant, because I posted whats below elsewhere a few minutes ago is something that goes right to the heart of your question.

"Perhaps the best way is membership in any or all of the different parks CSO programs. Peacock is a cave divers CSO, therefore it has a cave divers say as to what goes on there. What do you think would happen if 500 cave divers joined the Wakulla CSO ... would their be a balance of power shift? Would that CSO have cave diving items on their meeting agenda? Could there be more cave diving with more appropriate access rules allowed? There is a whole new generation of cave divers that need to become involved. Harm is caused when their voices are not heard! Gains are made when their ideas are channeled into thinking within a direction that works within the bureaucracy? My message is closed but the topic needs to continue. "

/Ken

I'll start with the ones I know:

Curt,

Didn't I see you at Hart in November? How could you have left out that beautiful system?

[FW]

I'll start with the ones I know:

Curt,

Didn't I see you at Hart in November? How could you have left out that beautiful system?

Uh... Hart is a county park

[FW]

If you are going to list parks with permit only diving, then add O'leno.

The state of FL also ownes other springs, and sink holes that are not *yet* state parks.

Telford, Little River, Rose sink, Ruth, to name a few.

[Line Squirrel]

If you are going to list parks with permit only diving, then add O'leno.

The state of FL also ownes other springs, and sink holes that are not *yet* state parks.

Telford, Little River, Rose sink, Ruth, to name a few.

Suwannee River State Park is under permit onlyas well, as far as I know.

Telford is still privately owned.

Hart is a county park

Wow! I stand corrected.

I've only been there once, but it sure was a lot nicer than most county parks.