Wakulla Springs-public meeting

[Kelly Jessop]

I'll try to make it if I can. What's our strategy, other than telling the State "me too".

Dave

I think the strategy is to provide good discussion from a safety/conservation minded cave diving community that is interested in ecotourism. What we don't want is emotion laden demands that gives the impression that this is my right,and be damned with the rest of you. Concern for the present users of the park,and how we can perform this activity without diminishing the experience of the community and other visitors. There is a win-win solution here,and we have the burden of proof. If there a solution provided for each barrier,and presented professionally,then it will be easier to find common ground.

[Benderr]

I think the strategy is to provide good discussion from a safety/conservation minded cave diving community that is interested in ecotourism. What we don't want is emotion laden demands that gives the impression that this is my right,and be damned with the rest of you. Concern for the present users of the park,and how we can perform this activity without diminishing the experience of the community and other visitors. There is a win-win solution here,and we have the burden of proof. If there a solution provided for each barrier,and presented professionally,then it will be easier to find common ground.

+1

Early on there was some hinting around that litigation was an option for our "side" and that we had certain legal theories that could be successfully argued in court. Instead of becoming defensive, the decision-makers focused their responses on what we wanted, and how it would affect their management of the resource. Since that's already been said and done, I think it's best to leave it alone and move forward with a positive, cooperative attitude.

My personal impression is that the State now sees Wakulla as an under-utilized resource. We need to keep highlighting that fact without thumping our chests or making demands. If we show them that the dive community is professional, responsible, and willing to spend its money, we will be ahead of the game. Our willingness to work WITH the State, and our willingness to compromise will be what sets our group apart from the folks that want to take their toys and go home (even though the "toys" belong to all of us).

Two important things to keep in mind:

• We may not get everything we want, but we have nothing at all now, so baby-steps are better than the status quo.
• This is a long-haul battle. This fight has been going on for years, and may take years longer, but we ARE moving in the right direction. Don't loose hope because it's taking time, and please stand ready to support the fight with your words (in person) or letters when next you are needed.

[Kelly Jessop]

+1

Early on there was some hinting around that litigation was an option for our "side" and that we had certain legal theories that could be successfully argued in court. Instead of becoming defensive, the decision-makers focused their responses on what we wanted, and how it would affect their management of the resource. Since that's already been said and done, I think it's best to leave it alone and move forward with a positive, cooperative attitude.

My personal impression is that the State now sees Wakulla as an under-utilized resource. We need to keep highlighting that fact without thumping our chests or making demands. If we show them that the dive community is professional, responsible, and willing to spend its money, we will be ahead of the game. Our willingness to work WITH the State, and our willingness to compromise will be what sets our group apart from the folks that want to take their toys and go home (even though the "toys" belong to all of us).

Two important things to keep in mind:

• We may not get everything we want, but we have nothing at all now, so baby-steps are better than the status quo.
• This is a long-haul battle. This fight has been going on for years, and may take years longer, but we ARE moving in the right direction. Don't loose hope because it's taking time, and please stand ready to support the fight with your words (in person) or letters when next you are needed.

Great points. I think the time is right for a community response,and that includes our brothers from outside Florida and this country. When the date is announced,anybody who can't attend the meeting, is still in a position to be a major factor.

[gschaut]

I'll send the parks dept a copy of my credit card statement from my last Florida trip.