Bridging the Gap Scientists/Cavers Buried Issues –How are views of the world of cavers and scientists different; the same? –Open communication between the two groups –Develop training sessions Scientists to cavers; Cavers to scientists

Evolution General to Specific 1970s – WMD hydrogeologists interested in general concepts; just learning 2000s –Can put “arms around springshed” –Can put “fingers around mapped caves” –No further discussion

Data Form and Training Develop more complete data form to be used by divers Scientists/cavers develop form Divers collect data, fill out form, supply scientists with data FGS agreed to take lead

QA/QC Issues Associated with form and data collection

Land Owner Confidentiality Property rights and protection

Need for Additional Glossary Is it needed? If so, what terms need to be included?

Role in Watershed Management How do we incorporate cave data?

Ideal state study site “block of Rock” If needed, what would it look like and where would it be located

Issues not yet discussed Continued development of database Future technology Potential to fund divers to collect data –Associated liability

Buried Issues (Better Interaction) –Educational Outreach Scientists/cavers Cavers/Scientists Organize meetings between groups FGS to take lead Develop “speakers bureau” Scientists to attend Caver meetings Scientists need to become more “entertaining” FGS will try to coordinate

Buried Issues Develop message board –FGS to try to take lead (a workload?)

Data Form (To be filled out by willing cavers) General –Time, date, weather Physical (possible items; not all items) –Conduits/caves – size and shape –Features/morphology –Depth (ave, max) –Dist. of cave conduits –Mapping coordinates

Data Form –Sediments (sand, clay,mud) –Photographs –Geological formations (to some extent) –Fossils & Artifacts occurrence –Modern artifacts –Mineralization –Colors/staining –Breakdown –Cohesiveness of cave material –Domes and chimneys, vents and rooms –Trib. Arrangement

Data Form Flow –Stage (relative); in/out –Velocity (dist/time) Quality –Clarity/turbidity –Water color (blue, black, green, milky, “mung” –Stratification –Location of temp, color, WQ, Halocline change

Data Form –Metered analytes (need meter) pH, T, cond, DO, density (?) –Water sample (need training) Biological –DEP “form” –Vegetation at entrance

Form Miscel –Sample – who for and what project –Location of sample collection Training –Scientists will need to train cavers –Cavers/Scientists go to each others meetings Caver meeting May 2004

QA/QC Adherence to QA/QC or sampling plans Training by scientists needed Keep divers “chain of command” to a minimum

Glossary Use current glossary (scientists to cavers) Develop a second glossary (cavers to scientists) As form develops into electronic format, a translator will be developed (S - C; C - S)

Ideal Site Goals and properties of site –Test diving and science tech. –Adequate previous knowledge of system –Access to site somewhat controlled –Located near to cavers/researchers –Begin in one area and later move to others Woodville Karst Plain (FGS define area)

Other Sites Man/FanEagles Nest TroyWeeki ItchSulphur Madison BlueWekiwa PeacockRainbow Beacon WoodsSilver

Role in Watershed Man. Information from cavers is critical Incorp. Locations of caves into WM Plans Incorporate Caver Maps into “Science” –Will need QA

Confidentiality Need letters of support for a legislative bill to protect land owner confidentiality Panel developed draft letter of support Other possible supporters –Hydroconsortium, –FAPG –NSS-CDS –Fla Museum of Nat. Hist.?

Future Technology