Input Needed for Blue Hole Improvements

[wve]

I think they may have hit on the method to "flush out" the hole somewhat. The water quality and clarity has been a LOT better since they started doing that. It might be a technique for the future!
There is less stuff on the walls and just overall so much better visibility that it makes the diving there much more enjoyable!

True! On the other hand, did you see any crawdads? The only thing I saw was a skeleton on the bottom. I wonder whether the cleaner water leaves them less to eat...

 

[DandyDon]

True! On the other hand, did you see any crawdads? The only thing I saw was a skeleton on the bottom. I wonder whether the cleaner water leaves them less to eat...

Nah we used to see them in cleaner waters. There were a couple of large Pacus there for a while who could have thinned them out, and the dredging certainly had to reduce their numbers - but fishermen will donate more. That happens like it or not.

 

[robint]

True! On the other hand, did you see any crawdads? The only thing I saw was a skeleton on the bottom. I wonder whether the cleaner water leaves them less to eat...

they die off every summer, that is part of the circle of life. Around Oct-Nov you will start seeing them again (eggs from their breeding before death). By Jan-Feb there will be hundreds of them all over the bottom and crevices on the walls.

 

[DandyDon]

Thanks Robin, didn't know that part.

 

[KC5UX]

How about plant nursery type carts for divers to haul their gear from the parking lot, through the building and pay station to the staging area. That may make things easier for many (or most) divers.

Jim

 

[ABQdiver]

they die off every summer, that is part of the circle of life. Around Oct-Nov you will start seeing them again (eggs from their breeding before death). By Jan-Feb there will be hundreds of them all over the bottom and crevices on the walls.

I didn't know the time frame, but have noted the cycles of life. You're so smart, Robin!

 

[RonFrank]

How about plant nursery type carts for divers to haul their gear from the parking lot, through the building and pay station to the staging area. That may make things easier for many (or most) divers.

Jim

If they are going to make us carry gear indoors, and then back out, that is an excellent suggestion.

My first choice however would be to NOT have to travel though a building to get wet... I'd rather see a entrance point as one drives in, and then full access once in, but I seriously doubt that is going to happen.

If they don't provide a way to easily transport gear, or allow us to gear up next to our vehicle, than we may have to get creative!

 

[DandyDon]

Creative: such a fun concept.

Surely they'll have a side gate for those of us who do not want to hump our gear inside. They have to have one for emergencies anyway don't they?

 

[RonFrank]

I've been discussing this with Stella at length for a long time now.

Santa Rosa is trying to do what they feel is best, and taking this all very seriously (as they should).

They have several issues.. folks not paying, and how to prevent access from locals that vandalize the place, or conduct drug deals on property. Liability for locals, or divers that are swimming/diving off hours is another concern. Basically many issues revolve around the easy access the Hole currently affords.

Last I spoke with Stella in May, Santa Rosa was DEAD SET against allowing access as we have it now. They want to route people through a building. This may make sense from their perspective as it ends most of their current access problems. Unfortunately it creates a lot of problems for us as divers with such a gear intensive sport.

Historically Santa Rosa does not have a proven record for manning the facility, or even keeping the gates unlocked especially weekdays, and Friday evenings.

Fortunately, Santa Rosa moves slowly, so I don't think we will see any changes for at least a year. When they do come however, it could be a huge PITA to dive the Hole....

Kevin is a good Ambassador for this process. He knows our concerns, and we just need to sit back and see what comes. We can only wait and see.

One thing that may help would be for Santa Rosa to look at what other USA Destinations are doing. I don't think there is one place in the USA that is not underground where you have to enter a building as the sole way to get gear near/into the water. However things are becoming more restrictive. There has been some changes in Ginnie Springs and other FL landlocked sites that are making the locals none too happy....:11:

One thing we need to make sure of..... that the LDS's, and divers can use their own tanks. I think everyone assumes this is a given, but don't count on anything. Santa Rosa may decide that tank rental is mandatory! That would increase profit! :11doh:

The price of all this is also a concern I have. If Santa Rosa decides that they want $25 per day to dive the Hole (vs. the current $25 a year), that is a problem. The Dive Shops will just increase their prices, but us regular Joe's that come to just dive will have to eat our wetsuits.

 

[mrlipis]

Well Ron, I am afraid you have hit things on the head. This is a multi million dollar project and they are not only going to have to pay for the project but the upkeep, maintenance, utilities and payroll. I doubt they plan on squeezing the locals, so guess who is left? Blue hole is going to become expensive and a pain in the butt.

There will be other options than Blue hole in the near future.

Bruce