Cave Diving Section

 4th Annual Hydrogeology Consortium Florida Karst Workshop

Significance of Caves in Watershed Management

and Protection in Florida

Presented by

April 16-17, 2003

Ocala Florida - Ocala Hilton

(Group Rate Expires Mar 25th....Make Your Reservations Now!)

Ocala Hilton

3600 SW 36th Avenue, Ocala FL 34474   •  Phone (352) 854-1400  •  Toll Free (877) 602-4023

The Florida DEP, Florida Geological Survey and the Hydrogeology Consortium are co-sponsoring their third technical and policy workshop dealing with environmental management and protection in karstic settings. This year's gathering will focus on the significance of caves and cave data in understanding hydrogeological processes in karst. The workshop will provide a forum for developing closer ties between the caving and hydrogeological communities and will contribute to achieving the common goal of natural resource conservation and protection.

The two-day workshop (April 16th and 17th, 2003) will bring together researchers, regulators, private sector  property owners, caving organizations and societies along with individual cave explorers and surveyors to establish communications and to exchange data, compare experience and expertise.

The program will begin with a keynote address and plenary session to introduce the topics, outline the issues of significance and the workshop format and objectives. Participants will then "break out" into three focus groups that will meet in separate rooms to discuss their assigned topics in greater detail (see below).  Each focus group will be led by a four or five-member panel of invited experts, including a session moderator.  The moderators will report back to the re-convened plenary session at the end of the first day with the groups preliminary findings such that the second day's deliberations can be re-focused if necessary. After the second day's deliberations, the panels will compile the groups findings and recommendations and deliver a brief presentation to a final plenary session prior to adjournment of the workshop.

As experts in various aspects of karst science, exploration, and resource management, the workshop will greatly benefit from your attendance and participation. Please consider this an invitation to join in, attend the workshop, and contribute to karst resource protection in Florida.

We look forward to hearing from you soon and seeing you in Ocala.

For additional information contact:            
Rodney Dehan
(850) 488-9380