The WKPP is pleased to announce we have partnered with Florida State University, the University of South Florida, and Sunfish Inc. under a Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant to produce a 3D map of Wakulla Cave. The WKPP is excited about the opportunity to bring to the public’s attention this important natural resource. We will work diligently to accurately portray the extent and size of Wakulla Cave which discharges at Wakulla Spring and provide detailed scientific data for researchers studying the intricacies of groundwater flow in the Woodville Karst Plain. The program grants are funded for the first year of a four-year mapping initiative.
The WKPP is providing a plethora of support for the project which entails the team’s 35+ years of exploration efforts in the form of survey data, maps, and water observations which will underpin the Sunfish robot deployments. We will also provide logistical support for the Sunfish Robot and team to begin the mapping of Wakulla Cave in 3-dimensions. The WKPP will be placing cave reference markers at key locations within the cave that Sunfish will utilize in their 3D sonar mapping as reference points.
In addition, the WKPP will be advising on the location of water sampling which will verify sensor readings taken by the Sunfish robot and will be used as a baseline of observations for the University of South Florida researcher Dr. Patricia Spellman and Florida State University researcher Ming Ye. The mapping program is part of the new strategic mission that the WKPP laid out late last year by becoming more active in the scientific initiatives that will ultimately underpin a greater understanding of the karst hydrogeology of Wakulla Cave and its ultimate conservation.
We would like to thank Florida Representative Jason Shoaf and his staff for supporting the project and the Florida Legislature for funding the initiative. We also want to thank the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Geological Survey for their efforts in helping us to refine the objectives and the quality assurance plans for the project. Those efforts will help deliver a high-quality mapping and scientific program for the State of Florida.
