USDA to regulate butterflies?

[Bethsull at aol.com]

To all Leps Lovers: I read a letter to the editor today (Monday 11/26) 
regarding the USDA's desire to regulate the collecting and rearing of 
butterflies, particularly Monarchs..by non-scientists.  I'm assuming they 
mean no more wonderful classroom miracles..no more collecting eggs and larva 
from fields to be mowed or roadsides to be sprayed.  I can't imagine why they 
want to do this...or how they would enforce it..but I am assuming that more 
monarchs are saved by being reared indoors and away from viral 
contamination..pesticides and mowing..than are lost. 
 Here's the text from The Day:USDA seeks to control butterflies Published on 
11/26/2001 To the Editor of The Day:
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture has proposed regulation changes about the “
management” of butterflies.If these changes go into effect (after a comment 
period that ends Dec. 10), it will prohibit schoolchildren from raising and 
releasing Monarch butterflies. Not only does this give children a fun 
adventure, but it also invests them in habitat and ecology awareness.Only 
scientists who study butterflies will be able to raise them. I guess they 
want full control of the insects. I have to wonder who will fund their 
studies when no one cares about the butterflies anymore?I farm butterflies 
for events and also contribute them for educational programs. I employ a 
small army of 10-13-year-old “butterfly farmers,” who assist and interpret 
the butterflies to younger children. Perhaps you saw our free booth at the 
North Stonington Fair last year?No form of terrorism should be tolerated, 
even if it is by our own government. Fortunately, because it is our own 
government, each of us can easily do something about it. Please write your 
comments to: Docket 95-095-2, Regulatory Analysis and Development, PPD, 
APHIS, Suite 3C03, 4700 River Road, Unit 118, Riverdale, Md. 20737-1238.The 
address has to be precise and three copies of any letter must be sent. (Is 
this the government or what?) They will discard any that are not correct.  
Nancy Hobart
Stonington 
I feel we should write to the above...and protest their attempted control of 
our ability to raise& release butterflies, and to share  the wonder and 
educate the children.        Beth Sullivan  
    

  

 
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