Collecting in Florida

[Dr. James Adams]

Dear listers,

         It sounds as though we're headed back to the collecting 
thread of a few months ago.  I think we all know the problems that 
exist and have talked about them among *ourselves* until most of us 
are blue in the face (so to speak).  I have just two things to add at 
this point.  

        1.  I truly believe it is ludicrous the way that *some* park 
officials blindly and belligerently follow laws of which they may 
have little understanding of, especially when you realize that 
national/state parks generate lots of tourist traffic which 
undoubtedly kills thousands upon thousands of insects each year.  I 
know I've slaughtered a tremendous number of insects with my car in 
my lifetime, especially at night.  Interesting to note that in 
many state parks in Florida, moths and butterflies are not considered 
equals.  It is possible to get a permit for collecting moths in some 
of them much easier than it is to get a permit for collecting 
butterflies.  Probably has something to do with being highly visible 
during the daytime and annoying other tourists.  I also would love to 
see a park ranger harrass someone for swatting a mosquito.

2.  Not all park officials treat you with disrespect.  Here in 
Georgia, the national forest officials that I deal with appear to be 
both well informed and well educated, and understand the importance 
of appropriate collecting to get a knowledge of simply what occurs in 
a given area, and in what abundance.  It is a shame that, as someone 
has already pointed out, that we can't find an easy way to educate 
*all* officials as to the importance of responsible collecting, 
especially when dealing with the difference of vertebrate versus 
invertebrate life histories.

James