uptight/strange/illegal behaviour

[Pavulaan at aol.com]

In a message dated 98-02-09 Norbert Kondla writes:

<< i am very interested in this topic and would welcome additional
descriptions of
such experiences where butterfly watchers or collectors are engaging in lawful
activity but are nonetheless subjected to interesting bureaucratic behaviour.
>>

Here goes...

In 1996, I obtained a collecting permit from the Virginia Division of State
Parks to collect at a local State Park (USFWS, take note: Virginia
Commonwealth Research and Collecting Permit #04-12-96b).  This was for dual
field research, involving determing the presence of a particular Celastrina
taxon and variation in Incisalia henrici.  Both common species.  I also
offered to produce a report of all species seen.

One day in April 1996, I reported in at State Park headquarters and was given
very courteous treatment, and a proverbial "key" to the park.  The one
particular area of interest to me was an access road through state park land
that led to county parkland that was leased to a nearby National Wildlife
Refuge, managed primarily because of Bald Eagles.  However, I needed only to
collect along the roadway fully within the state park.

After several minutes in the field, an Interior Dept. Vehicle came down this
road toward me, in the direction of Federal Land, and stopped.  I was asked
all sorts of questions by a very arrogant young ranger, who insisted I was
collecting on federal land.  I insisted that I was on state land, as evidenced
by my map and by state park issued signs, and also was directed to the spot by
the State Park Ranger.  The State Park map showed this road well within state
park land, but the ranger insisted this did not matter.  Though I showed her
my state permit, and though we were plainly well within state land, all sorts
of "rules" ensued about where and when I can collect along the road, or which
side, and all sorts of "rare and endangered species" lecture poured out,
wasting part of the precious two hours of field time I had.  Closing comments
were "And what are you going to do with the butterflies, KILL them?"  I
ultimately collected a grand total on zero specimens, because visual
observations of phenotype, and behavioral habits sufficed.

Unfortunately, due to my very limited free time, I did not have time to tell
the State Park Ranger about my run-in, and neglected to follow up with a phone
call on the incident.  I had planned on returning to the spot in a week and
intended to bring a video camera along to prop up in my car and document
another possible run-in.  However, uncooperative weather did not give me an
opportunity to return during the remaining days in the adult lifespan of my
little subjects.  Being a non-confrontational person, I decided to let the
incident pass, but have decided that when I reapply for a State Park Permit
there again next year, I will apply for a permit at that nearby National
Wildlife Refuge, so I can expand the area of my research.  I just hope that
ranger is still working there.

Harry Pavulaan
Herndon, VA.