USDA / USFW Insect Permits

[anne kilmer]

I thought the ladybirds were indeed regulated ... a couple years ago
there was discussion of releasing California ladybugs in Florida (all
with the best possible intentions, of course) and we were assured that
a) a permit was needed and b) one would not be granted. 
Surely ladybug releases are limited to species indigenous to the area? 
I'd like to see a more positive spin put on your protection of
butterflies and other insects, but any port in a storm. (Plant pests,
forsooth!)
have you worked out a way of keeping taxonomists happy, within reason? 
Bob Flanders was already my hero, but during the "Butterfly Guy"
episode, where a major release of monarchs was planned for 
July 4, he impressed me with his fair-mindedness and willingness to
consider all sides. 
I hope you figure out a way of protecting wildlife without crippling
scientists. 
As for the people who hope to make a buck out of bugs, perhps your
wisdom and theirs will find a way. 
Anne Kilmer
Mayo, Ireland

Wayne F Wehling wrote:
> 
> In response to Paul Cherubini's comments on USDA's regulation of butterflies I would add the following comments.
> 
> 1.  I would like to see the discussion remain productive and lead to a useful meeting at Wake Forest.  I don't want to be arguing USDA's authority over these issues.  We have many attorneys that have examined these issues and have rendered decisions.  Any actions I take are backed by legal advice.  The details surrounding the implementation of the new Act, if it is signed, will take many months to shake out.
> 
> 2.  All of the historical comments of Bob Flanders that Mr. Cherubini pointed out are accurate and still effective.  Dr. Flanders had the advice of legal council prior to posting this information in 1997.
> 
> 3.  Congress gives the USDA the authority to implement and regulate these Congressional Acts.   It is up to the USDA, through the Federal Register, to develop the regulations and rules through which the USDA enforces these Acts of Congress.  Often the language in these Acts is subject to interpretation.  The intent of the new Plant Protection Act is to pull together into one act the language that has been covered in several acts previously.  And to clarify areas that have caused problems in the past.
> 
> 4.  The definition of a "plant pest" is "...any living stage of any insects, mites, nematodes, slugs, snails, protozoa, or other invertebrate animals, bacteria, fungi, other parasitc plants or reproductive parts thereof, viruses, or any organisms similar to or allied with any of the foregoing, or any infectious substances which can directly or indirectly injure or cause disease or damage in any plants or parts thereof, or any processed, manufactured, or other products of plants."  7 CFR 330.100.   The definition essentially does not change but now will, apparently, include parasites and pathogens of plant pests.   Again, a final determination will need to be made by our attorneys.  This will take months if not longer.
> 
> 5.  Regarding Paul's comments about the USDA singling "out "warm and fuzzy" insects like butterflies for permit compliance while ignoring less romanticized insects like ladybird beetles"; no we did not single out butterflies, however, the USDA has the authority to remove from regulation insects that are no longer considered to require regulation or oversight.  We have done this for ladybird beetles and a bunch of biocontrol agents.  This is done through the Federal Register.  This is the avenue that I am proposing to consider for some saturniid moths.   Regulations for butterflies came about because of the rapid growth in interstate movement.
> 
> 6.  Paul says, "According to one USDA and two state agricultural officials I have talked to, the scope of the USDA's legal authority to regulate the interstate movement of organisms that feed on plants under the Federal Plant Pest Act of 1959 may be limited to issues involving PLANT RISK and PLANT PROTECTION."  Again, all of the actions we have taken involved the advice of council (OGC).
> 
> 7.   Paul Cherubini has been, and is currently, under investigation for alleged violations of the regulations surrounding butterfly releases.
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> Wayne Wehling
> USDA APHIS PPQ