The Ball is now in NABA's court!

[anne kilmer]

Are the vandals still NABA members? It would seem appropriate to strip
them of membership in the society. 
I hope, also, that an article in the NABA magazine will clarify "our"
position as regards scientific sampling of lep populations. 
Anne Kilmer
Mayo, Ireland 

Leptraps at aol.com wrote:
> 
> I am a Lepidopterists', a very amateur one at that. As a Lepidopterists' I
> collect specimens, I curate a personal collection, I design and build traps
> of all sorts to collect Lepidoptera, I attempt to rear species of interest, I
> photograph all stages of the Lepidoptera that I rear. I preserve larva, I am
> the Editor of a regional Lepidopterists Society newsletter, etc., etc. I have
> passion for the science that I love. That is my description of what I believe
> a Lepidopterists is. However, I go one farther, I share the knowledge of
> Lepidoptera that I have with all those who seek it. The majority of the
> several hundred Lepidopterist that I know fit this description. Many that I
> know are professional's working for Museums, Universities and nature
> organizations. The study of Lepidoptera is a science.
> 
> NABA is an organization of butterfly watchers and gardeners. Although many
> share similar interest, some consider themselves to be Lepidopterists, most
> are watchers/observers.
> 
> The Fundamental difference between NABA and The Lepidopterists' Society is
> the science. As a result there is a divide between the two organizations that
> continues to widen as a result of NABA members. The destruction and taking of
> my bait traps contributed to the divide. The animosity between Lepidopterists
> and NABA members continues to grow.
> 
> I should be outraged at what happened to my traps. Since I posted the
> incident I have received several apologies for NABA members and from Jeff
> Glassberg. I even received a few e-mail messages that blamed me for the
> incident. Again I should be outraged at being blamed.
> 
> First, there is no law that prohibits the collecting of insects, including
> Lepidoptera, other that those insects receiving protection, whether federal,
> local and or personal. My trapping Lepidoptera is not restricted or illegal.
> My traps were on private property and I received permission from the property
> owner to trap and collect on the property. Nothing that I was doing was
> illegal. All the traps had my name and telephone number on the top of the
> trap.
> 
> Secondly, I provided a NABA member arranging the field trips a number of
> locations that they could visit in search of butterflies. I made this person
> aware that I had traps at several of these locations. Although I never
> suggested the removal of the traps prior to the field trip, I would have done
> so if requested. My interest was that those attending the field trips would
> enjoy seeing butterflies at these locations. I also understand that this
> person is extremely up-set as the result of the trap smashing incident.
> 
> Finally, to continue to pursue this matter will only deepen the divide
> between NABA and the Lepidopterists' Society. I willing accept the apologies
> offered. I have provided the names of the culprits who destroyed the traps to
> law enforcement (Please do not look for this incident on America's Most
> Wanted). Besides, I design and fabricate the traps. The loss is not mine. The
> real loser in this incident is NABA.
> 
> I have supported the Lepidopterists' Society since I first joined in 1970. I
> have also supported the Society financially. I was once a NABA member, but
> when the science that I love and the Society that I support came under attack
> by NABA members, I could no longer be a part of NABA. NABA contends that it
> is not opposed to collecting. They need to inform their members. I have
> attempted to help close the divide between the two organizations by offering
> my help where ever possible, even as the Editor of the Southern
> Lepidopterists' Society's newsletter. Eliminating the divide will advance the
> knowledge of Lepidoptera. I will not allow this incident to change my mind
> nor my goals. I refuse to throw any more dirt. I am better than that. My
> Grandmother had a saying that I hold true to this day; "What goes around,
> comes around". If the divide is to be closed, the ball is now in NABA's
> court. The next play is theirs.
> 
> The incident is finished and I think I have said enough.
> 
> Leroy C. Koehn
> 6085 Wedgewood Village Circle
> Lake Worth, FL 33463-7371
> Hm: 561-966-1655
> Cell: 561-301-4215
> E-mail: Leptraps at aol.com