MBBRP - Initial Field Assessment

[Mark Walker]

A few comments on Anne's comments:

One of the problems with writing up a report using email is that it can be a
bit "hasty" (oh, to be an Ent).

Anne Kilmer wrote:

> According to Roger Hammer, per Dr. Robert Kelley, the Cardiospermum in
> the Keys is C. corindum, which is said to be native. Both Cardiospermums
> were planted in South America by Native Americans, used medicinally and
> as a potherb, and C. halicacabum is also found in the South Pacific.
> Like most garden plants, there are many cultivars and so you find a
> great deal of variability. John Calhoun tells us that the Miami Blue
> prefers large-fruited balloon vines.
> While, as John points out in another posting, there has been no direct
> effort at removal of this vine, people do have a prejudice against
> vines, whether weedy-looking or thorny, and in attempts to clean up
> public and private lands, they remove the vines so that shrubs and trees
> will flourish.

Actually, for the record, I had David review my post and the only change he
suggested was that he believed the Cardiospermum foodplant was actually C.
corindum rather than C. halicacabum.  In an attempt to validate this, I
referred to John Calhoun's paper and did a web search on the genus.  Based
on what I found, I chose to ignore David's recommendation.  I love the fact
that he turns out to be correct.  Thanks to all (including John Calhoun) who
have pointed this out.

> 
> But ... we did send such a letter to Fish and Wildlife. TILS sent a
> formal one, and I sent one as a private citizen.
> Did we need to send these letters to all governmental agencies involved?

All I know is that when the State of Florida received our application, they
had no idea of who or what our motivations were.  When they solicited a few
key experts, none had heard of us nor had knowledge of our mission.  I take
blame for this, too, as John made his recommendation to me personally back
in early May.

One thing is certain, however:  As a result of all of the hard work being
done in the keys by David Fine, many people are obtaining first hand
knowledge of the MBBRP and its grassroots based mission.  Doing things from
the bottom up is still better than not doing things.

Mark Walker.

 
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