Don't forget that the MD Department of Natural Resources will be at MARS. Usually those persons directly responsible for creating and enforcing the reptile regulations man the DNR table. This is a perfect time to let DNR officials know what you want from them, and what you (politely) think of DNR policy. The more that DNR hears from the public, the more educated they will be! Even if you live in another state, your voice can still make a difference - stop by and talk to the DNR reps.



As some of you might know, it is technically illegal to breed turtles in MD, even eastern box turtles! DNR is in the process of rewriting the 11-yr-old regulations, and CAN now rewrite those regs to include a breeders permit, thanks to a law that was passed two years ago. Please let your opinion be heard! Stop by and talk to a DNR official at MARS - they won't ask for your name or personal information while they are at MARS, so even though you are face to face with DNR, your comments are technically "annonymous". DNR really needs to here polite, educated, public comments. One person attempting to obtain a permit this year was told by a permits coordinator that box turtles are "difficult" to breed in captivity!



You can see the current MD regulaitons here:

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/captive.html



Katrina

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