I just wanted to remind everyone that the new, ridiculous, and ill conceived Texas "White List" regulation goes into affect Saturday. This is a horrible regulation and we must not forget this especially since many in Texas seem to be only working on the road collection ban.
The "White List" is horribly flawed because:
1. It makes it illegal to sell captive born species that are NOT listed on the "White List". This prevents the establishment and growth of a captive "safety net" population.
2. It bans the sale of species that have little or no demand while allowing the sale of species that are highly exploited.
3. There is no data to support the "White List".
4. The "White List" puts a collection and possession limit of 6 on common species. This takes away our rights as citizens of the State of Texas to pursue our interests in these species for captive propagation purposes.
5. The "White List" will make it more difficult for researchers, educators and hobbyists to pursue their interests and work.
6. The "White List" was supposed to protect turtle species from over harvest yet hundreds of thousands of turtles can still be exported to China for food.
7. Matt Wagner and TPWD asked for this and they got it in spite of the will of the stakeholders. This new regulation only hurts hobbyists while the bulldozers of development can still keep killing everything in their path.
Mike Welker
El Paso, TX
OHI2007@elp.rr.com
