Reptile & Amphibian Forums

As a PIJAC member I just got an email notice from them on the FWS Large Constrictor Ban. Following is their recommendation on responding to it.

Recommended Action.
We ask that you withhold submitting your comments until close to the April 30 deadline in order to allow PIJAC time to provide you with guidance and information that will help you prepare effective comments. PIJAC is currently engaging in meetings with the FWS and gathering information to assist you on this issue. Again, please note, that this is not a proposed rulemaking notice – it is only a notice to gather information, especially biological, on these particular snakes.

PIJAC is also undertaking an extensive literature search of peer-reviewed articles, lay magazines, and books to gather relevant information to respond to the questions raised by the FWS. Anyone who has copies of articles or other pertinent information on the biology of any of the species should send them to PIJAC at info@pijac.org AND to PIJAC’s Senior Science and Policy Advisor, Dr. Jamie K. Reaser pijacscience@nelsoncable.com. Dr. Reaser is compiling a database which PIJAC will use to develop a formal science-based response on behalf of the industry and hobbyists, as well as to provide guidance for people to use in crafting their comments.

Thirdly, PIJAC is conducting a survey of concerned members of the herpetoculture community and the industry to collect data to answer the questions posed by the FWS regarding numbers of breeders, animals sold, economic questions, etc. This information will be consolidated and presented as data summaries without identifying individuals supplying the information. The FWS is very aware of the concerns of many people about revealing their identity. If you are interested in providing herpetoculture data to PIJAC, please contact PIJAC at info@pijac.org.

All proprietary data (i.e. contributors’ identity, numbers of animals, financial data) will be treated as confidential information and will only be seen by PIJAC staff.
We urge you to review this notice carefully and consider the implications that could come as a result of listing any of these snakes as injurious wildlife. If you have further questions concerning this matter, please contact PIJAC’s Marshall Meyers by phone at 202-452-1525 or by email at mmeyers@pijac.org. Those who are not members of PIJAC and desire further information about membership may phone Nancy Knutson at 1-800-553-PETS (7387) or visit the PIJAC website at www.pijac.org.

Where to send your comments:
FWS will be receiving comments and other information on this issue until April 30, 2008. You may submit comments by one of the following methods:
• U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: RIN 1018-AV68,
Division of Policy and Directives Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Suite 222, Arlington, VA 22203; or • Website: www.regulations.gov (Follow instructions for submitting comments. In the “comments or submissions” box type in keyword: “injurious wildlife”. This should take you to the comment page.). FWS will not accept e-mail or faxes, and will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov.
This generally means that FWS will post any personal information you provide. For further information contact Erin Williams, Branch of Invasive Species at (703) 358-2034 or erin_williams@fws.gov.

I hope this helps,

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Albey Scholl
Albeys Too Cool Reptiles
Email Me

Albey,

This is the BEST post on the subject thus far.
Thank you for sharing this information with the forum.
I hope that you have cross posted this information in the other herp related forums of Kingsnake.com....as well as forums which may not be related to Kingsnake.com.

As herp enthusiasts, breeders, business owners, reptile food/ caging/ or supplies distributors and manufacturers...we will ALL be affected by any restrictions.
It is important that we stand as ONE in protection of our rights and to avoid restrictive legislation.

Regardless of what species of reptiles interest you....Joining PIJAC in a concerted effort to Properly Handle this "Ban" is our best strategy for protecting our rights.

I was also advised by other people, who are on the panel, to refrain from sending a letter until closer to the deadline.
(After April 15, 2008... but before April 30th 2008)

Following the lead of PIJAC will show more unity and will also protect our personal/financial information.

Albey,
Thank you again for posting this information.
Harlin Wall - WALL TO WALL REPTILES!
970-245-7611
970-255-9255

....I had been concerned that I had not seen anything from PIJAC thus far and was wondering what, if anything, they were doing to help. I am very pleased and impressed by this response and also agree that our best course of action is to follow the lead/direction of an organization like PIJAC.

Rob

I'd like to add that the best thing we all could do to help is to either join PIJAC or, if already a member, then send an additional contribution. Perhaps this will have the positive effect of waking up this community to the realization that we are already in the middle of a life-and-death fight.

And so far, we're losing.
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Brad Chambers

The Avalanche has already started-it is too late for the pebbles to vote....

Excellent job Abbey,
I had printed out the PIJAC app. form a few days ago but as a hobbyist I wasn't convinced what I would be getting for my money, thanks Abbey to your effort and this post, I will gladly send it in today and "put my money where my mouth is" and I encourage other small time hobbyist like me to do the same. I think this organization has a voice that will be heard by those that will listen. Nobody wants to listen to a "schizophrenic psycopath" like me whine and ramble
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