(no subject)

Michael (IFMJC@ASUVM.INRE.ASU.EDU)
Wed, 29 Sep 1993 20:02:38 -0700 (MST)

On Wed, 29 Sep 93 15:58:49 -0700 Robert Allen said:
>
> Re: field collecting.
>
> I'd also point out that in areas of the Eastern US, bogs on private
> property are being destroyed. In such a case I'd rather see the
> plants collected than just let die. And to ask, or force, longtime
> property owners to assume the responsibility for the plants growing
> on their property is problematic in a free country.
>
> Then again, at least some Native Americans claim you can't "own"
> property....
>
> Deeeeeeeep Thooooooghts...
>
> R.

Some private land-owners in Texas (read "ranchers") have taken up in arms
and started their own society to prevent intrusion on their land. They are
worried that if botanists find any rare plants on their land (there are
several endangered cacti in SW Texas) the government may take away (purchase,
more likely) that part of land to protect the plants on it. To provent this,
this coalition maintains a "watchdog" policy to locate and deter trespassers
from their large tracts of land. Botanist have been harassed, assaulted, even
shot at. This also applies for zoologists, geologists, prospectors, anyone who
might discover something "interesting" out there.

Don't mess with Texas.

-Michael