RE: Michigan CP sites

Michael.Chamberland (23274MJC@MSU.EDU)
Mon, 10 Jul 95 11:30 EDT

> It was with interest that I read the report on the recent visit to the
> Monmorency CO. cp site, especially since it was being compared with what Fre
> Case had written about the area in the '50s.
> I made a copy and gave it to Fred on Sunday. I will see if he will give me
> his impressions that I can give to the group. One thing was VERY apparent i
> talking with him. He regrets using specific directions to these areas in hi
> papers and books. According to him many of these areas are now being "raped
> of the plants".
>
> this brings up a point that has bothered me. How wise is it to give specifi
> directions to these areas over the net? Sure I believe that most of the
> individuals in this group are here because they love the plants and want to
> help them survive both in cultivation and in the wild, but what about the fe
> who might be lurking in the hopes of just such directions so that they can
> exploit it. I am thinking specifically of those areas which are visited
> infrequently.

I was concerned about giving out exact locations regarding my trip, and
so for the discussion of Drosera and Pinguicula I tried to describe the
general habitat without mentioning specific bays or harbors where I
found the plants.

For the Sarracenia purpurea f. heterophylla I was a bit more specific
about location because, as you mention, that locality has already
been published.

I certainly think it is a good idea not to publicize sites on the electronic
forum. I'll probably give specific site information only to people whom
I know and trust won't collect.

Of course this raises another bigger issue. I think that seeing plants alive
in their habitat is the best way for people to appreciate both. However, too
much visitation (even without any collecting) will trample fragile habitats.
It is interesting that the Kirtland Warbler habitat around Montmorency
Co. is being publicisized to help public understanding, even with the
potential risk of greater disturbance to the birds.

Michael Chamberland