<div>-------- Original Message --------<BR>Subject: We desperately need your help!<BR>Date: Tue, 28 Feb 2006 13:47:28 -0500<BR>From: Edward "Chip" Wilson <<A href="http://us.f369.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=edwardpwilson@hotmail.com&YY=29241&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b"><FONT color=#003399>edwardpwilson@hotmail.com</FONT></A>><BR>T <BR> <BR>Hopefully, you have seen some of the recent newspaper articles about <BR>the Maryland Diamondback Terrapins being harvested and sent out of state <BR>and out of the country to serve as cheap ingredients in soup bowls around <BR>the country.<BR> <BR>Perhaps you didn't realize how slowly these species populate and grow, <BR>and how desperately low our remaining population here in Maryland is.<BR> <BR>Incredibly, in spite of being the state reptile and University of <BR>Maryland mascot, nothing is being done to stop their harvest here in <BR>Maryland, and they can be taken in unlimited numbers
nine months of the <BR>year. Amazingly the harvest is allowed to target the pregnant females <BR>who are dredged up in when helpless in winter, from the bottom of the <BR>bay and rivers, by mechanized drag harvesters. The females are 4 times <BR>larger than the males and bring as much as $3.50 at wholesale.<BR> <BR>The population has already crashed once this century and had only <BR>recently been on the mend. As soon as we have enough to make them a <BR>target, we go back full speed to wiping them out again. The Asian <BR>markets know we have them now, and harvesting pressures are sending the <BR>tiny population back into oblivion at a critical rate! The DNR does not <BR>even require reporting on their taking.<BR> <BR>I am a Director and Trustee member of the Terrapin Institute in <BR>Maryland. After many years of effort, we have a House bill, HB 980 <BR>introduced in the Maryland House of delegates to ban the harvesting of <BR>these creatures until such time as we can at least
determine their <BR>numbers and set sustainable harvest rates. The unregulated and <BR>unlimited harvest of our dwindling population, including pregnant females, MUST <BR>STOP.<BR> <BR>The Environmental Matters Committee of the Maryland House of delegates <BR>is having a hearing on this measure this coming Wednesday March 8th at <BR>1 PM.<BR> <BR>I am writing to ask that a member of your organization appear and <BR>support this measure. I can provide all of the background information <BR>necessary for your testimony to be accurate and valuable.<BR> <BR>Please contact me so that we can arrange to work hand in hand on this <BR>important and critical goal.<BR> <BR>I also enclose a copy of a letter I sent to some of the legislators, <BR>that provides more information on this cause.<BR> <BR>Our website is :<BR> <BR>www.savetheterrapin.org <<A href="http://www.savetheterrapin.org/" target=_blank><FONT color=#003399>http://www.savetheterrapin.org</FONT></A>> and
<BR>www.terrapininstitute.org <<A href="http://www.terrapininstitute.org/" target=_blank><FONT color=#003399>http://www.terrapininstitute.org</FONT></A>><BR> <BR>Thank you,<BR> <BR>Edward "Chip" Wilson<BR>301-261-1919<BR> <BR><BR>*HELP SAVE THE MARYLAND DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN!*<BR><BR>I am a supporter of Margaret Whilden and the Terrapin Institute of <BR>Shadyside Maryland, and a financial supporter of that organization. I <BR>am an avid nature lover, Maryland patriot and lifelong resident.<BR><BR>I am writing today, because we very much need your help. Without it, <BR>there has been no progress in a decade, and this topic needs YOUR <BR>capable leadership skills. There is little time left. We need your help <BR>to save the Maryland Diamondback Terrapin!<BR><BR>Keeping the dwindling Maryland Diamondback Terrapins out of stock pots <BR>has recently received widespread reporting in local press as well as AP <BR>National coverage. perhaps you saw the articles about three tagged
<BR>Maryland Diamondback Terrapins winding up for sale in a seafood market <BR>in New York.<BR><BR>See AP story from Washington Times:<BR><BR><A href="http://washingtontimes.com/upi/20060122-105108-2033r.htm" target=_blank><FONT color=#003399>http://washingtontimes.com/upi/20060122-105108-2033r.htm</FONT></A><BR><BR>See Washington Post article<BR><BR><A href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/21/AR2006012101439.html" target=_blank><FONT color=#003399>http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/21/AR2006012101439.html</FONT></A><BR><BR>See Chicago Tribune story:<BR><BR><A href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0601250128jan25,1,1527963.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed" target=_blank><FONT color=#003399>http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0601250128jan25,1,1527963.story?coll=chi-newsnationworld-hed</FONT></A><BR><BR>Albany Times Union:<BR><BR><A
href="http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=435686&category=REGIONOTHER&BCCode=HOME&newsdate=1/3/2006" target=_blank><FONT color=#003399>http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=435686&category=REGIONOTHER&BCCode=HOME&newsdate=1/3/2006</FONT></A> <BR><BR>Link for the Maryland Diamondback Terrapin Institute website:<BR><BR><A href="http://www.terrapininstitute.org/" target=_blank><FONT color=#003399>http://www.terrapininstitute.org/</FONT></A><BR><BR>Sadly, our Maryland Diamondback Terrapins have been discovered by <BR>foreigners, and our tiny stock of Maryland Diamondback Terrapins are <BR>being taken in large numbers, sadly, because the Asians believe that <BR>eating our Maryland Diamondback Terrapins promotes longevity. While it <BR>likely won't make the Asians live any longer, it certainly is fast <BR>shortening the lives of our unprotected Maryland Diamondback Terrapin <BR>stocks, and may soon wipe it out completely before we even
know it was <BR>happening!<BR><BR>In addition to the stories cited above, there were many many more <BR>printed in newspapers across the country. How bad does this make us <BR>look, that our tagged research animals have *zero* protection, and our <BR>state government allows them to be removed wholesale without protection <BR>and sold throughout the country and overseas. There are more stories <BR>being written now, as I write you.<BR><BR>Incredibly, there is *NO* reporting requirements for the harvests, <BR>breeding and pregnant females are taken almost exclusively because they <BR>are larger and heavier, there is no definitive understanding of what <BR>population of Terrapins may now remain, no known level of sustainable <BR>harvest, no limit on numbers or taking of this beautiful and <BR>beleaguered species, and zero effective protections for them.<BR><BR>The Terrapin Institute studies of the Chesapeake Bay Maryland <BR>Diamondback Terrapin populations and takings, indicate a
critical <BR>pressure on the Terrapin population. In some of their recent market <BR>purchases from harvesters, as many as 20% of the terrapins purchased <BR>were previously tagged by Ms. Whilden and the Terrapin Institute <BR>volunteers!!! Given that they have tagged only 3,000 animals, this <BR>indicates a precarious and tine remaining population of Terrapins <BR>already!!!! <BR><BR>The Baltimore Sun is working on a story now, and Chesapeake Bay <BR>magazine is also writing one right now. Many many more will follow as the <BR>animals wind up in soup markets around the country. There is a groundswell of <BR>support already in place to save this endearing and namesake reptile <BR>that only lives here in the Chesapeake Bay region. The evidence is <BR>clear that our little studied population of Maryland Diamondback Terrapins is <BR>under severe pressure and will have a population crash (like so may <BR>other commercial Chesapeake Bay denizens before them) if we do not move
<BR>decisively now!<BR><BR>The press is all pro Maryland Diamondback Terrapin, and anyone who <BR>supports this measure is seen in a very positive Maryland patriotic and <BR>environmental supporter. There is NO significant opposition of any <BR>kind!<BR><BR>There should be ZERO opposition to a measure to establish a moratorium, <BR>or even a permanent ban on the taking of mature female Maryland <BR>Diamondback Terrapins. You may find it interesting to note that *ONLY* <BR>large, mature females are taken by the commercial fishery! A ban would <BR>not be of any great economic consequence however, as there are fewer <BR>than ten total watermen harvesting these terrapins, and total annual <BR>income is estimated in total, to be a paltry $30,000 -$50,000 per year <BR>for all harvesters combined!!!! Can we afford to lose our State <BR>namesake and such a precious natural resource and asset for that measly sum of <BR>money?!<BR><BR>The Terrapin Institute and their financial
supporters are prepared to <BR>use private funds to buy out the commercial fishery, and strike an <BR>agreement to pay the current harvesters and wholesalers, in return for <BR>their agreement to the moratorium and support of the harvesting ban. <BR>This would bring Maryland into line with the bans already in place in <BR>the State of Virginia, and ensure the survival of the Maryland <BR>Diamondback Terrapin, at least until a study can be made as to the <BR>numbers of Maryland Diamondback Terrapins remaining and safe <BR>maintainable harvests!<BR><BR>But the public sentiment is vastly in favor of a ban, and few want to <BR>see this Maryland namesake in the stew pot!<BR><BR>Governor Glendening was supportive, but lacked the commitment or <BR>leadership skills to affect the necessary changes. In 2001, by <BR>Executive Order, Governor Glendening convened a task force to advise the <BR>management authority on the conservation of the diamondback <BR>terrapin. The executive order
specified the diversity of the task <BR>force to include a teacher, a student, a waterman, an animal welfare <BR>specialist, a scientist, a habitat specialist, a Senator, and a <BR>Delegate. Never before had such a diverse group of people sat down <BR>together to discuss a commercial fishery resource. The new <BR>participants were deliberate and thorough, investigating historical records and <BR>challenging modern data. <BR><BR>The Diamondback Terrapin Task Force identified the unregulated <BR>commercial harvest of the Diamondback Terrapin as the primary detriment <BR>to preserving and restoring abundant populations of this species. _The <BR>Task Force therefore concluded that until the science could be <BR>developed to substantiate a sustainable commercial harvest__, a moratorium should <BR>be placed on the harvest_.<BR><BR>Since that time, no moratoriums have passed, and no significant or <BR>effective conservation
measures have been taken or passed. The Terrapin <BR>population has plummeted. The taking of our Terrapins has increased <BR>more than 400%, and shows signs of being on a permanent increase! We have <BR>run out of time. We must act NOW!<BR><BR>Supporting these needed conservation measures would produce a landslide <BR>of positive publicity for you and your office if you were to join us <BR>in this movement. Our organization can guarantee positive press in the <BR>Washington Post, Baltimore Sun, Capital newspapers, and other <BR>influential publish periodicals and magazines.<BR><BR>We would like to get something passed by the current legislature.<BR><BR>This measure is also seen as fiscally responsible. Whereas rebuilding a <BR>dozen nesting sites and beaches cost millions of dollars, the <BR>protection we envision will accomplish MUCH more, and at a ZERO cost to the State <BR>of Maryland. The buy out of the fishery will be completely privately <BR>funded.<BR><BR>Given the broad
public support, the lack of any opponents to such a <BR>measure, the positive press that will surely follow, and the <BR>satisfaction of permanently saving the MARYLAND DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN in <BR>your resume, we would ask that you join us this season and help us pass <BR>this popular and needed legislation.<BR><BR>We would like to have it in place to announce on Maryland Terrapin Day <BR>in February.<BR><BR>This measure and program needs you most urgent and immediate <BR>participation and input! Please contact me at 410-269-9999, or the <BR>Terrapin Institute at 410-370-9171.<BR><BR>We look forward to making this proposal a win win solution for everyone <BR>including the watermen, saving the badly beleaguered Maryland <BR>Diamondback Terrapin, and producing positive widespread local and <BR>national press coverage for your office in a VERY positive light!<BR><BR>Thank you,<BR><BR>*Edward Wilson*<BR><BR>*410-269-9999*<BR><BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>-- <BR><BR>Laurel Imlay
<BR>Sierra Club Maryland Chapter Staff <BR>Suite 101A <BR>7338 Baltimore Ave. <BR>College Park, MD 20740 <BR>301-277-7111 301-277-6699fax <BR><A href="http://us.f369.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=laurel.imlay@sierraclub.org&YY=29241&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b"><FONT color=#003399>laurel.imlay@sierraclub.org</FONT></A> <BR><A href="http://maryland.sierraclub.org/" target=_blank><FONT color=#003399>http://maryland.sierraclub.org/</FONT></A> <BR></div><BR><BR><DIV>
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