accidental collecting

[Vr. Richard Bejsak-Colloredo-Mansfeld]

This is interesting message I like to know if in US or in YOUR country make
you problems if you accidentally collect specimen by using traps (light
traps, pit fall traps, sticky traps, malaise traps etc..).

Vratislav

----- Original Message -----
From: Phil Bunch <pbunch at CTS.COM>

 I would add a few comments. Some states, California for example, have
 laws and regulations that affect collecting.

 A web search for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) may turn
 up some useful information.  I work with these people on nearly a
 daily basis and you may be surprised at the pit falls.  There's a
 potential $50,000 fine and one year in jail for collecting a species
 listed as threatened or endangered by the Service. Critters have more
 protection than plants.  Endangered plants on private lands
 (non-federal) are not directly protected under the Endangered Species
 Act of 1973 (as revised).  If there is Federal nexus (funding ?), they
 may have a hook.

 In addition, the Service enforces the CITES treaty. There's a big hook
 in that one if you bring specimens across the border.  If you bring
 specimens in from Mexico they may (will?) require you to have a
 collecting permit from the Mexican government regardless of the status
 of the plant.  I know this from personal experience.

 I would be glad to communicate with the Service folks I work with and
 see if they could provide some input.

 Phil Bunch