[Geckomander]

A person I know by the name of David, posted this video about something called Catx.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR3biK_CdXg


It talks about a very grim possibility of an amphibian and reptile ban.(You can find the page here)
RED ALERT: Catx Deadline July 31st at Midnight! | United States Herpetoculture Alliance

So, my question is, has anyone else heard about this? Should we take this seriously?

(I apologize if someone has already made a thread about this)

 

[Geckomander]

I just realized I posted this in the wrong Category So if any mods read this feel free to delete it or move it, sorry

 

[Rusty_Shackleford]

I guess you missed this thread
http://www.dendroboard.com/forum/ge...sfws-categorical-exclusion-amphibian-ban.html

Not much good to post about it now as the time for public comments is past. Aug. 1, was the deadline.

 

[OrangeTyrant]

The deadline has been extended to September 30th, 2013 please still take action - follow the link below. It IS important and should be taken seriously.

USFWS Categorical Exclusion | USARK

 

[Geckomander]

Thanks I didn't know if they got the extension or not. Sorry I didn't see that post.

 

[southsider81]

This is a bill that has taken several different forms for at least 7 years. Every year two congressmen/women, one from florida the other ?, fight for this bill. They have lost every time and every year they rewrite the bill so that it has a chance of going through. Their are organizations that lobby for the reptile/amphibian enthusiasts like USARK and another one I can't remember right now. If you want to help the best thing to do is keep up to date on the votes and call your local congressperson and in a kind professional statement tell them that you're a member of their district and that you don't support said bill. Encourage others to do the same and/or give $ to organizations that help. That's the best you can do.

 

[Ed]

It's not quite what the "Herp Alliance" is making it out to be..

Okay, I found the information on the USFWS website and I don't think it means what Herp Alliance is claiming...
See
News release http://www.fws.gov/home/newsroom/listing_process_for_injurious_speciesBN07012013.html
http://www.fws.gov/injuriouswildlife/catex.html
and then http://elips.doi.gov/ELIPS/DocView.aspx?id=1739 for clarification

No where in the information is anything indicating that any herps are on the specific target list and appears to be a streamlining of the procedures to comply with NEPA and in fact the categorical exclusions have been in routine use since the 1970s..... So while in theory it could be used to attack the herp trade in some way, I don't think it is actually aimed at that in the specifics (as claimed by Herp Alliance ... ).

People should comment on it but since it is effectively mandated by NEPA, it is going to happen... so people should slant their comments on how it should be implemented or regulated or decisions appealed....

Some comments

Ed