From the Annapolis Capital June 24, 2006 Editorial

[Marguerite Whilden]

Marguerite Whilden

June 24, 2006 at 9:41 pm #23834

Our say: Editor_s notebook OUR TURTLES _ Perhaps it_s not surprising that the Department of Natural Resources_ proposed rules on the harvesting of diamondback terrapins are being criticized by both sides: Terrapin Institute leader Margaret Whilden and the president of the watermen_s association.What do you expect when a state agency is not only trying to steer a middle course between watermen and environmentalists, but is, in essence, trying to do it blindfolded? For, as an assistant director of the DNR_s fisheries service admitted in our story on Wednesday, reporting on the harvesting of terrapins __is not that great.__When you consider that the state has acknowledged the cultural importance of the terrapins to the extent of designating them the state reptile, our hazy knowledge of the extent and health of their population is disturbing.We don_t mind if DNR tightens its regulations on terrapin harvesting _ particularly if one goal is to improve record-keeping. The question is whether the rules are strict enough, and in accordance with a new law requiring DNR to come up with a terrapin management plan.DNR is soliciting input on its proposed regulations, and we hope those who feel strongly about them will send in their comments and consider going to the public hearing scheduled for the evening of July 10 at the Tawes State Office Building. The Terrapin InstituteP. O. Box 51Edgewater, MD 21037Voice 410 370 9171FAX 410 757 9268www.terrapininstitute.org “It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change.”

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