Re: Plant mapping

Michael.Chamberland (23274MJC@MSU.EDU)
Thu, 07 Mar 96 09:09 EST

> I agree with Andreas. You can't make an accurate, computerized
> location map without giving the most accurate information you have
> available, and you can't put it on the Web and then try to limit
> its access to people. If you're going to make a location map,
> make a GOOD one, and an EASILY ACCESSIBLE one - our bookshelves
> are already full of sketchy, incomplete, barely useful ones.
> I, for one, would love to see this type of map come into existence.

Perhaps we should explore the reasons why you and others want to see
such a map? I have not yet got a feel for the reason behind making
the map. True, you are not supposed to ask "why" primary science
is being done--but this is not primary science, not the the exploration
of new regions, just the organization of existing data.

Hobbyist would like to see the plants in their native habitat? That is
understandable. I am in favor of giving hobbyists a map of locations
which are being managed FOR visitation, ie. well protected park sites
with developed and accessable trails. I don't see "why" hobbyists need
a map of ALL known localities, especially if a map of protected accessable
sites is offered.

I agree that a detailed CP map could benefit conservation activity. But
if the map's availability would also increase visitation of the sites,
this works counter to conservation. If a mutually productive compromise
to this issue cannot be found, then I would suggest the map-makers
instead work on a map of Carex distribution. There are many rare spp.
of Carex too, but collection pressure is not an issue.

> - First, a nice textual speal about how habitats are threatened,
> etc., etc. and how we all (hobbyists, scientists, nurserymen)
> are responsible for protecting them.
> - Then, suggest that those who want their own plants, either for
> private or commercial use, have LOTS and LOTS of sources available
> that are much BETTER, EASIER and CHEAPER than collecting from the wild.
> Here, provide an additional database, AT LEAST AS ACCURATE,
> COMPLETE, EASILY-ACCESIBLE AND UP-TO-DATE AS THE LOCATION DATABASE,
> of sources for CP. This could include information such as:
>
> * Names and addresses of all known CP nurseries worldwide
> (including information about whether or not they field-collect!)
> * Private collectors who sell and trade their plants
> * Sources of CP growing supplies, books, etc.
> * All large and small-scale tissue-culture operations
> * Instructions for doing your OWN tissue culture
> * Sources of tissue-culture supplies
> * Seed sources
> * Instructions for germinating seeds successfully

These sound like good ideas, regardless of whether a detailed CP
map becomes available or not! I think this is what we are trying
to do here on the CP list and the CP FAQ files. I'm rather dubious
though that this will successfully deter all collectors, with or without
a detailed CP map. Even if our argument is %100 convincing, how many
potential collectors wish to educate themselves and read it?

Michael Chamberland