Vol. 23 (2003), No. 2

Board of Directors

Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church Street Southeast, Minneapolis Minnesota 55455-0104

President

Randy Blasus

952.925.4237

reblas@msn.com Vice President

Tony Gamble

763.424.2803 tgamble@allbl.com

The

s

Minnesota

o

c

Herpetological •

1

e

t

y

Recording Secretary

Barb Buzicky

612-916-7575 zzzbuzzi@aoLcom

Membership Secretary

Nancy Hakomaki galorgal@boxfrog.com

651.631.1380

MHS We bpage: http.l/www.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/Main.html MHS Group Email: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/mnherosoc.

Voice Mail: 612.624.7065

Treasurer 952.925.4237."",,~_. ._ _......._ _..._

Marilyn Blasus

..._ _ _ _ _ _. ._ . . . ._ ..._ . ._ . . . ._ _ _ _....

blaSlls@msn.com

February 200a

Newsletter Editor

Bill Moss

651.488.1383

mngatorguy@msn.com Members at Large

Heather Clayton

651.291.2546 hee{huh@aoLcom Brian Ingbrelson 763.572.0487 Ingelizard@yahoo.com Philip Woutat 952.924.9128 pmwoutat@yahoo.com Heather Ingbretson 763.572.0487 h_lngbretson@yahoo.com Immediate Past President Jodi L. Aherns 612.588.9329 groundgeckofreak@yahoo.com

Committees Adoplion Sarah Richard

612.781.9544 RealSarah@ao1.com

Education Jan Larson

Volume 2a

Number 2

The Purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is to: • Further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphibians; • Educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; • Promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

The Minnesota Herpetological Society is a non· profit, tax·exempt organization.

Membership is open to all individuals with an interest in amphibians and reptiles. The Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly to provide its members with information concerning the society's activities and a rnedia for exchanging information, opinions and resources.

General Meetings are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the S1. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota, on the first Friday of each month (unless there is a holiday . conflict). The meeting starts at 7:00prn and lasts about three hours. Please check the MHS Voice mail for changes in schedules or cancellations.

507.263.4391 Jan.skunkhoHow@juno.com

Northern Minnesota Jeff Korbel

218.586.2588

Library Beth Girard

763.691.1650 bglrard@worldnet.att.nel

Webmaster Anke Reinders theMHSwebmaster@yahoo.com

Herp Assistance Amphibians Greg Kvanbek John Meltzer John MOriarty

651.388.0305 763.263.7880 651.482.8109

Chameleons Vern & Laurie Grassel

763-428-4625

Crocodilians Jeff Lang Bifl Moss

701.772.0227 651.488.1383

lizards Nancy Halg Heather Matson

763.434.8684 612.554.8446

Large Boas P¥lllims Tina Cisewski

612.856.2865

Other Snakes Jeff Leclere John Meltzer

651.488.6388 763.263.7880

Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John Levell

763.753.0218 507.467.3076

Terrestrial IU[jles Fred Bosman John Level!

763.476.0306 507.467.3076

Submissions to the Newsletter Ads or Notices must be submitted no later than the night of the General Meeting to be included in the next issue. Longer articles will be printed as time and space allows and should be in electronic file format if possible. The business card rate is $5/month.

Submissions may be sent to: -orThe Minnesota Herpetological Society Bill Moss Attn: Newsletter Editor 75 Geranium Ave East Bell museum of Natural History Saint Paul, MN 55117 -or10 Church S1. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104 mngatorguy@msn.com

Copyright 2003, Minnesota Herpetological Society. Except where noted, contents may be reproduced for nonprofit, non-commercial use only. All material must be reproduced without change. Proper credit will be gIven including the author/photographer and the MHS NewsleUer citing: volume, number and date.

The Newsletter of the fv1inncsola HCI1)ctological Society

The Vice-president's Report

By Tony Gamble

February General Meeting Friday, February 7 th , 2003, 7:00 PM Program: There's a New Herpetologist in Town!

Guest Speaker: Anthony Steyermark The Minnesota herp community has a new addition. Anthony Steyermark was recently hired as an assistant professor in the Department of Biology at the University of st.

Fcbru:u)' 2003

Volume 23

(Che/ydra serpentina). He is also interested in the effects of geography on egg composition. Dr. Steyermark's earlier research investigated thermoregulatory physiology and conservation biology of leatherback sea turtles (Oermochelys coriacea). Part of this work involved giving former turtle egg poachers jobs as tour guides in Costa Rica. These guides lead paying tourists to see nesting sea turtles along the beach. This innovative community involvement in conservation has subsequently reduced egg poaching on these beaches. Finally, Dr. Steyermark is editing the book "Biology of the Snapping Turtle" (with Ronald J. Brooks and Michael Finkler) to be published by Smithsonian Press.

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to the new herper on the block.

Upcoming Meetings: Friday, March 7th , 2003 - The Annual White Snake Sale

Support Your Newsletter We had a lot of great contributions to the newsletter in 2002 and I want to say thank you to those of you who contributed. It makes me feel proud when I am reading other newletters and I see that they are using our material.

The newsletter is just like anything else in the MHS, a completely volunteer based activity (mostly me). It takes a lot of time to publish but I don't mind doing it, except, it takes double or triple the effort to have to hunt down content and graphics.

We need your assistance in developing original content for the newsletter.

I know there is a lot of expertise out there in the MHS that could provide articles on everything from personal herp related human interest stories to species specific care in captivity articles to field herping and natural history.

How about it. ยง

Photo Contest Reminder Common Snapping 10rtIe (Chelydra serpentina)

Thomas in SI. Paul. His current research has looked at the effects of matemity and incubation temperature on individual snapping turtles Cover: Blandings Turtle (Emydoldea blandingii

photo by Tony Gamble

Dr. Steyermark's talk will focus on some of his past research as well as a preview to what he will be doing in the future at St. Thomas. Don't miss this opportunity to introduce yourself

Your photos and artwork are due at the February meeting unless other arraingement are made. For more information about the catagories call Nancy Hakomaki 651.631.1380 or Bill Moss 651.341.2093. ยง Page 3

The Newsleuer of the n'linnesota HCJ1letological Society

February 2003

Volume 23

Number 2

News, Notes & Announcements 2002 Holiday Banquet

February Adoption Report

by Gordon Merck, Chairperson

by Sarah Richard

Thanks to all for another great banquet! A good attendance of 57 people and lots of good food. We all enjoyed Bill Love's 2nd presentation of the weekend.

The year started off with a bang. 14 animals came in and $150 was raised for the adoption fund. (We only had 4 last year in January) The list follows below:

It was again a team effort. I could not do it without all your help!

Special thanks to Marilyn Blasus for arranging the room, screen and projector rental. Heather Matson for the great photos we raffled, and Nancy Hakomaki for framing them.

Thanks to Bill Moss and Marilyn Blasus for bringing the beverages, Nancy and Bruce Haig for donating supplies and raffle items for the kids. Thanks to Tony Gamble for once again arranging for a great speaker.

Thanks to Heather Clayton, Heather and Brian Ingbretson, Fred and Liz Bosman, Jodi Aherns, Ken and Jody Holmstrom, Jim Hoffman and everyone else who helped out with the setup and teardown.

3 Iguana's Red eared slider Lrg Leopard Gecko Gecko, Bibrons Lizard, Curly tail Cham, Jackson's Uromastix Boa Armadillo lizard Rainbow Ameiva Leopard Gecko Ball Python

The Adoption program serves a number of (I think) important purposes. First and foremost, it does act as a safe haven for animals that would be disposed of in other, not so humane ways. Secondly, it is one of the reasons a lot of people join the society. While those of us who have been members for years tend to get a little tired of and perhaps embarrassed by the numbers of animals that come in the new members are excited by the program. And last and probably the most important is the education that goes on as part of the program. On Intake day, I open my home to Vet school students who have what is often their only opportunity to get hands on experience with reptiles.

We have several up and coming vets who this program has really helped. Without the willingness of the society as a whole to help month after month with all these animals I couldn't do this job. Thank you all!

I want to express my thanks to the people who adopt these often ill and pretty sorry looking animals.

Sometimes, when I am rescuing animals, like the 2 boas that were found ยง in a dumpster yesterday-yep folks a dumpster in Minnesota, in January, I get pretty discouraged. Then I think. January Raffle Donors If this sounds like something you of the excitement of a little boy getwould like to do, I would be willing ting an animal of his own, and I think Thanks to the following for their to let someone else try it, other- of how I felt the first time I "won" an generous donations to the raffle wise, we'll see you next year!

Iguana.

Marilyn and Randy Blasus It's really interesting to me watching January Critter of the the trends over the years. 10 years Jan Andreasen ago we had huge arguments over 2 white snake figures Month Iguanas, who got them, not who had to take them! 5 years ago Boas were Tony Gamble Those listed below brought ani- really prized. Now, if we didn't Papers mals to show us. charge $25 to take them we would be hip deep. I suspect that this year John and Connie Levell Jim Gerholdt we will see many more Beardeds Turtles Calendar Leopard Gecko and Leopard Geckos coming available. ยง Page 4

The Newsletter of the l'vliullcsqta HCl1)clolo.l::,rical Society

February 2003

Volume 23

January Speaker Review

By Barbara Buzicky

Guest Speaker: Ron Tremper Program: Reptile Ranching at the Center for Reptile and Amphibian Propogation Ron Tremper comes to us from Central Texas from a much warmer climate. He said he experienced a slight chill from our weather, but he was glad the temperature was above zero rather than below. He said that he really enjoyed the enthusiasm of our members as he talked with many of them after his talk. The number of members who come to our meetings also impressed him.

Ron runs a commercial breeding operation on his 50 acres of land in Texas. In 1993, he build a 9,200 square foot structure which includes an insect room, breeding area, animal holding areas, and his personal living quarters. The design of his building resembles a Roman Numeral Three. Ron's insect room measures 12 ft. by 45 ft. where he raises his own insects as he feeds 180,000 per week to his animals. He incorporates crickets, meal worms, superworms, and Madagascar cockroaches. By feeding all these insects, the animals are provided with a balanced and nutritional diet. His insects are feed with a farm animal mash which is normally used to feed nursing pigs. This mash is packed full of nutrients for successfully gut loading the insects along with having the powder on their bodies.

He uses a unique set up to provide his animals with natural rays by having the cages lined up in front of huge double garage doors that face south. These can be opened and closed providing periect heat and lighting. His cages are rectangular aquariums standing end up side by side. In 2002, his commercial operation sent 10,000 animals "out the door."

Ron breeds bearded dragons, many types of geckos, and chameleons. He has some gray banded king snakes and sulcatta tortoises. One of the tortoises is infamously named "Butt Head" from you guessed it. He does say that these tortoises are pretty destructive so he has them in reinforced cement pens.

Ron's operation is very well organized and operates like clockwork.

He has a very efficient system for every part of the operation. He even has studied tortoise egg laying behavior, and he has it down to a science. He tricks the female into laying her eggs by the tortoise ending up resting on an upside down bucket. He watches their behavior very closely as he cannot afford to miss an egg laying opportunity. Further, he has specially designed laying chambers for all his other animals. He showed many slides to illustrate his systems.

Last but not least, Ron broken new ground in his breeding program by breeding new morphs of leopard geckos on the market today which includes jungle, striped, giant, and albino phases of the leopard

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gecko. All these words describe the patterns that have come about from his numerous generations of breeding. He also has developed programs and methods to captive breed lizards and frogs.

Overall, Ron showed many slides of his operation and his animals.

They were quite spectacular. He runs a very large commercial operation very successfully, and he can be located on the WEB at leopardgecko.com. There are some books that he has co-authored about gecko and chameleons. Be sure to get a copy to learn about his methodology for reptile and amphibian propagation. ยง

January Board Meeting Review

by Barbara Buzicky

Board Members present: Randy Blasus, Tony Gamble, Marilyn Brooks Blasus,Barbara Buzicky, Nancy Hakomaki, Bill Moss, Heather Clayton, Brian Ingbretson, Heather Ingbretson, Philip Woutat, Jodi Aherns Non-Board Members present: Nancy Haig, Jeff LeClere, Sean Hewitt, Michelle Hewitt This board meeting was held on Saturday, January 4, 2002 at 6:00 PM. All members of MHS are invited to attend these meetings.

(.....board - continued on page 15) Page 5

The Ncwsleuer of the Minnesota Hcrpetolol-,ricai Society

February 2003

Volume 23

Number 2

LONG ..... LIVED WANDERERS:

MINNESOTAIS BLANDINGS TURTLES

by Jeffrey IN. Lang Professor of Biology, University of North Dakota

its own unique code and a radio frentent on tracking the quency that identified it. beeping radio signal, I stumbled over a This female had roamed for miles Blandings turtle buried in throughout the surrounding wetknee-deep mud. It was a lands ever since mid-April when warm, clear day in mid- floodwaters washed her out of last October 2001 along the Weaver winters retreat. In June, she nested bottoms of the Mississippi River, a quarter mile away, as she had the south of Kellogg in southeastem previous year. Her nests were in the Minnesota. Morning sun filtered nearby uplands known as Weaver onto yellow, orange, and red leaves Dunes, a relic sand prairie protected submerged in a side channel depression.

The tiny pool was 50 feet across, and only waistdeep. The 9inch, 3-pound female that I had just tripped over was already dormant, waiting for winter to set in. I pried her gently from her mucky refuge.

After a quick rinse in the clear, chilly sur- Blandings Turtle (Emydoidea blandingiij face water, the turtles code appeared, notched along the margin as a natural area. By now, the surof her shell. I could also see the viving hatchlings had small radio transmitter, with its trail- already made their long treks into ing antenna, glued to the side of her the adjacent wetlands. In her presshell. Each turtle I was tracking had ent location, the female I found was Page 6

only several hundred feet from the spot where she had overwintered last year. Three more marked turtles, two males and another female, were also located in this tiny pool.

When I first approached, a male and female were bobbing at the surface, oblivious to intruders, and quite intent on mating.

Knowing more about the seasonal activities and locations of these threatened turtles is helping us understand how to manage and protect them in the habitats they need to survive.

Since the spring of 1 9 9 9 ,

together with colleagues and volunI've teers, measured and marked several thousand adults and nearly a hundred juveniles in and around Weaver Dunes. Our recent project is a follow-up to earlier studies begun more than a quarter century ago when some of these same turtles

The Newsletter of the "Minnesota Herpetological Society

were first marked. Already, this longterm research effort has not only produced new scientific insights, but

FebI1l:IlY 2003

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Blandings turtles live in this complex mosaic of river bottoms, open marshes, and rolling sand hills than anywhere else on Earth.

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marked more than 40 turtles and followed half a dozen outfitted with radio transmitters each season for the past three years.

They have learned that local Blandings turtles frequent ditches and restored wetlands, as well as natural wetlands around area ponds and lakes. These students have been particularly interested in understanding how well these turtles cope with changing environments.

In Minnesota, the species distribution is spotty, and is limited to the mid-central and southern regions.

Blandings turtles are currently known from scattered localities in Turtle environments are changing, the southwest and especially closer to the Twin Cities. southeast comers of Blandings turtles have been radio higlh-clorrled shape of this species is evident the state. North of the tracked at the Carlos Avery WMA metro, populations and at the Cedar Creek Natural in this photograph have been studied History Area. In Marget Lake WMA, also has provided information around Baxter near Brainerd, and at turtles moved in response to water essential for the conservation of Camp Ripley near Little Falls, near draw downs in managed wetlands.

Blandings turtles here as well as at Elk River, and close to Monticello. At Turtle telernetry has also been carother localities across Minnesota. Lake Maria State Park, naturalist ried out at the Warner Nature Center of the Science Museum of Recognized by its bright yellow Mark Crawford has throat and shy, docile demeanor, the marked turtles and he and volun- Minnesota, and in Crosby Park by Blandings turtle has a domed shell teers monithe size and shape of an army hel- tor nesting met. Essentially a north temperate every year. species, it prefers marshes and An informaswamps throughout eastern and tion kiosk at central North America. Most popula- the park tions are small and fragmented, and informs visiconsequently considered to be tors about either threatened or endangered. B I and i n g s Sizable numbers still persist only in turtle habits Michigan, Wisconsin, and and habiMinnesota, where the species tats.

At reaches its northwestern range limit near Brainerd. An exceptionally large population, estimated at more than 5,000 turtles, inhabits the Weaver bottoms, the site of our recent studies. This area, long famous for its abundant wildlife, is a Meadowvale patchwork of wetlands and uplands in Sherburne County, summer stu- the staff at the Como Zoo. Longlocated on public and private lands. dents guided by Elk River High term tracking studies, spanning Some researchers claim that more School teacher Mike Niziolek have almost two decades, have been Page 7

The Newsletter of the l\'lillllcsota Helvetological Society

underway at Crow-Hassan and other metropolitan county parks. In these localities, Blandings turtles

typically use the same wetlands and uplands year after year, but move often and sometimes over distances of several miles. At Elm Creek, according to naturalist Madeleine Linck of Hennepin County Parks, some turtles move off the 4,900-acre reserve onto private land to nest each year. Elsewhere in the metro, wandering turtles are typically relocated by park personnel to safer, less developed areas, including the many county parks. But, some parks are simply not big enough for the wideranging, long-term resident Blandings turtles that live in some parts of the greater Twin Cities area.

Blandings turtles even live near the site of the Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant.

Febl1lal), 2003

11 inches. In fact, everywhere else Blandings turtles occur, they are 10 to 15 percent smaller than the ones living in central Minnesota. Why these turtles are so large remains a mystery.

Blandings turtles are especially long-lived, and have recently been the subjects of research aimed at understanding how and why animals age.

Contrary to predictions based on the notion of senescence, older turties out-reproduce younger ones. Older females lay more eggs more often, and more of their offspring survive, in comparison with younger females. These findings are the result of more than 26 years of longterm research by Justin Congdon, an ecologist working with a marked population in Michigan.

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Minnesota live and reproduce for 20 to 40 years or more.

For a species like the Blandings turtie, in which individuals range wideIy for miles across wetlands and uplands, undoubtedly the most significant direct threat to their survival is road mortality. Busy roads pose insurmountable barriers for traveling turtles. In the race with fast-moving vehicles, Blandings turtles rarely win.

How might turtles cross roads safeIy? Underpasses and culverts beneath roadways are obvious solutions, but how can we design effective crossings that turtles and other wildlife will use? Few studies have tackled this issue. Since we were handling hundreds of turtles as part of our study at Weaver Dunes,

~>~~.路;.2

He concludes that performance and survival do not decline with These Blandings turtles use a or."II<'U" age, and con- cross under a roadway.

Minnesota boasts not only the oldest Blandings turtle on record-a sequently, female at least 77 years old from evolution favors longevity in this some simple experiments have proChisago County, but also the largest species. In fact, Blandings turtles vided possible answers. When we individual on record-a male caught are long-life specialists, but even the caught traveling turtles intent on and released recently in Wright familiar painted turtles and snapping nesting in our drift fences, we reroutCounty with a shell length just over turtles that are common across ed some by giving them choices of Page 8

The Newsletter

or the Ivlillnesota Hel1}ctological Socicty

culverts of different sizes and shapes to crawl through. Turtles readily entered and moved through large culverts 3 to 4 feet in diameter and long enough to span a county road.

Further research will be needed to design landscaping and fencing to lead animals under-rather than across-roads and to decide where to locate underpasses.

In these experiments, turtles moved overland through strategically placed culverts. In our previous studies of Blandings turtles at various sites in Minnesota, all of the turtles we tracked spent most of their time in and around water. In large wetlands, individuals tended to move around more often and over greater distances than did those living in smaller wetlands. Since most aquatic turties prefer to remain in the water rather than venture onto land where they are vulnerable, turtles would likely remain in the water as long as possible, before moving out onto land.

Another approach that may prove effective, but is as yet untested, would be to provide aquatic passageways under roads. This could be done by simply extending an existing wetland with a ditch or excavation so that a newly created "fingel" or extension of the marsh or swamp was routed undemeath the road in the direction that the turties would likely travel. The constructed canal would allow turtles to simply remain in the water as they crossed from one side of the road to the other. In effect, there would be no need for a traveling turtle to move out of the water onto land to cross the road; instead, it would cross the road by moving beneath it. In areas where

FchHlalY 2003

Volume 23

there are existing wetlands on either side of a road, aquatic connections between the wetlands that run under the road would likely reduce or eliminate turtle traffic across the road.

Fortunately, Blandings turtles adapt their behaviors and daily activities when habitats change around them.

This tendency was readily apparent during the extensive spring flooding this year along the Mississippi River among the turtles we followed in the Weaver bottoms. Turtles quickly moved into the shallow water that flooded many fields and occupied small temporary wetlands that were dry before and after spring flooding.

At several localities in the northeastem states, artificial wetlands and artificial nesting sites have been constructed specifically for Blandings turtle populations threatened with loss of these habitats. In large part, these efforts have proven to be surprisingly effective, provided care is taken to provide suitable substitute environments connected to remaining natural areas.

The hazards of road crossing for Blandings turtles and the dangers that increased mortality can pose for small populations highlight the need to focus on maintaining as many connections as possible between existing mosaics of wetland and upland habitats. There is good evidence that although Blandings turtles prefer to live in open marshes and shrub swamps, they tend to rely on waterways as connections to move among suitable habitats for foraging, nesting, mating, and over wintering. For instance, the turtles we studied regularly traveled along the contiguous edges of the Mississippi River and its many side

channels, as well as along the streams and tributaries that empty into the Weaver bottoms. Rivers, streams, channels, and even drainage ditches provide important avenues for seasonal movements, and may be the primary corridors used by Blandings turtles to locate and move into the shallow wetlands they prefer. Consequently, as uplands and wetlands tend to become more fragmented with development, maintaining connectivity between critical habitats, especialIy aquatic areas, via safe corridors becomes increasingly important.

Recommendations specific to Blandings turtles to minimize impacts and reduce threats have been developed recently by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage and Non-game Research Program. The guidelines include measures designed to safeguard the turtles, their nests, and the habitats they rely on. According to non-game biologists Carol Hall and Joan Galli, priority areas for Blandings turtles are being identified and the species status statewide is being assessed. This information will be needed to develop a long-term comprehensive conservation plan for Blandings turtles in Minnesota. Its up to us to ensure that these longlived, traveling turtles continue to wander, survive, and thrive across Minnesota. ยง This article is reprinted with permission from IMPRINT, the magazine of the Bell Museum of Natural History at the University of Minnesota. For more information contact the Bell Museum of Natural History 612-624-7083 or visit www.umn.edu/bellmuse

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The Newsletter of the .Minnesota HCIl)etological Society

Fe bJU'uy 2003

Volume 23

Number 2

7JLuJ /J laH..ci

by John P. Levell "On a Letter from Dr. Karen Eckert"

By John P. Levell & Karen Eckert For some reason I have yet to figure out, an inordinately high number of letters addressed, "Dear John" arrive in my mailbox. Few, however, have rattled around in my brain quite as long as one I received from my friend and colleague Dr. Karen Eckert sometime in mid-summer 2002. Karen, for those unfamiliar with her name, is Executive Director of the Wider Caribbean Sea Turtle Conservation Network (WIDECAST) based in San Diego, California, and is originally a native of Minnesota (her parents, in fact, still reside here). As the latter, she has been a guest at Minnesota Herpetological Society meetings in the past, most recently when her husband Dr. Scott Eckert (a world renowned sea turtle researcher himself) most graciously provided us with an excellent presentation on his work with the spectacular Leatherback Sea Turtle several years back.

That Karen remains highly impressed with our organization (and justifiably so) is plainly evident in reading her letter. At the same time, the proposal she has tendered is most intriguing indeed. As Karen can tell the tale easily as well as I, her letter has simply been reprinted below (in italics) for your perusal.

Dear John, I have a really wonderful idea for youl I met a colleague, Dr. Scotty Page 10

Kyle, at a World Heritage Site Convention in Hanoi last February.

We became friends ... and as I talked about WIDECAST and our work at the community level (our network embraces more than 40 States and territories in the Wider Caribbean Region), he began to talk about this wonderful community (Enkovukeni community) situated near Kosi Bay inside a World Heritage Site in South Africa. There are no roads; they have extremely

degree of protection. Scotty is, however, extremely concerned about the tortoise, which is freely exploited for food. He is confident that a co-operative management agreement can be worked out between the tribal leaders and the conservation authorities through an innovative management Committee that all sides participate in.

However, with no money coming in earmarked for the survival of the tortoise, the Committee doesn't have anything to offer the community in return for the tortoise's survival. He asked if I would assist in identifying a herpetology group willing to adopt this rural African community and assist them in meaningful ways to protect their tortoises by providing the Committee with a donation of US $100 per month, initially for a period of three years. During that time, a sustainable project would be defined, implemented and evaluated, and hopefully the donor / partner would be enthused about continuing this special relationship.

low income and live off the land. In order to survive, the community has negotiated groundbreaking agreements with local conservation authorities to co-manage a number of endangered species. They are I was inspired to contact you first! paid as wardens, population moni- Do you think there are MHS memtoring scouts, and other related posi- bers that would be interested in tions. donating, or that as a group MHS might adopt this project? Perhaps One species, Kinixys belliana (the 10 members could comprise an African Hinged tortoise), has not had African Partnership Committee withany conservation attention and is in your herp group, and each could now dangerously depleted. contribute $10 per month ... hopeful路 Endangered Leatherback and Iy to be donated on an annual basis Loggerhead Sea Turtles are also or we'll spend as much in wire fees exploited, but long term monitoring as you're donating! I can vouch for (by biologists) of the sea turtle popu路 the people in charge, they are comlations during their reproductive mitted and creative and there would (nesting) season gives them some be strong accountability.

The Newsletter of the i\'Iiuncsota HerpctoJo.l:,>1cal Society

Fcbruat)' 2003

Volumc 23

Number 2

financial resources of the MHS as well. The Trustees of the WCT, however, feel that Dr. Kyle's program certainly warrants our fullest possible support. With this goal in mind, the WCT has therefore decided to initiate a KwaZulu Chelonian Kind regards, Conservation Project Fund by solicitKaren ing private donations from WCT members, the membership of regionConsidering my interest in turtles al herpetological societies, and other and tortoises as well as my role as a like-minded individuals and organiTrustee of the World Chelonian Trust zations with an interest in chelonian (WCT), everyone who has read conservation.

Karen's letter may possibly ~E~ii {;~; i To help maximize the effecnow fully understand my·· tiveness of this endeavor, the excitement at receiving it.

WCTwili also provide a dollarAfter all, here is a chance to match (up to a total of to·dollar participate in at least some $600 or half of the required meaningful way in a chelon$1200) for funds raised Via ian conservation project takany and all donations, including . place in the wild fully ing those originating from halfway around the world.

MHS and its members. Any Precisely the kind of in-situ amount over and above the program both MHS and the $1200 requested by Dr. WCT hope to support now Eckert and Dr. Kyle will also and in the future. be donated to KZNW as furThe Dr. Scotty Kyle menther support for the conservationed in Karen's letter works tion efforts of the local for KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife ©2002 Paolo Luschl, courtesy seaturtle.org,C~;::abY permission.

Enkovukeni community.

(KZNW), the 100 + year-old I would be so grateful if you would bring my proposal to the attention of the membership of the MHS.and discuss it further at some future meeting.

conservation agency of the South African Province of Natal. This government agency has a long history of highly successful co-operative wildlife management agreements with local residents and landowners which has resulted in South Afric~ having the largest existing populations of some of the world's most endangered species (most notably White Rhinos). The Enkovukeni village is located in the far northern section of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (the UNESCO World Heritage site of Dr. Eckert's letter) and the community has been actively involved in the co·operative management of local natural resources since 1988. The Greater St. Lucia Wetland complex is furthermore also

officially recognized by RAMSAR on (International Convention Wetlands Ramsar, Iran 1971) as one of the most important wetland habitats still in existence today.

In addition to Bell's Hingeback Tortoise (Kinixys belliana) and the Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and (Dermochelys Leatherback coriacea) Sea Turtles of Dr Eckert's letter, a number of other chelonian species including the African Helmeted Turtle (Pelomedusa subru-

fa), various African Mud Turtles (Pelusios sp.), Leopard Tortoise, (Geochelone pardalis) , the Natal Hingeback, (Kinixys natalensis), and Speke's Hingeback (Kinixys spekil) range widely throughout the general vicinity as well. Green (Chelonia mydas) , Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata) , and Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) Sea Turtles also frequently occur in the region's coastal waters.

Unfortunately, the $1200 annual funding commitment required to support the project is beyond the rather limited financial resources currently at the WCT's disposal and I strongly suspect it is well beyond the current

Donations may be sent to the: WCT KwaZulu Chelonian Conservation Project Fund; c/o Treasurer World Chelonian Trust· PMB # 292 - 685 Bridge St. Plaza; Owatonna, MN 55060; USA. The WCT will then submit bulk payment to KNZW via WIDE CAST, along with a list fully acknowledging all private and institutional donors. As WCT is a 501 (c)3 charitable organization donations should be tax deductible as well. If not, this is a worthwhile cause, so I will be kicking in my $10 right away. Many of you, hopefully, will do the same. Until next time "Nuff Said" - JPL '

Page 11

Thc Newslettcr of the Minncsota HCI1)ctolo.f:,rical Socicty

FelllU'UY 2003

Volumc 23

Number 2

Battle of the sexes winner is a lizard WASHINGTON (AP) -- In the eter- Generally, the female picks the ing the female's young,路 the nal war between the sexes, the mate she'll live with. Calsbeek said researchers did molecular tests for lady side-blotched lizard wins it all: he and his co-author observed that paternity and found the lady lizard she selects her many mates, the female generally prefers a big was very clever, indeed. decides where they'll live and even male who lives on a big rock in the The female collected the sperm determines if they will from many partners in a have sons or daughters. special body cavity, called Virtually every element the spermatheca, before it of the mating and reprowas allowed to fertilize her eggs, Calsbeek said. ducing cycle of the Then, somehow, the small American lizard is female caused the sperm controlled by choices from big males to make made by the female, sons, while the sperm said Ryan Calsbeek, a biologist at the Institute from the small males was used to make daughters. . of Environment at UCLA. "We don't understand how "This is the ultimate the females do it," said example of a female Calsbeek, but the theory having her cake and is that her body somehow eating it too," said Virtually every element the mating and reproducing selects the sperm's fate Calsbeek, the first cycle of the small American lizard is controlled by based on the sex chromoauthor of a study choices made by the female. somes.

Just as in appearing Tuesday in humans, a single male the Proceedings of the National best location. sperm can carry either the X or the Academy of Sciences. "It would be To see if the female was selecting Y chromosome, while the female like a human female who marries a the choice living site or the choice egg carries only the X chromoshort, dumpy rich guy and then has male, the researchers moved the some. If the Y chromosome unites an affair with a muscular 20-year- rocks around, putting the big males with the egg, it creates a male. If old to have a handsome son who on poor rocks and the little males it's the X chromosome, the offgrows up in a mansion and goes to on the best rocks in the finest spring is female. the best schools." neighborhoods.

"We found that the females were The side-blotched lizard is the The female lizards seemed to prize mating with small male that she most common lizard in the comfort over all else, choosing was living with, but would also American west. It lives among small males with the fancy rocks as mate with the big males," said Calsbeek. "Then she allows the big rocks west of the Rocky Mountains the first mate and live-in partner. from Canada to the Baja Peninsula But that's not the end of her choic- males to make sons, and the small in Mexico. The animal is small -- es. males to make daughters. with the male reaching about 2.3 Calsbeek said the female is "It appears to be ... an incredibly inches and the female about half "incredibly promiscuous," com- refined ability of the female to that -- but it has a complex mating monly mating with five or six males manipulate the investment of her and reproduction system, said per reproductive cycle. partners," she said. 搂 Calsbeek.

To see which male lizards are sirPage 12

The Ncwsletter of the ivlinncsota Herpctolof:,r:ir:al Society

Volume 23

FchlUaJY 2003

Minnesota Herpetological Society 2002 Year-End Treasurer's Report Completed by Marilyn Brooks Blasus Treasurer The financial stability of MHS is still running strong. We have more than adequate reserves in the saving account.

We took in more than we paid out by about $600. Given that we increased our grants by $2000 over last year; I would say we did very well. Renaissance Festival was again our biggest net profit activity - so Thanks again to all who work so hard out there. And Adoption donations and Rodents sales didn't look to shabby either. Expenses are much what you would expect and no real surprises.

Actually, our numbers are kind of boring - but in this case boring is very good! Looking forward, we are starting the planning for hosting the 2005 Midwest Herpetological Symposium. When we did the budget for 2003, we pretty much are staying the course as in the past, and no real surprises there either. Any questions please contact me for additional information.

For the Year Ending: December 31, 2002 Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus, Treasurer

Minnesota Herpetological Society 2002 Statement of Income and Expense

Expenses: Newsletter Printing Newsletter Postage

3,717.97 125.00 400.00 White Page Printing 100.34 General Office Printing Other Printing & Postage 309.76 273.97 Supplies 139.18 Refreshment 940.80 Insurance 15.00 Student Org Registration Fee 557.34 Volcemail Phone 2,255.82 Program 185.50 Library Books 110.95 AdoptlonlVet Costs 3,700.00 Conservation/Donation 2,327.55 Rodent Costs Book Cost 333.00 1,122.15 Clothing Costs 67.94 Small Item Costs 202.84 Hands-On Supplies 8.00 State Fair Exhibit 842.21 Renfest 889.04 Holiday Banquet Expenses 575.58 Field Survey 489.37 Workshop Expense 492.44 Volunteer Award Cost Returned Checks 75.00 51.55 Equipment 115.00 Service Charges Mlsc Expenses 94.11 21,853.11 Total Expense: Net Gain/(Loss):

593.05

Minnesota Herpetological Society 2002 Placement of Cash Holdings Beginning Checkbook Balance

Transfer Into Checking

Income: Membership Ads

Library Fines Raffle

Adoption Donation-Misc Donation-Hands On Donation-Rentest Clothing Sales Small Item Sales Rodent Sales Book Sales

White Snake Sale Holiday Banquet

Renfest Income Workshop Income Total Income:

4.155.00 145.00 5.00 655.75 2,457.00 102.04 931.05 2,800.77 1,452.00 148.50 4,210.30 245.00 2,005.75 473.00 2,500.00 160.00 22,446.16

4,015.64 354.75

Transfer out of Checking Change to Cash on Hand Net Gain I (Loss)

Ending Checkbook Balance

Cash Balance: Checking Account Saving Balance Saving Interest in Account

593.05 4,963.44

4,963.44 14,345.25 906.24

CD

Cash on Hand Total Placement of Cash:

150.00 20,364.93

ยง

Page13

Febmary 2003

Volume 23

Number 2

COMING TO THE MARCH MEETING.....

THE ANNUAL MHS

WHITE SNAKE SALE SE£. •••••• PEOPtE SCRAMBtE TO GET THE tAST BIP IN BEFORE TIME IS CAttED!

MARVEl ••••••• AT THE CREAT DEALS PEOPLE ARE CETTIM ON CREAT STUFF!

THRIll ......

AT HOW YOU'VE JUST PUT All THOSE UNWANTED HERP ITEMS TO COOD USE AND MADE ROOM FOR MORE!

Plus, be a judge for the annual Photo and Art Contest.

The White Snake Sale is one of the MHS's biggest fundraisers of the year and we need your support by both donating items in good condition and also by buying items. For information about donating goods, please call Marilyn Blasus at 952-925-4237 or Heather Ingbretson at 763-572-0487.

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

(.... board - continued from page 5)

REPORTS The minutes from the November 2, 2002 meeting were approved with changes.

The Treasurer's Report for November and December 2002 were approved.

The treasurer's Report for the Year 2002 was approved.

The November Membership Report for November 2002 is needed for the next board meeting.

The Membership Report for December 2002 was approved.

The adoption report for 2002 was submitted and filed.

Fcbnl'uy 2003

Volume 23

presented by Tony Gamble was moved and approved. The other grant proposal submitted. by J~sh K. was tabled for further discussion and clarification of the amount being requested. The supply box repair was discussed and not completed due to the sizeable amount of the repair. There are volunteer hour counts still missing. There was some discussion to the timeframe of the planning for the MIDWEST in MN for 2005, nothing was firmed up yet due to being too soon. Bags were approved for the volunteer awards moved and approved.

There is a new Pet Fair coming to Minneapolis Convention Center on March 1 and 2nd, 2003, and funds were moved and approved to reserve two tables for MHS to participate.

The next Board Meeting will be held The General Meeting held on on February 8, 2003 at the St. Paul January 3, 2003 had an attendance Student Center Room 202 at 6:00 PM. If you have any questions, of 115 members. please ask a board member. ยง OLD BUSINESS The final budget was submitted and reviewed along with the results of the holiday banquet. Our new truncated voicemail system is working very well. Changes to the bylaws A Photo That Needs No Caption pertaining to ballots and MHS Administration were submitted and reviewed, and they will be presented to the membership next month in the newsletter along with the voting process for approval.

NEW BUSINESS The chair of the photo contest will be Nancy Hakomaki. The grant proposal for The Painted Turtle Project

Sensationalism Plays Part In Call For Pet Laws Should People Be Allowed To Keep Animals?

Dangerous

Athens Banner-Herald on Monday, November 5, 2001.

By: Whit Gibbons (DNR) Last weeks headline in a Pittsburg newspaper read, "Police charge parents of girl killed by snake."

Sounds like someone got bitten by a venomous snake, but the real story is more chilling. The 8-year-old girl was crushed to death in her parents house by a 10-foot long, 70-pound Burmese python.

Anyone would find this regrettable and, upon discovering the little girl had been left alone in the house with the big constrictor, most people would assume some kind of parental negligence. Not surprisingIy, both mother and father now face charges ranging from involuntary manslaughter to child endangerment. But aside from obvious sociological issues, the case has another perspective.

Should we have laws to prevent people from keeping animals capable of killing a person?

But first, what is a Burmese python, and why was one roaming around a house? As giant constrictors, these Asian pythons reach lengths of more than 20 feet and can be a foot or more in diameter. A snake that big could eat a small deer or a child.

The instinctive behavior of a constrictor encountering what it perceives as a meal is to bite the potenPage 15

The Newsletter of the Minncsota Herpetological Society

tial prey and quickly throw boils around the body. Death results from suffocation. The Burmese python in question had escaped from its cage in the house and presumably interpreted the little girl as possible prey.

Opinions on the particular event were expressed on the listserv of Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (www.parcplace.org).

PARC membership is open and free to anyone, but most listserv participants are herpetologists who support keeping snakes as pets.

However, one respondent stated, "as a mother of two young children, I dont believe in keeping anything that could eventually harm them.

Burmese and reticulated pythons, large monitor lizards and venomous snakes should not be kept in homes with children."

This comment was not a popular one and provoked further commentary. Another mother said, "I stay home with my young child, but also have semi-large snakes -- red-tailed boa constrictors. If I should not have snakes because I have a child, then should I not have household cleaning products, electrical outlets, steak knives, power cords, medicine and a dog that is even larger than my snake? Its not what you keep thats the problem; being a responsible parent is what counts."

Another went into the concern held by many pet owners that keeping dangerous pets could become legislated, saying, "More people are killed by dogs, horses and even cats (disease related) each year than by all reptiles. Some organizations spend huge sums of money to eliminate the right for people to keep reptile pets. They ignore how many kids and adults are killed by other hobbies like biking and motorized Page 16

Febmary 2003

sports (boating, snowmobiles, ATVs). We cant legislate for stupidity."

One person felt the sellers of pet snakes should share the blame.

"Just as with gun dealers and bars, retailers should be held responsible in part for the ultimate outcome of injuries or deaths suffered at the hands of irresponsible consumers.

Dealers might work harder to verify the customer was actually capable of maintaining a dangerous item, whether it was a king cobra, Burmese python or Smith and Wesson .357."

Other aspects of the issue were discussed, but a thread of concern was that such an incident can become sensationalized and drive people to overreact to protect irresponsible people from themselves.

Because of the burgeoning pet trade and popularity of Burmese pythons, tens of thousands are now pets around the country. Yet the number of accidental deaths attributed to this species of python is miniscule. Letting responsible peopie keep the animals they want, including dogs, cats, big or venomous snakes, and horses, is far healthier for society than imposing restrictions based on an isolated, highly sensationalized incident.

In this case, having a python in the house was not the problem.

Instead, having the particular parents in the house was the big mistake. Lets keep legislation focused on peoples behavior, not on the millions of animals, plants, and inanimate objects they could use to harm themselves or others.

Reprinted from HerpDigest Vol. 2 Issue 26 11/2001 ยง

Volumc 23

Number 2

Iowa Farmers Consider Raising Gators, Carnivores Could Solve Pork Problem August 28, 2002, Channel4000.com ,CASTANA, Iowa -- A couple of alligators have left the swamps and have made their home in western Iowa as part of new farming research project.

Researchers from Iowa State University are checking the gators to see how they adapt to living in the heartland. "They have quadrupled in weight and are growing fairly well," researcher Kris Kohl said.

The university wants to know if a gator farm could solve a major problem caused by hog farms. The reality is that many hogs die before they can be taken to market. Farmers are then left trying to figure out what to do with the carcasses.

It may sound disgusting, but researchers think hog carcasses could be used to feed the animals at a gator farm.

The alligators can then be harvested for their meat and their hides.

"The meat, a specialty meat, can be worth $150 to $200 per alligator," Kohl said. .

About 500,000 gators are reportedly harvested for their meat or leather every year. Most of those animals come from Florida, Texas, and Louisiana.

The ISU farm in Castana is open to the public. Castana is about 60 miles north of Council Bluffs, Iowa

Reprinted from HerpDigest Vol. 3 Issue 3 8/26/2002 ยง

The Newsletter of the

~'lillllesoia

HClvctolo,l,>ical Society

FebrualY 2003

Volume 23

Minnesota Herpetological Society Treasurer's Report Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus, Treasurer English Spot

Dutch

For the Month Ending: December 31, 2002

Jim's Rabbit Shack "'Where Spots Are Tops" JIM OALUGE (763) 29~2818

8700 Jaber Ava. NE Monticello, MN 55362

. '. '., $12.554,84.46'\ ....... .

WW\~._HC_M:PH6T_OGRA~HY~¢OM '

Income: Membership Sales (Net) Donations Raffle Mise Total Income:

344.50 81.25 32,50 458,25

Expenses: Newsletter Printing & Postage Other Printing & Postage Program Conservation/Donation Supplies & Refreshments Mise Total Expense: Net Gain/(Loss):

946,10 (364,17) 80,30 64,55 528.72 1541,51 (797,25)

•Reptiles' Amphibians 'Invertebrates' Small Mammals' Fish' Complete Line 01 Cages! Food l Books &Supplies for ALL Animals

SarahM. Richard ~Makil1$ &aUg Drealns-&'IllifyR

FindMe: ·(612)781-9544 Bus: (651) 636.-3760

Fax:"

(651) 639-6418 0_0

_

Roseville Office

_Roseville, MN 55Ii3

r~lM 2803 Lificl,)ln Dr. ,,"-,-"0'0'_

The LARGEST, BEST Selection in the Twin Cities Since 1979

Hours: Mon.• Fri. 10·8 Sat. 10·6 Sun. 12·5

saniliricharrl~inareally.com

-

REPTILES 2363 University Ave. W. St. Paul, (1/2 Blk E, of Raymond) Only $5 Per Month ...... $55 Per Year

(651) 647·4479 www.twincitiesreptiles.com GET'THE FACTS NOT THE HYRE III

~-

-

~------------------

Page 17

Classified ads are free to the membership.

Deadline Is the night of the general meeting for inclusion in the next newsletter.

1.0.0 = male, 0.1.0:= female, 0.0.1 = unsexed, cb == captive bred, abo:= or best offer, + = times run ( ads are run 3 times unless speclllcally requested to continue).

For Sale 2003 Turtle Calendars - Two different formats (Sea Turtle or Plowshare Tortoise covers) $12 each. Can be delivered to the December MHS meeting and/or Holiday Banquet or mailed for $2.50 postage and handling. $1.00 of each calendar sold will be donated to the World Chelonian Trust. John Levell, NorthStar Herpetological Associates, P.O. Box 389, Lanesboro, MN 55949, 507 467-3076 Prices Frozen Rabbits - all sizes. very reasonable - pinkies to adults.

Jim Daluge 763.295.2818 Flightless Fruilflies - Excellent food for dart frogs, mantellas, hatchling geckos, baby chameleons, spiderlings, and other small herps. Two species available: Drosophila melanogaster (small) and Drosophila hydei (large). $5/culture or $25/6 CUltures. Each culture contains 30 to 50 adult flies and has potential to produce several hundred young.

Also, Mealworms, two sizes available regular and mini. $5/1000. Can be delivered to MHS meetings. Call Tony Gamble 612-747-6682 or email tgamble@attbi.com ++ FOR SALE: 2.0 Chinese Leopard Geckos (Goniursaurus araneus) $100 ea; 0.0.10 Viper Gecko $40 ea; 1.0 Belize Banded Gecko (Coleonyx eleganus) $100; 1.2 Albino Leopard Gecko - Rainwater strain $300/trio; 1.1 Albino Leopard Gecko - Bell strain $300/pair. Call Jodi L. Aherns 612.588.9329 or email to groundgeckofreak@yahoo.com++

Wanted For Sale: Leopard geckos, leucistic (patternless) x high yellow cross $20.00. Leucistic x albino cross $25.00. Discounts on two or more.

Call Craig 952-368-9689 ++ FOR SALE: 0.0.6 Black Ratsnakes (E.o.obsoleta), $10.00 each. Contact D.K.Compton, 612.872.7266 or compt001 @tc.umn.edu++ FOR SALE: One female ablino or amelanistic corn snake - it is bright orange, pink red and white, so you can choose either of the types you wish to decribe it. She has laid eggs for the last 6 years, is 10 years old and about 4 feet long. I've never had a prolem with feeding or handling, this is a very mellow critter. $60.00. Call 507-5369575 or email to jsummeriield8@charter.net++

Wanted: All the shed snake skins in the world. Needed for giveaways to kids as educational programs.

Call Bob Duerr 651-489-5087

MHS Hands-On Opportunity.....

Twin Cities Pet Expo March 1,2 2003 Mpls Convention Center For more information, contact Michelle or Sean Hewitt 651.604.0314 or Marilyn Blasus 952.925.4237

u!()u// Would you look at the great prices MHS rodents?

Pinkies Fuzzies Hormers Adults

$7/dz $7/dz $8/dz $10/dz

Rats Pinkies

$9/dz

Fuzzies

$15fdz

~Adult

$18/dz $24/dz $30/dz $36/dz

MedM!i!1 19Adult Jumbo

For pick-up at monthly meetings only. Orders Must be placed at least one week advance of date of meeting at which the frozen rodents are to be delivered.

Place orders with Jody Holmstrom at 651.224.7212 or jodyalso@yahoo.com Page 18

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$5/Month $10/Month $20/Month $40/Month

$55Near* $110Near* $220Near* $440Near*

MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or legaHty of any animal, or the quality or regality of any product or service advertised In the MHS Newsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor.

Due to space limitations, unpaid and complimentary advertisements are subject to occas!onal omission.

Classified Ads: AU active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as space permits. Ads may be ran three consecutlve months, after whIch time they may be resubmitted. Corresponding members are allowed a complimentary business card advertisement monthly as space permits. Due to federal restrictions on Non-profit mallIng permits, we are not allowed to run ads for travel, credit or Insurance agencies.

is free on a one year commitment

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>

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Advertising Policies

•

Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline Is the night of the General Meeting for Inclusion In the next newsletter. Make checks payable 10: Minnesota Herpetological Society.

r-----------------------------------------------, Name

New Renewal Membership#

Address City, State, Zip, Phone

Type Check #

List in MHS Directory?

Email

Yes

No

Herp related interests

.

.

. .

Minnesota HerpetologIcal SOCIety Membership Applicatton Active Memberships: Sustaining ($60/year)

Contributing ($30/year) Basic ($15/year)

Corresponding Memberships: Basic Commercial ($25/year 2 Bus Cards) Silver ($75/year 21/2 pg Ads)

Bronze ($50/year 2 1/4 pg ads) Gold ($100/year 2 Full pg Ads)

check info. Drivers Lie # State DOB L Required _______________________________________________ ~

Non-Profit Rate U.S. Postage PAID

Mpls, MN Permit No. 2275 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER BY FEBRUARY 3

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST. PAUL CAMPUS

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Next Meeting: Friday, January 3, 2002 7:00PM Room 335 Bor[aug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus

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