Hello to all. I have just recently found this list, quite greatfully I might add. I am in the process of trying to put together a living native reptile museum in No. California. I need to get things going quickly here, as my leap of faith has found me with an acquired building, as well as the rent that goes with this perfect acquisition! Right now, I keep and make money with native reptiles. I have done programs for everyone from PG&E to The Discovery Channel, and these educational programs are based on "conservation through education" issues. If all else fails regarding county permits, and such (funding issues need to be addressed as well, hello?) I could I suppose, do the "open a store" plan, which would be very sad, however feasible. In Calif. it is illegal to have native reptiles in a retail establishment, regardless whether they are only for display purposes or not. The rules are quite clear on this, and I have always thought that sad for the people who catch something (usually children) and want to learn more, identify, or even find out what it eats etc... So a wall full of natives for a customer to check out in a store, is not possible. ok, well, who cares, if one could display these animals, take them in trunks to school children, have them come classroom by classroom to you, teach the ecology, habitats, and ecosystems of the area and statewide...while taking in the work of local artists and selling gifts, and reptillian items...even food items for local herpetoculturists in a gift shop format part of the museum...enabling me to pay the rent that way. Does this sound feasible to anyone? Is there anything anyone can shed light on, either pro or con? Perhaps direct me to avenues where I can find more information..any information even on local levels and issues? Thank You for any help. Please Email me, Judy Fireman @ The <[log in to unmask]> Thanks So Much