Missing Showy Ladyslippers

Pam Grassmick · Post by **Pam Grassmick** » Mon Jul 06, 2015 12:43 pm

The individual who dug up the clumps of Showy Ladyslippers along Kings Highway may not know that they are a legally protected species and are on Michigan's Threatened Species List. While these orchids are very beautiful, they require extremely specific growing conditions to grow. Some of these orchids take a decade or more to grow from seed blooming plants. Many visitors have stopped this summer to take photos and now unfortunately, they are gone and holes remain. Please do not remove orchids from their habitat.

Trish Scott · Post by **Trish Scott** » Mon Jul 06, 2015 1:07 pm

That's horrible!

Bob Sramek · Post by **Bob Sramek** » Mon Jul 06, 2015 1:39 pm

PLEASE....just enjoy nature in its natural state!

stardust · Post by **stardust** » Mon Jul 06, 2015 5:16 pm

Why in the world would anyone steal one of our Islands beautiful natural resource's. It just shows how selfish and thought less people can be

esteger · Post by **esteger** » Mon Jul 06, 2015 5:31 pm

Irretrievable loss. Irresponsible conduct. Truly a tragedy for the Island.

Maureen Abele · Post by **Maureen Abele** » Mon Jul 06, 2015 5:54 pm

These plants are protected by Michigan law, and there is a penalty.

The state of Michigan defines an endangered species as "any fish, plant life, or wildlife that is in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant part of its range, other than a species of insect as determined by the department or the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior to constitute a pest whose protection under this part would present an overwhelming and overriding risk to humans." Violation of the taking provision constitutes a misdemeanor punishable up to 90-days in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines.

More info here: www.animallaw.info/statute/mi-endangere ... otection-0[/url]

Avandyke · Post by **Avandyke** » Mon Jul 06, 2015 5:55 pm

That's both sickening and sad. We've driven out there a few times to admire. Why hoard to yourself something that so many are enjoying?

joddy · Post by **joddy** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 10:44 am

the other day i posted along with pictures on my facebook page how incredibly blessed i feel to live in a place where i can drive down the road and see such a beautiful display of nature. someone already mentioned how illegal it is to pick them, i would like to add how thoughtless and greedy the act is! there are so few of them along the road ~~~ and you take them for just "YOUR" enjoyment. how so, so, so sad and what a troubling predictor for the future natural beauty of beaver island. who ever took these wonders i hope reads this and feels the rightful shame that this act has brought on you! we will probably never know who did this act ~~ but you will ~~ shame on you

joddy · Post by **joddy** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 10:56 am

i thought my new posting would bring this back to the top ~~ last try

sscreven · Post by **sscreven** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 12:32 pm

The sad truth is that these habitat specific plants grow where they do for a reason. Often times, if they are moved, they will not survive in their new location. Maybe there's still time to put them back?

stardust · Post by **stardust** » Fri Jul 10, 2015 4:27 pm

Its time to call in BiCSI maybe they can pull up the the NSA satellite feed of the island and we can track down these thieves

Beaver Island Michigan

Missing Showy Ladyslippers

Missing Showy Ladyslippers

Clueless

CSI