I am very pleased to announce that a tremendous initiative has been taken (and still is largely unfolding) in the state of Wisconsin intended for all reptile and amphibian keepers of the "cheese head" state. This organization and effort is known as the Wisconsin Herpetoculturists Alliance. Although this is our current organization name, we may, at some point in the future, change to becoming a full fledged Wisconsin Association of Reptile Keepers (WIARK) with the guidance of the mighty Andrew Wyatt (president of USARK).

The Wisconsin Herpetoculturists Alliance (WHA) is a science and education based advocacy and trade association for the responsible reptile and amphibian keeping sector and industry of Wisconsin. We support and advocate for sound husbandry practices, quality caging standards, escape and accident prevention/response protocols, and sound, science based approaches to reptile and amphibian conservation. We are a group dedicated specifically to addressing local legislative and regulatory issues surrounding the keeping of reptiles and amphibians in Wisconsin. The ultimate aim of WHA is to help to preserve and re-establish the rights and freedoms of ALL members of the herptile community in Wisconsin. Our primary concerns also include ensuring optimal animal health and welfare, public and personal safety, and maintaining continued environmental and ecological integrity.

WHA has thus far created sample letters regarding herp legislation for both the local and state level, created printable flyers to distribute, created a document library of all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations pertaining to the keeping of reptiles and amphibians in Wisconsin, and is currently pending a response from the League of Wisconsin Municipalities regarding USARK's sample reptile legislation to serve as a model in the state of Wisconsin. Despite this, much work remains to be done, and WHA believes that education of both the general public and our elected officials, must and will be an ongoing process.

The WHA is asking all members of the Wisconsin reptile and amphibian community to please help support this effort by signing up on our mailing list or consider other WHA involvement. We are asking for everyone’s assistance and involvement in identifying, monitoring, and addressing local legislation relating to the keeping of reptiles and amphibians accordingly in Wisconsin. Please contact WHA should you hear of any local legislation in Wisconsin affecting the keeping of reptiles and amphibians. Furthermore, since WHA is currently a one man operation, we are in great need of other dedicated individuals in the state of Wisconsin to assist in leading WHA and to ensure WHA's continued success. Please PM "EricWI", or email to herpzone@gmail.com to become involved and/or to sign up for the mailing list.

Our website is http://www.specialtyserpents.com/WHA.html *There really is strength in Numbers!" Let's fight the good fight in Wisconsin!!