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River Place on the Clinch,
2788 Highway 70, Kyles Ford, TN 37765 (423) 733-4400 [map] |
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The River Talk Blog
The River Talk Blog
Recent PostsJune 19 2008 June 12 2008 June 05 2008 May 29 2008 May 21 2008 May 15 2008 May 08 2008 May 07 2008 May 01 2008 April 24 2008 April 19 2008 March 27 2008 March 20 2008 March 06 2008 February 29 2008 February 21 2008 February 15 2008 February 14 2008 January 31 2008
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Protecting Wild GinsengMay 29 2008  Wild Ginseng Panax quinquefolius grows wild in the Appalachian mountain region and was once abundant. Its numbers have diminished over the years due to overharvesting for sale in the U.S., and internationally as a medicinal herb. Because of this, Wild Ginseng is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora of 1973 (CITES), an international trade agreement. Even if you don't have plans to propagate and harvest Wild Ginseng located on your property, please join us in protecting this rare wild treasure by keeping its location protected from predators and a secret from potential poachers. Although Wild Ginseng is regulated by both the state (TDEC) and the Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the state of Tennessee encourages landowners to apply with the state to become an authorized grower in order to nurture this species while making a modest side-income. Conscientious Appalachian folk have been doing it for years. If you already have Wild Ginseng growing on your land. It's perfectly legal to grow your own patch of ginseng alongside this location as well,with the proper permits. Digging up an existing patch of plants is discouraged. Instead, consider purchasing Wild Ginseng seeds or roots from an authorized local dealer: American Ginseng Gardens Native Gardens If you're serious about growing your own Wild Ginseng, the three most important things you should do to prepare are: First, read up on it and learn as much as you can. But realize at the outset that what works for others in similar environments may not work for yours. Experts say it's safest to start out small and build up in numbers. With patience, eventually, you may have a healthy and profitable patch of Wild Ginseng to be proud of. Don't get discouraged though. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. If the conditions are right, your perseverance will pay off in the end. Information about the Ginseng Program and regulation process is available from the Tennessee Department of Environmental Conservation: http://www.state.tn.us/environment/na/tnginseng.shtml http://tennessee.gov/environment/na/ginseng.shtml Second, guard the habitat. Clearly post your land against trespassing as required to enforce it by law and be prepared to enforce it at all times! Third, protect your investment. Tell no one about your patch and don't invite anyone near it. Fence and camoflage the area if necessary, especially if your patch is visible to pedestrians or trafficked by predators such as wild turkey, deer, or livestock. It takes years to propogate Wild Ginseng to the point where it can be harvested without endangering its chances of survival. In order ensure that your patch of Wild Ginseng will always increase in size and value, keep a careful watch for predators and trespassers. Lastly, we have staff available to assist by providing educational assistance in the propagation and handling of this highly prized, endangered species. Contact Ronald Lambert, Clinch River Field Representative rlambert@tnc.org Ronald directs the Clinch Powell Watershed Alliance which is a partnership effort between Clinch-Powell RC&D and The Nature Conservancy. Or contact Andrea Bishop, TDEC Conservation Biologist |
