Southern Ohio a hotspot for ginseng violations

CHILLICOTHE – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is cracking down on people who illegally harvest ginseng in the southeastern portion of the state.

This fall, ODNR reports seizing more than 60 pounds of illegally harvested ginseng root, the most valuable part of the plant, and issuing more than 125 summonses in southeastern Ohio for illegal activity related to harvesting wild ginseng. The amount seized has a value of $40,000.

“Everyone is wanting to make a quick buck,” said Melissa Moser, permit coordinator and researcher for ODNR. “There is a big market for ginseng to be shipped overseas.”

Ginseng root has an estimated value of between $600 to $800 per pound, according to ODNR.

Moser said ginseng grows best in the Midwest but can grow as far south as Georgia and as far west as Minnesota if conditions allow. The roots of the plant are used to in tea, energy drinks and sometimes coffee; they also can be found in cosmetics.

The season for collecting ginseng began Sept. 1 and goes until Dec. 31, Moser said. State law enforcement has dealt with ginseng violations that have included harvesting out of season, digging without the permission of the land owner, failure to keep digger and dealer records, buying or selling before the season is open, buying the plant without a dealer permit, failure to provide records, possession of dry uncertified ginseng during closed season, harvesting immature plants, failure to immediately replant berries and deterring officers, according to ODNR.

Last year, 289 pounds of ginseng were harvested in Ross County; 389 pounds were harvested in Pike County.

Ross County Sheriff’s Office deputies assisted ODNR in serving an August search warrant during which several pounds of mostly dried ginseng and other items related to its trade were reported seized because it was being produced out of season.

“A lot of local law enforcement folks don’t know about it,” Moser said. “But a lot of people are out there digging ginseng, not to use, but to sell.”

People looking for more information on ginseng permits can visit www.ohiodnr.gov.