[MPWG] Roots and Remedies of Ginseng Poaching in Central Appalachia

[Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov]

A recently completed dissertation that you might find 
interesting...Patricia
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Roots and Remedies of Ginseng Poaching in Central Appalachia 
Pokladnik, Randi Jeannine 
Ph.D., Antioch University, Antioch New England: Environmental Studies, 
2008.

Abstract
Roots and Remedies of Ginseng Poaching in Central Appalachia
Randi Pokladnik Antioch University New England
Ginseng, panax quinquefolius, is a perennial plant found in the understory 
growth of mesophytic forests of Appalachia. Illegal harvesting of the 
plant from both wild and cultivated populations has become very 
problematic for public land managers and private landowners engaged in 
cultivation of the species. Techniques aimed at curtailing the incidents 
of poaching have only been moderately successful. Given the economic value 
of the plant, its cultural significance, and the dramatic decrease of wild 
plant populations, it has become increasingly important to address this 
problem.
Several studies have linked illegal wildlife harvesting to economic 
problems, inadequate policies or laws, and social issues. In addition, 
some research has been conducted that investigates the prevalence of 
animal poaching by using various theories, such as the neutralization 
theory, differential association theory and folk crimes. However, no 
single study has specifically examined plant poaching using these theories 
as a framework or involved the insights of all stakeholders experiencing 
this problem. Using previous studies of wildlife poaching typologies as a 
template, this project will examine the problem of ginseng poaching in 
central Appalachia to produce an understanding that is inclusive of the 
many stakeholder perspectives. 
The main goal of this research is to use historical methods, interviews, 
and Q methodology to study how individuals (stakeholders affected by the 
poaching) understand the causes or motivations behind poaching and how 
they perceive the effectiveness of current poaching interventions. The two 
main questions under investigation are: What are stakeholders'beliefs 
about the causes of ginseng poaching? How do stakeholders perceive the 
effectiveness of current methods of intervention used to decrease poaching 
incidents? It is hoped that the results of this study will help inform 
policy makers, law officials, and public land managers, as well as the 
ginseng gatherers and growers of Appalachia involved in sustaining the 
ecological, economic, and cultural integrity of this species.

Full Text Available at:
 http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view.cgi?acc_num=antioch1219935888
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