[MPWG] ginseng poaching program

[Susan Leopold]

Thank you Russ for pointing out the information of wrong identification, which sets the stage for the show and possibly more of its kind in the works. I personally think it is horrific to have a ginseng show that glorifies poaching and all the illegal activity that took place in this show to continue with no consequences.  If is was a show about poaching a protected animal I wonder how the public would react?

I think this quote from the main ginseng dealers sums up how plants are perceived.. see quote and link below.

UpS has released a formal press release warning the History Channel about the dangers of promoting poaching of a threatened species...

 "its a protected species, but I don't know why. Its a plant'
http://www.register-herald.com/local/x1956140531/New-reality-show-focuses-on-state-ginseng-business
http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2013/12/25/new-reality-show-focuses-on-west-virginia-ginseng-business/

On Jan 10, 2014, at 10:19 AM, ForestRuss at aol.com wrote:

> MPWG:
>  
> A new program had its debut on History Channel  yesterday 01/09/14 called "Appalachian Outlaws.
>  
> The program appears to be more about the being a ginseng poacher than almost anything else and I am uncertain how it could impact ginseng growers...beyond making theft a thrill game. 
>  
> One concern I have as a long time grower of black Cohosh in a forest setting is that one of the poachers already has identified "dolls eye",  Actaea pachypoda, as black Cohosh, a very incorrect ID.  They made a point of showing the fruit and the foliage. 
>  
> As a grower of the medicinal black Cohosh plant I think that in 2014 black Cohosh root buyers might have to be more vigilant in vetting their purchases to make sure they aren't getting poison.
>  
> I would appreciate other peoples' thoughts or comments on the program
>  
> Sincerely,
>  
> Russ Richardson, Certified Forester
>  
> 
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