Great Smoky Mountains National Park officials say two suspects were caught illegally harvesting 688 ginseng roots, weighing about eight pounds. One had 167 roots, and the other had 521.
Because ginseng can take up to 10 years to mature and may live for more than 75 years, illegal harvesting harms the environment. All plants, wildlife, and rocks in the park are protected. Report suspected poaching to Great Smoky Mountains Dispatch at 865-436-1230.
Lucky Knott is a longtime broadcaster, sportscaster, and news reporter, having worked in radio here in the Sequatchie Valley and in Coffee and Grundy County for many years. You can hear his news reports weekday mornings and afternoons on The River 104.9 WEPG in Marion County and Country Roads 93.3 in Dunlap/Pikeville. He is also Editor for SValleyNow.com - Sequatchie Valley Now.
