Cherokee National Forest announces pause on ginseng permitting for 2021

Release Date: Jul 13, 2021

Contact: Ashley Miller, Public Information and Community Engagement

• (423) 506-1633
• fs.usda.gov/cherokee

CLEVELAND, TENN., July 13, 2021— U.S. Forest Service officials announced they will not be issuing ginseng permits for the Cherokee National Forest in 2021, due to concerns for overall reductions in wild ginseng population numbers.

“In light of major declines in populations of ginseng, we feel it is necessary to put a hold on issuing any permits this year,” said Forest Supervisor JaSal Morris. “It is our responsibility to ensure any harvesting of ginseng is sustainable.”

In response to declining populations, forests have been either restricting or eliminating permits for collecting medicinal herbs, especially ginseng, over the last ten years. Unfortunately, restricted permitting has not reversed documented declines in ginseng populations.

Most state lands are closed to harvesting ginseng, including all state parks, natural areas, and state forests, and nearly all wildlife management areas. Collecting ginseng on state lands that are closed to harvesting is illegal and carries penalties and fines. It is also illegal to harvest ginseng on all National Park Service land. More information about Tennessee ginseng harvesting is available through tn.gov.

Ginseng is a native plant of Tennessee that grows mostly in cool, moist mountain forests. This perennial herb is highly prized for its large, fleshy roots which are believed to have medicinal value.

For more information about the Cherokee National Forest, please visit www.fs.usda.gov/cherokee.

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