Conviction for Plant Theft From the Blue Ridge Parkway

As our economy continues to struggle, pressure on the resources within our National Parks will 

Increase.  Those with the proclivity toward stepping over the line for financial gain will be tempted by the international markets for plants, animals, insects, and minerals.

As an example three men were recently convicted of stealing plants from the Blue Ridge Parkway.  

With the impending budget cuts facing our National Parks, it will become more of a challenge to  prevent, enforce, and prosecute criminals that degrade our natural and cultural heritage.

Below is taken from  the National Park Service's Morning Report.

Blue Ridge Parkway
Three Men Convicted In Separate Ginseng Poaching Cases

Three people were arrested separately in September for digging ginseng
along the parkway. On December 1st, Thomas Jones pled guilty to possessing
12 roots and was sentenced to five days in jail, Jason Hughes pled guilty
to possessing 167 roots and was sentenced to 30 days in jail, and Delmar
Hughes pled guilty to possessing 103 roots and was sentenced to 50 days in
jail. Hughes was arrested with 138 ginseng roots in his possession in 2009
by the same ranger involved in this case. He served 30 days in jail for
that offense. [Tim Francis, Pisgah District Ranger]