FreeLists / tn-bird / [TN-Bird] Ginseng and Turkeys

["THCumbie" <thcumbie@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Cause and effect or is it affect????   When the local person here in Buladean  
addressed the ginseng issue, he had obviously been challenged as well as 
rewarded  for he had recently talked with several state forest and game 
officials who were visiting the area.  He had overheard them addressing the 
ginseng issue blaming the locals for overharvesting.

His interesting personal theory is that there are many more turkeys than there 
ever were grouse.  The turkeys forage in large numbers, probably require more 
food than grouse, and clean an area when they move through it.  But they are 
not spreading the ginseng seeds like the song birds for their craw/gizzard 
grinds the seeds up.  The seeds therefore will not germinate for they have 
basically been destroyed for reproductive purposes.

It sounds logical.  However, that may not be the real cause.  But an 
interesting theory.  And one worth looking in to.  Perhaps if ginseng is not 
reproducing like it once did it could be acid rain??? Look at the Fraser Fir on 
the Roan Mountain?? Certainly the locals are not doing that..  

Yes, these pristine areas are being harmed in some way.  But how??? What??  
Why??  

Tess Cumbie
Buladean, NC


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