Picking Ginseng is Prohibited

Ginseng populations on the Allegheny National Forest are sparse. As such, collection for both personal and commercial use is prohibited.

Penalties for removing ginseng from National Forest lands include a fine of up to $5,000 and/or six months imprisonment. There are also federal laws governing the collection and export for sale of ginseng under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Ginseng is listed in Appendix II of the CITES Treaty.