The Asheville Citizen-Times on Sunday published an unusual letter of apology written by a man who pleaded guilty last month in federal court to misdemeanor charges related to the unlawful sale and transport of ginseng.
The charges, and the unusual public apology, go to show just how cherished, valued and threatened ginseng in Western North Carolina is today. Known far and wide for its medicinal uses, the root is in constant demand. But the plant is protected in North Carolina because so many people have gone out into the forests — often its national forests — to dig it up and sell it.
Howard William Ledford, in a letter dated Dec. 20, accepted responsibility for his actions and, as part of his plea agreement, publicly acknowledged “my illegal conduct in a local newspaper.” Ledford said he also expected to have to pay a $50,000 fine. He’ll be sentenced Jan. 12.
From Ledford’s letter:
“I apologize for my illegal conduct involving ginseng. I understand that the harvesting of ginseng plants that are immature, originate from protected areas, or are otherwise collected, purchased or sold in violation of local laws and regulations has greatly contributed to the decimation of the ginseng plant population in certain areas.
“I strongly urge the ginseng-selling community and any other interested community to read and understand federal and state laws pertaining to ginseng, and to work within the requirements of the law to ensure a sustainable supply of ginseng for the future.”