Editor's Note
The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests announced on June 3 that this year’s ginseng harvest permits will be determined again by lottery with an application period from June 10 to July 12. The permitted harvest season is two weeks, with harvesting allowed September 1 through September 15, 2019 and with a limit of 1-3 wet pounds of wild ginseng in the ranger district where the permit is issued. The number of permits issued will be limited to 136 annual permits, a 75 percent reduction from historical issuances.
June 3, 2019
The Mountaineer

The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests announced today that this year’s ginseng harvest permits will be determined again by lottery with an application period from June 10 to July 12.

A permit is required to collect wild ginseng in the two national forests during the designated harvest season. Those seeking a permit must call or visit a ranger district office and submit their name and address for the lottery between June 10 and July 12. Requests by email will not be accepted. Written notification will be mailed to successful applicants selected by lottery before August 16. District offices will start issuing permits to selected applicants August 26 with an effective date of September 1.