Warden's Watch

Kirk Kiefer has been a wildlife investigator with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the past 15 years. In this episode, he walks us through Operation “Root of All Evil,” a lengthy and complex investigation into the illegal ginseng trade that spanned multiple states, included unmarked vehicles, extended surveillance, buys and sales by undercover officers, and even a fake business. Our Sponsors: Thin Green Line Podcast Don Noyes Chevrolet Sovereign Sportsman Solutions “A Cowboy in the Woods” Book Hunt of a Lifetime Maine's Operation Game Thief Wildlife Heritage Foundation of NH International Wildlife Crimestoppers Here’s what we discuss: ·       Wild ginseng root is highly valued for its perceived medicinal properties ·       Grows very slowly, taking up to five years to reach maturity ·       One pound can be worth up to $1000 ·       Seeds take over a year to germinate ·       Information campaign helped educate stakeholders on the damage caused by poaching ·       Many poachers are involved in o