Wild Harvest Profits - Do We Need a Plant Posse?

If you have been following my blog for any length of time you have picked up on the fact that I love this activity, but I also respect the source of all our our treasures that we harvest and profit from. We need to protect our environment to assure continuation of Wild Harvesting for Profit.

Today I read a piece in the paper about the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge requesting sportsmen and sportswomen to volunteer for being a plant "posse" while venturing into the area.

This posse is being sponsored by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and they are asking these folks to stop by the refuge headquarters, and pick up camera's and hand held GPS to take pictures and mark location of invasive species within the refuge.

What a great idea for combating the spread of foreign invasive plants in our precious Nature.

I am stunned that for once a governmental agency is thinking and using easily available technology to assist and monitor a huge threat to our forests and waters. Also, it made me think of taking this a step further.

Let us form our own plant "Posse".

When in the field or harvesting, lets take note of strange plants and research the posibbility that they may be invasive. 

I take  this small camera and  this GPS with me Every Time I venture into Nature. No matter if on a hike to find new commodities, or just a walk with my wife or grandkids. I take pictures of  plants that I want to harvest but want to double check species later at home, and I mark their location for later profit with the GPS. (see this previous post)

What if we as a group take pictures of those plants that we know are invasive, mark their locations via GPS, and send this information to the local DNR or State Wild Life Agency?

I think that this information would be gladly accepted, and would form the basis for a plan for eradication of those invaders, or at least give the present location to watch. Seeing as how this is Sunday, and no state or local offices are open, I am going to contact my local office on Monday and see what they think of this proposal. I'll let you know what I find out.

Post your thoughts or comments on this "Posse" idea. I answer all posts within 24 hours.

Yours in Wild Harvest Profits success!

5Rivers Jim