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

Wild Harvest Profits - Theft Alert while in the field

I just read an article on GPS and Auto Theft. It could apply to any Wild Harvester or Wild Forager. Read On...promise this is short and to the point.

When auto thief's take a vehicle that is equipped with a GPS, they (the slugs that took your ride) are using the owners own address entered into the system to locate and break in and rob the residence adding insult to injury. Many folks (yes... I used to be one of them) enter their addresses in their system, and use it to get home sometimes.

That is asking for disaster. Here is how to stop this from happening if you find your truck or car gone when you come out of the woods or off the water.

1. Don't leave your vehicle unlocked. I know it sounds stupid, but there are many harvesters and foragers that leave their vehicle unlocked in case someone from their party needs to get in, without them being there with the key.

SOLUTION Find a hiding spot that everyone knows before taking off. I now take a hide-a-key box with me, and hide it in the vicinity of the truck...under some leaves, rock, limbs and make sure that all know where it is. I was putting in on my truck, but my policeman neighbor said that the pro thief will know almost all the "normal" spots a key is hidden on the vehicle. Do what you feel is best based on the location where you are leaving your vechile

2. If your vehicle is stolen, don't list your home in the GPS as "HOME" or "OUR PLACE" or use your address (remember that your registration normally has your address on it)or something easily interpreted as your residence.

SOLUTION If you use your home coordinates on the GPS use something that only you will know for its way-point or location name. I use my dog's name. You can use anything that you can easily remember, but not too obvious that it is a "secret" address or location. I also throw in a few "ghost" coordinates and names to thwart and confuse any would be robber. (One of my Ghost's I list as "MY PLACE" is really the County Sheriffs office.)

These tips will not stop someone from finding your house, if they really want too, but there is no sense in helping them to pull up to your front door, while you are still sitting in the woods or on the dock wondering where your truck is.

Yours in Wild Harvest Profits!

5Rivers Jim

PS I am now taking my vehicle GPS, and securing it in the trunk or lock box I carry with me in my truck. I know that if they want to get in, they will but I am going to make it tough for them. Also, I have been leaving my truck GPS home and using my handheld GPS, which I carry with me where ever I go harvesting or foraging. Little extra safety for getting home.

Start Scouting now for Fall Profits

You need to scout your next Wild Harvest commodity now, before the first frost or colder weather makes that much sought after plant or root unrecognizable above goround. I am looking for stands of Burdock and May Apple now, and will mark them with my Etrex Venture HC and have a exact return spot when it is time to harvest. I did pretty well last year digging Burdock, didn't kill the market with tons of money, but more then paid for the first installment of my property taxes. (Taxes here in Wisconsin are outrageous!).

Get any screens yet? If you have another way to dry your bounty make a post and let us know your method.

Yours in success for Wild Harvest Profits

5Rivers Jim