Aug. 8, 2013
In an effort to conserve Maryland’s declining wild ginseng populations, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources will be banning the collection of wild ginseng from public lands beginning with the 2013 season. Harvest from private lands will not be affected by the state land moratorium.
Wild ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), a long-lived plant with a limited capacity to reproduce, is on the brink of becoming a threatened species in Maryland, according to the DNR. Commercial harvest has become the primary reason for its decline in western Maryland, where harvest permits are issued. Habitat loss and competition from invasive species have also played a role in waning ginseng populations, according to a DNR spokesperson.
Known for its energy-enhancing and healing properties, ginseng has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine. However, with its popularity growing to include markets such as energy drinks, coffee, cosmetics, and hair products – and its value soaring – ginseng is being harvested and stripped at an alarming rate, the spokesperson said.
“Biologists have documented a steep decline of the species in Maryland, as evidenced by both the disappearance of known populations and decreasing patch sizes,” he said. “Without action, ginseng could become extinct in Maryland.”
American ginseng can be found in 34 states, 21 of which list it as a conservation concern. Currently, 15 states prohibit the harvest and sale of wild ginseng, while the remaining 19 still allow its harvest and export. Pennsylvania and West Virginia both allow commercial harvest of ginseng from private lands, but prohibit harvest from state lands.
Maryland’s move to this more conservative strategy will help maintain wild ginseng as an important component of the state’s natural areas, and preserve its place among the wild flora it supports, the spokesperson concluded.
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Jay Ferguson
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My name is Jay Ferguson, and I am a lifelong resident of the Deep Creek Lake area. I am also co-owner of the real estate side of Taylor Made. I have been in the real estate business for 21+ years now and I LOVE what I do! I have to say, my career really took off when I co-founded the real estate side of Taylor Made in 2014. Its been an amazing experience, building a real estate company from the ground up and achieving so much so quickly! In August 2016, we purchased Long & Foster Real Estate Deep Creek, where I had started my career in 2000. In 2018, we on-boarded virtually every agent from Coldwell Banker Deep Creek Realty as they closed up shop and the real estate family grew even more! We now have over 40 sales agents and have expanded to West Virginia and Pennsylvania, as well. Taylor Made is the #1 vacation rental company at Deep Creek with over 475 vacation rental homes, and over one hundred thousand yearly visitors. Its amazing what we have accomplished using the principles of honesty, teamwork and customer service!
Personally, my wife Jessica and I enjoy traveling and especially spending time in the outdoors, hiking and exploring the many diverse areas that Garrett County is naturally blessed with. We have raised two wonderful children here, Kayleah (22) and Noah (13). In the summer, we love spending time on the water with friends & family and enjoying the lake life! We are both active in our church, our community & local school activities, and we fill our schedule with plenty of volunteer efforts. I currently serve on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity. I am proud to say that I was named Deep Creek Time’s Favorite ‘Community Champion’ in 2019. I was also named Garrett County Realtor of the Year in 2018-19, as well.
I really enjoy promoting my hometown. I am very proud of the resort area that has developed over my lifetime and look forward to growing the area even more! Deep Creek Lake has been described as ‘The Lake Tahoe of the east', and I think that speaks volumes about the potential to own property here! Deep Creek Lake isn't really a town or city by itself; it's comprised of three towns: Oakland, Swanton & McHenry, Maryland. I am very passionate about my hometown and am impressed with how many people know about it as we travel around the country. Deep Creek Lake is an amazing place to visit and even better place to live! During the pandemic in 2020, our market exploded and more and more people left their primary residence in the city to live here permanently. With distance learning in schools and tele-commuting becoming the ‘norm’, many more people were drawn to the area to ‘live where they love to play’.
Why You Want Me Working for You: In addition to being an owner, I am consistently one of the top-producing agents in the entire area and the Associate Broker of record for Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations & Sales. I have 21+ years of experience and I am a problem solver. There aren’t many situations that I have not encountered and I have a strategy for almost every scenario that you may encounter. I
have extensively trained in all areas of real estate & emerging technologies, and also have trained as an appraiser, as well as served as a full-time Broker. I have a strong knowledge of the industry, as well as many trusted local contacts & affiliations that allow me to perform at a very high level and deliver results. I have a great deal of respect for my peers in this industry and have strong working relationships that I would love to put to work for you.
Call me to discuss your situation - I know I can be of great service to you & others you care about!
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