DNR investigating ginseng case at Geode State Park

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating two individuals from Illinois as part of a ginseng case that began Sunday, Aug. 11, at Geode State Park.

'Geode State Park has a history of ginseng cases involving nonresidents. We saw some signs that indicated to us that these individuals may be here for ginseng,” said Dan Henderson, state conservation officer with the Iowa DNR.

Henderson said staff approached Tak Hyun Kim, 60, and Seung Thee Min, 63, both from Forrest Park, Illinois, who were allegedly found in possession of a shovel and 125 ginseng plants, which were seized as evidence. The investigation is ongoing and charges are expected.

Ginseng can be legally harvested in Iowa from Sept. 1 to Oct. 31. An Iowa ginseng harvester permit is required to harvest wild ginseng. However, ginseng cannot be harvested from any state public land, including state parks.