Illegal berry harvesting in Chassahowitzka
Chassahowitztka Wildlife Management Area is known to many as a wonderful and beautiful place for nature, wildlife and adventure. Recently however, illegal saw palmetto berry harvesting has been taking place within the preserve.
FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation) sends out weekly law enforcement reports, and yes Hernando County is sometimes on that report. On a recent report dated September 2 through September 8, three subjects were caught by FWC Officer Henry for harvesting the valuable saw palmetto berries. In this case, the illegal harvesting occurred on August 29, 2016, in which the subjects drove to Chassahowitztka Wildlife Management Area and picked 48 gallons of saw palmetto berries.
It was also reported that Officer Henry caught a separate subject with 30lbs of illegally harvested saw palmetto berries hidden in the spare tire compartment of his vehicle.
On September 5, another suspect had been cited by FWC Officer Henry for having 5 gallons of berries.
“They are sought after by individuals because they have a market value… Pharmacy Corporations use these palmetto berries to produce medicinal drugs used for prostate health,” Gary Morse said. “The saw palmetto is one of the most common plants that we have in Florida, but it is also very important to wildlife ( as a food source), particularly this time of year when the berries start to ripen.”
Morse is the public information coordinator for the southwest region at FWC and has been in that position for about 20 years. He has been with the agency for 39 years.
This is a problem in protected lands throughout Florida. Those that do get caught could be facing citation or second degree misdemeanor. Depending on other citations, such as trespassing, the charges could add up to be a felony.
“It is illegal on many public lands to harvest saw palmetto berries and cannot in any case harvest any item on public land without a permit,” Gary Morse said. “FWC does not issue permits for picking of berries on property we manage because of the importance berries to wildlife,” Morse explained.
If you suspect a fish, wildlife, boating, or environmental law violation, report it to the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Reward Program: 888-404-FWCC (3922). Cell phone users can reach us at *FWC or #FWC, depending on your service provider. If your information results in an arrest, you may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. See Reward Categories for details.