WINCHESTER, Ky. -- If you’re thinking about stripping the bark from slippery elm trees for a little extra cash, be reminded that this activity is illegal on national forest lands.
The herbal medicine market has spurred the demand for slippery elm bark. The bark has a slimy, mucilaginous inner layer that is processed and sold as a soothing agent for sore throat, gastritis and other ailments.
“For several years now, the stripping of slippery elm bark has been on the rise,” said Forest Service Botanist David Taylor. “It’s usually this time of year when we see the activity peak, during the early spring months as the sap begins to rise.
“The problem for elm trees is that they can’t live without their bark. These trees typically die within a year once their bark has been removed.”
In the Daniel Boone National Forest, hundreds of slippery elms have been stripped of bark, mostly along forest roadways where poachers have quick and easy access. As a result, more dead trees occur along forest roads, which create an added hazard for motorists.
“Dead and dying trees along the road pose a safety risk, especially as the wood begins to rot at the base of the tree,” added Taylor. “With just light wind, dead trees or branches can fall into the road.”
Slippery elms most commonly occur along the lower slopes near creeks and rivers. When bark is stripped from trees in these areas, the potential for soil erosion significantly increases. Once the trees die, their roots eventually rot and can no longer retain soil along the slopes during heavy rain.
Under federal regulations, the unauthorized removal of any timber, tree or other forest product is prohibited. Anyone caught in violation will be required to appear in federal court and may be fined $800 and up to 30 days in jail.
Other forest products illegally removed from national forest lands include timber, mosses and lichens, wildflowers and rocks. To report the illegal poaching of natural resources on national forest lands, call 859-745-3112.
