American Ginseng recovery strategy
Read the recovery strategy for the American Ginseng, a plant species at risk in Ontario.
About the Ontario recovery strategy series
This series presents the collection of recovery strategies that are prepared or adopted as advice to the Province of Ontario on the recommended approach to recover species at risk. The Province ensures the preparation of recovery strategies to meet its commitments to recover species at risk under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) and the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk in Canada.
What is recovery?
Recovery of species at risk is the process by which the decline of an endangered, threatened, or extirpated species is arrested or reversed, and threats are removed or reduced to improve the likelihood of a species’ persistence in the wild.
What is a recovery strategy?
Under the ESA a recovery strategy provides the best available scientific knowledge on what is required to achieve recovery of a species. A recovery strategy outlines the habitat needs and the threats to the survival and recovery of the species. It also makes recommendations on the objectives for protection and recovery, the approaches to achieve those objectives, and the area that should be considered in the development of a habitat regulation. Sections 11 to 15 of the ESA outline the required content and timelines for developing recovery strategies published in this series.
Recovery strategies are required to be prepared for endangered and threatened species within one or two years respectively of the species being added to the Species at Risk in Ontario list. Recovery strategies are required to be prepared for extirpated species only if reintroduction is considered feasible.
What’s next?
Nine months after the completion of a recovery strategy a government response statement will be published which summarizes the actions that the Government of Ontario intends to take in response to the strategy. The implementation of recovery strategies depends on the continued cooperation and actions of government agencies, individuals, communities, land users, and conservationists.
For more information
To learn more about species at risk recovery in Ontario, please visit the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Species at Risk webpage.
Recommended citation
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. 2019. Recovery Strategy for the American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in Ontario. Ontario Recovery Strategy Series. Prepared by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, Peterborough, Ontario. iv + 9 pp. + Appendix. Adoption of the Recovery Strategy for American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in Canada (Environment Canada 2018).
ISBN 978-1-4868-3534-8 (HTML)
ISBN 978-1-4868-3535-5 (PDF)
Content (excluding illustrations) may be used without permission with appropriate credit to the source, except where use of an image or other item is prohibited in the content use statement of the adopted federal recovery strategy.
Cette publication hautement spécialisée « Recovery strategies prepared under the Endangered Species Act, 2007 », n’est disponible qu’en anglais en vertu du Règlement 411/97 qui en exempte l’application de la Loi sur les services en français. Pour obtenir de l’aide en français, veuillez communiquer avec recovery.planning@ontario.ca.
Acknowledgments
The Ministry gratefully acknowledges Dr. Andrée Nault (Conseillère scientifique et chercheure, Division collections vivantes et recherché, Biodôme de Montréal), Tanya Pulfer (Conservation Science Manager, Ontario Nature), Nature Conservancy Canada and Shaun Thompson (ecological consultant) for information and insights regarding American Ginseng in Ontario.
Declaration
The recovery strategy for the American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in Ontario was developed in accordance with the requirements of the Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA). This recovery strategy has been prepared as advice to the Government of Ontario, other responsible jurisdictions and the many different constituencies that may be involved in recovering the species.
The recovery strategy does not necessarily represent the views of all of the individuals who provided advice or contributed to its preparation, or the official positions of the organizations with which the individuals are associated.
The recommended goals, objectives and recovery approaches identified in the strategy are based on the best available knowledge and are subject to revision as new information becomes available. Implementation of this strategy is subject to appropriations, priorities and budgetary constraints of the participating jurisdictions and organizations.
Success in the recovery of this species depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies that will be involved in implementing the directions set out in this strategy.
Responsible jurisdictions
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
Environment and Climate Change Canada – Canadian Wildlife Service, Ontario
Parks Canada Agency
Executive summary
The Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) requires the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to ensure recovery strategies are prepared for all species listed as endangered or threatened on the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List. Under the ESA, a recovery strategy may incorporate all or part of an existing plan that relates to the species.
The American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is listed as endangered on the SARO List. The species is also listed as endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). Environment and Climate Change Canada prepared the Recovery Strategy for the American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in Canada in 2018 to meet its requirements under the SARA. This recovery strategy is hereby adopted under the ESA. With the additions indicated below, the enclosed strategy meets all of the content requirements outlined in the ESA.
Updated information is provided on the habitat needs of American Ginseng, including information on Ontario ecosites that Ginseng is known to occupy in the province. Newly initiated research, monitoring and recovery actions are also described.
The Critical Habitat section of the federal recovery strategy provides an identification of critical habitat (as defined under the SARA). Identification of critical habitat is not a component of a recovery strategy prepared under the ESA. However, it is recommended that the approaches used to identify general habitat under the ESA in MNR (2013) and critical habitat in the federal recovery strategy be considered, along with scientific information pertaining to American Ginseng and the communities in which it occurs, when developing a habitat regulation under the ESA.
1.0 Adoption of federal recovery strategy
The Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA) requires the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to ensure recovery strategies are prepared for all species listed as endangered or threatened on the Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List. Under the ESA, a recovery strategy may incorporate all or part of an existing plan that relates to the species.
The American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is listed as endangered on the SARO List. The species is also listed as endangered under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). Environment and Climate Change Canada prepared the Recovery Strategy for the American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in Canada in 2018 to meet its requirements under the SARA. This recovery strategy is hereby adopted under the ESA. With the additions indicated below, the enclosed strategy meets all of the content requirements outlined in the ESA.
1.1 Species assessment and classification
The following list is assessment and classification information for the American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Note: The glossary provides definitions for abbreviations and technical terms in this document.
- SARO List Classification: Endangered
- SARO List History: Endangered (2008), Endangered (1999), Endangered (1996)
- COSEWIC Assessment History: Endangered (2000), Endangered (1999), Threatened (1988)
- SARA Schedule 1: Endangered
- Conservation Status Rankings: G-rank: G3G4; N-rank: N2N3; S-rank: S2
1.2 Habitat needs
In the federal recovery strategy, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) (2018) characterizes the habitat of American Ginseng by describing associated trees within the forest overstory, and both light and soil conditions which are believed to make forest communities habitable by American Ginseng. Further details regarding the attributes of sites occupied by American Ginseng in Ontario are provided here. These details are updated from Nault et al. (1998) with citations provided for information from other sources.
Soil conditions: Soil is typically deep or shallow till over limestone bedrock, or, on the Precambrian Shield, shallow till over marble bedrock (Nault et al. 2000, S. Thompson, pers. comm., 2018, White 1988). In populations near cliff faces plants may grow in pockets of shallow soils on broken bedrock plateaus and talus slopes. Soil is generally rich in nutrients with a pH of moderately acid to neutral. Soil texture is almost always a sandy loam, but varies from sandy loam to clay loam (White 1988).
Hydrology and hydrogeology: American Ginseng sites are usually well-drained but moderately moist (Nault and Gagnon 2001, White 1988). Plants are often found near seepage areas or within floodplains of first-order or intermittent streams (D. Coulson, pers. comm., 2018, White 1988). They do not tolerate flooding or regular drought.
Light levels: American Ginseng is an obligate understory species. Plants are typically found under an overstory (canopy, subcanopy and shrub layer) providing approximately 75 percent shade (Nault and Gagnon 2001, White 1988). Overstory gap formation and maintenance, including gap size and height, appear to be determinants of population growth rate due to associated light exposure (Chandler and McGraw 2017). Light required for optimal American Ginseng growth depends on site conditions and the developmental stage, size and health of American Ginseng plants (Proctor and Palmer 2017).
Floristics: Across its Ontario distribution, American Ginseng most often grows in the herb layer of rich, mature deciduous forests, but also occurs in mixed forests and coniferous or mixed swamps. In general, few shrubs are present in the understory, which instead contains a high number and diversity of herbaceous perennials.
Completed ecological land classifications at sites occupied by American Ginseng do not cover all the regional variation reported in Ontario. Nonetheless, a preliminary list of ecosites and vegetation types is provided in Table 1.
Community Code | Community Name |
---|---|
FODM6-1a | Fresh-Moist Sugar Maple – Ash Deciduous Forest |
FODM6-5a | Fresh-Moist Sugar Maple – Hardwood Deciduous Forest |
FODM10-1a | Fresh-Moist Sugar Maple – Beech Carolinian Deciduous Forest |
FOD5b | Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple Deciduous Forest |
FOD5-2b | Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple – Beech Deciduous Forest |
FOD5-3b | Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple – Oak Deciduous Forest |
FOD5-7b | Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple – Black Cherry Deciduous Forest |
FOD5-9b | Dry-Fresh Sugar Maple – Red Maple Deciduous Forest |
FOD6b | Fresh-Moist Sugar Maple Deciduous Forest |
FOM7-1b | Fresh-Moist White Cedar – Sugar Maple Mixed Forest |
SWC1b | White Cedar Mineral Coniferous Swamp |
SWM1b | White Cedar Mineral Mixed Swamp |
SWM4-1b | White Cedar – Hardwood Organic Mixed Swamp |
ES26.1c | Sugar Maple – Basswood Dry-Moderately Fresh |
ES26.2c | Sugar Maple – Basswood Fresh-Moist |
ES28.1c | Sugar Maple – Hemlock – Yellow Birch Dry-Moderately Fresh |
ES28.2c | Sugar Maple – Hemlock – Yellow Birch Fresh-Moist |
a Lee (2005)
b Lee et al. (1998)
c Chambers et al. (1997)
1.3 Recovery actions completed or underway
In partnership with Dr. Andrée Nault of the Biodôme de Montréal, Ontario Nature has initiated a two-year project to advance American Ginseng recovery in Ontario. The project is designed to address priority recovery actions for American Ginseng including the establishment of an Ontario network of experts in American Ginseng conservation, the adaptation of standardized conservation protocols developed in Québec for use in Ontario, the provision of training that promotes ginseng conservation techniques, and the implementation of a communications plan aimed at reducing threats to ginseng (T. Pulfer, pers. comm., 2018). This project is being supported by Ontario’s Species at Risk Stewardship Fund.
In 2018, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) completed demographic monitoring and threat monitoring of American Ginseng populations. NCC documented evidence of illegal harvesting and of impacts by Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), an invasive species (NCC pers. comm., 2019).
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s (MNRF) Ontario Forest Research Institute has initiated a research project to study the effects of forest harvest, i.e., canopy disturbance, on American Ginseng in Ontario (T. Jones, pers. comm., 2018).
MNRF undertook extensive surveys for American Ginseng during the 2018 growing season, principally on Crown Land in central Ontario (ecoregion 5E) (G. Cameron, pers. comm., 2018).
In southern Ontario (ecoregions 6E and 7E), the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has been conducting long-term demographic monitoring and surveys that have resulted in the discovery of previously undocumented populations. It has also been engaging in stewardship actions to manage populations and address threats in protected areas, and has increased staff training for this purpose. Stewardship actions include re-routing trails to reduce the risk of illegal ginseng harvest. They also include the collection and stratification of seed, and the planting of seeds or seedlings, to either reduce the risk of illegal harvest or compensate for its effects on populations that have been subject to poaching. A root dye program has been initiated at many sites to make plants less valuable to illegal harvesters (C. Brdar and R. Gould, pers. comm., 2019).
1.4 Area for consideration in developing a habitat regulation
Under the ESA, a recovery strategy must include a recommendation to the Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks on the area that should be considered in developing a habitat regulation. A habitat regulation is a legal instrument that prescribes an area that will be protected as the habitat of the species. The recommendation provided below will be one of many sources considered by the Minister, including information that may become newly available following completion of the recovery strategy, when developing the habitat regulation for this species.
The Critical Habitat section of the federal recovery strategy provides an identification of critical habitat (as defined under the SARA). Identification of critical habitat is not a component of a recovery strategy prepared under the ESA. However, it is recommended that the approaches used to identify general habitat under the ESA in MNR (2013) and critical habitat in the federal recovery strategy be considered, along with scientific information on American Ginseng and the communities in which it occurs when developing a habitat regulation under the ESA.
Glossary
- Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC)
- The committee established under section 14 of the Species at Risk Act that is responsible for assessing and classifying species at risk in Canada.
- Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario (COSSARO)
- The committee established under section 3 of the Endangered Species Act, 2007 that is responsible for assessing and classifying species at risk in Ontario.
- Conservation status rank
- A rank assigned to a species or ecological community that conveys its degree of rarity at the global (G), national (N) or subnational (S) level. These ranks, termed G-rank, N-rank and S-rank, are not legal designations. Global and National ranks are determined by NatureServe. Subnational S-ranks are determined for Ontario by the Natural Heritage Information Centre. The conservation status of a species or ecosystem is ranked from 1 to 5, preceded by the letter G, N or S which shows the geographic scale of the assessment. The numbers mean the following:
1 = critically imperilled
2 = imperilled
3 = vulnerable
4 = apparently secure
5 = secure
NR = not yet ranked - Endangered Species Act, 2007 (ESA)
- The provincial legislation that provides protection to species at risk in Ontario.
- Species at Risk Act (SARA)
- The federal legislation that provides protection to species at risk in Canada. This act establishes Schedule 1 as the legal list of wildlife species at risk. Schedules 2 and 3 contain lists of species that at the time the Act came into force needed to be reassessed. After species on Schedule 2 and 3 are reassessed and found to be at risk, they undergo the SARA listing process to be included in Schedule 1.
- Species at Risk in Ontario (SARO) List
- The regulation made under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, 2007 that provides the official status classification of species at risk in Ontario. This list was first published in 2004 as a policy and became a regulation in 2008.
List of abbreviations
- COSEWIC
- Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
- COSSARO
- Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario
- ECCC
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- ESA
- Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, 2007
- ISBN
- International Standard Book Number
- MECP
- Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
- MNRF
- Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry
- SARA
- Canada’s Species at Risk Act
- SARO List
- Species at Risk in Ontario List
References
Chambers, B. A., B. J. Naylor, J. Nieppola, B. Merchant and P. Uhlig. 1997. Field Guide to Forest Ecosystems of Central Ontario. SCSS Field Guide FG-01.
Chandler, J. L. and J. B. McGraw. 2017. Demographic stimulation of the obligate understorey herb, Panax quinquefolius L., in response to natural forest canopy disturbances. Journal of Ecology 105: 736-749.
Lee, H. 2005. Ecological Land Classification Catalogue, Version 8. Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, Ontario.
Lee, H., W. Bakowsky, J. Riley, J. Bowles, M. Puddister, P. Uhlig and S. McMurray. 1998. Ecological Land Classification for Southern Ontario – First Approximation and its Application. SCSS Field Guide FG-02.
MNR. 2013. General habitat description for the American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, Ontario.
Nault, A., D. Gagnon, D. White and G. Argus. 1998. Conservation of Ginseng in Ontario. Report for the Science and Technology – East Science Unit, Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, Ontario.
Nault, A., M-C. Provencher and D. Gagnon. 2000. Conservation and Restoration of American Ginseng in Ontario. Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, Ontario.
Nault, A. and D. Gagnon. 2001. Conservation and Restoration of American Ginseng in Canada: Guidelines for Monitoring. Ministry of Natural Resources, Peterborough, Ontario.
Proctor, J. T. A. and J. W. Palmer. 2017. Optimal light for greenhouse culture of American ginseng seedlings. Journal of Ginseng Research 41:370-372.
White, D. J. 1988. Status Report on the American Ginseng, Panax quinquefolium L., in Canada. Report prepared for the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada.
Personal communications
Brdar, C. and R. Gould. 2019. Email correspondence to E. Snyder. May 2019. Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. Peterborough, Ontario.
Cameron, G. 2018. Email correspondence to E. Snyder. March 2018. Management Biologist, Bancroft District, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Peterborough, Ontario.
Coulson, D. 2018. Email correspondence to E. Snyder. March 2018. Management Biologist, Pembroke District, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Peterborough, Ontario.
Jones, T. 2018. Email correspondence to E. Snyder. January 2018. Hardwood Ecosystem Research Scientist, Ontario Forest Research Institute, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Peterborough, Ontario.
NCC. Email correspondence to E. Snyder. April 2019. Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Thompson, S. 2018. Email correspondence to E. Snyder. May 2018. Ecological consultant and former District Ecologist, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Peterborough, Ontario.
Appendix 1. Recovery strategy for the American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in Canada
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): recovery strategy 2018
Official title: Recovery Strategy for the American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in Canada 2018
Species at Risk Act
Recovery strategy series
Document information
Environment and Climate Change Canada. 2018. Recovery Strategy for the American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in Canada. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. Environment and Climate Change Canada, Ottawa. vii + 32 pp.
For copies of the recovery strategy, or for additional information on species at risk, including the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) Status Reports, residence descriptions, action plans, and other related recovery documents, please visit the Species at Risk (SAR) Public Registry
Cover illustration: Andrée Nault, Biodôme de Montréal ©
Également disponible en français sous le titre « Programme de rétablissement du ginseng à cinq folioles (Panax quinquefolius) au Canada »
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, 2018. All rights reserved.
ISBN 978-0-660-25762-4
Catalogue no. En3-4/290-2018E-PDF
Content (excluding the illustrations) may be used without permission, with appropriate credit to the source.
Preface
The federal, provincial, and territorial government signatories under the Accord for the Protection of Species at Risk (1996)
The Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for the Parks Canada Agency is the competent minister under SARA for the American Ginseng and has prepared this recovery strategy, as per section 37 of SARA. To the extent possible, it has been prepared in cooperation with the Governments of Ontario (Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry) and Quebec (Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques) as per section 39(1) of SARA.
Success in the recovery of this species depends on the commitment and cooperation of many different constituencies that will be involved in implementing the directions set out in this strategy and will not be achieved by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Parks Canada Agency, or any other jurisdiction, alone. All Canadians are invited to join in supporting and implementing this strategy for the benefit of American Ginseng and Canadian society as a whole.
This recovery strategy will be followed by one or more action plans that will provide information on recovery measures to be taken by Environment and Climate Change Canada and the Parks Canada Agency and other jurisdictions and/or organizations involved in the conservation of the species. Implementation of this strategy is subject to appropriations, priorities, and budgetary constraints of the participating jurisdictions and organizations.
The recovery strategy sets the strategic direction to arrest or reverse the decline of the species, including identification of critical habitat to the extent possible. It provides all Canadians with information to help take action on species conservation. When critical habitat is identified, either in a recovery strategy or an action plan, SARA requires that critical habitat then be protected.
In the case of critical habitat identified for terrestrial species including migratory birds SARA requires that critical habitat identified in a federally protected area
For critical habitat located on other federal lands, the competent minister must either make a statement on existing legal protection or make an order so that the prohibition against destruction of critical habitat applies.
If the critical habitat for a migratory bird is not within a federal protected area and is not on federal land, within the exclusive economic zone or on the continental shelf of Canada, the prohibition against destruction can only apply to those portions of the critical habitat that are habitat to which the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 applies as per SARA ss. 58(5.1) and ss. 58(5.2).
For any part of critical habitat located on non-federal lands, if the competent minister forms the opinion that any portion of critical habitat is not protected by provisions in or measures under SARA or other Acts of Parliament, or the laws of the province or territory, SARA requires that the Minister recommend that the Governor in Council make an order to prohibit destruction of critical habitat. The discretion to protect critical habitat on non-federal lands that is not otherwise protected rests with the Governor in Council.
Acknowledgments
This recovery strategy was developed by Vincent Carignan and Alain Branchaud (Environment and Climate Change Canada, Canadian Wildlife Service [EC-CWS] – Quebec Region) based on a draft by Andrée Nault (Montreal Biodome) and in collaboration with:
- EC-CWS Ontario Region: Angela McConnell, Lee Voisin, Marie-Claude Archambault, Krista Holmes and formely Madeline Austen.
- EC-CWS Quebec Region: Karine Picard, Geneviève Langlois, Matthew Wild, Emmanuelle Fay and Manon Dubé.
- EC-CWS National Capital Region: Paul Johanson and Manon Dubé.
- Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF): Jay Fitzsimmons, Eric Snyder, Aileen Wheeldon, Shaun Thompson, Roxanne St. Martin, Tom Croswell, Dr. Brian Naylor, Jim Saunders, Daryl Coulson, Corina Brdar, Ron Gould, Amanda Fracz, Vivian Brownell and Jim Mackenzie.
- Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et de la Lutte contre les Changements Climatiques (MDDELCC): Patricia Désilets, Évelyne Barrette, Guy Jolicoeur, Line Couillard and Vincent Piché.
- Parks Canada Agency (PCA): Vicki Leck (now at CWS-ON), Beth McEachern, Josh Van Wieren, Hillary Knack, Leonardo Cabrera and Gary Allen.
The following people also commented on the document or provided information to improve its content: Caroline Tanguay (Nature Conservancy Canada), Department of National Defence staff members; Jean-François Dubois, Jacinthe Bélec and Lonny Coote (EC - Wildlife Enforcement Directorate); Adrianne Sinclair and Andrea White (EC-CWS– CITES), as well as Marie José Ribeyron (consultant), Don Cuddy and Marjorie Mercure
Executive Summary
American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is a long-lived perennial plant associated with mature forests. The species was designated as Endangered by the Committee for the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) in 2000 and has been listed with the same status under Schedule 1 of the Species at Risk Act (SARA) since 2003.
Less than 1% of the global population of American Ginseng occurs in Canada. Although there is a consensus that the species is severely declining, lack of information relating to the number of extant populations as well as the absence of abundance data for many of them precludes population trend analyses.
The main threats to the American Ginseng are illegal root harvest, deforestation (industrial, urban and agricultural expansion); browsing, predation and diseases (mortality); introduced and invasive species; forest harvesting; commercial cultivation; as well as climate change. Small population size, a long time to reach maturity and climatic constraints are considered limiting factors.
There are unknowns regarding the feasibility of recovery of the American Ginseng. Nevertheless, in keeping with the precautionary principle, a recovery strategy has been prepared as per section 41(1) of SARA as would be done when recovery is determined to be feasible.
The population and distribution objectives for the American Ginseng in Canada are:
- Over the short term (2018-2028): Maintain or increase the abundance of American Ginseng plants and the area of occupied suitable habitats at each extant occurrence;
- Over the long term (2018-2038): Ensure the viability of all extant occurrences and, where technically and biologically feasible, restore historical or extirpated occurrences.
Broad recovery strategies and approaches to achieve these objectives are presented in the Strategic Direction for Recovery section.
Critical habitat for the American Ginseng is partially identified in this recovery strategy. It corresponds to the areas of suitable habitat within a 150 m critical function zone around each American Ginseng record. A total of 455 critical habitat units containing 8,268 ha within the critical habitat zone are identified in Canada: including 334 in Ontario (3,635 ha) and 121 in Quebec (4633 ha). Due to the sensitivities of the species (e.g., to illegal harvest), the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, on the advice of COSEWIC, has restricted the release of information that relates to the location of American Ginseng or its habitat (SARA s. 124). A schedule of studies outlines key activities to complete the identification of critical habitat.
One or more action plans will be posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry before the end of 2023.
Recovery feasibility summary
Based on the following four criteria that Environment and Climate Change Canada uses to establish recovery feasibility, there are unknowns regarding the feasibility of recovery of the American Ginseng. In keeping with the precautionary principle, this recovery strategy has been prepared as per section 41(1) of SARA as would be done when recovery is determined to be technically and biologically feasible. This recovery strategy addresses the unknowns surrounding the feasibility of recovery.
1. Individuals of the wildlife species that are capable of reproduction are available now or in the foreseeable future to sustain the population or improve its abundance.
Yes. Mature individuals remain in many parts of the species’ range, including within viable populations. However, the species is rare or uncommon, even in the United States where it is more widely distributed. Accordingly, a rescue effect from populations in the United States is considered to have a low probability. Ex situ
2. Sufficient suitable habitat is available to support the species or could be made available through habitat management or restoration.
Yes. Mature forests with suitable attributes exist throughout the range and populations of American Ginseng have been newly discovered within those habitats in recent surveys. Forest management as well as restoration will likely be necessary for many American Ginseng populations that are in a depleted state.
3. The primary threats to the species or its habitat (including threats outside Canada) can be avoided or mitigated.
Unknown. Most of the threats (e.g., deforestation, plant and seed mortality) can be mitigated through stewardship efforts and adaptive forest management. Mitigating illegal harvest will likely remain the main challenge and will require close collaboration between the various stakeholders to efficiently enforce existing laws and regulations.
4. Recovery techniques exist to achieve the population and distribution objectives or can be expected to be developed within a reasonable timeframe.
Unknown. A high level of effort will be required to fully recover this species because it is unlikely that the main threats will ever be completely eliminated. It is anticipated that active management and law enforcement measures will always be required to counteract illegal harvest of wild roots and to counteract the constant pressure for development and forest harvesting in natural habitats. However, recovery efforts could be supported with relatively simple and low cost techniques such as supplemental seeding and transplantation (preferably from individuals from the same site).
1. COSEWICfootnote * species assessment information
Date of Assessment: May 2000
Common Name: American Ginseng
Scientific Name: Panax quinquefolius
COSEWIC Status: Endangered
Reason for Designation: In spite of restrictions on international trade, high rates of collection continue and there have been significant losses of populations over the last decade.
Canadian Occurrence: Ontario and Quebec
COSEWIC Status History: Designated Threatened in April 1988. Status re-examined and designated Endangered in April 1999. Status re-examined and confirmed in May 2000.
2. Species status information
Less than 1% of the global population of American Ginseng is found in Canada. In 2003, the species was listed as Endangered in Schedule 1 of the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA) (S.C. 2002, ch. 29). In Ontario, American Ginseng has been listed as Endangered under the provincial Endangered Species Act, 2007 (S.O. 2007, ch. 6) (ESA) since 2008. In Quebec, the species has been listed as Threatened
NatureServe (2017) attributed a global status of G3G4 (vulnerable/apparently secure – last reviewed in 2005) to the American Ginseng and a national status of N2N3 (imperiled/vulnerable – last reviewed in 2011) in Canada and N3N4 (vulnerable/apparently secure) in the United States. The species has a status of S2 (imperilled) in Quebec and Ontario
American Ginseng has also been included in Appendix II
3. Species information
3.1 Species description
The content of this section has been simplified in order to limit the release of sensitive information.
White (1988) describes the American Ginseng as a shade-tolerant, forest perennial herb. Individuals have an elongated taproot
3.2 Species population and distribution
American Ginseng is restricted to North America where it occurs over a large portion of the eastern United States, from New England and Minnesota south to Louisiana and Georgia (Argus and White 1984; Figure 1). In Canada, it occurs in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. It is considered to be rare or uncommon in most of its range (White 1988; Nault 1998; McGraw et al. 2003).
The abundance of the American Ginseng in Canadian populations would represent less than 1% relatively to the “many millions if not billions” of individuals in North America (NatureServe 2014). In Ontario, the Natural Heritage Information Centre (NHIC, 2014) reports 287 occurrences
Minimum viable population size has been studied in North America. In Quebec, Nantel et al. (1996)
3.3 Needs of the American Ginseng
The content of this section has been simplified in order to limit the release of sensitive information.
The American Ginseng is a shade-tolerant species that typically requires large and relatively undisturbed mature forests for optimal growth conditions (Charron and Gagnon 1991, Nault et al. 1998). As such, it is considered sensitive to edge effects
The canopy of forests occupied by the American Ginseng is usually composed of Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum), White Ash (Fraxinus americana), Bitternut Hickory (Carya cordiformis), Basswood (Tilia americana), Red Oak (Quercus rubra) and Butternut (Juglans cinerea), although some occurrences are found in forests or even swamps with a substantial component of White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis) and Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) (Parks Canada Agency, personal communication). Typically, shrubs are sparse, but understory plants are diverse (White 1988; Burkhart 2013).
American Ginseng grows on thick (50-100 cm), well drained soils of glaciary origin that have a relatively neutral pH (6.5-7.5) (White 1988; Couillard et al. 2012).
There are two known pollinators for the American Ginseng, halictid bees and syrphid flies, both of which are generalists (Duke 1980). Once the seeds are produced, their dispersal mainly depends on gravity (Lewis and Zenger 1982; van der Voort 2005), but birds, and in particular thrushes, appear to play an important role in dispersing seeds over a longer distance (Hruska et al. 2014).
Limiting factors
Limiting factors influence a species’ survival and reproduction, and play a major role in the capacity to attain certain population levels (rebound following population declines). For the American Ginseng, they include:
- Long period before plants reach maturity and can produce seeds (7-10 years; White 1988).
- In northern populations, seed production is usually lower (Charron and Gagnon 1991) and germination requires that they remain dormant for a period of at least 18 months (Lewis and Zenger 1982).
- Seedling mortality, namely through drought and predation, is high and can reach 70-90% (Charron and Gagnon 1991, Nault 1998). Seed mortality also reduces the natural recruitment potential of American Ginseng.
- In small populations, rates of self-fertilization may be higher, which produces offspring with lower fitness than in populations with high rates of cross fertilization (Mooney and McGraw 2007b).
- Allee effect (i.e., problems associated with being in small isolated populations; Hackney and McGraw 2001).
- Most bird species of the Thrush family that play a role in longer distance seed dispersal have been in decline since the late 1960’s, with the Wood Thrush (Hylocichla mustelina) recently assessed as Threatened by COSEWIC (2012).
4. Threats
4.1. Threat assessment
Threat | Sub-threat | Level of Concerna | Extent | Occurrence | Frequency | Severityb | Causal Certaintyc |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Utilization of biological resources | Illegal root harvest | High | Widespread | Current | Recurrent | High | High |
Utilization of biological resources | Commercial cultivation of American Ginseng | Medium | Localized | Current | Recurrent | Unknown | Unknown |
Changes in ecological dynamics or natural processes | Browsing, predation and diseases (mortality) | High | Widespread | Current | Seasonal | High | Moderate/High |
Changes in ecological dynamics or natural processes | Introduced and invasive species | High | Unknown | Current | Recurrent | Moderate/High | Moderate/High |
Habitat loss and degradation | Deforestation (industrial, urban and agricultural expansion) | High | Widespread | Current | Recurrent | Moderate/High | High |
Habitat loss and degradation | Forest harvesting | Medium/High | Widespread | Current | Recurrent | Moderate/High | Moderate/High |
Climate and natural disasters | Climate change | Low | Localized | Anticipated | Unknown | Medium | Medium |
- aLevel of concern
- signifies that managing the threat is of (high, medium or low) concern for the recovery of the species, consistent with the population and distribution objectives. This criterion considers the assessment of all the information in the table.
- bSeverity
- reflects the population-level effect (high: very large population-level effect, moderate, low, unknown).
- cCausal certainty
- reflects the degree of evidence that is known for the threat (high: available evidence strongly links the threat to stresses on population viability; medium: there is a correlation between the threat and population viability e.g. expert opinion; low: the threat is assumed or plausible).
4.2 Description of threats
The threats described below are presented in order of decreasing level of concern.
Illegal root harvest
The medicinal value of Ginseng roots, including American Ginseng, has been recognised in Asia for more than 2000 years (Small et al. 1994). Despite the bans on harvest, possession and export of wild American Ginseng from Quebec (via ARTVS; 2001), Ontario (via ESA; 2008) and from all federal lands where it occurs (via SARA; 2003), COSEWIC (2011 – unpublished report) suggest that more than 50% of surveyed populations in Ontario and 15% of populations in Quebec, including many located in protected areas (see Nault et al. 1998, 2002), show signs of illegal harvest.
Although all illegal harvesting is detrimental to the species through reduced abundance, reproductive potential, genetic diversity and viability (Nault and Tanguay 2011), some practices are more destructive than others. Size of harvested plants and the timing of the harvest season (allowing individuals to produce their seeds) are the two main aspects that determine the impact and lasting effects (McGraw and Ferudi 2005; van der Voort and McGraw 2006; McGraw et al. 2010). There is evidence that American Ginseng plants are smaller than they used to be (McGraw 2001). This may be the result of artificial selection imposed by harvest targeting the biggest plants, leading to reduced fitness of remaining plants as well as reduced seed production within wild populations (Charron and Gagnon 1991; McGraw 2001; Cruse-Sanders and Hamrick 2004; Mooney and McGraw 2007a, 2009). Because the American Ginseng is slow to reach maturity, a 5% annual root harvest is sufficient to bring a viable population to the brink of extirpation (Nantel et al. 1996; McGraw et al. 2013).
Deforestation (industrial, urban and agricultural expansion)
American Ginseng occurs in the southern parts of Ontario and Quebec where industrial (e.g., resource extraction, energy transportation), urban and agricultural activities have resulted in high levels of habitat loss and continue to put pressure on the mature forests that remain in the landscape. Although agricultural expansion appears to have stabilized over much of the American Ginseng range, and even receded in areas on lower quality soils (e.g., Jobin et al. 2014), urban development has accelerated to the point where it is now considered the leading cause of deforestation in North America (Radeloff et al. 2005; Masek et al. 2011), and a major contributing factor in Canada (Elliott 1998; Jobin et al. 2014).
Exploitation of energy sources (e.g., oil, gas) and minerals (including aggregates) and their transportation (e.g., pipelines, transmission lines, roads) continue to generate habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation throughout the American Ginseng range (Drummond and Loveland 2010; Masek et al. 2011).
Aside from habitat loss, recreational facilities and infrastructures (e.g., trails for hiking and all-terrain vehicles, ski slopes, golf courses) lead to habitat degradation (e.g., soil erosion and compaction, fragmentation, vectors for invasive species, edge effects such as increased density of adjacent vegetation that attracts browsing White-tailed Deer). They have also been found to substantially increase the likelihood of illegal harvest—harvesters have been found to utilize trail networks for species scouting and harvest activities and related harvest impacts have been found to be heavier along trails in provincial nature reserves compared to less-accessible off-trail populations (Young et al. 2011).
Browsing, predation and diseases (mortality)
In Canada and the United States, browsing by White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) has been documented to cause major impacts on American Ginseng population survival, namely through reduced plant vigour (browsed leaves and flowers are not replaced during the growing season) and significantly reduced seed production (Brdar 2003; Furedi and McGraw 2004; McGraw and Furedi 2005; McGraw et al. 2013; Nault 2013). Prohibitions on hunting in many protected areas have led to deer populations that are unsustainable relative to plant conservation efforts (Nugent et al. 2011). Forest harvesting activities also result in higher deer densities through an increase in understory vegetation used for browsing (Côté et al. 2004). Although the American Ginseng has the capacity to recover from browsing, repeated browsing can lead to substantial changes to the forest understory vegetation which may prove to be difficult or impossible to reverse (Stromayer and Warren 1997).
American Ginseng fruits and seeds are also eaten by small rodents, as empty shells are often found at the base of plants (Nault and Tanguay 2011; McGraw et al. 2013). The overall impact of these predators on the species remains to be clarified but has been shown to be important in many populations in Quebec where the entire annual seed production was removed (A. Nault, personal communication).
Root and foliage diseases caused by fungal pathogens naturally found in the plants’ environment are also common (Westerveld 2010).
Introduced and invasive species
Invasive species represent one of the five main causes of declines in biodiversity (Millennium Ecosystem Assessment 2005). Invasive slugs (e.g., Arion rufus, A. fasciatus, A. fuscus) are increasingly being found at American Ginseng occurrences across North America and they pose the greatest threat to individual plants by feeding on them as they emerge early in spring (Nadeau 2002; Westerveld 2010; McGraw et al. 2013; Nault 2013, 2014; Marineau et al. 2014). Plants that are affected at this early stage are unable to produce leaves or seeds during the growing season and can’t accumulate energy within their roots, therefore declining in fitness and decreasing survivorship. Invasive earthworms are also a growing concern due to their capacity to change the forest floor (Addison 2009), and facilitate invasion by exotic plants (Nuzzo et al. 2009).
Invasive plant species (e.g., Multiflora Rose Rosa multiflora, Japanese Barberry Berberis thunbergii, Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata, European Buckthorn Rhamnus cathartica; Dog-strangling Vine Cynanchum rossicum) are also problematic because they are fierce competitors for resources but also because they can produce chemicals that harm other plants directly (Wixted and McGraw 2009, 2010; Klionsky et al. 2011). They invade after logging or other disturbances (construction, quarry, recreational use, etc.) within or adjacent to occupied forests and quickly become the dominant species, changing the habitat suitability for American Ginseng.
The progression of the Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis), an invasive insect that attacks ashes, and of the Butternut canker (Sirococcus clavigignenti-juglandacearum), an introduced fungus that attacks the Butternut, could represent a significant factor in forests where these species represent an important component. As trees die and the canopy becomes more open, growing conditions may become unsuitable for the American Ginseng because of greater light penetration and increased competition from shrubs and herbaceous vegetation.
Forest harvesting
American Ginseng is considered to be intolerant to larger openings in the canopy (McConnell and Bjorgan 2004; Couillard et al. 2012; Dupont-Hébert 2017). As such, forest harvesting activities where higher volumes of timber are extracted (e.g., clear cutting, strip-cutting) directly impact the ecological parameters of a site through increased light penetration at the ground level (opening of the canopy), reduced soil moisture, higher daily temperature fluctuations of the forest floor and increased competition from tree saplings, seedlings as well as shrubs and herbs (White 1988; Nault et al. 1998). Machinery can also create soil erosion and compaction, as well as uproot or crush individuals. In more remote areas, the construction of access roads could facilitate access to poachers.
Harvesting activities where low volumes of timber are extracted to promote the growth of shade-tolerant species may be compatible with the maintenance of American Ginseng (Chamberlain et al. 2013; McGraw et al. 2013; Dupont-Hébert 2017). However, forest stands exploited for maple-syrup production may lead to an oversimplification of the vegetation structure and composition, particularly in the shrub and ground layers.
Commercial cultivation of American Ginseng
The commercial cultivation of American Ginseng (in woodlots or in agricultural fields) is a growing industry in Canada, with an increase of 4.7% in exportations over the 2007-2011 period
Climate change
Effects of climate change include the increase in the number of severe weather events such as cold snaps, hurricanes and wind storms (Huber and Gulledge 2011; Kirtman et al. 2013) that have been shown to impact American Ginseng individuals and populations over multiple years (Souther and McGraw 2011b; Souther and McGraw 2014), including long-lasting effects when habitat components are affected. In the eastern Ontario and Quebec portion of the American Ginseng range, a severe ice storm in January of 1998 caused major damage to the forest canopy that has been compared to those observed following heavy selective logging (COSEWIC 2000). Following that event, the third largest population in Quebec (more than 1000 individuals) was reduced to around 300 individuals.
5. Population and distribution objectives
The population and distribution objectives for the American Ginseng in Canada are:
- Over the short term (2018-2028): Maintain or increase the abundance of American Ginseng plants and the area of occupied suitable habitat at each extant
footnote 19 occurrencefootnote 20 . - Over the long term (2018-2038): Ensure the viability of all extant occurrences and, where technically and biologically feasible, restore historical or extirpated occurrences.
These objectives address the species’ long-term decline, which was the reason for its designation as Endangered (COSEWIC 2000). The 10-year time frame for the short term objective corresponds to the period between successive COSEWIC assessments of a species’ status and is considered reasonable given the challenge working on a high number of extant occurrences.
As for the long-term objective, ensuring that all extant occurrences have viable, self sustaining populations is necessary given the intense pressure affecting the species and its habitats. At the moment, it is not possible to quantify one single viability threshold with certainty as it likely differs in the various parts of the distribution according to local threats and their intensity, but it would likely fall between 172 and 800 plants.
Finally, many known occurrences of American Ginseng are now considered extirpated or historical. The possibility of restoring these occurrences or reintroducing the species at these locations should be evaluated to support recovery of the species.
These objectives may be reviewed during the development of the report required five years after this strategy is posted to assess the implementation of the strategy and the progress towards meeting its objectives (SARA s. 46).
6. Broad strategies and general approaches to meet objectives
6.1 Actions already completed or currently underway
Many occurrences found in protected areas (provincial, federal, private) or on sites where important American Ginseng populations occur are being managed to ensure their viability (e.g., conservation plans; Nault et al. 2002; Nault 2013, 2014) through partnerships between private landowners, conservation organizations (e.g., Appalachian Corridor, Nature Conservancy Canada) and federal partners.
Enforcement efforts to protect populations from illegal harvest, including dye marking roots to increase traceability and reduce marketability within the illegal trade network; and training of enforcement officers (provincial and federal) for search, seizure and investigation techniques to combat illegal harvesting of wild Ginseng.
In Quebec
- A recovery implementation group has been created by the Government of Quebec.
- The Government of Quebec drafted a conservation plan (Plan de conservation du ginseng à cinq folioles; Désilets et al. unpublished) that seeks to protect all extant occurrences with a quality rank of Excellent (A) or Good (B); to protect at least one occurrence in each of the physiographic regions (~1000 km2 units)
footnote 21 currently occupied by the species; to protect at least one occurrence in each habitat type occupied; and reintroduce the species in physiographic regions where it is historical or extirpated. The Government of Quebec promotes the conservation and recovery of plants at risk in sectors where forestry operations take place by establishing boundaries based on the land-use classification unitsfootnote 22 within which occurrences are found rather than the boundaries of the areas occupied by individuals at each occurrence (Couillard et al. 2012). - Since 1994, the Montreal Biodome has led a conservation program that aims to: 1) characterize and monitor occurrences; 2) train and provide scientific and technical support for partners that manage priority occurrences, and 3) restore historical or extirpated occurrences.
- Since 2002, permanent plots with deer exclosures have been set up to quantify the impact of deer on one large protected population. Invasive slug exclosures with copper bands are also under experimentation.
In Ontario
- Since 2001, monitoring of a number of occurrences has been undertaken and some historical occurrences have been revisited.
- In 2000-2001, deer exclosures were used in some areas to monitor the impact of deer browsing on vegetation.
- From 2002 to 2010, a group of biologists from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources
footnote 23 formed the American Ginseng Recovery Implementation Group. Annual efforts included collecting and planting seeds, removing seeds from visible individuals, monitoring existing populations, finding new populations, educating key staff, and creating visual screening of visible populations. - In 2010, OMNR published its Forest Management Guide for Conserving Biodiversity at the Stand and Site Scales (OMNR 2010) which is to be used by forest managers when planning and implementing forestry operations on Crown land. This document outlines the operational prescription for areas with American Ginseng in order to protect the species from negative impacts from the forestry operations and is based on the directives developed by McConnell and Bjorgan (2004).
- As of 2013, the general habitat for the American Ginseng has been described (OMNR 2013) and is protected under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act, 2007.
6.2 Strategic direction for recovery
Threat or limitation | Broad strategy to recovery | Prioritya | General description of research and management approaches |
---|---|---|---|
All | Stewardship and management of the species and its suitable habitat | High |
|
Knowledge gaps | Monitoring and research | High |
|
Knowledge gaps | Monitoring and research | Medium |
|
All | Communication and outreach | High |
|
All threats | Law and policy | High |
|
- a"Priority" reflects the degree to which the broad strategy contributes directly to the recovery of the species or is an essential precursor to an approach that contributes to the recovery of the species.
7. Critical habitat
7.1 Identification of the species' critical habitat
Section 41(1)(c) of SARA requires that recovery strategies include an identification of the species’ critical habitat, to the extent possible, as well as examples of activities that are likely to result in its destruction. Under section 2(1) of SARA, critical habitat is “the habitat that is necessary for the survival or recovery of a listed wildlife species and that is identified as the species’ critical habitat in the recovery strategy or in an action plan for the species”.
This recovery strategy partially identifies critical habitat, based on the best available information for the American Ginseng as of October 2014. The Schedule of Studies (section 7.2) outlines the activities required to complete the identification of the critical habitat necessary to meet the population and distribution objectives. As new information becomes available, boundaries may be modified and additional critical habitat may be identified.
The identification of critical habitat for the American Ginseng is based on two criteria: habitat occupancy and habitat suitability.
7.1.1 Habitat occupancy
Habitat occupancy by the species is established from existing occurrence records
7.1.2 Habitat suitability
Habitat suitability refers to areas possessing a specific set of biophysical attributes that can support individuals of the species carrying out essential aspects of their life cycle. The biophysical attributes for American Ginseng suitable habitat in Canada are provided in Table 3 (refer to section 3.3 Needs of the species for references).
Suitable habitat for American Ginseng is described using a critical function zone of up to 150 m around each plant. The first 100 m serves to maintain the biophysical attributes necessary to support the complete life cycle, facilitate short distance seed dispersal and reduce edge effects (see “suitable growth habitat” in Table 3). An additional 50 m can extend into other types of forests or treed swamps, that although they may not meet all the required biophysical attributes for American Ginseng plants to grow, will contribute to maintaining suitable habitat conditions (e.g., moisture, reduced light penetration) in adjacent suitable growth habitat, as well as facilitate long distance seed dispersal and limit the potential invasion by exotic species (Harper et al. 2005). The distance of 150 m is confirmed by a recent study conducted for the Government of Quebec (Dupont Hébert 2017), which demonstrated that the majority of the observation points are found more than 150 m from disturbed open habitats, such as fields and roads. Suitable habitat thus excludes this type of habitat. This definition of suitable habitat is consistent with the General Habitat Description for American Ginseng (OMNR 2013) protected by the Government of Ontario under the provincial Endangered Species Act, 2007.
Components of suitable habitat | Biophysical attributes |
---|---|
Suitable growth habitats |
|
Habitats that maintain the attributes of suitable growth habitats |
|
7.1.3 Application of the critical habitat criteria
Critical habitat for the American Ginseng is partially identified in this recovery strategy. It corresponds to the areas of suitable habitat within a 150 m critical function zone around existing occurrence records of American Ginseng.
The identification of critical habitat is considered partial as most of the known occurrences or sites are not currently considered viable and the exact locations of some of the occurrences are not known. Furthermore, some occurrences have limited attribute information on individual plant locations, abundance, area of occupancy or viability of the occurrence.
Finally, some of the historical or extirpated occurrences that may be necessary to reach the long term population and distribution objectives are not included in the critical habitat. This species is highly under-surveyed and under-reported to provincial CDCs, and as a result any of the critical habitat identification is limited to available information. The schedule of studies in the following section will make up for these shortcomings.
Following the application of these criteria, 455 critical habitat units containing 8268 ha within the critical habitat zone are identified in Canada, including 334 in Ontario (3,635 ha) and 121 in Quebec (4633 ha). Due to the sensitivities of the species (e.g. illegal harvest), the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change, on the advice of COSEWIC, has restricted the release of information that relates to the location of American Ginseng or its habitat (SARA s. 124). Accordingly, Appendix A (Tables A-1 and A-2) presents the general locations of critical habitat using a 100 x 100 km standardized national UTM grid system. More detailed information on the location of critical habitat to support protection of the species and its habitat may be requested, on a need-to-know basis, by contacting Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Recovery Planning section at: ec.planificationduretablissement-recoveryplanning.ec@canada.ca.
Any areas within the critical habitat units that do not possess the biophysical attributes of critical habitat (e.g., houses, roads and trails, paved surfaces, military ranges, agricultural fields, golf courses) are not identified as critical habitat.
7.2 Schedule of studies to identify critical habitat
Description of activity | Rationale | Timeline |
---|---|---|
Confirm location, obtain population information and assess habitat suitability of historical occurrences and occurrences considered extant that are under-surveyed, under-reported or have insufficient spatial accuracy. In addition, use this information to review, update and/or refine existing observations and American Ginseng occurrences as per NatureServe protocols. | Necessary to reach the short term and long-term population and distribution objectives | 2018-2020 |
Proceed with an assessment of historical occurrences to determine if individuals or suitable habitat are still present. If assessment is positive, proceed with identification as critical habitat. | Necessary to reach the long term population and distribution objective | 2018-2028 |
Proceed with an assessment of extirpated occurrences to determine if habitat restoration and American Ginseng reintroduction is technically and biologically feasible. If assessment is positive, proceed with identification as critical habitat. | Necessary to reach the long term population and distribution objective | 2018-2038 |
7.3 Activities likely to result in the destruction of critical habitat
Understanding what constitutes destruction of critical habitat is necessary for the protection and management of critical habitat. Destruction is determined on a case by case basis. Destruction would result if part of the critical habitat were degraded, either permanently or temporarily, such that it would not serve its function when needed by the species. Destruction may result from a single or multiple activities at one point in time or from the cumulative effects of one or more activities over time (Government of Canada 2009). Activities described in Table 5 include those likely to cause destruction of critical habitat for the species; however, destructive activities are not limited to those listed.
Description of activity | Description of effect | Details of effect |
---|---|---|
Construction and maintenance (e.g., mowing, use of pesticides) of linear infrastructures (e.g., roads, highways, trails, energy corridors, pipelines).a All-terrain vehicle use and high foot traffic.a |
Loss and/or degradation of suitable habitat including:
|
Constitutes destruction if the biophysical characteristics in the critical function zone corresponding to suitable habitat for American Ginseng no longer allow for maintenance of the species at the site (zone may extend up to 100 m around plants) Constitutes destruction if the activities carried out in the critical function zone corresponding to habitat that maintains the attributes of suitable growth habitat for American ginseng no longer allow for maintenance of the species at the site (zone may extend up to 50 m from the zone mentioned above) |
Industrial expansion (e.g., mineral extraction, aggregates, industrial areas) |
Loss and/or degradation of suitable habitat including:
|
Constitutes destruction if the biophysical characteristics in the critical function zone corresponding to suitable habitat for American Ginseng no longer allow for maintenance of the species at the site (zone may extend up to 100 m around plants) Constitutes destruction if the activities carried out in the critical function zone corresponding to habitat that maintains the attributes of suitable growth habitat for American ginseng no longer allow for maintenance of the species at the site (zone may extend up to 50 m from the zone mentioned above) |
Urban expansion (e.g., houses, recreational areas and structures) |
Loss and/or degradation of suitable habitat including:
|
Constitutes destruction if the biophysical characteristics in the critical function zone corresponding to suitable habitat for American Ginseng no longer allow for maintenance of the species at the site (zone may extend up to 100 m around plants) Constitutes destruction if the activities carried out in the critical function zone corresponding to habitat that maintains the attributes of suitable growth habitat for American ginseng no longer allow for maintenance of the species at the site (zone may extend up to 50 m from the zone mentioned above) |
Agricultural expansion |
Loss and/or degradation of suitable habitat including:
|
Constitutes destruction if the biophysical characteristics in the critical function zone corresponding to suitable habitat for American Ginseng no longer allow for maintenance of the species at the site (zone may extend up to 100 m around plants) Constitutes destruction if the activities carried out in the critical function zone corresponding to habitat that maintains the attributes of suitable growth habitat for American ginseng no longer allow for maintenance of the species at the site (zone may extend up to 50 m from the zone mentioned above) |
Forest harvesting where higher volumes of timber are harvested (e.g., clear-cutting, strip-cutting) |
Loss and degradation of suitable habitat including:
|
Constitutes destruction if the biophysical characteristics in the critical function zone corresponding to suitable habitat for American Ginseng no longer allow for maintenance of the species at the site (zone may extend up to 100 m around plants) Constitutes destruction if the activities carried out in the critical function zone corresponding to habitat that maintains the attributes of suitable growth habitat for American ginseng no longer allow for maintenance of the species at the site (zone may extend up to 50 m from the zone mentioned above) |
Commercial cultivation of ginseng in woodlots (e.g. site preparation) | Can result in direct or indirect degradation of the vegetation structure and compositionb | Could constitute destruction if the biophysical characteristics in the area corresponding to suitable habitat for American Ginseng no longer allow for the maintenance of the species at the site (zone may extend up to 100 m around plants) |
a Some of these activities may not constitute habitat destruction if they are conducted outside of the growing season (early May to end of September) and do not result in the modification of conditions for future growing seasons.
b This activity can lead to the introduction of foreign genetic material as well as diseases that may affect plant vigour and seed production (these aspects are not related to critical habitat).
8. Measuring progress
The performance indicators presented below provide a way to define and measure progress toward achieving the population and distribution objectives.
- Over the short term (2018-2028), the abundance of American Ginseng plants and the area of occupied suitable habitat at each extant occurrence has been maintained or increased;
- Over the long term (2018-2038), the viability of all extant occurrences has been reached and, where biologically and technically feasible, historical and extirpated occurrences have been restored.
9. Statement on action plans
One or more action plans for the American Ginseng will be posted on the Species at Risk Public Registry by the end of 2023.
10. References
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Appendix A: Critical habitat for the American Ginseng in Canada
The content of this section has been simplified in order to limit the release of sensitive information. For example, land tenure within each square is not provided.
100 x 100 km grid square IDa | UTM grid square coordinatesb Easting | UTM grid square coordinatesb Northing |
---|---|---|
17TMG | 400000 | 4600000 |
17TMH | 400000 | 4700000 |
17TMJ | 400000 | 4800000 |
17TMK | 400000 | 4900000 |
17TNH | 500000 | 4700000 |
17TNJ | 500000 | 4800000 |
17TNK | 500000 | 4900000 |
17TPH | 600000 | 4700000 |
17TPJ | 600000 | 4800000 |
17TPK | 600000 | 4900000 |
17TPL | 600000 | 5000000 |
17TTPc | 256723 | 4800000 |
17TTQ | 260346 | 4900000 |
17TUR | 300000 | 5000000 |
17TVQ | 400000 | 4900000 |
17TVR | 400000 | 5000000 |
17TWQ | 500000 | 5000000 |
17TWR | 500000 | 5000000 |
a Based on the standard UTM Military Grid Reference System (see http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/earth-sciences/geography/topographic-information/maps/9789), where the first 2 digits and letter represent the UTM Zone, the following 2 letters indicate the 100 x 100 km standardized UTM grid. This unique alphanumeric code is based on the methodology produced from the Breeding Bird Atlases of Canada (See http://www.bsc-eoc.org/ for more information on breeding bird atlases).
b The listed coordinates are a cartographic representation of where critical habitat can be found, presented as the southwest corner of the 100 x 100 km standardized UTM grid square containing all or a portion of the critical habitat unit. The coordinates may not fall within critical habitat and are provided as a general location only.
c Due to their significantly smaller area, UTM squares falling at the intersection of UTM zones as well as UTM squares with less than 50% situated within Canada are merged with the closest complete UTM square or merged to form a square/rectangle with an area close to 100 x 100 km. This method is applied even if constituent squares do not all contain critical habitat in order to prevent the release of sensitive information. The listed coordinates correspond to those of the southwest corner of the resulting merged square/rectangle.
100 x 100 km grid square IDa | UTM grid square coordinatesb Easting | UTM grid square coordinatesb Northing |
---|---|---|
17TWQ | 500000 | 4900000 |
17TXQ | 600000 | 4900000 |
17TYQ | 700000 | 4900000 |
17TUR | 300000 | 5000000 |
17TVR | 400000 | 5000000 |
17TWR | 500000 | 5000000 |
17TXR | 600000 | 5000000 |
17TYR | 700000 | 5000000 |
17TVS | 400000 | 5100000 |
17TBLc | 264028 | 5000000 |
17TBM | 267767 | 5100000 |
a Based on the standard UTM Military Grid Reference System (see http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/earth-sciences/geography/topographic-information/maps/9789), where the first 2 digits and letter represent the UTM Zone, the following 2 letters indicate the 100 x 100 km standardized UTM grid. This unique alphanumeric code is based on the methodology produced from the Breeding Bird Atlases of Canada (See http://www.bsc-eoc.org/ for more information on breeding bird atlases).
b The listed coordinates are a cartographic representation of where critical habitat can be found, presented as the southwest corner of the 100 x 100 km standardized UTM grid square containing all or a portion of the critical habitat unit. The coordinates may not fall within critical habitat and are provided as a general location only.
c Due to their significantly smaller area, UTM squares falling at the intersection of UTM zones as well as UTM squares with less than 50% situated within Canada are merged with the closest complete UTM square or merged to form a square/rectangle with an area close to 100 x 100 km. This method is applied even if constituent squares do not all contain critical habitat in order to prevent the release of sensitive information. The listed coordinates correspond to those of the southwest corner of the resulting merged square/rectangle.
Appendix B: Effects on the environment and other species
The content of this section has been simplified in order to limit the release of sensitive information.
A strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is conducted on all SARA recovery planning documents, in accordance with the Cabinet Directive on the Environmental Assessment of Policy, Plan and Program Proposals
Recovery planning is intended to benefit species at risk and biodiversity in general. However, it is recognized that strategies may also inadvertently lead to environmental effects beyond the intended benefits. The planning process based on national guidelines directly incorporates consideration of all environmental effects, with a particular focus on possible impacts on non-target species or habitats. The results of the SEA are incorporated directly into the strategy itself, but are also summarized below in this statement.
This federal recovery strategy will clearly benefit the environment by promoting the recovery of American Ginseng. The potential for the strategy to inadvertently lead to adverse effects on other species was considered. The SEA concluded that this strategy will clearly benefit the environment and will not result in any significant adverse effects.
The majority of recovery approaches suggested in this document should have limited or positive effects on non-target species, natural communities or ecological processes. All actions related to further habitat protection would bring direct benefits to the numerous species sharing the American Ginseng’s habitat, including other federally-listed species.
Footnotes
- footnote[1] Back to paragraph http://sararegistry.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=24F7211B-1
- footnote[2] Back to paragraph http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/approach/strategy/default_e.cfm
- footnote[3] Back to paragraph These federally protected areas are: a national park of Canada named and described in Schedule 1 to the Canada National Parks Act, The Rouge National Park established by the Rouge National Urban Park Act, a marine protected area under the Oceans Act, a migratory bird sanctuary under the Migratory Birds Convention Act, 1994 or a national wildlife area under the Canada Wildlife Act see ss. 58(2) of SARA.
- footnote[4] Back to paragraph Formerly with EC-CWS – Quebec Region
- footnote[5] Back to paragraph Off-site
- footnote[*] Back to paragraph COSEWIC: Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada. An updated status report has been drafted but has yet to be published (COSEWIC 2011- unpublished).
- footnote[6] Back to paragraph The status of Endangered (Ontario) and Threatened (Quebec) are similar and refer to a species facing imminent extinction or extirpation.
- footnote[7] Back to paragraph Consult http://explorer.natureserve.org/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Panax+quinquefolius for subnational (State) statutes in the United States.
- footnote[8] Back to paragraph Appendix II includes species that, although currently not threatened with extinction (globally), may become so without trade controls. It also includes species that resemble other listed species and need to be regulated in order to effectively control the trade in those other listed species.
- footnote[9] Back to paragraph Taproot: an enlarged, somewhat straight to tapering plant root that grows vertically downward. It forms a center from which other roots sprout laterally.
- footnote[10] Back to paragraph The vigour of individuals can be somewhat stunted in parts of Ontario, some reaching only 10 cm in height (C. Brdar, unpublished data).
- footnote[11] Back to paragraph Inflorescence: the flowering part of a plant or arrangement of flowers on a stalk.
- footnote[12] Back to paragraph An area (point, line or map polygon) in which American Ginseng is, or was, present (NatureServe 2002). The occurrence generally corresponds to the habitat occupied by a local population of the species.
- footnote[13] Back to paragraph These figures were provided in April, 2014 by the NHIC, and the 20 year threshold at the time of analysis was 1994. Occurrence numbers are likely to be higher than 287 due to new data that is regularly received, but that has not been fully evaluated by the NHIC at the time of writing the recovery strategy. EC-CWS used information from the NHIC and other available data sources to inform the critical habitat identification and elaborate recovery strategies and approaches.
- footnote[14] Back to paragraph Given the typically wide confidence intervals of extinction probabilities used in mathematical models, minimum viable population could be anywhere between 50 and 300 plants (P. Nantel, personal communication).
- footnote[15] Back to paragraph Edge effects refer to the changes in population or community structures that occur at the boundary of two habitats (Levine 2009).
- footnote[16] Back to paragraph This figure was obtained for hard edges (contrasting adjacent habitats).
- footnote[17] Back to paragraph Senescence: the growth phase in a plant or plant part (as a leaf) from full maturity to death.
- footnote[18] Back to paragraph www.marquecanadabrand.agr.gc.ca/fact-fiche/pdf/5270-eng.pdf
- footnote[19] Back to paragraph The term “extant” in the current recovery program refers to the presence of a minimum of one plant within the last 20 years (at the time of development, this threshold was 1994). Historical (H) and extirpated (X) occurrences are not considered.
- footnote[20] Back to paragraph An occurrence designates an area (point, line or map polygon) in which at least one American Ginseng plant is, or was, present. The term “occurrence” is used here in the broad sense and also comprises known locations that have not yet been included in the conservation data centres even though they come from reliable sources and have been verified by experts.
- footnote[21] Back to paragraph Physiographic regions constitute the territorial unit used by the Government of Quebec for protected areas planning and species at risk recovery (Li et al. 1994).
- footnote[22] Back to paragraph This system is used for land-use planning and particularly for forestry operations in Quebec, making it easier to incorporate the protection of species at risk as part of regular planning efforts that take place over much larger landscapes. Furthermore, by incorporating areas of suitable habitat larger than those that may be currently colonized, an increase in abundance is possible and edge effects are reduced.
- footnote[23] Back to paragraph In July 2014, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR) became the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF).
- footnote[24] Back to paragraph A record corresponds to a location of a biodiversity element georeferenced during a field survey. It does not necessarily correspond to a plant; it may be the centroid of a subpopulation that has several plants.
- footnote[25] Back to paragraph The CDPNQ and NHIC rank the quality of occurrences using the NatureServe (2002) methodology that considers the number of individuals (abundance) and/or the integrity of the habitat they occupy: A: Excellent (>500 individuals); B: Good (>500 individuals and presence of threats or 176-500 individuals); C: Medium (176-500 individuals and presence of threats or 51-175 individuals); D: Low (51 175 individuals and the presence of threats or < 51 individuals); E: Recent (not ranked); H: Historical; X: Extirpated.
- footnote[26] Back to paragraph Occurrences and observations points with a degree of imprecision greater than 150 m.
- footnote[27] Back to paragraph Twenty years is the threshold set by the conservation data centres on the basis of which an occurrence is considered to be historical. The 20 year threshold was 1994 at the initiation of this recovery strategy, and it will be considered the threshold for critical habitat at this time until or if the critical habitat criteria are revised in the future.
- footnote[28] Back to paragraph Plants grown from non-native American Ginseng plants for commercial harvesting purposes are excluded. Plants grown from Wild American Ginseng seeds for restoration or reintroduction are considered.
- footnote[29] Back to paragraph www.ceaa.gc.ca/default.asp?lang=En&n=B3186435-1
- footnote[30] Back to paragraph www.ec.gc.ca/dd-sd/default.asp?lang=En&n=F93CD795-1