Last week’s Marijuana cultivation raids in the Sierra foothills have prompted the Forest Service to advise the public to “be vigilant when visiting the forest.” Acting Forest Supervisor Marlene Finley said that officials see absolutely no need for the public to stay away from the Forest, but to remain aware of that they might encounter marijuana gardens. If they do, a report to law enforcement should follow.

Officials point out that these pot gardens are usually planted in very remote locations not frequented by hikers. Plants usually grow between June and November. Forest officials said that these illegal gardens cause environmental damage – herbicides and pesticides, human garbage that all end up in streams.

In the recent cultivation busts, officers from all of our Inyo and Mono law enforcement agencies found more than 50,000 plants. They arrested two suspects.

Forest officials advise that while visiting the national forest, watch for isolated tents or use of trailers where no recreational activity is present, a pattern of vehicular traffic on a regular basis, unusual structures in remote areas, tools and fertilizer bags, disturbed soil, black piping and trash.

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