Pubdate: Thu, 05 Sep 2002
Source: Times-Standard (CA)
Copyright: 2002 MediaNews Group, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.times-standard.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1051

TAKE CAUTION IN THE FORESTS DURING MARIJUANA HARVEST SEASON

The next time you're out enjoying a trek through the woods, you may 
encounter something more than just trees.

According the Six Rivers National Forest system, growing and harvesting 
marijuana on national forest land has increased almost tenfold in the last 
decade. Last year alone, more than 10,000 marijuana plants were taken from 
Six Rivers National Forest lands.

"We want to make sure forest visitors know this is going on and what they 
should do if they encounter a growing site when they are in the woods," 
said Six Rivers National Forest Supervisor Lou Woltering in a press release.

National forests have vast expanses of uninhabited lands, with large areas 
of fertile soil and a climate perfect for growing the illegal plant. The 
isolation and limited access of remote forest areas lessens the likelihood 
of marijuana gardens being detected by law enforcement. However, the 
potential remains for unwitting forest visitors to accidentally stumble 
across marijuana gardens, especially during this time of year when 
harvesting of the plants begins.

Law enforcement officers are urging forest visitors to use caution when in 
remote forest areas, as illegal gardeners often protect their operations 
with booby traps and firearms.

"The larger growing operations often have armed individuals tending and 
living near the gardens," said Six Rivers Patrol Capt. Diane Welton in the 
press release.

Welton also pointed out certain indicators to look for in the woods, which 
may mean marijuana is being cultivate nearby, such as isolated tents and 
trailers. Vehicular traffic or a particular vehicle seen in the same 
isolated area on a regular basis may be another sign a cultivation site is 
nearby. In addition, traces of gardens may be present, such as buckets, 
gardening tools, black piping, fertilizer bags, soil disturbance and heaps 
of garbage.

"If a private citizen comes upon something suspicious, don't enter the 
area, leave immediately and notify local law enforcement authorities," said 
Welton.

Working with County Sheriff's Departments and Campaign Against Marijuana 
Planting teams, Forest Service law enforcement officers hope to abolish 
marijuana cultivation from California's public lands.

The Forest Service also cautions the public that fire restrictions are 
still in effect and conditions have been very dry this season. Building a 
campfire outside developed recreation areas is prohibited, as is smoking, 
except within an enclosed vehicle or other enclosed structure.

To notify the Forest Service of suspected illegal activity within the Six 
Rivers National Forest, contact Welton at 441-3632.
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