At first glance, California’s 45 million acres of public lands seem like havens for recreation and wildlife. But off the beaten path, away from the maintained trails and people, there is a different story. Some of these secluded areas are being overrun with illegal marijuana growing operations, resulting in degraded habitat and toxic trash that leads … Read more
In the Golden State, dangerous drug cartels are growing pot on public lands—putting wildlife, water supplies, and outdoor enthusiasts at grave risk. Read the original article here and enjoy the spectacular photographs. In the gray half-light of dawn, eight figures creep through the dry pine forest near Quincy, California. Seven of them wear camo uniforms … Read more
Congressman Jared Huffman (D-San Rafael) recently sent a letter to U.S. Attorney Melinda Haag asking her to focus resources on prosecuting trespass marijuana growers instead of those complying with the state’s medical marijuana laws. In the letter sent to Haag on Wednesday, Huffman said he believes trespass grows are the “greatest emerging threat to public … Read more
Enviro groups push Forest Service to release pot maps …There could be several plausible reasons the Forest Service didn’t produce the rumored maps: They aren’t official, they’re part of ongoing law enforcement investigations or they don’t exist. Or it could be that the maps — like the one Henson says he caught a brief glimpse … Read more
In drought-hit California, marijuana growers are feeling the heat, accused of using too much water for their thirsty plants and of polluting streams and rivers with their pesticides and fertilizers. … Nevedal and other pot backers said the ultimate solution was for Congress to fully legalize the drug, which she said would eliminate the need … Read more