Officials: pot garden discovered at Sierra Nevada National Park (at least $36 million). After the pot garden was discovered, a Sierra Nevada National Park exhibit closed. At least $36 million?? Read the story, and see photos and video here.
As wild as it may sound, the problem is occurring with increasing regularity. Just a week ago, firefighters in Santa Barbara’s Los Padres National park began battling an enormous wild-fire sparked by campers hired to manage another pot growing operation. As of last week, that fire had burned an area stretching more than 136 square miles.
Drug enforcement officials say the increasing problem stems from a crackdown across the border by the Mexican Army, which has pushed the armed drug cartels northward into United States territory. The number of operations uncovered usually increases this time of year due to the typical harvest dates of September through October.
This week’s bust in California is one of the largest yet, and is the first time Sequoia National Park had to close down an exhibit as a result of a drug bust. Sadly, that exhibit is a well-known cave, with a crystal-covered interior.
Authorities discovered the massive pot garden only about a half-mile away from the popular cave. Park Rangers repelled from helicopter to clear out the site, which included trash, propane tanks, and thousands of feet of irrigation hose. Much of the pot garden had already been harvested, but combined with the remaining plants was estimated to be worth at least $36 million.
Even though Sierra Nevada National Park is known for its gargantuan Sequoia trees, the cave itself also draws many visitors.
Beth Fritsch, who was visiting the park from Maryland, told the AP:
“I’m fine with the trees, but I really wanted to see the caves. It’s sad to see that this is happening now inside the national parks.”
Far from a mere inconvenience, though, the pot growing operation has environmental and financial consequences. Park officials say the estimated loss in cave ticket sales could rise to $35,000 before the investigation is complete.
Spokeswoman Adrienne Freeman, spoke about the damage to native species that can occur, saying:
“…what’s worse, this pot has been growing next to a sensitive area where there are dozens of species at risk that are only in this park.”
All of the materials discovered will be examined for fingerprints and other evidence that could lead authorities to the individuals responsible for the $36 million pot garden at Sierra Nevada National Park.
What are your thoughts on this problem? Voice your opinion in the comments section below.
I’ve included a CNN video about the issue below.
August 31st, 2009 at 7:42 am
its natural… its the fruit of our mother nature… bless you all
August 31st, 2009 at 7:44 am
Every time I venture into a neighborhood in Detroit only about 4 miles from my house..someone tries to sell me crack-cocaine or heroin. This shit will kill you–marijuana is impossible to overdose on. It is totally ludicrous that marijuana is still illegal. Fortunately some states namely California and Ohio have made progressive steps in reforming their laws. i’m about ready to move with a friend to Ohio…Michigan is an economic wasteland with our last last 2 governors being absolutely useless…one Republican and now a Democrat.
August 31st, 2009 at 7:44 am
What is it only ‘pot-head’ get on these web-sites and argue to legalize marijuana? i lost half of my family to this scourge not to speak of the thousand of college drops outs and failures that take place because these ‘pot-head’ cannot get up to go to their classes, or to work. Way to go -pot-heads.
August 31st, 2009 at 7:46 am
I completely disagree with Keith Robinson’s statement. Do you really believe the healthcare system should deny people care. Sir, you are out of touch with reality. You think you are god’s gift but you are really just ignorant. Pot will eventually become legal then you will have to go out and catch some real criminals. If you think marijuana causes more car accidents then alcohol you are wrong I can assure you. By the way, the U.S. government is the biggest drug dealer in the world.
August 31st, 2009 at 7:51 am
Never used it, dont intend to, but here’s how it works. Make it legal, tax the heck out of it.punish those caught driving under the influence severely. Everyone that smokes it stays home, pays huge tax, don’t use gasoline or fossil fuels necessary to mfg. automobiles.
National debt gets paid off, planet gets saved, highways get safer, everyone wins.
August 31st, 2009 at 7:51 am
It should be legalized – The benefits for taxpayers and citizens would vastly outweigh the drawbacks.
August 31st, 2009 at 7:52 am
Selwyn, looks like you need to hit a few more classes, but I’ll assume English isn’t your primary language. I’m sincerely sorry you lost family, but to blame it on pot? I lost my sister and mother to drug overdoses. You know what they overdosed on? Methodone! while in treatment. So mf America and the drug companies trying to get rich on legal drugs while pretending to be concerning with the health of those they supposedly treat. If my mon and sister had a little pot to smoke, they’d probably be alive. Weed helped my Aunt beat alcoholism.
August 31st, 2009 at 7:53 am
Thought. Legalize it with a minimum age limit like alcohol or tobacco (the two industries that lobby to keep it illegal…wonder why?…who would buy a six-pack if weed was cheaper and you had no fear of a hangover). Use the taxes collected on it to fund health insurance for the uninsured. Use leftover taxes to pay down national debt. Legalization would make the country safer, not more dangerous. Legalization removes the criminals and their turf wars. Less money spent on enforcement of a law that cannot be enforced. There are only upsides to legalization since anyone anywhere can get some anytime they want. Not taxing it is financially irresponsible of our government.
August 31st, 2009 at 7:57 am
In response to the last message–scourge???! Crack, Heroin and methamphetamine are scourges not marijuana. Alcohol is much worse I am a recovering alcoholic and it has almost destroyed my life. But No it is “socially acceptable” right. Are you the type of person that is against gays and lesbians…and bisexuals I would not be surprised!
August 31st, 2009 at 7:59 am
Leagelize it YES, Tax it yes, People for less intrusive government should say yes, to all my GOP friends (which I am one) wake up we are the party of small government you should lead the pack on this Issue. Are only true problem is that the big “O” Bama is all just the same and no change. If we Tax it he will spend it, Give the choice to the States and Keep the Feds out of it, Let the the true voice of the people speak. Remember a Gonverment for the People and By the People. The Federal Government was Formed by the States not the other way around. If only our State Gonverments had the Balls to go out on there Own and not be held Hostage by the Feds. The Feds are only giving back money to the states from which was given to them by the states. And truely the only other money given to them is by WE The People. So take the fight to the State Govenerment and tell them not to be so Chicken Shit and Stand up for our Rights. The only Bad side affect of Pot is Rambling On and On!!!