Dust swirls in the air as a helicopter lifts drug task force officers above national forest lands just west of Wenatchee. Their mission- eradicate thousands of illegal marijuana plants from cultivation sites within the Forest. Below, an interdisciplinary team from the Chelan County Sherriff, US Forest Service, Washington Department of Ecology Hazmat Division and the Drug Enforcement Administration wait for the first plants to be hauled out.
“Illegal grow operations are a serious problem,” said USFS Law Enforcement Officer, Mike Kujala. “These type of operations can compromise public safety in the woods and cause long-lasting ecological damage.”
It is common at these types of illegal grow sites to find water diverted from natural streambeds, acres of trees cut down, trash littering the forest floor and unknown herbicides and pesticides in use.
“Nobody wants a potential hazmat site on the Forest,” added Kujala. “Growing on public lands is never a victimless crime.”
Forest visitors are encouraged to report any suspected illegal cultivation sites to local law enforcement officials. However, for public safety do not approach a suspected site at any time and leave the area as soon as possible; illegal growers can be armed and dangerous. The Forest plans to continue work with the Columbia River Drug Task Force throughout 2017.
Get the latest forest news and alerts by texting ‘follow OkaWenNF’ to 40404, ‘liking’ us on facebook or following us on twitter @OkaWenNF. The mission of the USDA Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here