Despite the legalization of marijuana in California, drug trafficking organizations continue to steadily trespass on our public lands, cultivating illegal cannabis to feed the nation’s black market. Historically, these operations were focused in Northern California, but their presence and destruction is a growing concern along the Central Coast.
Trespass grow sites destroy fragile native vegetation and transmit deadly pesticides and toxic fertilizers into soils, waterways, and wildlife. With a rapidly drying climate, such operations have proven even more dangerous in causing and worsening wildland fires.
Last year’s Dolan Fire burned 125,000 acres of the Big Sur backcountry, destroyed 14 homes, and led to a debris flow that wiped away a portion of Highway 1. The fire appears to have killed 11 critically endangered California condors. Amid winter rains, denuded slopes turned to mudslides and buried thousands of endangered black abalone in the coastal waters below. The re-routing of Highway 1 resulted in the destruction of Indigenous cultural sites and complete restoration of the landscape could take generations.
Although the official cause is still under investigation, a trespass grow site in the vicinity and a suspect arrested at the ignition source leaves little doubt.
Over the past decade, trespass grows have either caused or intensified 13 fires that have burned over 285,000 acres in California. Of these, three have been on the Central Coast. In addition to causing ignitions, trespass operations can impede fire suppression activities. Cal Fire has reported firefighters being confronted by armed growers. Booby traps and explosive ammunition are among the many hazards awaiting unsuspecting first responders.
In addition, these operations often deploy illegal and deadly pesticides, including Carbofuran. When inhaled, this extremely toxic carbamate pesticide can impair the nervous system and cause tremors, convulsions, and even coma. Carbofuran is often dissolved in flammable or combustible liquid carriers, making it especially dangerous in the midst of a wildfire, where it can easily be inhaled by firefighters and nearby residents.
Despite more states and cities legalizing cannabis, much of the nation remains ripe for the black market. This real demand means trespass grows will continue to flourish until lawmakers take appropriate actions to protect our precious wildlands. At present, state and federal agencies are woefully understaffed to prevent or even clean up after trespass operations.
The Los Padres National Forest, which spans 1.75 million acres from Monterey to Los Angeles counties, has only seven law enforcement staff charged with (among many other responsibilities) patrolling trespass grow sites. This equates to one officer per 250,000 acres, an area larger than the entire city of San Diego. What’s more, over the past year, officials are reporting a proliferation of trespass grow sites.
If there is any hope of protecting California’s beautiful lands and wilderness from the devastation wrought by drug trafficking organizations, both state and federal governments must dramatically enhance grow site prevention and reclamation efforts.
Fortunately, some members of Congress are working to increase public investment into enforcement and clean-up efforts. In partnership with the Cannabis Removal on Public Lands Project (CROP), a bipartisan group of members has begun working on legislation to increase funding toward protecting and restoring our public lands, in partnership with Tribes and local non-profits.
With a new administration in place, Representatives with districts encompassing public lands, including Congressman Panetta, are in the best position to lead the fight to secure the necessary federal investments. Amid an exceptional drought and the potential of our most severe wildfire season on record, bold and swift action is essential. The lands and waters that sustain us are at stake, and the stakes are getting higher.
Richard McIntyre is the Executive Director of Cannabis Removal on Public Lands Project. Michael Ward is the Executive Director of the Ventana Wilderness Alliance.
