Illegal Marijuana Grow Site Eradicated on White River National Forest

Interagency team of law enforcement officers arrest one subject and eradicate over 2,700 marijuana plants

Carbondale, Colo. September 28, 2017 – 4 p.m. – An interagency team of law enforcement officers began efforts early this morning to eradicate an illegal marijuana grow site on the White River National Forest. A team comprised of multi-agency officials from Forest Service Law Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Land Management, Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office, Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado Parks and Wildlife have undergone significant coordination over the past several months to lead to this action.

The illegal grow site is located approximately 16 miles south of Carbondale. The 5-acre site contained over 2,700 plants and illegal infrastructure including irrigation pipe, camping gear, trash, tarps, chemicals to deter wildlife and fertilizer. One subject was arrested and is in Federal custody.

“The arrest today is another step toward addressing public safety and resource protection issues on National Forest System lands,” said Kent Delbon, Special Agent in Charge. “We appreciate the public’s support and the diligent work of the interagency law enforcement team,” added Delbon.

Illegal marijuana grows on National Forest System lands are dangerous and damaging to the forest. The White River National Forest is a heavily used forest, and illegal grows endanger the safety of members of the public and Forest employees, who are using the forest responsibly and legally.

“Illegal marijuana operations cannot be tolerated on National Forest Systems Lands,” said Scott Fitzwilliams, Forest Supervisor. “We commend the efforts of law enforcement and partners over the past several months to plan and safely execute the eradication of this site.”

Additionally, illegal marijuana grows are ecologically damaging to the forest. Harmful poisons, pesticides and fertilizers are often found at grow sites. These chemicals are fatal to wildlife, can infiltrate the food web, seep into the soil and surrounding watersheds and harm aquatic species or compromise drinking water.

These illegal grows often contain elaborate infrastructures such as piping, water diversions, evidence of long-term human habitation, trash and other items that should not be in the Forest and have the potential to cause environmental degradation.

“It is concerning that these illegal grows are happening more frequently in the Forest and near two of our communities,” said Fitzwilliams. “We are asking people to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to local authorities.”