BLM law enforcement protects public land resources
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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Bureau of Land Management Rangers and Special Agents, alongside various law enforcement partners, eradicated more than one-million marijuana plants and close to 180,300 pounds of processed marijuana this year from illegal grow sites statewide on BLM lands as part of the California Department of Justice’s annual Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP) program.
In addition to marijuana and chemicals, ammunition and weapons were also seized. The trash and litter these operations leave behind also impacts public lands: almost 300 miles of waterline, 583 propane tanks were collected during these operations, as well as more than 67,000 pounds of grow site infrastructure.
“The BLM is proud of its law enforcement Rangers and Special Agents for conducting this important work,” said BLM California State Director Karen Mouritsen. “These illegal operations have a devastating impact on our environment and the health and safety of communities, which we cannot tolerate. The BLM looks forward to working with the Attorney General’s Office again next year on this very important effort.”
Like all the bureaus and agencies that make up the Department of the Interior, the BLM is playing a central role in protecting our natural resources, pursuing environmental justice, and honoring our nation-to-nation relationship with Tribes in the stewardship of public lands. The BLM supports the Biden Administration’s conservation vision for doing better for people, for fish and wildlife, and for the planet. Proper management of these resources keeps working public lands healthy and productive for current and future generations of Americans.
“Growing marijuana on federal land is a crime, but that is not the only issue here,” said Special Agent In Charge Dylan Ragan. “It also has devastating impacts on public safety, wildlife, and natural resources. I have a profound respect for the fantastic work our rangers and special agents involved in eradicating illegal grow sites and removing highly toxic chemicals that pollute public lands and waters.”
The BLM promotes safety, security, and environmental protection of public lands, public land users, and employees. The BLM strongly advises anyone encountering what appears to be a growing site to leave the area immediately and call the county sheriff or the nearest BLM office. For additional information or to notify law enforcement authorities of suspicious activities on public lands, please contact the BLM by visiting https://www.blm.gov/california.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.