HEY DUDE, THERE'S POT GROWING ON CITY LAND

A marijuana plant was found growing in a small plastic pot hidden along the
water's edge on municipal property on the south side of Belle Island
Kingston's top civic gardener refuses to take credit for some unusual
greenery growing on Belle Island.

"Oh God, no," said Mark Fluhrer, head of the city's parks department, who
is usually keen to see his department get credit for Kingston's lush, urban
forest.

Yesterday, a Whig-Standard reporter discovered a marijuana plant, growing
in a small nursery-style plastic pot, hidden along the water's edge on
municipal property, on the south side of Belle Island.

"You're kidding," said a surprised Fluhrer.

Belle Island is a 12-hectare, undeveloped promontory at the east end of
Belle Park, the city's 48-hectare municipal golf course. The golf course
and island form a peninsula in the Cataraqui River.

No other plants were visible, but there are footpaths and signs of recent
human activity in the treed area.

While Fluhrer claims no knowledge of the potted pot plant, he's not averse
to joking about it.

He was asked if his department has come up with a secret plan to replenish
city coffers.

"That would be a way of looking at increasing revenues though," said
Fluhrer, laughing.

"If you were to do it, you'd have to do more than one [plant] to make it
worth your while."

The plant found yesterday, which stands roughly half a metre tall,
comprises one stalk about the thickness of an adult finger, with two leafy
branches. A small, white plastic band is clamped around one branch, and
bears the number "8."

"Isn't that interesting," said Fluhrer, who noted that the spot where the
plant was found is ideal for growing.

The plant was in some underbrush at the edge of an embankment just metres
from the shoreline. At this spot, the plant would get a steady supply of
sunshine and moisture from the river, and as it is so close to the river,
would get some protection from an early frost.

Belle Island offers these conditions, under which many plants thrive.

"It's like a wetland," said Fluhrer. "You can set them in a pot, set them
down there ... or just plant them and let them grow.

"They'll live amongst the grasses. It's almost a natural for them. They're
a type of hemp, a plant that does well in that type of environment."

Fluhrer said he would send city workers out to inspect the area to search
for more plants.

There have been problems in the past on the island with campers and rowdy
youths holding parties.

"It is very secluded," Fluhrer said. The city has tried to preserve the
area in its natural state.

Nighttime security patrols are in place, because of the golf course and
ongoing environmental monitoring of the old garbage dump that lies beneath
the course.