ON THE POT PATROL

When you go down into the woods today you might be in for a big surprise if
you stumble across a pot plantation.

Yes, it's that time of year and police are asking outdoor enthusiasts to
keep an eye out for outdoor marijuana grow operations. Sgt. Dwight Dammann
said outdoor plantations are common in the area thanks to ideal growing
conditions.

"This is one of the greatest growing areas in the world because of the
climate. We've got a long growing season, great soil, lots of natural
irrigation, lots of sun. What more could you ask for?" he said.

These outdoor marijuana plantations can be grown and found anywhere from
the Beaver Lodge lands to near area lakes or other wooded areas.

"Any remote area that people feel the police investigators won't have
access to," said Dammann. "They're making a huge effort in getting into
these areas and planting marijuana plants.

Dammann said in the past, police have dismantled extremely well grown
outdoor marijuana operations with plants between seven and eight feet in
height, with enormous amounts of bud.

"There are some very capable growers out there and they know what they're
doing," added Dammann.

Now police are asking anyone heading into the great outdoors to keep their
eye out for this illegal grow operations.

Dammann said the growing season usually runs between the beginning of May
and the end of September, but can stretch into late October if its a mild fall.

In the past, police have received tips from people out in the woods.

"Usually we get information from people who are just stumbling onto them,
like a lot of surveyors for forestry, conservation officers, forestry
workers, hikers, campers, outdoor enthusiasts of any kind," explained Dammann.

Police are asking people who do come across these marijuana plantations to
leave the plants alone but note their location, their average height and an
estimate on how many plants there are. Dammann also asks they note any
vehicles in the area and record their license plates.

While safety has never been an issue for people coming across these
operations, Dammann cautions those who do to be careful.

"Beware of the fact that we don't know who we're dealing with. You never
know what type of action (the growers) may take so people don't disturb
their crops," he said.