MENDOCINO FOREST VISITORS WARNED ABOUT MARIJUANA GARDENS

WILLOWS -- With the prime growing period for illegal marijuana gardens
under way, Mendocino National Forest officials are urging the public
to be vigilant when visiting the forest.

Illegal gardens on public land is an increasing problem and presents a
safety hazard to forest visors and employees. Most illegal gardens are
in very remote locations. Plants are typically sown in May and June,
and harvested from late September through November. If something
suspicious is seen, visitors are urged not to enter the area, but to
leave and notify local law enforcement authorities
immediately.

Some things to watch for that may indicate marijuana is being
illegally grown in the forest include:

- -- Isolated tents or trailers where no recreational facilites are
present.

- -- A pattern of vehicle traffic or a particular vehicle seen in the
same isolated area on a regular basis.

- -- Unusual structures in remote forest areas, with buckets, garden
tools, fertilizer bags, etc.

- -- Signs of cultivation or soil disturbance in unlikely
areas.

- -- Black piping and trash scattered in forest areas.