AUTHORITIES INCREASE PATROLS FOR MARIJUANA

Authorities will begin increasing patrols in the park as the spring
planting season starts in an effort to thwart marijuana-growing operations,
officials said.

Rangers will focus on areas where marijuana crops have been found in the
past, including lower elevations of the park along the Kaweah River.

Park officials said most growing occurs near a year-round water source and
under the canopy of brush or trees such as oak or manzanita. Hikers are
warned to be wary of suspicious activity and to watch out for armed guards
keeping watch over their marijuana crops.