By The Eradication Operation
On Sept. 16, 2026, law enforcement eradicated an illegal marijuana grow site in a remote area of Mendocino National Forest. Officers eradicated approximately 700 plants from the cultivation site.
The operation involved the U.S. Forest Service, the Glenn County Major Crimes Task Force, and Forest Service helicopter Falcon 1. The site had hundreds of plants.
The grow site was located in a remote area of the national forest. No arrests connected to the site were reported in the source material.
How Grow Sites Hide In National Forests
In national forests, marijuana grow sites tend to be planted in areas where visitors are unlikely. Southern or western slopes are preferred, but sites can be found in any type of terrain.
Sometimes grow sites are planted along roads or freeways on steep hillsides. In those locations, brush and trees hide the marijuana plants.
Law enforcement agencies remind visitors to know the signs of a grow site. Recognizing these patterns can help visitors avoid dangerous encounters.
Public Safety And Environmental Concerns
Cultivation sites can cause extreme damage to ecosystems and pose safety concerns for the public. The Forest Service emphasized the environmental toll of illegal grows on forest land.
The public should take precautions when visiting national forest lands. If you come across a marijuana grow site, leave the area immediately and cautiously exit the same way you entered.
Once in a safe location, you can report details to local law enforcement by calling 911. Officials urge the public not to linger at or investigate suspected grow sites.
