Illegal Alien Pot Growers Ruin Parks

 
            America’s national parks and other protected sites of nature are an outstanding reflection of our commitment to protect the environment and natural resources, both for the benefit of Americans living today and for future generations. This is a commitment we take very seriously.

Unfortunately, a growing number of our protected lands are under assault by foreigners, specifically Mexican drug cartels and illegal aliens in their hire. They are using our protected areas to plant marijuana crops, and they are totally unconcerned about the damage they’re causing. CNN.com reports (9/3/09) that “[F]igures from the U.S. Forest Service indicate the sheer volume of marijuana plants on U.S. public land has increased every year since 2005. . . . Most pot farms are cultivated by low-level cartel workers, many who are working to pay off smugglers who helped them cross the border, officials said.”

This pot cultivation is environmentally destructive in many ways. As the CNN report continued, “Growers often dam up natural waterways with PVC pipe to redirect water to their plants, or poison the land and animals with insecticides. Many poach for food. Tons of trash is found scattered at the sites.” Many charge the cultivators with starting forest fires. In August, reported The Los Angeles Times (8/16/09), illegal alien pot growers set a fire that burned 75,000 acres in Santa Barbara County.

The pot farms also pose a threat to hikers and others who stumble across them. Quite often the cultivators are well-armed and, according to the CNN report, fortify their positions with foxholes and sniper nests.

 Recently, authorities had to close a portion of Sequoia National Park in California as park rangers raided a marijuana farm. A park spokeswoman commented, “Last week for six days, instead of having families and children [visiting] . . . we were flying helicopters to do a law enforcement operation. That’s not fair. You should be able to come to the park to enjoy it.” CNN.com (9/3/09)

Indeed we should. But until we get serious about enforcing our immigration laws, this problem will only grow worse—as will all the other problems brought about by illegal immigration. It would be nice if environmental organizations like the Sierra Club would take up this issue, but it appears that most would prefer to let the wilderness go to pot (literally) rather than offend politically correct sensibilities.

Thus the solution must come from the rank and file of ordinary Americans who want to preserve their way of life and quality of life. If we surrender our parks, one of our great national achievements, our surrenders may never end.