California removes thousands of illicit cannabis plants impacting sensitive habitats

State officials in California have removed 21,000 illicit cannabis plants and arrested eight suspects at six sites across the state during July and August. The operations, led by specialized teams from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), also resulted in the seizure of two firearms and several illegal pesticides.

The enforcement actions took place in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, and Tehama counties. Authorities targeted illegal grow sites hidden within sensitive habitats and watersheds.

Governor Gavin Newsom commented on the impact of these operations: “Our water is a delicately balanced system that enables communities to thrive and the environment to flourish. Illegal cannabis grows threaten that balance. If you violate the law, we will do everything in our power to hold you accountable.”

In one example cited by officials, an illegal grow site raided in San Bernardino County included cannabis plants growing among western Joshua trees with evidence of rodenticide use and equipment for illegally diverting water from a natural spring.

During these actions, more than 150 pounds of processed cannabis were destroyed. Officers also removed several bottles of highly toxic pesticides banned in the United States due to health risks. Water flow was restored at locations where it had been diverted for cultivation purposes. According to CDFW estimates, if not eradicated, the 21,000 plants would have consumed up to 9.5 million gallons of water over their growing cycles.

CDFW Director Charlton H. Bonham stated: “Nearby communities and fish and wildlife depend on clean water from these watersheds. When criminals steal or destroy the natural resources that support California’s extraordinary biodiversity, we are committed to stopping them—and we have the teams in place to do that, no matter how far into the wilderness they try to hide their operations.”

The illegal cultivation activities often cause environmental damage through pesticide contamination of soil and water as well as diversion of essential water supplies needed by local wildlife.

The eight suspects arrested face multiple charges including unlawful cannabis cultivation with environmental harm, pollution of state waters, depositing hazardous substances on others’ land, and resisting arrest.

Officers discovered some illicit sites based on tips from concerned citizens—including a hunter scouting for deer—highlighting public reporting as an important tool for identifying illegal outdoor cannabis grows.

For more information about CDFW’s work protecting natural resources while supporting regulated cannabis cultivation or to report suspected illegal activity anonymously at any time via phone or text message or online tip form, visit CDFW’s Cannabis Program online.