Park's Pot Problem Explodes

Supplies Dropped In

This was also where supplies were dropped every eight to 10 days during the marijuana season, from planting in April to harvest in September and October.

About 2,000 feet higher and across a rushing stream, the rangers came to the remains of one of the camps discovered during last year's seizure of the $150-million crop. The rangers estimate that the 8 tons of marijuana found then represent only about 40% of the pot being grown in the park.

Like the staging area below, the camp was strewn with garbage. A blue plastic bag contained dish soap and deodorant. A towel hung from an oak branch. Disposable razors and toothbrushes were tucked into twine wound around tree trunks. Bottles of herbicide and bags of fertilizers were heaped to one side. Raw potatoes nestled on spent coals beneath a grill suspended and tied to two trees. An empty bottle of brandy lay near crushed beer cans. A spatula, a lighter, scissors, miscellaneous clothing and unpaired shoes sat in haphazard piles.

"Nice, eh?" DeLaCruz said, waving his arm to take in the scene. "Welcome to your national park."