Radanovich Calls For Hearing On Marijuana Cultivation On Public Lands

Washington, DC — Congressman George Radanovich is calling for a congressional hearing to address the issue of marijuana cultivation on public lands.

Radanovich says he plans to ask Chairman Richard Pombo of the House Resources Committee to schedule a hearing to determine whether the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service are committing enough resources and law enforcement to combat the illegal growing of marijuana in national parks and forests.

Radanovich is also a member of the resources committee. He adds that the issue is a growing problem in California.

A spokeswoman for the National Parks Conservation Association supports the call for a hearing, saying Mexican drug cartels have infiltrated national parks with growing operations that are destroying the ecosystem and threatening the safety of park staff and visitors.