Treasure Mountain 4H presented Betty Roen and Jane Roberti with baskets this Thanksgiving holiday.
Our members delivered a little bit of happiness and support to Betty. Johnny was loved by many. Most of these children grew up experiencing the love and generosity of this amazing man.
Eddie was happy to represent the very busy members of his club . Thanking Jane for all that she has done for our club and for nearly 35 years of devotion and dedication to 4H. We are very grateful and thankful for these wonderful members of our community!
​

               
       Welcome back to another Weekly Warrior, you wonderful readers! Isn’t it such a nice day? So much has been happening here at Downieville School. For Patrick Wilson’s K/1st grade class they are going to be a part of Niecea Freeman’s 4th-6th grade class in their Nutcracker play. The boys are going to be toy soldiers, and the girls as sugar plum fairies. The play will be at the theatre in Downieville on Saturday December 7th. Patrick Wilson and Robert Baker are working on this sound/music studio that’s coming along great! Keep it up!
    In Mrs. Bosworths 2nd/3rd grade class, the 3rd graders are learning multiples and additions. The 2nd graders are learning subtraction and regrouping. In science everyone is learning about habitats around the world. They also made dinosaur cast molds. In art they are currently making a community tree, and are learning about leaves. Lots of art working in their class as well. Shelley Fischer has been doing a lot of art as well with them!!! Thank you!!!
    Something special going on in Niecea Freeman’s 4th-6th grade class is they are running the Nutcracker play. They will be having a friendsgiving on Tuesday. They are all studying their lines hard, and improving by the day. Also computer coding skills is what they are learning as well.
   In Amber Sainsbury’s lovely class they are doing tons of art as well! They are trying to have art days once a week with Brittany Steward. Ezra Acuna was working on this fantastic art with ONLY CHALK, unbelievable! Also art with only a compass, now that’s Classic!!!
   Now for Robin Bolle’s class. What an AWESOME teacher! Robin is teaching the 7th/8th grade class about animal diversity and art work on invertebrates and vertebrates. In Robin’s Earth Science class they are learning about earthquakes, and building structures to test the might of the earthquakes, aka the shaker tables. In Algebra 2 her students love solving systems of inequality. She wanted to mention the Nutcracker play that the Jr. High/High school will be attending, and yes to answer your question there are going to be TWO Nutcracker plays!!! Yes that’s RIGHT! This Nutcracker play will be on December 19th in Sacramento. There will be 4 acts, (whispers) it’s worth going….
   In Mr. B’s class nothing is going on there, but I know for a fact there is much learning and teaching in his lovely fantastic class. 7th/8th US history learning about life in the American colonies. 9th/10th grade class is learning about Napoleon’s rise and downfall. 11th/12th is learning about U.S. Imperialism. Fun stuff!
  Mrs. Fillo’s drama class had an event last Tuesday November 19th, in the Downieville cafeteria. All students performed fantastically! It was Skits and Snacks this year. The show was phenomenal, and our community was so supportive! It was a full house! Packed full of people! “It was absolutely AMAZING!” - Mrs. Fillo 11/21/19. Robert Baker and Aaron Foster acted in the skit “Who’s on First Base” They were both very energetic and enthusiastic. New student Greg Ziegler play are great villain, he was very despicable and cringy. We can’t forget the person who ran the show, Bailey Miller. She directed the 7/8th grade skit “Sinking of the Morning Star.” Everyone did great, and thank you to everyone who showed up to watch these awesome actors!
   THAT’S IT for another lovely week of thee Weekly Warrior going on in the school of Downieville. Thank you community for all your help and have a great day!!!
 
By: Jacob Rust

By Melinda Myers
The holiday tree is the center of many family celebrations. Ornaments collected over the years decorate the boughs while brightly wrapped gifts are carefully placed underneath.
But the hunt for the perfect tree can be an important part of the tradition. Many try to find the right size and shape for the space allotted, a fragrance the whole family prefers and good needle retention for long lasting beauty.  Load the family into the car or walk to the corner Christmas tree lot and let the hunt begin.
Size and shape are important. Your tree needs to fit but finding a fresh tree to last through the holidays is equally important. Here are a few tips to help you find the right tree and keep it looking its best throughout the holidays.
Buy local. You’ll support local Christmas tree growers and reduce the risk of spreading unwanted pests into your landscape when purchasing locally grown trees. Your local University Extension Service and Department of Natural Resources will provide updates on any threats.
Select the right variety. Family tradition may dictate your tree choice. Many prefer the fragrance of balsam fir and the needle retention of other firs like Fraser, white, Grand and Noble. Though not a true fir, Douglas fir needles have a wonderful aroma when crushed.  White pines lack the fragrance that many prefer. Its pliable branches only support lightweight ornaments, but the soft needles have less bite than the popular Scots or Scotch pine. This evergreen has stiff branches that support heavier ornaments and its needles hold even when dry.
Check for freshness.  A fresh tree will last throughout the holidays. Run your hand along the stem. The needles should be pliable, yet firmly attached to the branch.  Avoid trees with lots of moss, lichens, vines, broken branches and other signs of poor care.
The right fit. Look closely at the overall shape and size of the tree.  Stand the tree upright to make sure it will fit in the allotted space. Check the trunk. It should be straight and the base small enough to fit in your tree stand.
Make a fresh cut. Remove at least an inch from the base of the trunk before setting it in the stand.  Straight or diagonal cuts work equally well.  A diagonal or V-shaped cut may make it difficult to properly support the tree in the stand.
Proper watering is key.  Fill the stand with water and check it often.  Fresh trees can absorb as much as 2 quarts of water in the first 24 hours.  Keeping your tree stand filled with water is the best way to keep your tree looking its best throughout the season.
Once your tree is in place you can add lights and decorations. Then be sure to take time throughout the busy holiday season to sit down, relax with your favorite winter beverage and enjoy the beauty of your Christmas tree.
Melinda Myers has written numerous books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her web site is www.MelindaMyers.com.


If you would rather not receive future communications from Melinda Myers LLC, let us know by clicking here.
Melinda Myers LLC, P.O. Box 798, Mukwonago,, WI 53149 United States

QUINCY, Calif. – All Plumas National Forest offices will be closed on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28. Offices will resume normal business hours, weather permitting, on Friday, Nov. 29.
 
Due to forecast weather impacts, visitors, particularly those interested in Christmas tree cutting permits and tree cutting adventures, should consider calling ahead to ensure offices are open. Depending on snowfall amounts, many forest roads may not be accessible this week. For major routes/state highway conditions contact the CA Department of Transportation at 1-800-427-7623 or check http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov . You will also find area highway webcams on the CALTRANS website.
 
In the event of an emergency, telephone landlines are the most reliable means of calling 911. The increased number of cell phone calls during holidays often strain rural telecommunication systems, sometimes creating problems making a call. There are also many areas within the forest that do not have cell phone reception. Be situationally aware and have a back-up plan for emergencies, particularly if you are traveling off a major highway.
 
For information about the Plumas National Forest visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas and www.Facebook.com/usfsplumas.                       

www.tfhd.com


 (Tahoe/Truckee, Calif.) –  Tahoe Forest Health System is pleased to announce that several of their multispecialty clinics have moved to a new location.
The following clinics and providers have relocated to the 2nd floor of the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center on 10121 Pine Ave, Truckee, CA:

• Tahoe Forest Gastroenterology & General Surgery – Jennifer Racca, MD, Gerald Schaffer, MD, Allison O’Brien, PA-C, Ellen Cooper, MD, and Justin Hunt, MD
• Tahoe Forest Urology and Neurology – Mark Wainstein, MD, and Cherisse Mwero, MD
• Tahoe Forest Women’s Center – Shawni Coll, MD, Cara Streit, MD, Peter Taylor, MD, Steven Thompson, MD, and Janet Brooks, NP

The entrance to the clinics on the 2nd floor is located beside the main entrance of the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center. To schedule an appointment with any of the above providers, please call (530) 582-6205.
 
#####

 
By Dr. Glenn Mollette
 
The holidays can be glad, sad or bad. Take your pick and choose a direction. 
 
 I choose glad. Who wants to be sad and who needs bad? I don't want either one and neither do you. There is enough in life that confronts us every day that has the propensity to get us down.
 
Don't go crazy eating this holiday. I hear every year from people who say, "I'm going to eat whatever I want during the holidays and I'll change in January." These are the people who gain five to ten pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. There are reports that some people only gain a pound during the holidays. You and I know better. I know personally that I have gained ten pounds during the holidays. My scale might be off a pound or two, but it does not lie. The sad staggering number tells me what I don't what to see and there have been times it has been bad and sad! Who needs to start January 2020 ten pounds heavier?!! You don't need it! Who does? 
 
People literally go crazy eating during the holidays eating "pounds" of candy, cookies and eating the dining room table. You don't have to eat the kitchen just because you can. Make a determination now how you are going to conduct your eating this holiday. You can have a good plate of food and even splurge on a dessert without busting your waistline. You don't need three plates of food and four desserts. You'll be glad if you approach the holidays with some discretion or you will be sad and feel bad in January if you eat your head off. Now, don't be mad at me because you have total freedom on what you put in your mouth. 
 
Participate in Christmas. It's more fun if you participate in life. Visit some elderly people who can't get out much. Visit the nursing home. People are lonely in those places. Last Christmas Eve my wife and I went to the local nursing home and visited the residents. Not one room in that nursing home on Christmas Eve had any family or visitors. It was a very sad, lonely place. If you want to feel good, do good. Take some of your food and give it away before Christmas. Don't take people leftovers. Maybe there is a family or two that you might help in some tangible way? Think about it and God will lead you with some good charitable ideas. 
 
This year remember who and what the seasons are about. Focus on Joy, Peace and good will toward all. Say good words to people. Be Kind. Wish the best for others. Help others if and when you can. Don't say bad things about people and give people second chances. 
 
Make your holiday strategy today for a season of gladness.

Click here for -> Books By Glenn Mollette , Read his latest book Uncommon Sense
Music by Glenn Mollette through iTunes and all music dealers
  
Contact him at [email protected].   Learn more at www.glennmollette.com   Like his facebook page at www.facebook.com/glennmollette

Expected Impacts to Holiday Travel

REDDING – The National Weather Service is forecasting winter weather systems this week that are expected to impact motorists during holiday travel for Thanksgiving. Following windy conditions with possible fire weather conditions today, rain in the valley and snow in the mountains and foothills are anticipated Tuesday through Friday, with another weather system anticipated on Saturday and Sunday.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans District 2) wishes everyone a very happy holiday and reminds travelers to be prepared for rainy conditions in the valley and winter weather conditions in higher elevations if traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday. Be sure to follow the weather forecast and utilize these tips for safe holiday travel:

·        Make sure to have a full tank of gas and to carry chains if travelling into higher elevations. It is also a good idea to bring water, snacks, a cell phone and charger, blankets, an ice scraper or shovel, and a spare key for your vehicle if possible.
·        Make sure your vehicle’s maintenance is up to date prior to travel. Also, make sure your tires have adequate tread and replace your windshield wipers if needed.
·        Plan extra time for travel. The Thanksgiving Holiday is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and inclement weather travel will add time to your trip. Drive slowly and carefully in rainy and snowy conditions.
·        Check conditions prior to travel and during breaks while traveling. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and highways that may have been open when you left may be closed or develop the need for chain controls as you are on the road. QuickMap provides up-to-date highway information and is also available by free app for your smartphone. Motorists can also utilize highway information via One-Stop-Shop, which offers road conditions in the western portion of the country.
·        Look for highway information on changeable message and Highway Advisory Radio signs while traveling.
·        Certain rest areas in District 2 are closed during the winter season and others may experience closure due to inclement weather. Rest area information can also be found on QuickMap.

Caltrans District 2 Maintenance crews will be staffed and ready, as always, for these upcoming storm systems. Please drive slowly around our crews and give them plenty of room as they work. Never pass a snow plow unless directed by the operator to do so. Vehicle and truck screening are also anticipated at Fawndale Road, north of Redding, for northbound Interstate 5 travelers.

Motorists can call the Caltrans District 2 Public Information office during business hours for highway information at (530) 225-3426. Highway information can also be found on our Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as through our local hotline at (530) 225-3452 and the Caltrans Highway Information Network at 1-800-427-7623.

Recent District 2 Winter Preps Press Release

C.H.P. Tire Traction Devices Information

####

 
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – As millions of motorists head out for the Thanksgiving holiday, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) is prepared for one of the busiest travel weekends in America.  Unfortunately, in the past, Thanksgiving has also been one of the deadlier holidays on our roadways.
 
To help motorists arrive at their destinations safely, the CHP will implement a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) and deploy all available officers through the holiday weekend.  The MEP begins at 6:01 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, and continues through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 1. 
 
During the MEP, CHP officers will educate motorists and enforce traffic safety laws throughout the state to ensure everyone has a safe holiday.  Officers will be actively looking for unsafe driving practices, including impaired or distracted driving, unsafe speed, and vehicle occupants who fail to buckle up.
 
“Holiday travel can be stressful.  By putting some simple safety measures in place, motorists can help keep themselves and others safe on the road this weekend,” said CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley.  “Most important, before you head out, ensure everyone inside the vehicle has their seat belt on, and if there are children along for the ride, check that they are secure in the back seat in the appropriate child safety seat.”
 
Not wearing a seat belt can be a fatal decision in a collision.  According to the CHP’s MEP data, 59 people were killed in collisions in California during the 2018 Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  Among the 42 vehicle occupants killed in collisions within CHP jurisdiction, 43 percent of those, or 18 people, were not wearing a seat belt.  Research continues to show that wearing a seat belt is one of the simplest things people can do to stay safe when traveling in a vehicle. 
 
Another way to help keep the roadways safe during the holidays is to designate a sober driver.  During last Thanksgiving’s 102-hour MEP, CHP officers made 931 arrests for driving under the influence.
 
The mission of the CHP is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security.
 

Loyalton's Thrift Store, best known as "Loyalton's Macy's" held its annual gala Christmas event Saturday, November 23rd with a record crowd of eager shoppers.
The event never disappoints and shelves were filled with all occasion glassware to holiday gift and decor items along with toys, crafts and all home supplies just in time for holiday shopping. 
Shoppers of all ages lined up at check out loaded with nearly-new or gently-used quality merchandise. 
The Thrift Store proceeds support Loyalton Senior Center. Many thanks to the volunteers who devote so many hours of washing, pricing, organizing and pricing - besides such gorgeous displays!
​Good job!!

Forensics indicate baby wipes, paper products, other hygiene items

and Fats-Oils-Grease
(SACRAMENTO) – With clogs and problems in California’s wastewater systems continuing to make headlines, INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry and the Responsible Flushing Alliance are raising awareness that many clogs in wastewater systems persist because items not labeled “flushable” are being flushed. These items include baby wipes, disinfecting wipes, hand and face wipes, feminine care products, washroom paper towels and other products not labeled as “flushable.”
Forensic studies undertaken to find the causes of wastewater system clogs and accumulations have found that 98 to 99 percent of the materials that are actually causing clogs are mostly hygiene products not intended to be flushed. These studies were conducted by municipal wastewater agencies in the United States and the United Kingdom to better understand precisely what categories of items are flushed, or in stormwater combined systems, washed into their systems and contributing to system upsets.
“It is important that we all do our part to protect plumbing and sewer systems by looking for the ‘flushable’ label before flushing any wipe. Anything without that label should go in the trash,” said Dave Rousse, President of INDA. “INDA promotes proper disposal by encouraging manufacturers to use the universal ‘Do Not Flush’ symbol, which is found on most baby wipes and surface cleaning wipes.”
As compared to baby wipes and other non-flushable wipes, flushable wipes are uniquely manufactured with exclusively tree- or plant-based fibers and lose strength quickly once flushed and disintegrate throughout properly maintained sewage systems. Flushable wipes – which do not contain plastic – were invented in the late 1990s after consumer usage data indicated many households without diapering-age children were buying baby wipes. Given that the invention was of a product specifically designed to be flushed in place of one not designed to be flushed, flushable wipes are actually a major part of the solution to proper sewer system operation.
Industry’s use of the “flushable” label is grounded in extensive product testing using methods developed over the years with input from municipal wastewater experts. INDA’s flushability assessment uses seven rigorous tests to ensure products are compatible with household plumbing systems and wastewater treatment infrastructure. Industry’s labeling Code of Practice requires a “Do Not Flush” symbol prominently on the package of wipes that do not pass this flushability assessment.
The key to solving this issue is simple: Read before you flush! Disposal instructions on the packaging of wipes and other hygiene and household products are a consumer’s best guidance on how to properly dispose of them. By following the disposal instructions on the label, consumers can protect their plumbing and the infrastructure and environment in their communities.
###

MARYSVILLE, Calif. (Nov 7, 2019) – A diverse group of nine organizations announced today their commitment to prioritize, plan, and execute forest restoration on an unprecedented scale in the North Yuba River watershed, covering 275,000 acres of the northern Sierra Nevada.

The memorandum of understanding spells out the group’s commitment to work together to increase the pace and scale of ecologically-based restoration within the North Yuba River watershed and to prioritize community safety, forest health, and resilience through landscape-scale restoration.
The North Yuba Forest Partnership includes Blue Forest Conservation, Camptonville Community Partnership, National Forest Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Nevada City Rancheria, Sierra County, South Yuba River Citizens League, The United States Forest Service - Tahoe National Forest, and Yuba Water Agency.
“Many forests in the North Yuba River watershed are critically unhealthy, overcrowded with small trees and brush,” said Eli Ilano, Tahoe National Forest Supervisor. “Unhealthy forests are at a greater risk of high-severity wildfire due to fire suppression and historic timber harvesting practices, a risk that is exacerbated by a changing climate.”
The North Yuba River watershed runs through multiple Northern California counties and two national forests, from Yuba Pass to New Bullards Bar Reservoir. The area includes thousands of acres of forest habitat, is an important source of water for downstream users, supports high biodiversity, is home to many rural communities, and offers excellent opportunities for recreation.  
“We’re loving our forests to death,” said Willie Whittlesey, Assistant General Manager of Yuba Water Agency. “A ‘hands-off’ approach to forest management is no longer an option now that our communities, infrastructure and water supply are at significant risk. To make a meaningful impact in this massive effort, it’s going to take all of us who care about the watershed coming together.”
Forests once characterized by large, widely-spaced trees and beneficial low-to-moderate severity fires are now overrun with vegetation that is not fire-resilient. This has increased the risk of destructive wildfire causing significant damage to local communities, entire ecosystems, and watershed health. 
Projects to restore resilience to the North Yuba River watershed include clearing underbrush, thinning smaller trees, managed burning, reforestation, and meadow restoration, among other efforts. In addition, traditional ecological knowledge from the local Nisenan people will be incorporated into planning and design.
“We are planning ecological forest management projects using the best available science,” said Rachel Hutchinson, River Science Director for South Yuba River Citizens League. “It’s important to all of us that we strike that balance between the desperate need to restore the forest’s resilience to wildfire and the need to preserve and protect vulnerable species and cultural artifacts.”   
“This public-private partnership holds promise as a model to restore the forests of the Sierra at a landscape scale,” said David Edelson, Forest Program Director of The Nature Conservancy. “By using the latest science, innovative planning and new funding approaches, together we can accelerate the restoration of our forests while maintaining the environmental safeguards and community input that are central to success.”
This effort is expected to take up to 20 years to complete, with the highest priority given to at-risk communities, emergency response, evacuation access routes, forests of critical ecological importance, and areas that have the potential to stop a wildfire from spreading.
While planning efforts for the larger North Yuba River watershed are just beginning, the 14,500-acre Yuba Project is already underway, serving as a pilot for the larger-scale North Yuba River watershed restoration effort. The Yuba Project is benefitting from a new financing tool called the Forest Resilience Bond (FRB), a public-private partnership that accelerates the pace and scale of forest restoration through investment from private capital sources, including foundations, impact investors, and insurance companies. 
“Investor demand for this first-of-its-kind private investment to support public land management greatly outpaced supply. Investors are eager to finance future, larger projects,” said Zach Knight, managing partner of Blue Forest Conservation, the lead developer of the FRB. “The North Yuba Forest Partnership plans to use the FRB model and other innovative approaches to finance planned work in the North Yuba River watershed.”
To learn more, visit the partnership website at yubaforests.org.
A downloadable map, audio from today’s press conference, as well as b-roll and photos of forest health initiatives can be found here. 

###
About the Partners: 
·        Blue Forest Conservation: An innovative nonprofit organization committed to creating sustainable financial solutions to pressing environmental challenges. 
·        Camptonville Community Partnership: A nonprofit organization with a mission of rural people working together for a safe, sustainable, and healthy community.
·        National Forest Foundation: Engaging Americans in promoting the health and enjoyment of our public forests. 
·        The Nature Conservancy: One of the world’s leading conservation organizations, dedicated to scaling up forest restoration across the Sierra Nevada.
·        Nevada City Rancheria: The local tribal unit of the Nisenan people of Northern California, passionate about forest health and management, as it is central to their well-being.
·        Sierra County: Positioned at the headwaters of the North Yuba River, Sierra County’s highest priorities include reducing wildfire risk, enhancing forest and watershed health through implementation of fire resilient treatments, and protecting its rural communities. 
·        South Yuba River Citizens League: Uniting the community to protect and restore the Yuba River watershed, SYRCL understands that forest health and resilience are essential to a healthy watershed.
·        The United States Forest Service – Tahoe National Forest: Sustaining the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation's forests and managing over 50 percent of the Yuba River watershed, which lies within the Tahoe National Forest.
Yuba Water Agency: A special district in Yuba County, committed to forest health in the entire Yuba watershed, to ensure a sustainable water supply and reduce the risk of fire for the people of Yuba County.
 
 

Quincy, CA – Plumas National Forest wildlife crewmember Abby Marshall is asking the community for help by sharing their knowledge of local elk populations. This information will assist the Forest in their efforts to restore and improve elk habitat management.
 
“I’m creating a monitoring plan to identify important elk calving areas and habitat on the Plumas National Forest as part of my graduate work at Oregon State University (OSU). I’m hoping to get photographs and locations of elk collected by members of the public that will help us better understand areas important to the elk,” said Marshall. “Photographs that include calves are particularly helpful, as they can help us identify areas to survey and better manage important calving areas.”
 
Marshall is generally focusing on the area north of Highway 70 and west of Frenchman Lake although information from anywhere within the Plumas National Forest is helpful.
 
Within recent history, elk on the Plumas National Forest have been relatively novel and a small population has only become established since the early 2000s. Elk are large and require quite a lot of resources, but they are also highly elusive and difficult to study here. Absent current local information, it is challenging to manage the landscape for elk or other animals that interact directly or indirectly with them.
 
Photos and other information may be emailed to: [email protected]. It would be most helpful if people identify the area where the photo was taken to smallest scale they are willing to provide; GPS coordinates are best, but Township Range and Section or even geographic area (for example, “within the Coyote Hills”) can assist Marshall (she understands some folks may be unwilling to share exact locations).
 
For more information about this project please contact Abby Marshall at the Beckwourth Ranger District (530) 836-2575.

There is a remarkable size different between deer and elk. But elk also tend to have a dark brown head and neck, medium-to-light brown body, and large white/cream colored rump. The white rump for elk extends up their back above the start of their tail and the tail itself is also white. Deer are more uniformly light brown but they have white rumps that start below the tail.

​

Attorney General Becerra Announces 148 Arrests as Part of Statewide Cannabis Eradication CampaignSACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Xavier Becerra today announced the arrest of 148 individuals as part of the Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP) Program, the nation’s largest illegal marijuana eradication program. This year, CAMP eradicated 953,459 marijuana plants from 345 raided grow sites across the state. A total of 168 weapons were seized throughout the raids.
“Illegal cannabis grows are devastating our communities. Criminals who disregard life, poison our waters, damage our public lands, and weaponize the illegal cannabis black market will be brought to justice,” said Attorney General Xavier Becerra. “This year, our CAMP teams worked tirelessly across the state to vigorously enforce California’s laws against illegal cannabis activity. The California Department of Justice is extremely proud of our partnership with federal, state, and local agencies and we look forward to continuing this necessary work.”
“Combating illegal marijuana cultivation takes dedication, teamwork, perseverance and courage,” said David Bess, Deputy Director and Chief of the Law Enforcement Division for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. “I’m immensely proud of the work we accomplished during the year with our county, state and federal partners. Together, we are protecting California’s natural resources and providing another measure of public safety.”
“USDA Forest Service law enforcement in California commend the collaboration and continuing efforts of our task force of partners in the yearly fight against illegal marijuana grows on public lands. This multi-faceted team approach is how we stay successful in mitigating these trespassers and the harmful destruction they intend on our land, water, wildlife and communities,” said Don Hoang, Special Agent in Charge of United States Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Southwest Region.
“CAMP’s joint law enforcement efforts provide an opportunity for a stronger state-federal partnership against the illegal cultivation of marijuana. Together, we share a common goal – to improve public safety and protect our nation’s important natural and cultural resources on public lands,” said Joe Stout, Acting California State Director, Bureau of Land Management.
“We are proud to partner with our local, state, and federal partners in the CAMP program, which not only helps disrupt illegal activity, but assists in safeguarding natural resources and the environment,” said William D. Bodner, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration. “CAMP provides rotary wing assets and personnel to assist DEA in the eradication of illegal marijuana grows on federal lands.”
“Although cannabis has been legalized for use in California, there is still a large unlicensed black market,” said Robert Paoletti, Coordinator Colonel, California National Guard Counterdrug Task Force. “Our participation works to prevent this illegal market in order to promote a fair market place for those growers, producers, and vendors who choose to operate within the system that the voters approved.”
The CAMP operations were led by the California Department of Justice and included local, state, and federal agencies. Agents were divided into three teams that encompass the Northern, Central and Southern California regions, with teams covering 35 counties in the state. 
Throughout the course of this year’s operations, CAMP teams protected public resources against misuse and safeguarded public land and water from illegal pesticides. This year, agents assisted in serving over 120 search warrants in the growing black market of illegal cannabis cultivation on public lands. The sites, loaded with trash, banned pesticides such as carbofuran, methyl parathion, aluminum phosphate, and illegal fertilizers, discharge large quantities of these harmful products into the waterways of California. Agents shut down these illegal grow sites, shielded the public from harmful chemicals, and disrupted dangerous criminal activity. 
The 2019 CAMP operations count on multi-agency collaboration between the California Department of Justice, the United States Department of Agriculture, the United States Forest Service, the United States Department of the Interior, the National Park Service, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the United States Department of Justice’s Drug Enforcement Administration, the California National Guard, the California Bureau of Land Management, and the Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program, and other local law enforcement departments.



# # #