A section of the Sierra Nevada national park was closed on Thursday while rangers removed a marijuana stand less than a half-mile from a popular, kitschy crystal cave tour. While the Associated Press suggests this proximity to highly trafficked tourist areas represents a new boldness on the part of marijuana farmers, I’d suggest that it represents new heights in laziness. After all, their illegal farm produce doesn’t exactly promote high-energy activities.
Last week Colorado authorities seized more than 14,500 marijuana plants from another illegal farm in Pike National Forest. They also recovered a .22 pistol at the site and say the farmers are armed.
Skinner said hikers should avoid areas where they see blue tarps, heavy trash and irrigation piping. If you stumble on one of these farms, he said leave immediately and refrain from taking cell photos. Skinner said you should only call police when you are safely back to your car.
“I don’t want the public to get involved because they could get hurt — the possibility is always there,” said Skinner.
This is where someone points out that we should carry guns in National Parks. That’s cool; you’re allowed to now. Go ahead and stand your ground against a bunch of heavily armed farmers while I run in the opposite direction as fast as I can. But if you are going to fight these farmers, you’ll need to be ready at a moment’s notice with enough stopping power to drop swaths of them. That’s why I’d recommend a couple TEC-9s mounted right into your trekking pole grips.