VALLEJO
Six-year study shows downstream contamination from illegal cannabis grow sites
A study recently published in the Water Quality Research Journal by Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations ecologists and partners discovered surface water contamination below illegal cannabis grow sites.
Previously, Forest Service ecologists documented the environmental threat illegal grow sites posed to terrestrial wildlife, including the federally protected northern spotted owl and Pacific fisher. However, little was known about the threats illegal cannabis grow sites pose to nearby surface waters and its wildlife. After six years of monitoring, illegal and banned pesticides have been unexpectedly detected in surface waters below these sites.
National forest lands support over 50% of California’s freshwater, 75% of California’s fish and wildlife and 62% of native plants. The surface water in national forests provides critical aquatic and riparian habitat for many species, plus clean water to rural communities, agriculture, municipalities and Indigenous tribes.
“The results of this study were surprising and further highlight the need for the Forest Service to disrupt these clandestine sites and monitor their impacts to conserve the public’s natural resources for our and future generations to enjoy,” said Dr. Mourad Gabriel, co-author and the Regional Wildlife Ecologist for Law Enforcement and Investigations, Pacific Southwest Region. Mourad also serves as the Trespass Cultivation Ecology, Safety and Reclamation program lead.
The study, conducted on four national forests in California, used new polar organic chemical integrative samplers to detect water-soluble pesticides commonly used on illegal grow sites. The samplers were deployed at four critical areas near illegal sites and at a larger watershed scale. Pesticides — including banned carbofuran and diazinon — were detected at 11% of downstream sampling stations during the first wet season following site eradication.
Gabriel emphasized that Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations proactively removed over 100 pesticide containers from 56 illegal cannabis cultivation sites in 2022 before they could pose a risk to watersheds on national forest lands. “Our findings in this study show the need for proactive management of trespass cannabis cultivation sites to reduce or eliminate surface water contamination for humans, fish and wildlife,” Gabriel concluded.
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ST. HELENA
CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit lifts requirements for burn permits
Recent rains and cooler temperatures across the region have lowered the threat of wildfires. CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa (LNU) Unit Chief Mike Marcucci is announcing the lifting of the requirement on CAL FIRE Permits needed for burning in the State Responsibility Areas (SRA) of Colusa, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties effective this week.
Marcucci wants to remind residents that while we are enjoying the rain and cooler temperatures, we are living in a year-round fire season.
“Please take the time to ensure your property and homes are ready for the next time that fire strikes,” Marcucci said. “It is also a great time to ensure that your flues and chimneys are clean as well.”
For information on burn permits for Lake County, please visit the South Lake County Fire Protection District
website at https://www.southlakecountyfire.org./home/permits/.
Marcucci reminds residents that safe residential pile burning of forest residue by landowners is a crucial tool in reducing fire hazards. State, federal and local land management and fire agencies also utilize this same window of opportunity to conduct prescribed burns aimed at improving forest health and reducing fuels on private and public lands.
For more on residential burning and ways to burn safely visit https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/. Also visit readyforwildfire.org for additional information on wildfire preparedness
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LAKEPORT
Hospice Services of Lake County hosting two ceremonies of remembrance this week
The public is invited to these candle-lighting ceremonies that celebrate the memories of family, friends and loved ones who have gone before us. Ceremonies will be in Lakeport Tuesday, and in Lower Lake on Thursday.
Community members are invited to participate in the ceremony and reception on Tuesday, December 13, at the Hospice Services Bereavement Center, 1862 Parallel Drive, Lakeport, at 5 p.m. A special tribute to military veterans will be presented by the Lake County Honor Guard at this event and include a reading by Poet Laureate Georgina Marie Guardado.
The Lower Lake event on Thursday will include a candle lighting, musical duet with Barbara Christwitz and Jim Leonardis, a message of remembrance presented by Adventist Health Director of Community Wellbeing Don Smith and a reading by the Lake County poet laureate. Festivities will start at 6:30 p.m. at the Lower Lake Historical School House Museum,16435 Main Street.
“Holidays can be extremely difficult for those who have experienced the death of a loved one, especially during the first year after a death,” says Kathleen Bradley, manager of bereavement services for Hospice Services of Lake County. “At a time when we may feel that everyone is supposed to be happy and enjoying themselves, the griever can feel sad, lonely and depressed. Taking time out during these holidays to remember our loved ones, instead of trying just to distract ourselves, can be helpful in reintroducing meaning.
“Through our candle lighting ceremonies, we are connecting to the symbolism of light; a connection to the light that our loved ones brought into our lives and that our memories of them continue to provide,” explains Bradley. “The light of the stars, the log aflame in the fireplace, as well as the flame of the candles that we light in their honor, can all be ways that we can remind ourselves during the holidays of the light of love we share with our loved ones.”
For more information, call the Hospice Services of Lake County office at (707) 263-6222 or visit the agency’s website, www.lakecountyhospice.org.
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