GOLDEN, Colo. (AP) -- The U.S. Forest Service is looking at how much illegal cultivation of marijuana is going on in Colorado's national forests following the recent discovery of more than 14,000 plants growing on the Pike National Forest.
Forest Service officials scheduled a news conference Wednesday to discuss the degree to which marijuana is being grown in national forests. They are focusing on public safety and environmental issues.
In July, authorities spent more than 24 hours clearing a marijuana growing operation on forest land near Cheesman Reservoir.
They say the plants' street value was about $2.5 million Authorities say there was an elaborate irrigation system at the site. No suspects have been identified.
(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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