Fort Hunter Liggett eradicated a record 5,523 marijuana plants on 30 July 2015, at an estimated street value of $3,000 per plant for a $16.5 million total.[1][2] Routine U.S. Forest Service aerial surveys in July located several grows on the base and coordinated their removal with the Army post.[1] The Forest Service, Monterey County sheriffs and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife took part as members of the Campaign Against Marijuana Program.[1]

Troops and toxins

Post commander Col. Jan Norris called the joint effort a deterrent to future grows on federal property, where cultivation stays illegal regardless of state law.[1] Police Lt. Robert Look Jr. said the grows hide in remote ground visible only from helicopters, and that debate over legalisation in California threatened funding for the eradication programme.[1] Conservation manager Liz Clark said cartel growers use banned fertilisers and pesticides that poison soil and water and damage waterways, wildlife and cultural resources.[1] The post said Mexican and Chinese cartel crews employ armed field workers who set animal traps, endangering soldiers training on the base.[1]