SONOMA COUNTY – On September 18, 2020, California State Parks announced that State Park peace officers uncovered multiple illegal cannabis cultivation operations during this summer months at Robert Louis Stevenson and Sugarloaf Ridge state parks in Sonoma County, resulting in the arrest of three men from Santa Rosa. The three suspects were arrested for illegal cannabis cultivation, carrying a loaded firearm in public, possession of an assault weapon, unlawful water diversion and polluting a state waterway.

During one of the operations, with the assistance from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the law enforcement officers seized four firearms and discovered multiple water diversions, pollution and suspected illegal pesticides being used. State Park Peace Officers (SPPOs), rangers and lifeguards, returned to the state park and eradicated all remaining cannabis plants, removed the water diversions and confirmed that the grow operations were no longer active.

“State parks exists so that we can enjoy all that nature has to offer in a safe, healthy and beautiful environment,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “The presence of illegal cannabis grows threatens the safety and well being of visitors and the environment.   Thank you to those who protect our natural resources and those of us who visit the parks for all the enjoyment California has to offer.”