September 18, 2019 – On Tuesday, September 17, 2019, deputies from the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office, personnel from Campaign Against Marijuana Planting (CAMP) and personnel from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, escorted scientists from the California Water Resource Board to a property in the 18000 block of Jackass Flats Road in the North San Juan area of the County of Nevada.
Deputies had been investigating a large scale cannabis grow, which appeared to have significant negative impact to the surrounding forest lands and watershed – it appears seasonal runoff from this property has the potential to enter the South fork of the Yuba River below Edwards Crossing via Spring Creek.
In addition to what appears to be an illegal cannabis cultivation operation, our investigation is focusing on the overall negative impact to our county’s natural resources from large areas of unpermitted grading, several structures which have been erected without permits, and the use of chemical fertilizers – County Code Enforcement officers were present to help in this endeavor. We contacted three parties on the property, and believe several other parties fled upon our arrival.
An environmental impact report will be forthcoming, and will assist us when directing our final report to the district attorney for criminal charges against the land owner.
During the investigation yesterday several environmental violations were noted and a total of 3877 marijuana plants were seized; there were no state or local cannabis permits associated with this property.