On April 30th, 2008 Mariposa County sheriff’s deputies, assisted by officers from the Mariposa County probation department and the California Highway Patrol investigated and eradicated two illegal wilderness marijuana gardens from two different areas within Mariposa County.

The first garden, consisting of 1433 marijuana plants, had been previously located by hunters on private property in the Usona Road area.  The hunters and property owner reported the activity to the sheriff’s office.  The property owner was not aware of the isolated garden on his property.  The plants were eradicated and destroyed by law enforcement.

The second mission of the day, the larger, was located in the Bear Valley area, near the Bagby Grade, of Mariposa County.  This marijuana complex, consisting of 6480 marijuana plants, was located on BLM lands.  The young plants located were in the process of being transplanted into the terraced garden area.  Law Enforcement came into contact with one male in the complex, who ran from a tent as officers approached.  The man was described as being a Hispanic male wearing a striped shirt.  The man was not caught.