Overview

• National Park Service rangers, assisted by Bureau of Land Management special agents, hauled out roughly 2,000 pounds of infrastructure and trash using hand crews and helicopter sling-loads.
• The operation uncovered hazardous chemicals, including about one gallon of the banned insecticide methamidophos, as well as a semi-automatic pistol.
• Park assessments found a diverted creek, irrigation lines, terraced hillsides, large water storage pits, roughly two miles of illegal trails, and evidence of poaching.
• Rangers initially raided the farm last year, with cleanup and rehabilitation carried out this year after toxic materials delayed the work.
• Park officials report nearly 300,000 plants worth about $850 million have been eradicated from Sequoia and Kings Canyon over two decades as agencies confront persistent backcountry grows.