Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend, the town of Vernon and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
The DNR fights marijuana, and needs your help
While the state Senate Health Committee that I served on during the 2009-10 general legislative session was considering a bill to legalize medical marijuana, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was stepping up its efforts to find marijuana plants growing on public lands.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports, “Last year, large marijuana ‘farms’ were discovered on public land in the Navarino Wildlife Area in Shawano County and in the Tiffany Wildlife Area in Buffalo County, each with thousands of plants valued at millions of dollars.”
Specially-trained DNR officials fly over sections of the state, keeping an eagle eye out for illegal operations that are easier to spot this time of year.
The DNR is not only concerned about damage to the natural habitat, but about public safety. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports, “Officials are worried that a hiker or bird watcher could stumble upon a marijuana growing operation in a remote area of
An awareness campaign called CEASE (Cannabis Eradication and Suppression Effort) has been established by the DNR to alert the public about the potential danger associated with marijuana operations. Informational posters about what the public should look for and how to report suspicious activity will be placed in parks and forests.
Wisconsin Chief Conservation Warden Randy Stark says, “Hikers, anglers and hunters should be alert, and if they see something that doesn't look right, they should report the find to local law enforcement authorities.”
Here is more information from the DNR and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
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