Mammoth Cave National Park Looking For Help Battling Pot Growers

While it's relatively well-known that pot farms have been planted in the backcountry of such Western parks as Sequoia and Yosemite, a similar problem is being confronted back east in Mammoth Cave National Park.

To help battle the problem, the park is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to a successful prosecution of those growing the marijuana patches.

“Our law enforcement rangers face the same crimes that city and county officers do,” said Mammoth Cave Superintendent Patrick Reed. “We are asking our neighbors’ to help us keep Mammoth Cave a safe place by reporting any kind of illegal or suspicious activity.”

David Alexander, one of the park's law enforcement rangers, says every year they find marijuana patches in the park.

“We need the community’s help in tracking down the growers. The same drugs being produced inside the park, and criminals we deal with are the same ones showing-up in the schools and on the streets in the surrounding communities," he said. "Even the slightest tip could be an asset to help us with a case we are already working on.”

To contact Ranger Alexander, call 270-758-2122 or 270-646-7241. Information provided will be kept in strictest confidence and those calling may choose to remain anonymous.