GLASGOW —
It’s not uncommon for park rangers to find marijuana grows within the boundaries of Mammoth Cave National Park.
“We find it every year,” said David Alexander, park ranger.
Earlier this week, Ryan Pitcock, 22, of Bowling Green, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison, followed by two years of supervised release in federal court for conspiracy to manufacture marijuana inside Mammoth Cave National Park and at a home in Warren County, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Louisville.
Pitcock pleaded guilty to a four-count federal indictment on Aug. 21. He admitted to conspiring with a co-defendant to manufacture less than 50 kilograms of marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance, according to the press release.
They cultivated the marijuana in a wooded area located in the back country of the national park.
Typically, more marijuana grows are found when there is a downfall in the local economy.
“People need money and it’s a quick way to make money,” Alexander said.
The number of marijuana grows found inside the national park, however, has decreased somewhat over the years.
“One thing we’ve noticed that has taken a hit on marijuana cultivation is, first, a lot of your older folks who grew marijuana on a regular basis, they are quite frankly getting too old to grow it,” Alexander said. “The younger generation is looking at pain pills, meth — things they can sell over the weekend. That type of activity has slowed down some of your marijuana cultivation.”
For the full story, see the print or e-edition of the Weekender.
Local News
December 29, 2012
Mammoth Cave Park Rangers fight marijuana growers
- Local News
-
-
It’s all the things you carry with you
-
Kinslow learned medicine quickly in World War II
-
Lost & Found:
-
Mother dog makes ‘incredible journey’ for puppies
-
GFD honors retirees
-
T-ville will upgrade gas lines
- Paul plans re-election bid
-
Thanks, EMS!
- Motion filed to acquit Eaton
-
Brauns embrace love of buffalo herding
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
