Pot patches discovered in Clark Fork Delta

CLARK FORK — Restoration work on the Clark Fork Delta has lifted the lid on outdoor marijuana growing operations, according to the Idaho Department of Fish & Game.

Several patches of marijuana were growing on islands in the delta during vegetation planting and monitoring in 2014.

“The patches were reported to authorities and were removed,” Fish & Game spokesman Phil Cooper said in a news release.

More illicit patches were discovered as restoration work resumed this year. Cooper said those patches were recently destroyed.

Cooper notes that the delta islands are popular with canoeists and kayakers. The delta is also an important hunting ground in the fall.

“Due to the fact that grow patches are sometimes protected by the growers, recreationists heading to the islands are advised to stay clear of patches of marijuana plants they may encounter,” Cooper said.

Delta visitors who encounter the illegal pot patches are encouraged to contact law enforcement. Cooper said Fish & Game will continue to work with authorities to remove any additional marijuana plants found in the delta.

The restoration work is part of an $11 million project to combat erosion caused by wave action and water level fluctuations of Lake Pend Oreille due to the Albeni Falls and Cabinet Gorge dams. It’s estimated that the delta is eroding at a rate of at least 15 acres a year.

The impacts to the delta have reduced the quality and quantity of fish and wildlife habitat. Moreover, the altered hydrology of the Clark Fork River has changed the wetlands and vegetation cover, which has impaired the delta’s wetlands functions.

The aim of the restoration work is to protect existing areas within the delta from further erosion using stabilization methods. It also seeks to restore and enhance edge and interior areas by installing rock sills to slow water velocity and  current direction.

Avista and the Bonneville Power Administration have each committed $3 million to the restoration project.