Marijuana garden found near Hopland

<p>Mendocino County drug officers found a large marijuana garden growing on government land in the Hopland area and a large amount of garbage and environmental damage to the area.</p><p>Sheriff’s officials Monday reported the find, saying 14,740 seedling marijuana plants were growing in the garden, found on Bureau of Land Management land in the Sheldon Creek area. </p><p>State and county agents investigated the garden late last week, reported Sgt. Bruce Smith.</p><p>As they approached, a man was seen running from the garden. A search of the area failed to find the man.</p><p>They did find garbage in and around the creek at the grow site as well as other environmental concerns including the illegal removal of native vegetation and water diversion from the creek, Smith said.</p>