DENVER (AP) — The U.S. Forest Service has apologized for suggesting that campers who eat tortillas, drink Tecate beer and play Spanish music may be armed marijuana growers. The agency calls the remarks "regrettable" and "insensitive."
Forest Service officials apologized to Colorado Hispanic leaders in a meeting two weeks ago and released a written apology this week.
The Forest Service issued the warning last month amid an investigation into how much marijuana is being cultivated in national forests in Colorado. Officials retracted it two days later amid heavy criticism.
The written statement by Rocky Mountain Regional Forester Rick Cables says the agency "learned some valuable lessons." He says the agency will establish a forum for more discussions about how to engage with Hispanics.
