In a stunning display of recklessness, over 5,000 individuals attended an illicit party in Arizona’s national forest last weekend. This gathering, believed to be the largest ever at Tonto National Forest, occurred amidst a global pandemic and posed serious risks to both public safety and the environment. Tragically, one partygoer required helicopter evacuation due to injuries sustained during the event.
The U.S. Forest Service-Tonto National Forest reported that their personnel became aware of the unauthorized event when key access routes were blocked by attendees, and signs were displayed directing more people to the location. “Numerous Forest Protection Officers were patrolling Lower Sycamore when a wave of attendees arrived for this unapproved gathering,” the agency noted on social media.
Violations at the party included DUIs, reckless driving, blocking roadways with camps, illegal fireworks use, and improper target shooting. By the evening’s end, authorities reported seven vehicle accidents, along with instances of stolen off-road vehicles. One collision involved two quads, resulting in a medevac for one individual due to the chaos caused by the gathering.
Scott Garlid from the Arizona Wildlife Federation remarked, “Off-roading is something we endorse, but massive gatherings like this negatively impact others who seek to enjoy the area and harm local wildlife.” Additionally, campers restricted access by cordoning off parts of the main road, while vehicles lined the thoroughfares.
Despite the serious infractions, no citations or arrests were made, according to local news. Susan Blake from Tonto National Forest mentioned that several tickets were issued for ATV violations, including riding without helmets.
The party took place in the Lower Sycamore Creek area, where Sandy Bahr from the Sierra Club expressed horror at the scale of the event, stating, “That many individuals participating in such activities will undoubtedly cause significant destruction.”
The U.S. Forest Service emphasizes that permits are mandatory for gatherings exceeding 75 attendees in Tonto National Forest, which spans over 2.9 million acres. They encourage reporting any illegal meet-ups to their offices.
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Summary:
Over 5,000 attendees gathered for an illegal party in Tonto National Forest, resulting in serious safety violations and environmental risks. The event, which involved multiple infractions such as DUIs and reckless driving, required a helicopter evacuation for one injured participant. Despite the chaos, no arrests were made. The U.S. Forest Service reminds the public that permits are necessary for large gatherings to protect both visitors and wildlife.