Over 5,000 Individuals Gather for Unauthorized Event in Arizona National Forest

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In a shocking turn of events, over 5,000 individuals flocked to an unauthorized gathering in Tonto National Forest, Arizona, last weekend, marking what is believed to be the largest illegal party ever recorded in the area. Amid a global pandemic, this massive event raised serious safety concerns, not only for attendees but also for Forest Service personnel and first responders. Reports indicate that one partygoer had to be airlifted to the hospital due to the chaos.

The U.S. Forest Service-Tonto National Forest reported that forest protection officers became aware of the unauthorized event when they noticed primary access routes obstructed and signage directing people to the gathering. “Numerous Forest Protection Officers were patrolling Lower Sycamore when they encountered a surge of attendees for this event,” the agency shared on social media.

Visitor Infractions and Safety Concerns

Visitor infractions at the gathering included driving under the influence (DUIs), reckless vehicle operation, and the illegal use of fireworks. By the end of the night, there were seven vehicle accidents and multiple reports of stolen off-highway vehicles. Additionally, two quads collided, resulting in one individual needing to be medevac’d out due to the restrictions caused by the crowd.

Scott Garlid from the Arizona Wildlife Federation commented, “Off-roading is a beloved activity for many Arizonans. However, when such a large number of people gather in one area, it negatively impacts those who wish to enjoy the outdoors and disrupts the local wildlife.” Furthermore, campers and partygoers obstructed access by cordoning off sections of the main road and parking vehicles along the main thoroughfare.

Legal Consequences and Community Response

Despite the chaos, no citations or arrests were reported, according to local news outlets, although there were numerous tickets issued for various violations such as riding double on ATVs and not wearing helmets. Susan Blake from Tonto National Forest remarked on the situation, highlighting the lack of safety measures observed during the event.

The gathering took place in the Lower Sycamore Creek area, and Sandy Bahr from the Sierra Club expressed her dismay, stating she was “horrified” by the sheer volume of people engaging in such activities in one location, warning of potential destruction. The U.S. Forest Service reiterated that any gathering of over 75 people within Tonto National Forest requires an approved permit application. “Don’t be a part of the problem,” they advised, encouraging the public to report illegal gatherings to their district offices.

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In summary, the unauthorized gathering in Tonto National Forest serves as a stark reminder of the importance of following regulations designed to protect both the environment and public safety. With such a large number of people in attendance, the risks were amplified, leading to dangerous situations and potential harm to the natural habitat.