The Tonto National Forest shared a post on their Facebook page regarding an unauthorized Facebook “meet up” at Lower Sycamore that took place on Saturday, April 3.

Over 5,000 people showed up, placing the public, Forest Service personnel and first responders at risk. Visitor violations included DUIs, double riding, speeding/reckless vehicle operation, user-created vehicle staging areas in the burned area, camps blocking roadways, illegal use of fireworks and target shooting with unknown backstops. There were seven vehicle accidents and multiple reports of stolen OHVs by the end of the day. Campers and partiers restricted access by taping off sections of the main road to designate their camping area and vehicles were parked all along the main roads. Two quads collided, and one person was medically evacuated by helicopter due to the restrictions caused by the partiers.

The Tonto National Forest has seen an increase in Facebook “meet up” events on the forest. These events are not authorized unless a permit application is submitted and approved by the USDA Forest Service. Permits are required for groups and/or events of 75 people or more. Large group gatherings like Saturday’s have significant adverse impacts on forest resources, public health and safety. These adverse impacts include the spread of disease, trash and debris from inadequate site cleanup, soil compaction, damage to archaeological sites and traffic congestion. A permit system allows the agency to address these problems more expeditiously, effectively and equitably.

The Tonto National Forest works with permittees to help guide them through the process. As stewards of the Tonto National Forest, Forest Service personnel have a duty to minimize resource impacts on National Forest System lands. If certain  parameters can’t be met - for example, to mitigate resource damage or to provide for public safety - a permit may be denied.

Facebook “meet ups” are an escalating problem that will take more than Forest Service personnel to prevent. The public is asked to report these “meet ups” to one of the district offices so they can prevent such events from happening in the future.
Tonto National Forest District offices: Mesa Ranger District (480) 610-3300, Cave Creek Ranger District (480) 595-3300, Tonto Basin Ranger District (602) 225-5395, Globe Ranger District (928) 402-6200, Payson Ranger District (928) 474-7900.

For more information about special uses permits visit https://www.fs.fed.us/specialuses/special_non_com_uses.shtml#sp-noncom-b.