Conviction in off-road crime on Coronado Forest

Off-road 'wreckreation' a crime problem

TUCSON -- Read below for recent court decision of guilty on off-road vehicle related crime on the Coronado National Forest near Tucson.

PEER and Rangers for Responsible Recreation are moving to end reckless off-roading on public lands.

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from US Forest Service

USDA - FOREST SERVICE
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND INVESTIGATIONS
WEEKLY REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF
September 30 - October 6, 2007

Coronado NF - On 9/27, a defendant was found guilty after a trial regarding violation notices that were issued to him as the result of an incident on the Santa Catalina RD. The unlicensed ATV operator had observed an LEO approaching from the opposite direction, made a u-turn and sped off in a cloud of dust, only to be contacted approximately 1/2 mile further down the road. The vehicle also did not have the proper registration.

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I've been up on the Blue River hunting a wild turkey for Thanksgiving, and seeing some ATVs, including use in areas closed to motor vehicles. Too many are hunting from their trucks or ATVs by driving, usually too fast, up and down the main roads.

So I head for the backcountry, where the roads end and the adventures begin.