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U.S. Dept. of Agriculture U.S. Forest Service Coconino National Forest www.flickr.com/photos/coconinonationalforest For Immediate Release April 9, 2014
Public Affairs Contact:
Heather Noel, (928) 527-3490 Sedona Business Paid Fine and Restitution for
Illegal Activities on National Forest Sedona, AZ -
On October 25th, 2013, the Red Rock Ranger District was informed by representatives of the canyoneering community of an incident in a remote side canyon to Oak
Creek. Investigators determined that a commercial business, Ropes That Rescue, conducted a week-long commercial outdoor training class September 21 – 27, 2013, which caused damage to the area.
An investigation determined that damage resulted from fires that were deliberately set as part of the training within the narrow canyon located in a part of the
Red Rock Secret Mountain Wilderness that is also within the Oak Creek Research Natural Area. The canyon is home to rare plant and wildlife species and a sensitive riparian community.
Investigators determined that Ropes That Rescue had conducted a week-long commercial training on the Forest, sponsored by owner Reed Thorne who was present at the
training. Ropes That Rescue does not possess a permit to conduct business activities on the Red Rock Ranger District and was charged with operating a commercial business without a permit and causing associated resource damage. Through an agreement reached
between the United States Attorney’s Office, the United States Forest Service, and the defendant and with approval of the US magistrate judge, Reed Thorne agreed to a fine of $500 and $5000 in restitution for damages to the area.
Questions can be directed to Jennifer Burns, Recreation Staff Officer for the Red Rock Ranger District, (928) 203-7529.
### Respectfully, Heather ************************************** Heather M. Noel Public Affairs Officer (Acting) U.S. Forest Service, Coconino National Forest 1824 S. Thompson St., Flagstaff, AZ 86001 Office (928) 527-3490 Cell (406) 370-7370 ************************************** This electronic message contains information generated by the USDA solely for the intended recipients. Any unauthorized interception of this message or the use or disclosure of the information it contains may violate the law and subject the violator to civil or criminal penalties. If you believe you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete the email immediately. |
Attachment:
COC-NR-4-09-14-RopesThatRescue.pdf
Description: COC-NR-4-09-14-RopesThatRescue.pdf
