Visitors Ignoring Humphreys Peak Ban

Visitors are ignoring the closure of Humphreys Peak and Coconino National Forest because of fire concerns.

Dozens ignore Coconino National Forest closure
The Associated Press Tucson, Arizona | Published: 06.27.2006 advertisement OAS_AD(’300x250_1′) Scores of people have received warnings or citations in recent days for violating the complete closure order of the Coconino National Forest, officials said. Police in Flagstaff recorded two dozen forest trespassing reports since the closures went into effect Friday and issued a half-dozen citations, Sgt. Tom Boughner said. Rangers and law enforcement officers with the Coconino National Forest reported at least 50 violations of the forest ban, spokeswoman Raquel Romero said. Most were issued warnings, but officers issued six citations and made one arrest in closed areas over the weekend. “There were a lot of reports of people on ATVs and people on horseback, particularly in the Doney Park area,” Romero said. Citations can result in a minimum $100 fine and a maximum of $5,000, plus a possible six-month jail term. Officials closed the forest to all public use because of extreme fire danger.