Revelers at Massive Party in Tonto National Forest Covered the Desert in Poop [View all]
The U.S. Forest Service released more details on Thursday about the massive, unsanctioned party last weekend in the Lower Sycamore Creek area of Tonto National Forest.
Thousands of people converged on the desert locale on Saturday night, shooting guns, driving (and crashing) off-road vehicles, dancing to a live band and pooping en masse in the riparian ecosystem.
The Forest Service, which oversees nearly 3 million acres of Tonto National Forest that borders several Valley cities, first reported the mayhem earlier this week, declaring in a Facebook post that "over 5,000" attendees showed up. The rowdy visitors used fireworks illegally, conducted target practice, drove ATVs and OHVs (Off Highway Vehicle) recklessly, and blocked roadways with camps, the agency said.
Several thefts of OHVs were reported. At least seven vehicle accidents occurred. A collision between two quads resulted in the emergency evacuation of two people, one by ambulance and the other by helicopter. The whole unpermitted event, which made national news, put "the public, Forest Service personnel and first responders at risk," the Forest Service post states.
Read more: https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/party-tonto-national-forest-5000-restrooms-poop-live-band-dui-11544694