New Rules in the NFs... Beware of huge fine!

[lornaschinske]

From the Escapees website....
Forest Service singling out full-time RVers for $275 tickets All RVs are now considered "residences

Apparently, full-time RVers in the Coconino, Kaibab, and Prescott National Forests in Arizona are being singled out for "occupying a residence" under 36 CFR 261.10---and being issued $275 tickets.

One RV couple was supposedly "identified" by the BLM LTVA stickers on their motorhome.

In 2008, the definition of "residence" in 36 CFR 261.2 was broadened to specifically include RVs and tents---regardless of how long they have been camped.

Thus, all campers---not just full-time RVers---are now subject to receiving a criminal citation just for being in a National Forest.

AZ Daily Sun Article: "Some Folks Camping Out for Life"

For any of you who are full-timing or planning on it... use care!

[Stuff]

looks like all you need to do is avoid the forest rangers lol.

still sucks they are just handing out tickets but thats how law enforcement is.. I got a parking ticket because they changed the lot from 24hr public parking to 2 hour parking.. they came back 2 hours later and ticketed the whole lot..

[lornaschinske]

I kinda have a problem with the whole deal. I've read the official description of a "residence". So you can stay in the parks campgrounds/dispersed camping areas but If they think you are a fulltimer, you get a fine? But they charged you to stay in the park.... plus you get a ticket on top of that? I would take the ticket, pack it up and head to the district rangers office and have a little chat! AND A REFUND!!!

PS... E-mailed the NF. When I have a response, I will post it.

[syke]

Damn!
I have a real problem with this.... especially since I am a 20 year long Prescott resident married to a Prescott native.

They make it sound like there are people living in the forests all over the place. Like they are everywhere. Give me a freaking break..... THIS PLACE IS HUGE.
The three forests that they mentioned cover almost 5 million acres... .basically just north of Phoenix all the way to the Grand Canyon.
Come on now... are these people really bothering anyone. Do the rangers really have nothing better to do?

The article talks about patients camping out near the VA hospital. Give me a break... this old hospital is in the city. No one is camping around the place unless its on a park bench.

I wonder what is fueling this.... Flagstaff going broke, AZ going broke, camp ground owners pissed... for Flagstaff being such a "progressive" town I'm surprised they are cracking down on this.

Really is a shame.... hopefully its just a flash in the pan and will soon be forgotten.

[syke]

Lorna,
Did you ever hear back from the FS?

[lornaschinske]

Nope, never did. Also no one I know of who has tried to contact them has heard anything back either. It's like the FS doesn't want to talk about it.