USDA - FOREST SERVICE
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND INVESTIGATIONS
WEEKLY REPORT FOR THE WEEK OF
October 6 - 12, 2013
I have had several requests as to what the abbreviations mean in the report, so I have included at the bottom of the report a list of abbreviations.
REGION 3
Apache-Sitgreaves NF - LEOs and Navajo County SD recently responded to a report of a man possibly suffering cardiac arrest. A deputy located the man and directed law enforcement and EMS personnel to the site. EMS personnel pronounced the man deceased at the scene.
Carson NF - On 10/2, an LEO issued several violation notices to individuals for fuelwood permit non-compliance on the Tres Piedras RD. An LEO on the Canjilon RD investigated a reported break-in at the Ghost Ranch. Later that day, the LEO made contact with a man who was reportedly residing on the District and determined he had an extraditable felony warrant from a neighboring state. A county deputy responded to the scene and transported the man to the Rio Arriba County Detention Center. .
On 10/3, an LEO contacted a man in a vehicle parked along an NFS road on the El Rito RD. The man claimed he was waiting for a friend to assist him in cutting fuelwood. The LEO observed an open container of alcohol along with marijuana in the man’s vehicle and issued violation notices to him for the offenses. An LEO also contacted the driver of a vehicle hauling a load of wood at the junction of an NFS road and a state road, and issued a violation notice to him for fuelwood permit non-compliance.
On 10/4, an LEO on the Canjilon RD conducted a traffic stop on a pick-up truck hauling an extremely large quantity of wood and determined the fuelwood tags had been previously used. The LEO issued a violation notice to the driver for illegally removing fuelwood from NFS lands.
Cibola NF - On 10/4, an LEO on the Sandia RD made contact with two individuals for failure to pay the user fee at the Juan Tabo Picnic Grounds. After further investigation, both individuals were placed under arrest for being in possession of alcohol in a prohibited area and possession of methamphetamine.
On 10/4, an LEO contacted forest visitors in the 4th of July CG on the Mountainair RD to notify them of the campground closure due to the government shutdown. The individuals complied with the officer’s request to vacate the area. The officer provided information to the visitors regarding hiking trails and viewing fall colors on the Forest. Numerous visitors expressed appreciation and astonishment to see a law enforcement presence during the government shutdown.
On 10/5, an LEO on the Sandia RD made contact with two men loading large rocks of the type commonly used for landscaping onto the bed of a pick-up truck. The men were uncooperative and argumentative with the officer. The LEO issued violation notices to them for illegally removing natural resources from NFS lands.
Coconino NF - On 10/2, an LEO on the Flagstaff RD conducted a traffic stop on two trucks hauling fuelwood on an NFS road. The LEO identified the three occupants as individuals who allegedly violated woodcutting regulations on prior occasions. The officer determined the fuelwood load tags had been used multiple times and the individuals’ permit was not properly filled out. The LEO issued six violation notices to the individuals and seized three chainsaws along with three cords of wood from them. The officer made contact with the driver of another truck transporting fuelwood along the same NFS road and found the man appeared to be under the influence of an intoxicant. A county deputy responded to the scene, administered field sobriety tests, and placed the man under arrest for DUI. The LEO determined the man was reusing his load tags and illegally selling the fuelwood for commercial purposes. The officer issued two violations notices to him and seized two chainsaws along with approximately 1.5 cords of wood. The deputy transported the man to the Coconino County Jail where an intoxilyzer test indicated he had a BAC of .161. The man was charged with Extreme DUI.
On 10/4, an LEO on the Flagstaff RD conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle transporting a load of fuelwood on an NFS road. The LEO identified the driver as a man who allegedly cut fuelwood illegally on prior occasions as well. The officer observed an open container of alcohol in the center console of the vehicle. After further investigation, the LEO issued a violation notice to the driver for fuelwood permit non-compliance and seized the wood along with two chainsaws. The officer issued a violation notice to the passenger of the vehicle for being in possession of an open container of alcohol.
On 10/4, an LEO on the Mogollon Rim RD responded to a request from Coconino County SD to locate an incoherent individual who called 911 to report he suffered a broken leg near Potato Lake. The LEO located the individual and coordinated with Blue Ridge FD to transport him from the remote area. Later that day, the LEO contacted two individuals cutting wood near an NFS road and located a cut green juniper tree in the bed of their pick-up truck. The LEO issued a violation notice to one of the individuals for violating his fuelwood permit. The officer also issued violation notices to both individuals for cutting a green tree. The LEO seized approximately one-half cord of juniper wood from the individuals as evidence.
On 10/5, an LEO on the Flagstaff RD conducted patrols of areas where unauthorized cutting of oak trees was reportedly occurring near the communities of Mountainaire and Kachina Village. The LEO located several sites where live oak trees had been cut but found no one was in the area at that time. LEOs continue to have a strong presence in that area and have issued multiple violation notices for woodcutting related violations. An LEO also contacted young juveniles operating an ATV at an excessive speed on an NFS road. As the LEO stopped the ATV, the juveniles’ father, and owner of the ATV, arrived in a separate vehicle. The LEO issued written warnings to the father for failure to provide proof of insurance and allowing his young sons to operate the ATV. In addition, the LEO issued a violation notice to the father for expired registration. The LEO also responded to a report of individuals selling jewelry to hikers at the Humphrey Trailhead on NFS lands at the Snow Bowl Ski Area. The officer observed the reported individuals quickly place items into a vehicle. After further investigation, the LEO determined the individuals were in possession of jewelry, baskets, and pottery with attached price tags. The LEO issued a violation notice to the individuals for conducting a commercial activity without an FS permit and seized the items as evidence.
On 10/7, an LEO conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle towing a trailer loaded with un-tagged wood on a highway through the Mogollon Rim RD. The LEO smelled the odor of alcohol emitting from the vehicle. After further investigation, the LEO placed the driver under arrest for DUI, being in possession of an open container of alcohol, fuelwood permit non-compliance, and cutting two standing oak trees. The officer seized a cord of oak wood from the man as evidence. The LEO also issued a violation notice to the passenger of the vehicle for being in possession of an open container of alcohol. Later that day, the LEO was requested by the county to conduct a welfare check on a man after his wife contacted authorities to report he did not return from an outing on NFS lands. The LEO conducted a four-hour search for the man but did not locate him. During the early morning hours the following day, the man reportedly arrived at his father’s residence in the nearby town of Payson.
Coronado NF - On 10/1, LEO/K9 teams contacted campers on the Nogales, Sierra Vista, and Douglas RDs to give them a 48-hour notice to vacate areas which were being closed that day due to the government shutdown. LEOs also conducted patrols of all FS buildings, campgrounds, and picnic areas on the Districts to provide information to the public and ensure compliance with the government shutdown requirements.
On 10/1, an LEO/K9 team and an Arizona Game & Fish Officer responded to a report of approximately 50 venomous snakes at Lakeview CG on the Sierra Vista RD. The officers searched the area and located the reported snakes in containers at a campsite. No one was currently located at the site. The owner of the snakes was located eight hours later that day. The owner claimed the snakes consisted of 21 different species but none of them were venomous. The officers determined none of the snakes were illegal to possess or posed a threat to public safety.
On 10/4, an LEO on the Santa Catalina RD made contact with two individuals camped at the Lower Tanque Verde Falls Trailhead parking lot and determined they were using NFS lands for residential purposes. After further investigation, the LEO placed one of the individuals under arrest for a warrant out of Yuma, AZ for controlled substance related charges and transported him to the Pima County Jail. The LEO issued a written warning to the other individual for residing on NFS lands.
On 10/5, an LEO/K9 team on the Nogales RD observed two vehicles in the Pena Blanca Lake Recreation Area which was closed due to the government shutdown. The LEO/K9 team located individuals who apparently drove around the Upper Whiterock CG barricades and through a wash to access a lake. The LEO issued written warnings to the individuals and directed them to leave the area. The officer also issued numerous violation notices to individuals with vehicles parked in the Madera Canyon Recreation Area. The individuals had been previously informed the area was closed due to the government shutdown.
On 10/5, an LEO and an LEO/K9 team responded to a motorcycle accident at Mt. Lemmon on the Santa Catalina RD. The male operator apparently failed to maintain control of the motorcycle before it struck a guard rail along the road. The man then fell 200 feet down the side of the mountain and was fatally injured. Upon the death notification to the man’s family, it was discovered he left a suicide note with them prior to traveling to Mt. Lemmon. Later that day, Pima County SAR personnel responded to a climbing area on Mt. Lemmon where an unresponsive man secured in a harness was hanging from the side of a cliff. SAR personnel determined the man was deceased on scene. An investigation of the incident is continuing.
On 10/6, an LEO/K9 team conducted a patrol on the Santa Catalina RD. The LEO found the closure gate at Spencer Canyon CG was vandalized and observed anti-government closure graffiti on the campground sign. The campground was closed due to the government shutdown. The officer determined no one was currently in the area. Later that day, the LEO/K9 team made contact with a man loading a large amount of fuelwood into his pick-up truck at the Sunset Trailhead Recreation Area on the Santa Catalina RD. The LEO issued a violation notice to the man for illegally cutting fuelwood and seized it from him.
On 10/6, an LEO/K9 team conducted a patrol on the Douglas RD. The LEO found that unknown individuals had pushed aside closure barriers to enter the Rucker Canyon CG which was closed due to the government shutdown. The officer determined no one was in the campground at that time. The following day, the LEO located two individuals camping in Sycamore CG which was also closed due to the government shutdown. The LEO informed the visitors of the closure, requested them to leave the area, and issued a written warning to them. On 10/7, the LEO/K9 team responded to an FS administrative site that had been vandalized and found the door to the facility was damaged. An investigation of the incident is continuing.
Gila NF - On 9/25, a man pleaded guilty in federal court to removing government property. The charge stemmed from incidents in April and May 2013 when the man allegedly stole fuel from FS vehicles parked at the Forest Supervisor’s Office. He was sentenced to pay $1,200 restitution to the Gila NF for the costs of damage to and theft of government property.
On 10/2, a man appeared in federal court regarding charges of assault on a federal officer. The charges stem from an incident on 5/19/13 when the man was driving a vehicle and allegedly attempted to ram an LEO’s patrol vehicle on the Silver City RD. The man was sentenced to 74 days in jail (already served) followed by supervised probation. In addition, he was sentenced to stay at a half-way house for a period of six months to a year while seeking treatment for mental health issues. Special conditions were placed on the man due to the fact he is a sex offender. The judge also ordered him to not be present on the Gila NF nor make contact with FS LEOs for a period of one year.
On 10/4, an LEO conducted a traffic stop on a pick-up truck hauling a load of fuelwood along an NFS road on the Wilderness RD. The LEO found the driver did not notch his load removal tags before transporting the fuelwood and issued a violation notice to him for permit non-compliance.
On 10/6, LEOs on the Silver City RD assisted New Mexico Game & Fish personnel during a deer decoy operation in the Little Walnut Recreation Area. While conducting the operation, the LEOs obtained information regarding other illegal activities in the Little Walnut area. Investigations regarding the illegal activities are ongoing.
Kaibab NF - On 10/7, an LEO conducted a patrol on an NFS road in an area where illegal woodcutting often occurs on the Tusayan RD. The LEO conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle hauling a load of firewood on a closed road. After further investigation, the LEO placed the male passenger under arrest for a state warrant issued as a result of the man’s violating a court order. The LEO issued violation notices to the driver for cutting green wood and being on a closed road.
On 10/8, an LEO responded to a site on the Tusayan RD where a planned protest was reportedly scheduled to occur near the closed south entrance of Grand Canyon NP. Approximately 100 protesters arrived to protest the economic impact of the Park’s closure to the local community during the government shutdown. The protesters parked their vehicles on NFS lands and walked to the closure boundary where they spoke to the Park’s Superintendent. No incidents occurred during that time.
Lincoln NF - On 9/5, an LEO conducted a patrol on the Guadalupe RD during the first rifle elk hunt. The LEO conducted numerous hunting license and OHV compliance checks and addressed several violations.
Prescott NF - On 10/3, an LEO/K9 team stopped to contact a man who was asleep in the cab of a pick-up truck in an area commonly occupied by transients on the Bradshaw RD. Several open beer cans, numerous pornographic magazines, and several DVDs were located on the seat next to the driver. A number of empty beer cans were on the ground next to the truck as well. A K9 sniff of the vehicle yielded a small bag containing marijuana and paraphernalia. The LEO issued violation notices to the man for littering and being in possession of marijuana.
On 10/4, an LEO on the Chino Valley RD responded to a report of an airplane crash near the town of Paulden, AZ. All four individuals on board the aircraft were fatally injured. The LEO assisted Yavapai County SD in locating parts of the aircraft and remains of the passengers. It was determined the crash occurred on private property near NFS lands.
Santa Fe NF - On 10/4, an LEO was contacted by a Bandelier NPS Ranger who observed a suspicious vehicle parked at a pull-out along a state highway at the boundary of the Valles Caldera National Preserve. The Ranger observed a large amount of hunting gear in the vehicle. The LEO determined the registered owner of the vehicle had a warrant, with a bond of $5,000, for failure to appear in court regarding charges of issuing worthless checks. Preserve security personnel confirmed the registered owner was hunting on the Preserve. The LEO located the individual, placed him under arrest and transported him to the Sandoval County Detention Center.
On 10/5, an LEO on the Pecos/Las Vegas RD was contacted by the New Mexico 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office regarding a man the officer placed under arrest for aggravated DUI in 2012. The man pleaded guilty to Aggravated DUI (2nd offense) as a result of the arrest.
On 10/5, an LEO was contacted by a New Mexico Game & Fish Officer who stopped to check the hunting license of individuals in a vehicle along an NFS road on the Jemez RD. The officer found the individuals were in possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and open containers of alcohol. He confiscated the marijuana/paraphernalia, and took photos of the open containers of alcohol. The officer provided the information and confiscated items to the LEO. Federal violation notices will be issued to the individuals for the marijuana and alcohol related violations.
On 10/6, an LEO on the Jemez RD conducted a traffic stop on a pick-up truck with a load of un-tagged fuelwood near Jemez Springs. The LEO determined the driver cut the wood in a designated area but failed to properly display the load tags and issued a violation notice to him for fuelwood permit non-compliance. Later that day, the LEO conducted a traffic stop on another pick-up truck with a load of fuelwood. The driver claimed he forgot to punch his fuelwood permit and place the required load tags on the wood. The LEO determined the permit was registered to the driver’s uncle who was not present during the harvest or transport of the fuelwood. The driver was not listed on the permit as a hauler/gathering for his uncle. The LEO issued a violation notice to the driver for illegally removing timber from NFS lands.
Tonto NF - On 10/3, LEOs on the Mesa RD, with assistance from Maricopa County SD deputies and detectives, issued violation notices to four individuals for moving barricades and entering an FS recreation site which was closed due to the government shutdown. Detectives had placed surveillance cameras near the site entrance while investigating a rash of vehicle break-ins earlier in the year. The cameras captured images of the four individuals removing the barricades and entering the recreation site. A fifth man, who is a member of a local fire department, became belligerent with the deputies on scene. It was later determined he was involved in the removal of the barricades. An SA and a PC contacted the man at his residence and issued a violation notice to him as well. Further investigation determined the man was allegedly attempting to incite an organized challenge of the closure with 200 of his associates. Officials from the man’s agency have apologized to county officials regarding his behavior towards the deputies.
On 10/6, two LEOs responded to a campground on the Globe RD where individuals were reportedly planning a demonstration to protest a pending land swap transaction for the purpose of developing a copper mine. An LEO contacted one of the organizers of the protest and informed her of required FS permits due to the size of the event and the presence of a live band. The LEO issued a violation notice to the organizer for failure to secure a child in a proper restraint in a vehicle. Further actions are pending coordination with the Forest Supervisor and District Ranger. Later that day, the LEOs made contact with a group of the Spartans (an affiliate group of the Hell’s Angels motorcycle gang) gathered along a road just beyond the campground. The individuals complied with the LEOs’ request to move their motorcycles to a location where they would not impede traffic on the roadway.
On 10/7, a note was discovered on the front door of the Mesa RD office indicating displeasure with the shutdown of District recreation sites and threatening to never pay a user fee again.
REGION 8
Francis Marion and Sumter NF - On 10/9, an LEO, South Carolina DNR, county sheriff and SAR personnel responded to a report of a hiker lost along a trail on the Francis Marion NF. The woman called 911 via cell phone to report she walked off-trail after becoming disorientated and could not find her way back to it. Although the woman’s cell phone battery ran out of power within a short period of time, SAR personnel were able to utilize cell phone signals to determine her general location. During the early morning hours the following day, SAR personnel located the woman and assisted her from the area.
On 10/10, an LEO on the Long Cane RD attended proceedings in U.S. District Court regarding a man who allegedly removed government property without authorization. The charge stemmed from an incident in 2012 when numerous metal items were removed from the District work center. The man pleaded guilty to the charge. He was sentenced to pay a $775 fine and $246 restitution.
On 10/12, an LEO on the Long Cane RD located a vehicle parked at a closed OHV trailhead. The LEO heard a motorcycle traveling on the trail and made contact with the operator upon his arrival at the trailhead. The man admitted to seeing the closure sign as well as the closed gates and to calling a “call before you haul” number which also indicated the trail was closed. The man stated he did not think anyone would be working since the government was shut down. The LEO issued a violation notice to him for entering a closed area.
NFs in Alabama - On 9/28, an LEO on the Bankhead NF provided traffic control and ensured the safety of a volunteer organization known as Wild South while they conducted a major clean-up along Cranal Road on NFS lands. The group filled approximately 35 large trash bags and removed multiple large items including a couch, a storm door, and tires from the roadside.
During the late night hours on 9/28, an LEO on the Bankhead NF observed six pick-up trucks with high ground clearance pass by his location alongside an NFS road. At that same time, the LEO received a phone call from a local resident who reported that individuals driving pick-up trucks were damaging NFS roads and lands. The LEO conducted a stop on one of the trucks for a traffic violation. The other drivers then stopped as well. The officer found the individuals were in possession of a small amount of alcohol but determined none of the drivers were impaired. The LEO addressed the reported violations accordingly.
On 10/2, an LEO on the Bankhead NF responded to a report of the bodies of four individuals in a vehicle parked in front of a gate along an NFS road. The LEO, in conjunction with the Alabama Bureau of Investigations, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, and the local sheriff’s department, conducted an investigation of the incident until the early morning hours the following day. It appeared the individuals were fatally shot with a firearm. The investigation continues.
On 10/4, an LEO on the Bankhead NF responded to Owl Creek Horse Camp where a traffic barrel posted at the entrance was missing. The barrel was placed at the site for the purpose of closing the area due to the government shutdown. The LEO contacted forest visitors occupying approximately one half of the horse camp and requested them to vacate the area. The campers informed the LEO of individuals driving trucks through the area the previous night but the LEO was unable to obtain further information regarding the missing barrel.
NFs in Florida - On 10/3, LEI personnel notified several volunteer hosts and enforced required government facility closures of all recreation areas on the Wakulla and Apalachicola RDs due to the government shutdown.
On 10/4, LEOs from the Seminole and Lake George RDs responded to assist Lake County SD in apprehending a wanted felony suspect. The individual fled into a wooded area after a short foot pursuit with two deputies. The LEOs assisted in securing an area perimeter while a K9 search for the man was conducted. After the man was not located, county deputies remained at locations along the wooded area in order to contact the man when he eventually returned to a small subdivision adjacent to the Ocala NF.
On 10/5, an LEO on the Lake George RD made contact with two individuals adjacent to the entrance of Buck Lake Group CG which was currently closed due to the government shutdown. Marion County SD Dispatch informed the LEO of a warrant for one of the individuals issued out of Oklahoma for drug trafficking charges. The LEO placed the individual under arrest and coordinated with county deputies along with Seminole RD LEOs to transport the individual to the Marion County Jail.
On 10/11, LEOs from the Lake George and Seminole RDs along with Marion County SD contacted approximately 25 individuals, ranging from 14-19 years of age, gathered at a site on Compartment 219 of the Ocala NF. The site was littered with glass and empty containers of alcohol. The LEOs located a large quantity of alcoholic beverages, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm at the site as well. The officers destroyed the alcoholic beverages and worked in conjunction with the underage individuals to clean up the site. The individuals’ legal guardians were contacted and requested to retrieve their children. The LEOs issued multiple violation notices for various offenses to the individuals. A deputy dealt with a group of individuals gathered during the night time hours for a party at the same location two weeks prior as well. An individual driving a pick-up truck without illuminated headlights nearly struck the deputy and then crashed into a tree. The individual was placed under arrest. A state judge ordered the individual to be held in jail with a $100,000 bond.
NFs in Mississippi - On 10/4, an LEO on the De Soto NF found the closure gate at Big Biloxi CG was open. The LEO determined no one was in the campground which was currently closed due to the government shutdown. The officer determined an unknown individual(s) opened the gate by pushing it with a pick-up truck. The LEO dummy-locked the gate and made arrangements to have it properly secured as soon as possible.
On 10/4, an LEO on the Tombigbee NF made contact with two individuals shining a spotlight near Choctaw Lake and found they were in possession of a loaded .270 rifle. The individuals admitted they were engaged in their illegal activity due to the fact “we didn’t think you guys were working”. The LEOs referred the violations to Mississippi DNR personnel.
On 10/5, an LEO on the Chickasawhay RD checked several areas currently closed due to the government shutdown. The LEO investigated OHV tracks traveling cross-country around a gate to the closed Little Tiger ATV Trail but did not locate anyone present at that time. The officer also located evidence of individuals illegally gaining access to the closed Longleaf Horse Trail by parking on a D-level system road. In addition, the LEO located evidence of 4-wheel drive vehicles traveling through ditches along an NFS road and damaging road work recently completed by a contractor.
On 10/6, an LEO on the Bienville NF located a dump site consisting of 14 trash bags of household garbage, numerous empty glass bottles, and multiple empty beer cans. The LEO located an address within the trash, made contact with a man at the identified residence and addressed the violation with him. The man admitted to being responsible for the dumped items and agreed to clean up the site the following day.
On 10/6, an LEO on the Chickasawhay RD made contact with a large group of ATV riders entering the Little Tiger ATV Trail to inform them of the area closure due to the government shutdown. The group expressed dissatisfaction regarding the closure but complied with the officer’s request to stay out of the area. The LEO was contacted throughout the day by multiple individuals regarding facility and area closures.
On 10/6, an LEO on the Homochitto NF found the caution tape around barricades to the entrance of Lake Okhissa had been removed. Unknown individuals had driven a vehicle through the barricades to access the area which was currently closed due to the government shutdown. The LEO checked the area and determined no one was present at that time. The officer replaced the caution tape and repaired the barricades.
On 10/8, an LEO on the Homochitto NF received a report of an alligator killed in a body of water on private land adjacent to the Forest. The LEO and a Mississippi Conservation Officer are conducting an investigation of the incident.
On 10/9, an LEO on the Chickasawhay RD assisted a Timber Sale Administrator in contacting logging crews at a timber sale in order to inform them of the requirement to cease operations due to the government shutdown.
On 10/12, an LEO on the Chickasawhay RD contacted a family fishing at Turkey Fork Lake which was currently closed due to the government shutdown. The LEO issued a warning to the family and requested them to leave the area. The officer also found evidence that a group of individuals illegally accessed the Little Tiger Trail which was also closed due to the government shutdown.
On 10/12, an LEO on the Bienville NF responded to reports of illegal OHV use on an NFS road. The LEO made contact with six individuals on OHVs and issued violation notices to them.
On 10/19, an LEO on the Caddo/Womble RD observed a truck blocking an FS gate and ATV tracks going around the gate to access a closed road. The LEO located the driver and issued a violation notice to him for being on a closed road. The officer also issued a violation notice to an individual who illegally drove a vehicle to the site of a deer stand on NFS lands.
Ozark-St. Francis NF - On 10/2, an LEO on the Magazine RD investigated an accident involving a 23-year-old man who was apparently operating a 4-wheeler too fast for conditions when he lost control of it and struck three pine trees. The man suffered a concussion and a gash along his forehead to the middle of his skull. He was air lifted to a hospital.
On 10/2, an LEO on the Big Piney RD investigated a marijuana cultivation operation on private property within the Forest boundary. An individual was allegedly processing several marijuana plants and was in possession of an additional several pounds of dried or drying marijuana plants in the residence as well. The LEO also located approximately 20 marijuana plants growing on the private property. The case was referred to local authorities and the 14th Judicial Drug Task Force.
On 10/4, an LEO on the Big Piney RD stopped a vehicle traveling too fast for conditions on an NFS road. After further investigation, the LEO placed the driver under arrest for outstanding warrants and driving while license suspended.
REGION 9
Huron-Manistee NF - On 10/7, an LEO/K9 team on the Mio RD and an FS Firefighter located two illegal bow-hunting blinds and illegal bait sites. The LEO/K9 team and a Michigan DNR Officer returned later that week and made contact with two bow hunters occupying the illegal hunting sites. One of the hunters was in possession of a 12-gauge shotgun and buckshot rounds. The officers determined a third bow hunter in possession of a firearm was in the area as well. The LEO and DNR officer tracked and located the man. He was in possession of a .45 caliber handgun along with a scoped .22 caliber rifle and was hunting from an illegal blind over an illegal bait site. The officers issued multiple federal and state violation notices to the three individuals.
On 10/8, LEOs from the Baldwin White Cloud RD, the Manistee RD, and the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Cadillac, MI responded to assist the local SA and Newaygo County SD (NSCD) in a SAR operation for a 3-year-old girl who was missing. Weather conditions at the time included 40-degree temperatures. Approximately 24 hours after the girl was initially reported as missing, an LEO, a Michigan DNR Conservation Officer, and a NCSD deputy found her in a swampy wooded area on the Forest. The site was located a mile and a half from the girl’s home. She was transported to a hospital where she was kept overnight for observation. Over 200 volunteers, 6 Michigan State Police K9 teams, 2 county sheriff department K9 teams, two SAR bloodhound teams, two Michigan SP helicopters, several sheriff department officers, Michigan DNR, and FS Firefighters also participated in the search. LEI personnel are working in conjunction with state and local agencies to investigate the incident.
White Mountain NF - On 10/12, an LEO on the Pemigewasset RD responded to a report of a non-responsive man along the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail. Medical personnel attempted to resuscitate the man but he did not resume consciousness. The LEO interviewed witnesses and assisted New Hampshire SP and New Hampshire Fish & Game in securing the scene. Preliminary investigation indicated the man’s death was due to natural causes. The SP is conducting an investigation of the incident.
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
AD - Assistant Director
ASAC - Assistant Special Agent in Charge
ATV - All Terrain Vehicle
BATF - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
BLM - Bureau of Land Management
CAMP - Campaign Against Marijuana Planting
(CA Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement)
CG - Campground
DA - District Attorney
DEA - Drug Enforcement Administration
DNR - Department of Natural Resources
DPS - Department of Public Safety
DTO - Drug Trafficking Organization
EMS - Emergency Medical Service
FBI - Federal Bureau of Investigations
FD - Fire Department
FPO - Forest Protection Officer
FS - Forest Service
HIDTA - High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program
HP - Highway Patrol
ICE - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
JCC - Job Corps Center
LEI - Law Enforcement and Investigations
LEO - Law Enforcement Officer
NF - National Forest
NPS - National Park Service
NRA - National Recreation Area
OHV - Off Highway Vehicle
OIG - Office of Inspector General
ORV - Off Road Vehicle
PC - Patrol Captain
RD - Ranger District
RPC - Regional Patrol Commander
SA - Special Agent
SAC - Special Agent in Charge
SAR - Search and Rescue
SD - Sheriff’s Department
SP - State Police
USBP - U.S. Border Patrol
USFWS - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
USMS - U.S. Marshals Service
ZPC - Zone Patrol Commander
~Hawk