I received a call yesterday from the USFS to give us an update on Scott Parker and request that I share it here.
This last Wednesday Scott got his day in court. He went prepared to contest all six citations with an attorney. But after his attorney got to see the photos and documentation the Forest Service had prepared, his attorney seriously recommended that he plead guilty to four of the citations. The Forest Service waived the two remaining charges which were, staying beyond the day use hours as it was included in the camping citation and posession of glass containers as aparently it is not posted at the springs (Somehow I thought it was).
Anyway he entered the plea of guilty on the citations for:
- Posession of a hazardous/pollutant at the springs (in reference to his toilet teepee)
- Posession of a campfire or campstove
- Camping in a day use area
- (and I can't recall the fourth)
The judge sentenced him to a fine of $220, 3 years probation and one year ban from San Bernardino National Forest.
If anyone sees Scott on Forest land you should report him to the Forest Service.
This should serve as an example that the USFS is prepared to follow through on citations for illegal camping and fires at the springs. Kudos to them for taking care of a problem and protecting this area for the enjoyment of all law abiding citizens.