Charity Event In A Wilderness Area?

[SpiderLegs]

So I just saw that someone posted on my Facebook wall that they are having a charity event going up Flatiron. I don't have anything against the charity, it appears to be a worthwhile cause. Does the Forest Service allow charity events now in wilderness areas? Or are they in the dark because the event is being staged at Mining Camp's parking lot?

[AZLumberjack]

I don't know what the rules are on charity events, but the 15 person group size would still be in effect.... but going up Siphon Draw, who's going to count anyway.

[Tough_Boots]

Does the Forest Service allow charity events now in wilderness areas?

if commercial groups like REI can lead backpacking trips in that wilderness area, then I would imagine there is nothing stopping them (except for as AZLumberjack pointed out-- the 15 person group size).

That event organizer might have no clue of the group size limit and wouldn't ever think to inquire. Maybe someone should mention it to them?

[flagscott]

Any sort of organized activity like this in a wilderness area requires a permit. Here's the link to the Tonto NF page on this topic: http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/tonto/passe ... commercial

As for REI, I am certain that they have permits to do guided trips wherever they do them.

[SuperstitionGuy]

If the traffic gets any busier on this trail we are going to have to install metering lights or turnstiles to control the flow! ;)

[Al_HikesAZ]

If the traffic gets any busier on this trail we are going to have to install metering lights or turnstiles to control the flow! ;)

Photo Radar for hikers? Let's see what Kurt has to say about RedFlex cameras on Flatiron

[SpiderLegs]

The guy putting on the event changed his website/flyer to say that hiking from the parking lot was optional once I called him on it. But it still implies that hiking to the top of Flatiron is a large part of the event. I don't have anything against his charity, but using a designated wilderness area as the main draw to his event really bugs me.