Land of Many Uses

Wednesday, 25 January 2012 19:11

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Walt Schmid, 65, lives in Jamesport, MO, and is vacationing in Southern Arizona with his wife and “soulmate.” The Schmids have been metal detecting for 25 years. On Tuesday, the couple prospected for meteorites near Peña Blanca Lake in the Coronado National Forest.

The area is a popular recreation spot for visitors. A neighboring recreation area, Patagonia Lake State Park, is also home to Arizona residents and travelers from Mexico alike. Fishing, off-roading, boating, camping and hiking are some of the activities the recreation spots offer.

However, other kinds of activities are found in these recreational areas in close proximity to the border. These areas are notorious for drug and illegal immigrant smuggling. Upon entry to various areas of these sites, warning signs exist for visitors about the illegal activity.

Patagonia Deputy Marshal John Dematteo said the warning signs are placed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the state parks and Santa Cruz County.

Dematteo advises visitors to be aware of suspicious activity. He considers suspicious activity to include:

Individuals in all black clothing
Vehicles that appear to be weighed down
People with extreme bruising on the shoulders
Someone indicating "they want to go home"

The 7-year Patagonia deputy marshal said detecting suspicious activity is sometimes difficult in an area so close to the border. However, if a visitor feels threatened, precaution should be taken. The following steps should be taken if you think you are in danger in these popular recreation spots:

Hide/Conceal oneself
Dial 911
Do not approach the individual(s)
If approached, remain calm and passive
When possible, safely get out of the area and contact authorities

Dematteo notes that cell phone service deep into the forest that these recreation areas cover is not guaranteed.

Nonetheless, visitors travel to these areas year-round and enjoy the many activities the recreation spots have to offer. Coronado National Forest truly is the "land of many uses."

Written by Audrey A. Fitzsimmons You are reading Land of Many Uses articles

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