An Arizona man who spent eight years living illegally in the Tonto National Forest was discovered at a campsite surrounded by about 1,000 pounds of trash, according to officials. U.S. Forest Service officers arrested Mark Aaron Gatz, 65, after finding him at his makeshift camp along National Forest System Road 1006 in central Arizona. The campsite included improvised structures, an SUV covered with tarps, and a significant amount of discarded items such as tires, cans, plastic bags, and household debris.

According to a probable cause statement, officers described the scene as one of the “worst residential cases” they had encountered. The accumulation of trash and debris reportedly caused environmental damage to about half an acre of forest land. Authorities noted that forest visitors had previously filed complaints about “large structures” and several years’ worth of trash in the area.

Officials said Gatz was found during a routine patrol, and he admitted to living in the forest for approximately eight years, with the last two spent at the same site near Strawberry and Pine. The U.S. Forest Service generally limits camping in the Tonto National Forest to 14 days within a 30-day period to protect resources and ensure public access, so long-term occupation and the construction of unauthorized structures are prohibited. Gatz received several prior warnings and citations for violating camping limits, building fires during fire restrictions, and not cleaning up the site.

Court documents show Gatz faced multiple federal charges and had six outstanding arrest warrants for previous violations, including unsanitary conditions and unauthorized campfires. He told officers he knew about the fire restrictions but used a wood-burning fire to cook food. Officers found a fire at the camp that was not fully extinguished, which posed additional risks to the area, especially during fire season.

Gatz pleaded guilty to violating fire restrictions and unauthorized residential use of the forest. He was sentenced to time served and three years of probation. The U.S. District Attorney’s Office said people staying beyond legal limits is a common problem in Arizona’s national forests, raising concerns for public safety and environmental impact.

Authorities said there was no public comment from Gatz’s attorney as of the latest court filings. Gatz remains under federal supervision and is required to comply with probation terms. If he violates those terms, he could face additional penalties, including prison time and fines.

Armstrong & Getty