Mark Gatz, a 65-year-old Arizona man, was arrested after authorities found him living on federal land in Tonto National Forest. Officials say he told them he had lived in the forest for about eight years and at the specific campsite for roughly two years.
According to the source report, responders described a large encampment with built structures, several fire pits, household items and accumulated refuse spread across about an acre. Officers also reportedly noted around 1,000 pounds of trash, a vehicle canopy area, a cooking setup and motor oil at the site.
The case highlights the tension between public-land access and rules designed to prevent permanent occupation, fire risk and environmental damage. Campers on national forest land are generally limited to short stays, and the reported construction and long-term residence are being treated as unauthorized use.
Gatz was arrested on June 25 and is scheduled to appear before a federal judge on July 6. The report says he faces multiple accusations connected to living on forest land, building or using a residence there, leaving refuse and fire-related violations, with a possible prison term of up to five years.
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