Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies are responsible for law enforcement at four lakes located in the federally owned and operated Tonto National Forest because of the federal inter-governmental agreement which is annually signed by Sheriff Joe Arpaio. As a result, the deputies have been forced to turn boaters and skiers away from the area because the federal government has closed them due to the partial government shutdown.
The government shutdown has forced the closure of designated recreation sites at Saguaro Lake, Canyon Lake, Apache Lake, and Bartlett Lake.
“My deputies are carrying out their required duties that our agreement with the federal government calls for,” said Arpaio. “When the President and Congress resolve their differences, we will no longer have to take this course of action. For the sake of all affected by the shutdown, let’s hope the negotiations in Washington are concluded swiftly.”
Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Lake Patrol Captain Russ Skinner reports that the public is reacting angrily, and some are directing their frustration towards the deputies who have the unfortunate job of telling people to turn around.
“We are seeing enough anger that we want to make it known to our citizens and visitors that as soon as federal government shutdown is concluded, all will return to normal,” said Skinner.