CAMP VERDE, AZ (CBS5) -
Parts of the pristine land inside the Coconino National Forest are being polluted with piles of roofing scraps and garbage, according to the forest service.
Kevin Lehto, with the Coconino National Forest Red Rock Ranger District, said one of the latest piles of trash discovered is just off I-17 North and the State Route 179 intersection between the Bruce Brockett Trail head and the old Beaver Creek Ranger Station.
It is near the popular Beaver Creek campground.
"You can see and smell the Junipers out here," he said while showing CBS 5 news the problem.
At that trail head is "a slew of roofing materials," he said.
He showed us the pile of trash that was discovered approximately two weeks ago. It included shingles, nails, beer cans and plastic packaging among other things.
"There was a few people involved in this I would imagine," Lehto said.
He also said it is the third pile of roofing garbage they have spotted since the Spring.
Lehto said one pile was discovered near the same area close to the Beaver Creek Campground in March while another one was found near Cornville in July.
A subcontractor was responsible for the one pile found in July, Lehto said.
He said that same party cleaned up the mess, but that name has not been released.
The cost for cleanup can be very expensive, costing tax payers' money.
It could cost, "several thousand dollars at the least and several days worth of work for several employees," Lehto said.
If you have any tips, you may call the Coconino National Forest Service main office at 928-203-7500.
Copyright 2012 CBS 5 (Meredith Corporation). All rights reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
