For Release: Immediate
Contact: Tessy Shirakawa
Phone: 970-529-4628

Redpath Charged Guilty For Operating Bicycle Tour in Mesa Verde Without A Permit

Nancy Redpath was charged with engaging in business, within Mesa Verde National Park , and entering a designated fee area without paying the required fees and possessing applicable permits. On February 6, 2007 Redpath, owner/operator of Imagine Tours from Davis, CA pled guilty to two counts in the United States District Court, District of Colorado in Durango. Redpath whose online company touts affordable outdoor adventures, was operating a bicycle touring business in the park, on August 19, 2006 without a permit. Redpath failed to pay the established commercial tour fee required for such activities.

Mesa Verde park rangers observed the activity and conducted an investigation. Imagine Tours has been in business for 18 years, with Redpath organizing and leading tours for more than 27 years. Redpath has organized tours on local, state, federal and oversees lands during this time frame.

During her initial court appearance, Redpath pled guilty to both charges and was sentenced to pay a fine of $3,000 on the first count, and a fine of $5,000 suspended for one year on the second count with unsupervised probation for that period of time.

As a reminder, engaging in business within Mesa Verde National Park without a permit is unlawful. Furthermore, organized bicycle groups are prohibited on all park roads due to the narrow nature of the road, lack of road shoulders, poor condition of the pavement and heavy vehicular traffic.

For additional information, contact the Chief Ranger’s Office at 970-529-4618.

~ NPS ~