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Date: September 1, 2009
Contact: David Eaker, 435-772-7811
Contact: Ray O'Neil, 435-772-7823

According to Zion National Park Superintendent Jock Whitworth, Dennis Fisher of Spanish Fork, UT pled guilty on August 17, 2009 in St. George Magistrate Court, to conducting an illegal guiding service within the boundaries of the park.  For several years, Fisher and his company TPC Sports had advertised illegal guided canyoneering trips in the park’s backcountry.  Fisher had been previously contacted by park rangers regarding his illegal operation, but continued his activities.

An operation culminating in two undercover park rangers participating in one of Fisher’s trips through Mystery Canyon on July 25, 2009 led to the criminal charges.  As a result of his conviction, Fisher was fined $1000 and banned from entering Zion National Park for two years.

Permitted commercial operations are allowed for interpretive purposes on a limited number of Zion Canyon’s developed trails, but are not permitted through most of the park’s backcountry including all canyoneering routes.  A permit must be obtained prior to any commercial use of park trails. To obtain a commercial permit or for more information about commercial regulations in Zion National Park call 435-772-7823 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/zion.