PARTYING IN HILLS WATCHED CLOSELY

River Patrol And BLMangers Cut Down Crimes.

Warning to wild partygoers who use the North Fork recreation areas: Lawful
eyes are getting sharper lenses.

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management out of Bakersfield has adopted a new set
of rules to cap a two-year, intensified fight against alcohol, drugs, fires
and trash produced by visitors.

"The area had a reputation that we're trying to end," said Chief Ranger Ed
Ruth, adding that many people thought it was a good place to go and "avoid
the law's eyes."

Every weekend, Ruth and a deputy ranger make the 90- mile trek from their
field office in Bakersfield to the North Fork Drive Recreation Area, just
above Three Rivers, to patrol the grounds for alcohol, drugs and unruly
conduct.

There is no resident ranger in the area, but that's where the North Fork
River Patrol comes in. The patrol was formed in summer 1999, eight North
Fork Drive residents and several other volunteers from Three Rivers who arm
themselves with radios and walkie-talkies to patrol the three-site area
during the week. The Bureau of Land Management patrols during the weekends,
when most of the illegal activity occurs.

Cyclist Kezin Foster, 40, is an original member of the River Patrol and a
resident along North Fork. He says the group's efforts are necessary to
combat crimes committed mostly by gangs, including graffiti, littering,
public intoxication, drugs and illegal fires.

"You wouldn't dare walk up there with your bare feet," Foster said,
pointing to the broken beer bottles and discarded drug needles.

Leonard Roberts, 42, owns approximately 160 acres along both sides of the
North Fork River, which he says is a favorite place for recreation
visitors, even though most of it lies on private property.

"They leave dirty diapers and trash along the whole thing," Roberts said.
"It's pretty disgusting."

Roberts said he also lost one-third of his fence one year to a drunken
driver who lost control while coming down from the Paradise site.

The North Fork Drive area includes three sites open to visitors. Among
Paradise, Cherry Falls and Advance, the Paradise site is generally
considered the worst because vehicles can get in so easily.

Ruth said it's hard to patrol the area adequately. His office is
responsible for the management of all recreation areas from Bakersfield to
Modesto. He also said, however, that since the Bureau of Land Management
stepped up its efforts to eradicate the disturbances, about 100 citations
have been issued to lawbreakers, mostly for possession of alcohol and
sometimes for marijuana.

He said tickets usually are $150 for alcohol, and $250 for marijuana, in
addition to the substances being confiscated.

Ruth hopes the citations will be enough for visitors to realize that they
can still have fun and enjoy the outdoors without getting intoxicated.

"There's a social responsibility to take care of the property," Ruth said.
"You can't do that and down a 12-pack."

Foster agreed and said that since the North Fork River Patrol and the
rangers have been "double-teaming" the unruly visitors, the amount of crime
and havoc have been cut significantly.

"Basically, the noose is getting tighter and tighter for these gangs, which
is what we want," Foster said. "Each year, we will have more of a presence
until they finally say 'enough is enough.' "

GUIDELINES

The U.S. Bureau of Land Management has introduced new rules designed to
combat alcohol, drugs, fires and trash produced by visitors to North Fork
recreation areas:

Alcohol and controlled substances are banned.

People under the influence "to the extent that they are a danger to
themselves or to others" will be subject to arrest.

All trash and litter must be secured in a container.

Abandoned property will be removed within three days at the owner's expense.

Restrictions are placed on open roads and ATV use, as well as shooting
firearms for practice.

A fire permit is required for any type of campfire.