DNR Continues Enforcement Program on Rifle River

[Hamilton Reef]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 6, 2006

CONTACTS:
Sgt. Ron Kimmerly 989-684-9141
Mary Dettloff 517-335-3014

DNR Continues Enforcement Program on Rifle River in Arenac County

The Department of Natural Resources will once again coordinate a volunteer program to assist the department with monitoring and reporting illegal activity along the Rifle River in Arenac County. The effort is known as the Citizens Assisting in Resource Enforcement (CARE) program, and the DNR also will be assisted by other law enforcement agencies in its monitoring activities.

"This partnership between the DNR, local law enforcement and interested citizens provides a strong presence along the Rifle River and helps reduce the amount of illegal activity, like littering, trespassing and operating boats while intoxicated," said Sgt. Ron Kimmerly, DNR conservation officer. "This summer, we will continue to have an active presence on the river to ensure that all outdoors enthusiasts are being safe and following the rules while on the river."

The Rifle River is very popular with canoeing and tubing enthusiasts because of its mild current, long sections of sandy river bottom and numerous swimming holes.

The DNR, along with the Arenac County Sheriff's Department and the Michigan Department of State Police, actively recruit sportspersons and local residents for the CARE program. Kimmerly noted there will be increased law enforcement presence this summer during the peak canoeing season on the river.

For more information about the CARE program, contact the DNR's Bay City Operations Service Center at (989) 684-9141.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.

[seafood]

I've been on that river numerous times and have witnessed some serious partying.

[unregistered5a]

sounds good- can't forget the infamous ":rant: Cussing Canoeist":D

[Hamilton Reef]

CO Reports for 7/31/06 - 8/13/06
DISTRICT 8

COs Chad Forester, Larn Strawn, and Jay Person conducted a group patrol on the Rifle River to combat the ongoing litter and disruptive behavior that occurs every weekend. COs Strawn and Person worked in plain clothes in kayaks while CO Foerster was in uniform on shore. They watched one area where groups of people frequently pull off the river to "party." CO Forester was radioed about some subjects who had thrown items into the woods. He made an appearance in uniform and spoke with these subjects who cleaned up the entire area before continuing on their way. Comments were made to the undercover officers that the DNR was out in full force and they were warned on the bus ride to the launch by the canoe liveries. Others stated that there were officers on both sides of the river, though CO Forester was the only uniformed officer in the area. It appears that the uniform presence along with the help of the canoe liveries is making a difference in the behavior on the river.

[Krull]

My grandmother lives right on the Rifle near Alger. She can confirm that this year the number of "Hooligans" running through her yard and screaming obscentities has dwindled quite a bit.. Still get the occasional jacknut, but it appears efforts such as this by the DNR and rising gas prices has put quite a dent in the # of drunks on the river, which is a very nice thing!