The San Juan National Forest is asking the community to help curb excessive partying and vandalism in the Boggy Draw area.
There has been a spike in destructive behavior in recent months, said forest technician Chris Bouton.
"Kids partying up there is a concern, not only for their safety but for the forest as well," Bouton said. "We're increasing our patrols and have been cleaning up a lot of trash."
On the evening of April 3, two juveniles were cited by a forest ranger for burning a pile of tires in an old gravel pit off the Dolores-Norwood road.
Fifty semi-trailer tires were dumped at the site, about 12 miles from Dolores, and had to be removed.
"It's expensive for the taxpayers to clean up because each tire cost $20 to dispose of at the landfill," Bouton said.
Bean Canyon has especially been hit hard by bonfire parties, including one in March where the fire was not put out and was still smoldering the next day.
"It's reckless and a big hazard to the public at large. With this wind and dry conditions, unattended campfires could start a wildfire in our own backyard," Bouton said.
Underage drinking, littering, driving off-road and firing guns has also been a problem in the forest area above Dolores. In one case, a gun was fired so many times into a ponderosa pine that it fell over. It is illegal to damage natural resources within the forest, litter, or drive off designated routes.
"Guns, alcohol and driving are just not a good combination, and we are worried someone will get killed or injured," Bouton said. "We're encouraging use of our public lands responsibly and to treat them with respect. And please make sure the camp fire is completely out."
Bouton said law enforcement is investigating who is responsible for the recent vandalism, and will continue ticketing violators. The community is asked to report illegal activity and discourage youth from irresponsible behavior on public lands.
Youth from Cortez, Dolores, and Mancos are known to frequent the Boggy Draw area for weekend parties, said David Van Bibber, a school resource officer for the Montezuma County sheriff's office.
He said he is aware of the recent problem and has warned students to make the right choices, or face legal problems.
They know we've heard the reports and we're are being upfront with them about making educated decisions," Van Bibber said. "They need to understand we don't want the forest to burn down."
jmimiaga@cortezjournal.com
