ALBANY - After stepping up enforcement in 2009, the number of citations related to underage drinking, disorderly conduct, and other safety issues has decreased along the Sugar River this summer, officials said.

"It's been a problem area," Green County Sheriff Jeff Skatrud said, adding that most of the river is not reachable by vehicle. "Numbers are down a bit, but they are still there."

The Green County Sheriff's Department along with the Wisconsin Department of Nature Resources continue their patrols of the river this summer, following an enforcement push prompted by numerous calls received in 2009 from concerned citizens about safety on the river - a popular place for young people to hang out.

DNR also was asked to assist the sheriff's department with any boating and manpower issues.

"There hasn't been a lot of effort in awhile," said Nick Webster, Green County DNR warden. "We're primarily focusing on safety issues."

Skatrud said the 2009 complaints primarily centered on drinking, possible drug use and disorderly conduct along the Sugar River, especially between Albany and Sweet Minihaha Campground.

Other complaints included trespassing and public defecation, Skatrud said.

To address the issue, Skatrud, along with the Albany Police Chief, went to Albany's village board in 2009 to ask if they could have two details for the following summer on the river.

"We took a zero tolerance stand," Skatrud said.

With that stand, Skatrud said he hopes to see more family fun on the river.

"We want (families) to enjoy the river," Skatrud said. "It was no place for a family to be."

The sheriff's department has done two details this summer, in which volunteer deputies patrol the river for any safety issues.

Skatrud said he's unsure if there will be another detail this summer.