The U.S. Forest Service is enlisting the public's help in cracking down on "illegal activities" trashing the Gila National Forest, according to the Silver City Sun-News.

According to a Gila National Forest news release, illegal dumping, vandalism, irresponsible shootings and other illegal activities have become "persistent problems" on many forest roads surrounding local communities.

Federal agencies such as the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management have joined with local law enforcement to create "Partners for a Clean New Mexico" in order "to prevent illegal dumping in the state by increasing education, improving public outreach, promoting tougher enforcement and increasing cleanup efforts," the release said.

The Sun-News reported this week that residents of the Bear Mountain and Silver Creek areas joined the Silver City Ranger District in cleaning up nearly 10 acres of land and have been installing new "no dumping" signs at well-known dump sites.

Forest Service law officers also are actively investigating illegal dump sites, using information found at the sites to track down dumpers and litterers, according to the Gila N.F. release.

Volunteers interested in helping cleanup efforts can call the Forest Service's Dave Warnack at (575) 388-8416, the Sun-News said.

And anyone who wants to report illegal activity in the forest area can call the Grant County Sheriff's Office at (575) 388-8840, the paper reported.