FRYEBURG (AP) – The Fryeburg police chief is promising to bolster patrols along the Saco River, which is known for rowdy behavior of some canoeists.

Chief Phil Weymouth says as many as a dozen police officers will patrol the river, access points and parking areas during the upcoming boating season. Maine wardens and Oxford sheriff’s deputies will help.

Weymouth told WMWV radio he wants visitors from as far away as Massachusetts and New York to know they’re welcome, but they won’t be allowed to behave as before.

The river’s been known for incidents of heavy drinking, littering and other illegal activities.

Weymouth says the “Take Back Our River” campaign will cost $37,000. The money comes from the Saco River Recreation Council.