North Fork Patrol

North Fork and the moon - photo by Mark HeaphyThe North Fork Patrol, with the written permission of a landowner, will check a property for evidence of trespass, poaching and external physical damage. The checking of properties is random and typically occurs with change of seasons (Fall and Spring), during hunting season, weather events etc.

In addition to checking on properties, the North Fork Patrol also pays a reward of up to $500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any wrongdoers on the North Fork.

The Patrol is not a law enforcement authority nor is it a full-time security provider; it is a neighborhood service of volunteers helping to keep an eye on their neighbor’s properties as best as they can.Wildcat Lake - photo by Mark Heaphy

All suspected illegal activity and physical damage will be reported to the landowner. If unable to contact the landowner in a timely manner, and if necessary, the appropriate law enforcement agency will be notified.

The North Fork Patrol comprises:

  • Margaret Heaphy, Secretary/treasurer
  • Mark Heaphy, Chairman
  • Bonny & Lynn Ogle, Directors
  • Bill & Lois Walker, Directors
  • Larry Wilson, Director

A signed application is required to participate (you can download the application from here). In cases where people are late in renewing their membership, the North Fork Patrol will continue to check on the property unless permission has been revoked by the landowner. For more information, contact Mark or Margaret Heaphy at m-mheaphy@hotmail.com or call/text 406-890-5043.

Patrol Agenda

Prepared by Lynn P. Ogle for Mark Heaphy

Patrol is asking people to get license numbers and descriptions of strange vehicles and people, in or around your homes.

It is very difficult to know if you have given people permission or if they are renters or trespassers if you do not give them a written permission slip.

If you are in the renting business you need to realize the following:

  1. You as the owner of the property or equipment need to give your renter a written permission slip, or you might get an unexpected call from a Sheriff’s Officer.
  2. You need to know that the Renters may place you in a liable seat if you have a fire get away and or damage your neighbor’s property. That includes State and Federal properties. If the renter has renters insurance, they may minimize your risk, but don’t think it does until you have checked it out.
  3. You as the Land owner are responsible to provide the necessary escape routes in case of a disaster.
  4. Your duties include informing your renters that they must clean up their mess and pack it out; you know the rule; pack it in and pack it out!
  5. You should make them aware of all of the animals that might become violent in the event of their pets and garbage. Make sure that they know that they must remove all of the garbage they bring with them.

You as the owner of the property should check with your own insurance company before you rent to anyone!

We as the North Fork Patrol are not responsible for damages. You as the landowner are responsible and if you choose to rent then any damages to your property needs to be reported to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office @ 406-758-5610 or 900 South Main Street in Kalispell, Mt 59801.