RIDGE ROUTE WORRIES; RESIDENTS SEE ABUSE IN ROAD REOPENING.

Byline: Angela M. Lemire Staff Writer

Though small in number, residents along the Ridge Route want their voices heard as discussions continue over reopening the historical mountain pass for recreational use.

Some fear that reopening the old road would increase their encounters with trespassers, backwoods partyers and off-road motorists who already use the Ridge Route illegally. So before historians, Angeles National Forest Service and county officials solidify plans to reopen the road - now listed on the National Register - residents want their say.

Jerry White and his wife moved in 1985 to his 20-acre property abutting the Ridge Route to enjoy country living with a wide assortment of animals, including horses and llamas. Their residence, and eight others along the Ridge Route, are located just beyond the 17.3-mile portion being eyed for public use.

``I have serious reservations about this,'' said White, 54. ``So far, nobody's bothered to ask the residents if we want this, and we haven't heard anything yet about who will be up here to regulate it. Who's going to make sure they (motorists) don't abuse the privilege?''

Angeles National Forest officials, off-road enthusiasts and historians are seeking a partnership with Los Angeles County to renovate the Ridge Route for recreational and historic tours. The road was inducted into the National Register two years ago after Harrison Scott of Torrance led the drive to win federal recognition for the 84-year-old roadway.

Supporters want the Ridge Route reopened and graded so motorists can take in breathtaking views from mountaintops and appreciate its historical value, and off-roaders can reach their destinations.

With the exception of utility companies, fire and Forest Service crews, the winding route along mountain ridges has been largely abandoned since the 1930s, when more direct routes were carved through flat lands. The 17.3-mile portion of the Ridge Route now listed on the National Register is located west of the Golden State Freeway, between Templen Highway and Pine Canyon Road, on Angeles National Forest land.

And while many groups have respected the neighbors and land - such as stargazing clubs and responsible off-road enthusiasts - the few who abused their access alarm White and other neighbors, he said.

``I've had four-wheelers come onto our property and tear up the road and the yard. I've found dirty diapers, beer bottles and hunters on my property,'' he said. ``When the kids were younger, they nearly hit them on horseback. I've had to kick hunters off my property, and I've been threatened more than once.''

Bob Sell, another Ridge Route resident, shares White's concerns, but also worries about campfires sparking dangerous brush fires.

Sell supported plans to incorporate the Ridge Route into the National Register two years ago, but now worries that plans to reopen it would lack a strong enforcement policy, noting that the response time for authorities to reach the homes is long.

Residents will be invited to future discussions, Scott said, although the planning process is still in its early stages and supporters of reopening the Ridge Route don't yet have a solid plan.

Funding for maintenance needs to be found before moving forward, Scott said. ``After we (create) a foundation of some sort, then we'll be at a point where we can hold public hearings.''

So far, Scott, the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs Inc., an organization catering to off-road enthusiasts, and owners of sport-utility vehicles are committing $16,000 to erect signs along the Ridge Route marking the sites of former historical destinations, such as hotels, restaurants and service stations. Angeles National Forest officials have identified about $20,000 for future maintenance.

As for enforcement, Scott acknowledged that reopening the Ridge Route will bring more motorists to the area but said supporters intend to monitor its use through increased patrols by Angeles National Forest workers. ``They'll enforce it as best as they can, whenever - and if ever - any major plan is developed,'' he said.

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Photo: (color) Jerry White, looking out from his property in the Angeles National Forest, opposes plans to reopen the historic Ridge Route.

John Lazar/Staff Photographer