ISHPEMING — A public project in the City of Ishpeming has been damaged by vandalism.

Two vehicles damaged the hydro–seeding around a new blacktop trail off of Malton Road, intended for non–motorist use only.
The damage extends about two thirds of the project and some of the seeds may need to be sown again.

Officials from the Ishpeming Department of Public Works say they believe the damage may have been caused deliberately after a dirt jump was removed from the area.

Officials also have a message for the motorist responsible.

“Stay off, that’s all we ask. It’s a waste of effort from the contractor, a waste of taxpayer dollars, whether from the grant or the cities funds. We can’t afford to waste money fixing these kinds of silly behaviors.”

It is currently unknown how much this could cost to fix. The biggest expense would be bringing the contractor back to the area.

If further damage happens and those responsible are caught, Kangas says that the city may press charges.