Snowmobile signs damaged; DNR looking for answers

CHAMPION — The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking help from the public to identify whoever is responsible for recent damage to numerous signs along two snowmobile trails in western Marquette County.

Signs were knocked down, run over or otherwise vandalized along Trail No. 8 and Trail No. 5 over the past weekend, Nov. 11-13. Numerous signs were vandalized recently along two snowmobile trails in western Marquette County. The location of the damage is situated in the Champion area, roughly 30 miles west of Marquette.

“Damaging trail signs is cause for concern for safety reasons and because the signs and installation are expensive,” said Ron Yesney, DNR Upper Peninsula trails coordinator. “Unfortunately, repairing the damage from this disruptive act will divert snowmobile program funding paid by snowmobilers away from maintenance of the trail system.”

Signs will need to be replaced over at least 9 miles of trail.

From a safety standpoint, the damage to, or removal of, several “Stop” and “Stop Ahead” signs present the greatest concern for the safety of riders, pedestrians and motorists.

To report information on the damage, contact the DNR’s Report All Poaching (RAP) line at 1-800-292-7800 or contact Lt. Pete Wright, district law supervisor, at the DNR’s Marquette office at 906-228-6561.