The DNR says it's a problem that happens every year, and they're asking for people's help.
TRAVERSE CITY -- It's the prime time of year for snowmobiling and northern Michigan tends to be a main spot for it. But the Department of Natural Resources says the winter sport is creating some concerns and they're asking for help.
It's signs along snowmobile trails that serve a purpose: to guide snowmobilers in the right direction. But the DNR says each year large amounts of them disappear.
"Occasionally they're run down with a vehicle and just smashed that way, sometimes they're removed from the scene so you don't know where they go but it is a problem that does occur," says DNR fire and recreational supervisor, Paul Simmer.
A problem that Simmer says is unpredictable. Yet, according to the DNR it definitely happens on thousands of miles of Michigan's snowmobile trails, and it's this theft and vandalism that's creating costly effects.
"Of course purchasing the sign, purchasing the post and then of course the time to do it, but it's also difficult to replace the signs in winter when the snow and ground is frozen and everything else," says Simmer.
Simmer says having these signs stolen not only creates costly effects but more than anything creates major safety concerns for snowmobilers.
"There's a variety of signs, everything from locater maps to also stops and stop ahead and those would be the critical ones. The same as if someone was stealing stop signs off county road intersections, it poses a safety hazard if someone's unfamiliar with the area...if they don't stop there could be a collision at an intersection," says Simmer.
The DNR is asking those enjoying the trails to keep a close eye out for people vandalizing or stealing the trail signs.
"Any information they get if they see someone damaging a sign would be a vehicle description, any registration numbers, anything like that so the person that did the damage could be located and held accountable....Yes it costs money to replace it but you could be putting someone's life in jeopardy by stealing that," says Simmer.
If you see someone vandalizing or stealing a sign contact either the local sheriff's department or the DNR's law enforcement hotline at: (800) 292-7800. Information may be left anonymously.
