EAGLE RIVER, MI— The Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance from the public after more than 80 emergency trail signs were stolen or vandalized.
The signs are installed on local snowmobile and ATV trails every half mile. Sheriff Curt Pennala says they’re critical in helping emergency responders from the Sheriff’s Office, Keweenaw Search and Rescue, and local fire departments locate injured or lost riders in remote areas. Without them, emergency responses are delayed, especially in poor weather or low visibility conditions.
“These signs aren’t just markers—they’re lifelines,” says Pennala. “Their removal is not only reckless, it endangers lives. We need the public’s help to both restore them and find out who’s responsible.”
The signs were originally installed through donations and volunteer labor. The Sheriff's Office is now leading a fundraising effort to replace the damaged signs with aluminum versions that will be more durable and theft-resistant.
Anyone with information related to the damage or theft of the signs is urged to contact the Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office at 906-201-8428.
