Sheriff’s Department Snowmobile Patrol Monitors Trails

Snowmobile Patrol Keeps Trails in Wood County Safe

(OnFocus) This snowmobile season, the Wood County Sheriff’s Department will be patrolling the trails in the county to promote a safe experience for riders.

“Our top priority here at the sheriff’s department is to actively patrol these trails to ensure they’re safe and remain open for the public to enjoy this great winter activity,” said Deputy Matt Susa. “Trespassing, operating while intoxicated, speed, stop sign violations, registration, and trail passes are all violations we enforce while on patrol.”

The sheriff’s department works closely with local wardens to monitor the trails and focuses its patrol on weekends when there are a greater number of riders, according to Sheriff Shawn Becker. Deputies will also periodically patrol during the week.

Trespassing, occurring when a rider cuts corners or goes off trail, is one of the bigger issues the department encounters. “That’s a huge complaint that we get and something that unfortunately happens periodically throughout the season,” said Becker.

Snowmobile clubs work in cooperation with local landowners to groom trails on private property. A few trespassers can result in the landowner revoking permission for use of their land, which jeopardizes the trail system for all riders.

“I think people sometimes just don’t understand that, and it comes down to education that the trail system isn’t like a highway or road that’s maintained by the county or the state,” Becker said. “They’re maintained by all the clubs who volunteer their time to make sure the trails operate. They develop these working relationship with landowners who graciously give us their property to use.”

Before the Bakerville trails were open, the sheriff’s department responded to a complaint of a group who were already out riding. After investigation, those involved were issued citations.

Besides trespassing, deputies have issued citations for speeding, and lack of registration or trail passes.

As of Thursday, the trails maintained by the Vesper Snow Drifters, Rudolph River Rovers, Auburndale Nite Owls, and the Bakerville Sno Rovers are open. As more trails open, deputies will keep an eye out and address areas where there have been complaints.

Seven snowmobile clubs groom and maintain over 271 miles of trails in Wood County:  Kellner Knights, Rudolph River Rovers, Sunset Drifters, Auburndale Nite Owls, Bakerville Sno Rover, Vesper Snow Drifters, and Yellow River Riders.

Snowmobilers are encouraged to join these clubs to help fund the cost of grooming and take advantage of discounts on trail passes.

Check the Wood County Parks & Forestry website or Facebook for the latest updates on trail openings.

Update: Kellner Knights, Sunset Drifters, and Yellow River Riders trails will open Friday, Jan. 24 at 8 a.m.