Police are warning snowmobilers following some prohibited activity at the Ferguson Forest Centre.
Grenville County OPP says they’ve received complaints from the public that riders have been driving through the Centre’s arboretum and trails, causing damage in some areas, and ripping seedlings of newly planted trees from the ground.
Vice President for the Ferguson Forest Centre Corporation Wes Herring says there’s been a lack of regard on the part of snowmobilers for the property’s multi-use trails.
“People can’t see those seedlings and when they run their snowmobile or have activity across our fields, they’re damaging the seedlings that are growing,” Herring said. “Generally, the interaction between the public and snowmobilers is putting people at risk.”
According to police, snowmobilers who are found off the designated trails on private property can face fines of up to $65 under the Trespass Property Act.
Where it becomes a larger issue is in regard to damaged property, which can result in criminal charges of mischief of up to $5,000.
Herring says they’re simply asking riders to use common sense.
“I think most snowmobilers use the trails we have designated for them, and respect other users of our public spaces,” Herring said. “But often, it doesn’t take many to cause some real damage and put other people at risk.”
Grenville County OPP adds their message to riders is to stick to the designated trails and not ride through areas where there’s other ongoing activity.
Snowmobilers continue to engage in prohibited activity at the Ferguson Forest Centre in @North_Grenville. #GrenvilleOPP received complaints for snowmobiles driving through the arboretum & trails. Please respect the property. Violators could be charged criminally for damage. ^dh pic.twitter.com/pCXldCSXUx
— OPP East Region (@OPP_ER) February 24, 2021
