The Stewardship Manager at the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority says they've had to step up security on the South Huron Trail in Exeter to address some vandalism issues.
Kate Monk says damage to signs has been mainly sporadic over the last few years but significant damage was done over the last week in March this year. She adds this is the first major outbreak in the last five years or so and the target seems to be sings on the StorytimeTrail.
Monk adds one of the signs that was broken in two consisted of a trail map, permitted uses and the suggestion that people enjoy the trail, so it's difficult to understand how that offended anyone. But she says she's listed the help of volunteers from the Friends of the South Huron Trail to patrol the trail and in particular, be a presence on the trail during the evening. She points out the volunteers, or anyone else who says suspicious behaviour on the trail, should not attempt to interfere with that activity but to get a description if possible and report it to the OPP.
Monk adds the OPP are aware of the problems and have said they would patrol the area as much as possible but the more people on the trail the better. Monk also points out funding for the trail comes from community donations so the vandals are only harming their neighbours.
