POSTED: Monday, January 7, 2013 --- 1:45 p.m.

From the Dane County Sheriff's Office:

Madison, WI. January 7, 2013 – Over the weekend, Dane County Sheriff’s deputies partnered with wardens from the WI DNR for some joint enforcement on Dane County’s public snowmobile trails.

The stepped up enforcement came about, in part, because of complaints by landowners that some snowmobilers were leaving the designated trails and damaging farm fields. Over the past three days, deputies made approximately 50 contacts with snowmobilers. They issued over 20 warnings and approximately 10 citations. Violations included such things as failing to stop at stop signs, registration problems, speeding after dark, no trail pass, and no safety certification. Even though none of the contacts were due to trespassing, the Sheriff’s Office and DNR still want to remind snowmobilers to stay on the designated trails, both for their safety and for the landowner’s protection.

As of Monday, January 7th, poor conditions have forced the closure of Dane County’s public snowmobile trails. If weather conditions change, and the trails re-open, deputies and wardens will again conduct enforcement for the safety and enjoyment of everyone using the trails. For more detailed information on snowmobiling safety and regulations, go to www.dnr.wi.gov.