A wire deliberately strung across the Wilson Mesa Trail was discovered on July 10 by a dirt bike rider on a stretch of trail between National Forest System Roads 645 and 623.
Physical barricades and a Forest Closure Order temporarily closed the trail to the public a few weeks ago.
Part of the trail – beginning at the end of NFS Road 623 and stretching 5 miles west to a trail head on NFS Road 622 – will remain closed through Nov. 30.
A public safety alert went out on July 12 to warn residents, as “this illegal and malicious activity poses a severe hazard to … trail users, risking serious injury or worse,” according to the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests and the San Miguel Sheriff’s Office.
“People need to stay aware and be careful,” Montezuma County Emergency Manager Jim Spratlen said.
The wires are especially hard to see when traveling at high speeds or in low light conditions like dawn, dusk or nighttime, which makes them “extremely dangerous,” the release said.
“This despicable act is a severe public safety threat to our community. We are engaged in a rigorous investigation to catch this loser,” said San Miguel Sheriff Bill Masters.
This is the second time a wire was placed around chest height on the motorized Wilson Mesa Trail. The first incident in early July injured a rider, but no one was injured in the second incident.
“We are shocked and dismayed that people would act in this way; intentionally endangering other residents and visitors and their ability to enjoy public lands,” San Miguel County Manager Mike Bordogna said in the release.
Trail users are encouraged to stay alert, travel in groups and avoid using the trail at night.
To report suspicious activity or any related information to the wire incident, people are asked to call 970-728-1911. There’s a $1,000 reward for the person who helps the Sheriff’s Office find the alleged suspect or suspects.
The person or persons responsible will face “severe legal consequences, including potential charges of reckless endangerment, assault, and other related crimes,” according to the release.
