Help us Save Lives on Keweenaw Trails

Help Us Save Lives on Keweenaw Trails

Replace Stolen Emergency Signs – Support Search & Rescue

Organizer: Keweenaw County Search and Rescue

Benefiting: Snowmobile and ATV riders and families, Local 1st Responders

️ The Trails We Love – The Risks We Face

In Keweenaw County, our snowmobile and ATV trails are a gateway to Michigan’s wild beauty. They connect us with nature, adventure, and one another. But these trails also present serious risks—especially when accidents happen in remote areas, far from roads or cell signal.

When an emergency strikes, minutes can mean the difference between life and death.

How We Keep Riders Safe

A few years ago, our team—alongside amazing volunteers and donors—created and installed a network of emergency location signs every half mile along our trail system. These signs are fully integrated into our GIS and 911 dispatch system, allowing Keweenaw Search and Rescue, the Sheriff’s Office, and local fire departments to quickly locate riders in distress.

This system has already helped save lives.

❌ A Major Setback: 80+ Signs Stolen or Destroyed

In recent months, we discovered over 80 emergency signs have been stolen, broken, or vandalized. Because they were made of plastic, they were easy targets and couldn’t withstand the harsh conditions or intentional damage.

This isn’t just frustrating—it’s dangerous. Without these signs, emergency responders are delayed, and injured riders may wait longer for life-saving help.

Our Solution: Durable Aluminum Signs

We’re launching a community-driven project to rebuild our emergency sign system with durable aluminum signs that will:

Resist theft and weather

Provide long-term trail safety

Continue to support rapid emergency location services

Who This Helps

Your donation directly supports the brave men and women of:

Keweenaw Search and Rescue

Local responding fire departments

The Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office

These are the first responders who answer the call—day or night, snow or shine—to rescue riders and save lives.

Our Goal: $10,000

All funds will go directly to replacing and upgrading emergency signs, including:

High-quality aluminum signs

Reinforced posts and mounting materials

Volunteer coordination and installation

System updates for GIS and dispatch integration

❤️ How You Can Help

Donate what you can – Every dollar truly helps

Share this campaign with your friends, local businesses, riding groups, and trail clubs

Support our first responders and let them know we stand behind them

Why It Matters

Our emergency sign system isn’t just about navigation—it’s about getting help exactly where it’s needed, fast. Whether it’s a snowmobiler with a broken leg, an ATV accident in deep woods, or a lost rider with no signal—these signs are their lifeline.

Let’s come together again—just like we did the first time—and make these trails safer for everyone.

Thank You

Thank you for supporting Keweenaw’s riders, rescuers, and the emergency teams who put their lives on the line to protect ours.

Let’s replace these signs.

Let’s keep our trails safe.

Let’s save lives—together.

—

Sheriff Pennala

Keweenaw County Sheriff’s Office

Keweenaw Search and Rescue