Officials are seeking information regarding vandalism at two trailheads in the Whitefish Trail system. The damage is believed to have occurred during the first week in April.

While opening the Woods Lake trailhead on April 6, Cricket Butler discovered the damage, which she said included signs torn from the ground and a message kiosk cut down with a chain saw. Minor vandalism has occurred in the past, she said, but usually was limited to stolen maps, or signs used for target practice.

“To me this is a little more deliberate,” said Butler, who owns the Whitefish Bike Retreat and helps to maintain the trails and public bathrooms. “These are trail signs at the crossing that have been cut down with a chainsaw and thrown into the woods, and someone had taken two of the signs and put one in the pit toilet, and the other one they put in the vent pipe.”

More damage occurred at the North Beaver Connection, another remote part of the trail system. The vandals also destroyed one of the “Mutt Mitts” dispensers that provide free bags for trail users to clean up after their dogs.

Whitefish Legacy Partners Program Director Carla Belski said the organization — which builds and maintains the popular network of trails — estimates the damage at somewhere in excess of $3,500. She said they don’t know whether it was a random act of destruction or a deliberate response to changes the trail system has brought.

“Our thoughts are that the Whitefish Trail’s recreational use is changing the area, and there probably are some people who are disgruntled because the uses are changing,” she said. “Some of the trail is on areas where people used to ride ATVs. I think it just brings a little bit of discontent.”

But she said that won’t deter the group from continuing to expand the popular recreation area.

“We really want to thank all the volunteers who help maintain the trail and volunteer on bike patrol, and we’ll continue to be family-friendly and keep the trail growing and maintained year after year.”

A collaboration between several organizations and agencies, the Whitefish Trail opened in 2010 and currently boasts seven trailheads that connect more than 26 miles of natural-surface trails for hikers, bikers and equestrians.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is asking anyone with information on the vandalism to call 1-800-TIP-MONT. Callers may remain anonymous and a cash reward may be available for information leading to a conviction.