What kind of person vandalizes a trail counter? Anti-surveillance paranoids? Teenagers behaving badly? A rogue bear?
The Wallkill Valley Land Trust (WVLT) was left asking these questions after reporting the destruction of a motion-sensing trail counter installed at the Joppenbergh Mountain trail system. The grant-funded device, valued at $3,000, played a key role in collecting data essential for trail maintenance and grant applications.
Clear signage at the site emphasized the device’s purpose of recording the number of visitors, noting that it was neither a camera nor a recording device. Despite these explanations, the counter was vandalized, setting WVLT back in its efforts to justify funding.
WVLT is urging community members to assist in identifying those responsible for the damage, which constitutes a felony due to the device’s monetary value. Information can be reported to WVLT via email at info@WallkillValleyLT or to the Rosendale Police Department.
The nonprofit organization expressed its disappointment over the incident but reaffirmed its dedication to protecting the natural, agricultural, and historic landscapes of southern Ulster County.
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