Even though much of the Timmins area may be blanketed in snow, the snowmobile trails are not officially open yet.
That has not stopped some enthusiasts from starting to use the trails, but the local snowmobile club says it is causing damage.
Gilbert Fortin, of the Timmins Snowmobile Club, said Monday that ATVs have been using the snowmobile trails during the summer and fall, and this caused some bad ruts.
Fortin says the ruts, coupled with snowmobile enthusiasts out on the trails too soon is wrecking the trails, not to mention private property.
"We already had to do one re-route this winter and it obviously costs time and money, and this is all on the back of volunteers. So please, basically, respect land owners, stay off the property and get your trail permit." says Fortin.
Patrolling the trails looking for lawbreakers is not the responsibility of the snowmobile club, so it encourages people to abide by the rules, so that everyone will be able to enjoy the outdoors this season.
The OPP agrees, saying risky behaviour leads to collisions. Officers say there were eight snowmobile related deaths in the northeast region last season.
