National Forest Sign Stolen, Forest Service Seeks Its Return

ENUMCLAW, WA — U.S. Forest Service rangers are asking for everyone to be on the lookout for a large welcome sign that was taken from an entrance to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Colton Whitworth, a spokesman for the USFS, said the sign disappeared sometime last week, likely during the extended period of wet weather. It was located along Forest Service Road 70, east of Greenwater, near milepost 3.

While theft or vandalism to smaller signs happens from time to time, Whitworth said it's highly unusual for such a large sign to go missing. Made from plywood, the entrance sign is about 4 feet tall and 8 feet wide, weighing more than 150 pounds.

"It would have taken at least two people, I imagine, to get it loaded up," Whitworth said.

The sign's value is estimated between $2,000 and $2,500.

The Forest Service said the area where the sign was stolen from is fairly remote and, along with last week's weather, part of the reason it took rangers a few days to notice its disappearance.

"Beyond being heavy and awkward, it was on the other side of a water-filled ditch," said John Hearing, a Volunteer Wilderness Ranger.

Anyone who knows where the sign might be can contact local authorities, the Enumclaw USFS office (360-825-6585), or the Snoqualmie Ranger District in North Bend (425-888-1421).