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The decision to apply coincides with the recent growth of snowmobile trails, thanks to the efforts of the Thumb's Up Snowmobile Club, which has groomed more than 50 miles of trails.

"We now have 58 miles of trails," said Undersheriff Garry Biniecki. "By January 2009 there could be as many as 200 miles of trails in Sanilac County alone."

He said, "The state contacted us if we'd like to apply for a grant...We're hoping to know by the end of the year" if the grant is approved.

The county is seeking a $60,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The state would pay 85%, while the county's share would be 15%. The application calls for $30,000 for the machines and equipment, and $30,000 for officers' wages.

The county would be under no obligation to accept the grant if it were offered, Biniecki noted.

At least one town has already expressed an interest in snowmobile enforcement Brown City has a problem with snowmobilers riding across people's yards in the middle of the night, said city Manager Clint Holmes.

Holmes informed the Brown City Council last week that the sheriff department was acquiring two snowmobiles with police lights and markings, and that the police chief would work with the sheriff to make one of the machines and an officer available to help control the city's problem.