State recreation officials today announced they are working to update Michigan’s Off-Road Vehicle plan.
The plan provides strategic direction for management of ORV use on lands administered by the Department of Natural Resources and other public lands.
“Our state and national forests are enjoyed by diverse user groups statewide,” said DNR State Trail Coordinator James Radabaugh. “The process of updating Michigan’s ORV plan is specifically designed to maximize public input. I encourage everyone to share their thoughts and concerns as we update this plan.”
The revised plan inventories the existing designated trail system and assesses its condition. It documents facility siting criteria, standard procedures for designating state areas, forest roads and trails for ORV use, and develops a resource management plan to maintain ORV use sites.
The plan articulates procedures for identification and restoration of environmental damage caused by ORV use, reviews local ordinances that establish ORV routes under local jurisdiction, propose ways to increase the number and effectiveness of trail maintenance cooperators, and establishes revised reimbursement rates for cooperators.
The DNR has contracted with Michigan State University to facilitate public input through a series of public forums and surveys. A draft plan will be posted to the DNR website in January, 2005, for public comment.
For more information, contact Steve Kubisiak, ORV Program Manager, at 517-373-1665 or visit the website at
www.michigan.gov/dnr.