Michigan Trail Advisory Board threatened - time to act

KTM Mike

~SPONSOR~
Mi. Trail Riders
Apr 9, 2001
2,086
0
This came from Dick Ranney:

EXECUTIVE ORDER 45

WE NEED YOUR HELP AND WE NEED IT NOW!

November 24, 2009
Michigan Motorized Recreation Council
For immediate release and posting:

As most know, the Governor is attempting a merger of the DNR/DEQ and Ag Commission. There are some glitches that will directly affect the ORV community. For decades, we have enjoyed having an ORV Trail Advisory Board and in recent years, it has worked very well. A means for users to offer suggestions, vent frustrations, it’s their voice in government regarding the ORV trail system.

Under the Governor’s plan, the ORV Board would be abolished. In place of it would be a seven member Trails Advisory Board, whom would be represented we have not been told. We assume that it would consist of bicyclist, hikers, equestrian, snowmobiler’s and ORV user’s. Not a clue to the other two on the Board, or if the five groups stated are to be represented.

Certainly cost savings cannot be the issue; we pay from our ORV Trail permits, the cost of staff to attend these meetings. Under the new plan, it has been suggested the ORV folks would have a sub-committee. Fine if staff participates, but we then have to take everything up one more level, more time and cost on our part and the possibility of modification that we may not want.

We cannot see how this plan will make things better, only more cumbersome to get things to move forward.

Under the Governor’s plan, the Governor would appoint the members of both the Trail Board and the Natural Resources Commission. The Governor would appoint the Director of DNRE to whom both of these Boards would report to. We have a problem with that; it places control of all state owned lands and considerable control over private lands under the Governor. That is not good!

It is our suggestion you contact your State Representative and those on the following list and let them know, as an ORV user, you are satisfied with things the way they are now except for transparency of the funds and you wish to see more users on the ORV Trail Advisory Board. Executive Order 45 simply needs to go back to the drawing board!

Legislators tell us they have not heard many complaints from the ORV community. It is time we were heard from! We ask that you forward this to all your riding friends and urge them to either call or send an e-mail anddo it today! December 3rd, it will be all over. E-mail or phone the following;

Your State Representative; go to mi.gov or to MMRC organizations for address
Lt. Governor, John D. Cherry 517 373-6800
Speaker of the House, Andy Dillon 517 373-0853 andydillon@house.mi.gov
Assist. Floor Majority Leader, Kathy Angerer 517 373-1792 kathyangerer@house.mi.gov
 

MuddyBuddy

Member
Nov 1, 2006
259
0
Got this response:

Dear Stacey,

Thank you for your email. I appreciate it.

As you may know, Executive Orders are voted on by legislative members of the Appropriations Committee. As I am not on this committee, I am not among those legislators who vote on this order. However, please know I share your concerns with this document and will communicate them to my colleagues, and will support the opposition of this Executive Order through the currently submitted resolutions.

Also, please know the Senate Appropriations Committee has rejected the Executive Order at this time.

Your thoughts are valued.



Sincerely,



Kevin A. Elsenheimer
 

tdunn976

Member
Aug 23, 2003
1,047
1
To All
Here's the latest in the never ending Michigan Trail Saga.
As of last friday the administration announced the New Trail Board will be the Snowmobile Trail Board.
The make up being 4 from th snowmobiles only 2 from ORV groups and the other 4 seat to be from the bikers, hikers,eqestrian or hunters.

We need the Gov's office to know we are here and we will be heard!

Below is the official letter to the Governor office. Please write her office and do it soon as there is NO TIME!


Please forward to all you know the more letters the better.






Thomas Dunn
Vice President
AMA District 14
5010 Stafford Ave
Lansing, MI. 48910


December 12, 2009
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, MI. 48909
Dear Governor Granholm:
As the new DNRE is in process of going forward due to the Executive orders 45 and 54, the American Motorcyclist Association’s District 14 would like to express our concerns in the make up of the New Snowmobile Trail Advisory Committee.
The Off Road Vehicles (ORV’s) of Michigan enjoy a year round recreation that adds greatly to the economies of the communities of Michigan. The Registered ORV’s now out number snowmobiles by about 50,000 units and the numbers continue to grow annually. 2009 saw the largest recorded increase in trail permits since the inception of the trail system in Michigan.
We are a self funded user group as we are totally funded by our permits in a” pay to play” format, ORV Trail permit’s pay for the use, maintenance and up keep of the trail system. Our user groups are environmentally conscience, involved in Forest clean up, Tree plantings and ORV damage control and restoration projects.
The newest version of the Trail board gives 4 seats to the snowmobile organizations. The ORV user groups ask that they receive equal representation on this board.
Secretary of State Records will show; we are a larger user group, enjoying the trail system 12 months of the year.

Sincerely,
Thomas Dunn
Vice President
American Motorcyclist Association
District 14
517-896-9757
 
Last edited:

UP Magoo

Member
Apr 4, 2002
565
0
Send an email NOW!

Here's a email link to Jenny direct: EMAIL GOV GRANHOLM

And heres what I sent her (feel free to copy and paste!)


Issue
"New" DNRE Trail Advisory Board


Dear Governor Granholm:

With the new DNRE in the process of going forward due to Executive orders 45 and 54, I, as an avid and involved outdoor recreation enthusiast, would like to express my concern as to the make up of the New Snowmobile Trail Advisory Committee.

In Michigan, Off Road Vehicles (ORV's) enjoy a year-round recreation which significantly adds to the economies of communities in Michigan. Many enthusiasts from outside of Michigan visit to recreate on our highly regarded ORV Trails.

Michigan registered ORV’s now out number snowmobiles by about 50,000 units, and the numbers continue to grow. Last year, Michigan recorded the largest increase in trail permits since the inception of the ORV trail system.

ORV recreation is a self-funded activity in Michigan; completely funded by Michigan ORV Trail Permits in a” pay to play” format. These ORV Trail permit’s pay for the use, maintenance and upkeep of Michigans ORV Trail system. Michigan ORV clubs and organizations are actively involved in Forest clean-up and tree plantings, as well as ORV damage control and restoration projects.

The DNRE Trail Board assigns 4 seats to the snowmobile organizations, and only 2 to ORV recreation! ORV user groups should receive proportionate representation on this board. ORV recreation is the larger user group, and the DNRE Trail Advisory Board should reflect the various user groups appropriately.

Thank You


Specifically, how would you like the Governor to assist you?
Please make the DNRE Trail Advisory Board equitable as to user representation


Send an email NOW!
 

Don Marsh

~SPONSOR~
Jun 5, 2001
1,514
0
Done.
 

ellandoh

dismount art student
~SPONSOR~
Mi. Trail Riders
Aug 29, 2004
2,958
0
Thank you for contacting Governor Granholm’s office to share your concerns regarding the new DNRE Trail Advisory Council.

To ensure that your concerns are given immediate attention, I have taken the liberty of forwarding your information to Director Rebecca Humphries’ office of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for careful review and consideration. As you may know, DNR is responsible for overseeing the maintenance of Michigan trails, and under the future DNRE, would best be served to answer any questions of the board makeup. I have asked them to look into your specific situation and to report their findings directly to you.



Again, thank you for contacting our office.



Respectfully,


Lance Paquette
Environmental Specialist
Constituent Services Devision
Office of the Governor
(517) 373-6035
paquetl@michigan.gov
 

MuddyBuddy

Member
Nov 1, 2006
259
0
Thank you Mr. Dunn! :cool:

http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168--233448--,00.html

Michigan Trails Advisory Council

James C. Dickie of Chesaning, incoming president of the Michigan Snowmobile Association, is appointed to represent owners of registered snowmobiles for a term expiring January 17, 2014.

Thomas M. Dunn of Lansing, president of Michigan Off Road Events, LLC, is appointed to represent owners of licensed off-road vehicles for a term expiring January 17, 2014.

James W. Duke of Munising, representative for the Michigan Snowmobile Association-Region 1 and member of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens Advisory Council, is appointed to represent owners of registered snowmobiles and Upper Peninsula residents for a term expiring January 17, 2014.

John P. Gonway of Rochester Hills, shareholder and attorney with Maddin, Hauser, Wartell, Roth & Heller, P.C., is appointed for a term expiring January 17, 2014.

William D. Manson, Jr. of Rockford, executive director of the Michigan Snowmobile Association, is appointed to represent owners of registered snowmobiles for a term expiring January 17, 2014.

Frank C. Wheatlake of Big Rapids, chairman of Utility Supply & Construction Company, is appointed to represent owners of registered snowmobiles for a term expiring January 17, 2014. Mr. Wheatlake is also designated to serve as chairperson for a term expiring at the pleasure of the governor.

Greg L. Yager of Lansing, former member of the Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan Board of Governors, is appointed to represent owners of licensed off-road vehicles who possess experience as instructors in off-road education courses for a term expiring January 17, 2014.

The Michigan Trails Advisory Council advises the governor and Department of Natural Resources and Environment on the creation, development, operation and maintenance of motorized and non-motorized trails in this state, including but not limited to, snowmobile, equestrian, hiking and skiing trails.

These appointments are not subject to disapproval by the Michigan Senate.
 
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