Riding on Michigan’s ORV Trails

Michigan’s public ORV trails offer thousands of miles of single- and double-track riding opportunities.

These trails are lightly groomed. Riders are likely to encounter narrow sand trails, rough moguls, steep hills, stumps, rocks, brush, loose surfaces, and other hazards.

Michigan’s ORV trails and routes are designed for two-way travel. Users always need to be alert for oncoming traffic.

• Trails are designed for motorcycles and ATVs and are recommended for advanced riders only.
• Be alert at all times when riding on routes designated for other vehicles, including automobiles and trucks. Many times, drivers of larger vehicles fail to notice smaller motorcycles and ATVs.

To prepare for safety:

• Always make sure your ORV is in good operating condition.
• Check your gas level before riding. In one hour, riders can travel farther than they can walk in eight.
• Don’t forget your tools, trail maps, a first-aid kit, and a compass.
• Always ride with a companion.
• Know local emergency telephone numbers before you ride.

The Michigan DNRE Forest Certification Program

In recent years, forest certification has developed as a way to verify sustainable forest management. It is an outgrowth of the desire of many communities in our nation, and throughout the world, for forest managers to demonstrate responsible, healthy, and sustainable management of our forests.

Forest Certification:

• Reviews on-the-ground forest practices against standards that address environmental, social, and economic issues.
• Provides for an independent, third-party view attesting to how effectively current management maintains forest health and productivity.
• Periodically reverifies and recertifies after initial certification of the forest.

On May 28, 2004, Act No 125, Public Acts of 2004 was signed into law by Governor Granholm. The “Sustainable Forestry Act” required that as of January 1, 2006, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment seek and maintain forestry certification by at least one credible, non-profit, non-governmental certification program.

In December 2005, Michigan’s State Forests were certified under both the Sustainable Forest Initiative (SFI) and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

ORV Law Information

Call or write:
Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment Law Enforcement Division P.O. Box 30031 Lansing, Ml 48909-7931 517-373-1230 TDD 517-373-1079 TTY Hearing Impaired 711 (Michigan Relay Center)
Dept. of Natural Resources and Environment Forest, Mineral, & Fire Management Division P.O. Box 30452 Lansing, MI 48909-7952 517-373-1275