BE ADVISED MI-TRALE will be grading and brushing the (OR) trail starting September 5th. Please ride with caution and respect the direction of the workers when using the trail for the next 2 weeks. This project scheduled for completion by September 15th—THANK-YOU
Northern Natural Gas will be working Sep 5th and 6th in the defined section between Bruce Crossing and Agate Falls on the SB Route. Please use caution when riding through this area. Re-Route is not necessary as you will be able to with caution pass the working crews.
The DNR will be mobilizing equipment and material this week for a culvert replacement on the BN route. This project will include 6 culverts and resurfacing. THE BN WILL BE CLOSED STARTING 9-2 and will reopen when the project is completed project by September 30th. The work area will be from DONKEN Road to WABOOSE Road. The DNR will close the trail during working hours and make every attempt to reopen everyday if possible when crews are not working which may include weekends. This is for Rider safety and to help expedite the project. MI-TRALE is working to identify a potential re-route. Please use caution and plan accordingly when riding this section and expect closures.
Culvert replacements are essential to maintain and preserve the trail system. They help prevent devastating washouts and trail failure. While tihs an inconvenience at this time of the year, the DNR has limited time and funds to complete projects and is attempting to have the restoration completed by the end of September. RIDE RIGHT RIDE SAFE!
The MI-TRALEs “Camp and Ride 2025 ” at the Courtney Lake Campground and Trails in Mass City, Michigan, is in the books. The invitation for equestrians to gather on Saturday August 9th was sent far and wide. It was a very soggy weekend, but some equestrians just don’t give in.
Five horses and five riders came on Friday expecting an evening ride and for others to join them on Saturday. Three more horses joined us on Saturday during a brief break in the weather and one gal got a quick ride in. Another rider joined us on Sunday morning for a nice ride. At our event, there was a total of 7 riders, 9 horses, and 8 visitors. Two other riders outside our group were out enjoying the trails. One little girl learned how to feed treats to horses and a neighbor from the campsite across the road came to offer apples to the horses.
See the rest of the article on our Equestrian page Updates here: https://mi-trale.org/horse-trails/updates/
August abounds with outdoor summer fun
The DNR offers a variety of ways to enjoy Michigan’s natural and cultural resources next month, so get ready to soak up some summer fun! Here’s just a sampling – get the full list at Michigan.gov/DNRCalendar.
Free ORV Weekend AUGUST 16-17, 2025
 Residents and out-of-state visitors legally can ride Michigan’s 4,000 miles of off-road vehicle trails and routes and the state’s six scramble areas on two back-to-back days (Aug. 16-17) without an ORV license or trail permit. The entrance fee at Holly Oaks ORV Park in Oakland County also will be waived this year. Our Free ORV Weekend is a great time to see, experience and test out the state’s off-road trails (check out all the places you can ride!), but remember that all other ORV rules and laws still apply, and you must supply your own ORV. |
The MI-TRALE FREE Fall Senior Color Ride is another great MI-TRALE sponsored event with high demand among our senior citizens. This ride is supported by volunteers who offer their Side-by-Side ORVs, and their time, to ensure that our guests have a great day viewing the glorious autumnal color of the Western UP of Michigan foliage.
The ride takes the morning group from the Ontonagon County Fairgrounds along the Bill Nicholls Trail to Twin Lakes Fire Hall to join the afternoon group for lunch. After a combined group lunch, the afternoon group makes the return trip back to the fairgrounds. The day would not be possible without the support of Laird Township, Krupps Mini Mart for providing their fantastic pasties for lunch and many others.
Note: That the Twin Lakes State Park is closed this summer due to repairs. MI-TRALE has an agreement with Laird Township to use the Twin Lake Fire Hall.
If you are a senior and would like to participate in this year’s 16th Annual Free Fall Senior Color Ride, Thursday Sept 25th 2025, call coordinators Dave or Pat Bishop at (906) 884-6617. Let them know if you are interested in the Morning or the Afternoon Ride, they’ll need your name and telephone number, as well, and they will take care of getting you registered for the ride. Call early~~Seats go fast!!!
If you would like to provide a seat or two in your Side-by-Side for this event, please contact Dave or Pat. We are always looking for additional ride space for our guests
 Off-road vehicles are fun year-round, but activity in Michigan tends to increase around the Fourth of July holiday as people head to trails and ORV scramble areas to enjoy world-class riding experiences.Keeping safety in mind is vital on any ride, for you and others. According to 2023 statewide ORV crash data, 93% of ORV fatalities could have been prevented. These crashes and injuries primarily were due to excessive speed and a lack of helmet/seat belt use. Parents are reminded, too, that they must have visual supervision of all children under the age of 16 when those children are operating an ORV.“Always ride within your and the machine’s capabilities,” said Cpl. Mike Hearn, DNR law enforcement ORV and snowmobile specialist. “When you ride too fast, you are more likely to lose control when hitting even the smallest bump or trying to make turns or stop.”All ORV operators are urged to “Ride Right” and keep other important guidance in mind:Ride at a safe speed.Ride sober.Ride on the right side of the trail.Keep lights on when riding.Always wear a helmet.Please keep in mind that about 60% of motorized and nonmotorized DNR-managed trails in northern Michigan remain temporarily closed due to effects of the March 28-30 ice storm. For status updates on state-managed facilities, trails and forest roads, refer to the map and dashboard on the DNR’s ice storm response page.Additionally, ORV operators who are transporting children should refer to the ORV manufacturer owner’s manual regarding use of car seats or boosters. |
Do your part to ensure everyone returns home safely; read more about ORV safety at Michigan.gov/RideRight.
For more on where to ride and ORV laws in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/ORVInfo.
Questions? Email Cpl. Mike Hearn at HearnM@Michigan.gov.
June 5, 2025 Start protecting your favorite places from invasive species during PlayCleanGo Awareness Week, June 7-14 Adopt some helpful habits you can use all year The Michigan Invasive Species Program is joining the North American Invasive Species Management Association to promote PlayCleanGo Awareness Week, taking place this year June 7-14. The annual event aims to educate outdoor enthusiasts on the importance of stopping the spread of invasive species while enjoying the great outdoors.  “Nearly 50% of endangered or threatened fish, wildlife and plants are at risk due to invasive species, which people unintentionally spread with their boots, tires, boats, firewood, pets and more,” said Joanne Foreman, Invasive Species Program communications specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “But the good news is, by taking a few easy steps, everyone spending time in nature can be part of the solution.”Adopting “PlayCleanGo” can help prevent the spread of invasive species on land and in the water. Here’s how it works: PLAY: Yes, play! Swim, hike, fish, ride, dance under the stars – have fun! CLEAN: Before you leave the trail, campground or shore, shake it out, brush it off, wipe it down or whatever it takes to remove dirt and debris from your shoes, gear and vehicle. If you have a watercraft, remember to drain tanks and bilges, too! GO: Head out on your next adventure, invasive species-free! Whether your plans include off-road vehicle riding, hiking, boating or climbing, helpful tips tailored to your favorite outdoor pursuits can be found at PlayCleanGo.org/Take-Action. If you are camping or heading to your weekend retreat, leave firewood at home and purchase what you need near or at your destination. The loss of Michigan’s native tree species due to invasive pests and diseases is increasing every year, and firewood movement plays a role in introducing them to new areas. ‘Three Free’ weekend is June 7-8 You can practice PlayCleanGo when fishing, ORVing or enjoying state parks during ‘Three Free’ weekend this Saturday and Sunday, June 7-8. It’s two full days when Michigan residents and out-of-state visitors can grab a fishing rod, ride the off-road trails and visit state parks, boating access sites and other outdoor locations — all free of charge. “The start of the summer season is a great time to add PlayCleanGo to your recreation routine,” said Foreman. “Pack a boot brush or scrub brush in your vehicle so you can easily clean shoes before you move on. Make it a habit to check clothes and gear before leaving a recreation area and wash your bike or ORV before the next trip. If you’re hitting the water, clean, drain and dry your watercraft and fishing equipment to stop aquatic hitchhikers!” National Trails Day Don’t forget that Saturday, June 7, is National Trails Day – look for service opportunities on local trails and remember to PlayCleanGo to keep them safe from invasive species. Check out some amazing trails at Michigan.gov/DNRTrails. Michigan’s Invasive Species Program is cooperatively implemented by the Michigan departments of Agriculture and Rural Development; Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and Natural Resources. Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows. PlayCleanGo graphics are available at https://playcleango.org/take-action/playcleango-toolkit/    |
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 05/22/2025 09:54 AM EDT
Share or view as webpage | Update preferences Be aware, ‘Ride Right’ for safe, responsible, off-road funAs off-road vehicle riding ramps up during Memorial Day weekend and throughout summer, it’s vital to keep safety top of mind. And following the massive March 28-30 ice storm in northern Michigan – a popular spot for ORV riding – it’s critical to “know before you go” when visiting the 12 affected counties.Please know that northern Michigan’s landscape may look different with more open spaces, damaged trees and natural debris.Storm-related closuresPlease respect all nonmotorized and motorized trail closures. If you’re visiting a reopened trail, stay on the trail corridor itself due to potential hazards in the surrounding forest, including numerous leaning trees and hanging tree limbs.Visit the ice storm response dashboard with the latest status (open, partially open, temporarily closed) of state parks, state-managed trails, boating access sites and state forest campgrounds. Find an interactive map, safety updates and more on the DNR’s ice storm response page.Ride RightAccording to 2023 statewide ORV crash data, 93% of ORV fatalities could have been prevented. These crashes and injuries were the result of excessive speed and a lack of helmet/seat belt use. All ORV operators are urged to “Ride Right” and keep this important guidance in mind:Ride at a safe speed.Ride sober.Ride on the right side of the trail.Keep lights on when riding.Always wear a helmet.Do your part to ensure everyone returns home safely; read more about ORV safety at Michigan.gov/RideRight. For more on state ORV laws and where to ride, visit Michigan.gov/ORVInfo.Following a severe ice storm in northern Michigan, the Department of Natural Resources is assessing damage and conducting cleanup at several state parks, state park campgrounds, state forest campgrounds, boating access sites and state-managed trails. Find up-to-date information about closures, volunteer opportunities and more on the DNR storm recovery page. |