After a few years of working on improvements on the Courtney Lake Trails and campsites for horses, MI-TRALE is pleased to announce a chance for equestrians to gather and enjoy. It has been several years since MI-TRALE had such an event and we look forward to many more. Go to the link shown on this poster, to the Ottawa National Forest Website, for more information about recreation on the Ottawa. 

*Credit for creating this poster goes to the newly formed group, UPTHA “Upper Peninsula Trail Horse Association”, an energetic group helping to share the Upper Peninsula horse campgrounds and trails. UPTHA has ties to horse groups across the state and will share this poster afar. 

http://www.fs.usda.gov/ottawa

Dear Members,

Just to let you know that the results of our elections, held in January of this year, they are as follows: President Don Helsel and Secretary Linda Schulz were re-elected to those same positions on the Board. Also re-elected as Directors to the Board were Steve Slater and Cathy Wainio. Cathy is our Director for all Equine concerns. These 4 Volunteers will remain in their positions until 2027, when all these seats will again be open for election.

The other officers of Jon Fourez as Vice President and Dave Bishop as Treasurer are still in their positions, as are Directors Chris Palmer and Tim Peacy. These 4 Volunteers will remain in their positions until January of 2026. Then their seats will be up for election.

In case you are interested, we do still have one Director seat open on the Board and are looking for a willing member to take up that position. If you have questions and want to inquire about the position, please contact our President, Don Helsel, at:

He will be happy to fill you in.

Your Board of Directors is looking forward to an even better year of progress and trail-riding fun this year! Be sure to say “Hi!” when you see us out on the trails!

We thank all of you, our members, for your continued support of MI-TRALE. Without YOUR support, we could not accomplish the work that we do.

MI-TRALE Board of Directors

Taking place twice a year, Free ORV Weekend is a great time to see, experience and test out Michigan’s off-road vehicle trails. 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 without an ORV license or trail permit.

The LAST free weekend will take place Aug. 17-18, 2024.

• All other ORV rules and laws still apply.
• You must supply your own ORV.
• Typically, there is an entrance fee at Holly Oaks ORV Park (although no Recreation Passport required), but the fee will is waived this year.

DNR urges ‘safety first’ approach to time on the water

As Summer activities are in full swing, with lots of activities taking place on the water, please go to our WATER TRAILS OF MICHIGAN tab and see some refresher safety tips from the DNR. It will make your time that much more enjoyable if all of your group is safe while having fun!

Over the past few years, MI-TRALE has been working with the Ottawa National Forest Service on specific plans for improvements at the Courtney Recreation Area in Mass City, Michigan. 
To effect the latest of these improvements-Campsites #2,3,4 & 6 will be closed from Saturday, August 3rd to Tuesday, August 6th.  

Check out the HORSE TRAILS tab, Updates option, here on the website, for full details on this improvement, as well as future updates.

MISERY BAY LAKE SUPERIOR HORSE RIDING

An opportunity for horseback riding along the Lake Superior Shoreline is happening! The sands are, once again, plentiful and safe for you and your mount to enjoy. The beauty and force of a vast lake that meets the great expanse of the sky is something you will surely want to experience~~We promise! Check out the HORSE TRAILS tab, Maps/Trails option and scroll down a little. You will find directions on how to get to this beautiful location.

                        ~~Your MI-TRALE Equestrian Committee

Whether your Fourth of July plans include fireworks, camping, off-road vehicle riding or free time to work around the yard, take care to keep from sparking a wildfire.

“Nine out of 10 fires are caused by people, and we all need to be careful when we’re using fireworks or doing other outdoor activities,” said Paul Rogers, fire prevention specialist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Fire danger has been on the lower side this year due to regular rain, but that doesn’t mean there is no risk, especially with fireworks.

“Don’t shoot fireworks into the woods or tall grass, as you can easily start a fire that way,” Rogers said. “Also, it’s important to check local ordinances to make sure you respect your neighbors and use fireworks only on the holiday and adjacent days when they are allowed.”

Here are some other fire safety tips to keep in mind through the holiday and the weekend.

Fireworks 

• When using fireworks on a grassy area, dampen the area with water first and keep a hose and bucket nearby.
• Soak spent sparklers and other fireworks in a bucket of water before disposing.
• Do not use sky lanterns or aerial fireworks in state parks or recreation areas.

At camp

Debris burning

• Make sure you have permission to burn (burn permit). Permits are not granted on days that are too hot, dry or windy.
• Keep your fire small and manageable – no larger than 3 feet high and wide.
• Keep a hose or water source nearby when burning.
• Consider composting or recycling yard waste instead of burning.
• Your fire should be at least 10 feet away from logs, stumps or debris.

Learn more about fire safety and burning at Michigan.gov/FireManagement.

A long holiday weekend means many people will enjoy one of the fastest-growing recreation activities in Michigan – off-road vehicle riding. If you’ll be on a quad, side-by-side, dirt bike or other type of ORV, the DNR wants everyone to Ride Right to ensure you ride again. 

According to 2023 statewide ORV crash data, 93% of ORV fatalities could have been prevented. These crashes were primarily due to excessive speed and a lack of helmet/seat belt use. 

“Always ride within your and the machine’s capabilities,” said Cpl. Mike Hearn, DNR law enforcement ORV and snowmobile specialist. “When operators ride too fast, they are more likely to lose control when they hit even the smallest bump, try to make turns or stop. Riding sober and at a safe speed are the best ways to stay safe.”  

All ORV operators are urged to Ride Right and keep these important safety tips in mind:  

• Operate within the limits of your ORV and your own capabilities.  
• 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 where to ride and ORV laws in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/ORVInfo.  

Questions? Email Cpl. Mike Hearn at .