Whether you want to wind through the woods Of Ontonagon, Iron, Houghton and Gogebic Counties, or go the distance anywhere in Michigan, or just share the outdoors with friends and family, it’s time to set your sights on 365 days of off-road adventure. ORV license and trail permits are valid for one year, which begins April 1 and ends March 31 of the following year. You can get your Permit sticker here:

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Help Fight the Bite in Michigan!

As any UP Michigan resident knows, ticks and mosquitoes are quite the nuisance. But more than just an annoyance, they can also spread many illnesses to people. Preventing bites from ticks and mosquitoes is the key step in avoiding these illnesses.

Ticks

The two types of ticks that most commonly bite people or pets in Michigan are the deer (black-legged) tick and the wood (dog) tick. A third type of tick that can bite people or pets in Michigan the lone-star tick, is less common. Bites from all three of these ticks(link is external) can make you sick. In Michigan ticks can spread anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Borrelia miyamotoi(link is external), ehrlichiosis, Lyme disease, Powassan virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and tularemia. Illnesses spread by ticks can be prevented if you take the proper steps.

Mosquitoes

Not all of the 50+ species of mosquitoes in Michigan bite humans, but many of those that do can spread diseases. In Wisconsin, mosquitoes can spread Eastern equine encephalitis, Jamestown Canyon virus, La Crosse encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, and West Nile virus. There are also illnesses that you can get from mosquitoes when you travel outside of the United States. Some of these diseases are chikungunya, dengue, Japanese encephalitis(link is external), yellow fever, and Zika virus. Illnesses spread by mosquitoes can be prevented if you take the proper steps.

Ticks 101:

• Basics. Ticks are arachnids, related to spiders, mites, and scorpions. In Wisconsin, there are three types of ticks that spread disease: the deer (black-legged) tick, the wood (dog) tick, and the lone star tick. The deer tick spreads the most illnesses in Wisconsin. Most people get sick from a tick bite in the spring, summer, or early fall, when ticks are most active and people are outdoors.
• Life Cycle. There are four different phases in a tick life cycle. This cycle includes egg, larva, nymph, and adult stages. During this life cycle, which can last up to three years, the tick will have three blood meals and usually feeds on small mammals, birds, and deer. Ticks feed by biting into the skin of a host and, while they are attached, illnesses can be spread. Once a tick is attached to a host, it will feed for 3–5 days. Usually only nymphs and adult female ticks are able to spread illnesses.
• Habitat. Ticks live in wooded areas and areas with high grass. Ticks do not jump or fly and usually stay close to the ground to find a host. They crawl onto animals or people as they brush against leaves or grass and then will attach to the host for a blood meal. A warmer and wetter climate can increase the risk of getting an illness from a tick. In Wisconsin, this has created favorable conditions for ticks to survive in more areas of the state, and made the active tick season longer.
• Prevention. The best way to avoid getting sick from a tick is to prevent bites in the first place. There are many ways to prevent tick bites, including doing daily tick checks, wearing insect repellent, and wearing appropriate clothes when you are outdoors. 

Mosquitoes 101:

• Basics. Mosquitoes are a type of fly. In Michigan, there are many types of mosquitoes, but only some types can spread illnesses. Most people who get sick from a mosquito bite will become ill in the summer and early fall. This is when mosquitoes are most active and people are outdoors.
• Life Cycle. Mosquitoes have a life cycle that includes four different stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Female mosquitoes lay their eggs on or near water, and the eggs hatch after coming into contact with the water. After hatching, the larvae will feed until they have enough energy to change into pupae. The pupae then grow into adult mosquitoes, the only flying stage. Only adult female mosquitoes bite humans and other animals to get blood meals, after which they lay their eggs on or near water, starting the cycle again. The life cycle of a mosquito usually takes two weeks. However, it can range from four days to one month.
• Habitat. Mosquitoes live in areas with slow-moving or stagnant water, as well as forests, marshes, and tall grasses. Mosquitoes fly and land on animals or humans to bite the host’s skin and consume blood. Warmer and wetter climates can increase the risk of getting an illness from a mosquito. In Wisconsin, climate change has created favorable conditions for mosquitoes to survive in more areas of the state, has made the mosquito season longer, and allows infected mosquitoes to spread diseases faster.
  In general, mosquitoes can be divided into two different types based on the habitats where they lay their eggs: standing water mosquitoes and floodwater mosquitoes. Most mosquito eggs need small amounts of water to hatch and develop into adult mosquitoes. For more information on the mosquito life cycle, and how to prevent mosquitoes around your home, please visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website.(link is external)
• Prevention. The best way to avoid getting sick from a mosquito is to prevent bites in the first place. There are many ways to prevent mosquito bites, including wearing insect repellent and wearing appropriate clothes when you are outdoors. 
  

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MI-TRALE is holding youth safety class certifications this year after an absence of 2 years due to the pandemic. The first class was in Ewen with 26 attendees and the second class was in Ontonagon with 46 attendees. These classes are taught by MI-TRALE’s DNR certified instructor and Club Director, Jim Fooce, as well as helpers from the club, guest trainers from the DNR and the County Sheriff’s department. The students are taught and tested on the ATV safety guidelines, regulations and use, as set by the State to obtain their operators permit. The next class is in Lake Linden/Dollar Bay. This is a valuable tool and service the club provides in cooperation with the DNR, Sheriff’s Department and Schools to ensure the safety and knowledge of our future riders and the future stewards of our trails.

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ATTENTION ALL MOTORIZED TRAIL MAINTAINERS:

DO NOT PRUNE OAK TREES BETWEEN APRIL 15 AND JULY 15.

Click here for an online map showing active areas of Oak Wilt  à OAK WILT MAP 

Help prevent the spread of oak wilt:   

Know what to look for; 

• Avoid pruning or wounding oak trees between April 15 and July 15;  
• Use caution when grading and performing routine maintenance on Michigan’s Trails System 

 The following guidelines against pruning and preventing damage to oak trees can help prevent the spread of the disease. 

• Red oaks are especially vulnerable; can die within weeks of infection 

• Contact a local DNR forest health specialist for more information 517-284-5866. 
• Contact your local Forestry Assistance Program forester for a site visit in select counties. 
• Seek verification from Michigan State University. Find instructions at canr.msu.edu/pestid or call 517-355-4536. 
• Get help from an oak-wilt qualified specialist. Visit MichiganOakWilt.org for a listing and more information. 

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SB MULTI-USE ROUTE east of the town Kenton and west of OC Route is Temporarily closed between NF-16 and M-28 from April 1 to July 1, 2022 due to culvert failure and replacement. No reroute is available. The OC Route connection east of M-28 is not impacted by this closure.

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We are fast approaching the 2022 Riding season and here are a few things to remember. All this information and more is in the MI-DNR OHV Handbook

• Ride Only Where Permitted. Stay on the trail – they are marked for a reason. Rocks, fencing and barbed wire are just a few examples of what could be hidden in the under growth or the snow.
• Be considerate of others on the trail and “Ride Right”.
• Always yield to uphill traffic. Uphill traffic may have difficulty starting again if stopped.
• Slow down when someone is passing you.
• When you see non-motorized trail users coming from the opposite direction; please slow down, pull over. Yield right of way to bikers, hikers, and Horses.

• Leave gates as you find them.
• Report downed tress and trail maintenance needs to landManagers.
• Report Illegal riding by calling or texting 1-800-292-7800.
• Always carry out what you carry in. Leave no trace – pack it in; pack it out. If you see litter, please pick it up.
• If you love Michigan’s trails, get involved and join MI-TRALE!

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We are fast approaching the 2022 Riding season and here are a few things to remember. All this information and more is in the MI-DNR OHV Handbook

OHV Rider Safety Rules and Tips

• Respect riding conditions and trail closures.
• During firearm deer season (Nov 15-30) a person cannot operate an ORV in an area where public hunting is permitted from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.
• During snowmobile season (Dec. 1-March 31), it’s preferred that ORV riders use trails and/or open roads not open to snowmobiles.
• ORVs are not legal on snowmobile trails located on private and federal lands. Know where you are.
• Snowmobile trail groomers lay smooth paths for snowmobiles. If you encounter a groomed snowmobile trail, it’s imperative that you ride slowly or choose another trail, so you don’t undo the work of trail groomers or inadvertently tear up the trail.
• Make sure that you are riding trails with an ORV confidence marker.
• ORVs can tear up terrain easily (even when the ground is frozen). Reckless and careless operation are civil infractions, including fishtailing, doing donuts, locking up the brakes and riding in a manner that causes environmental damage.
• Be sure your vehicle is in good mechanical order and has fuel for the ride.
• Wear protective clothing for the environment you will be traveling in.
• Always use a helmet and goggles to protect yourself from road debris and twigs.

• Do not remove or replace factory muffler or air box. All machines must have a spark arrestor to operate on MI Trails.
• Make sure your lights work properly-ride with lights on for safety (some states like WI require lights on while moving).
• Ride at a safe speed.
• Ride Right. Stay Right on Trails and Authorized riding areas.

• Ride sober and safe.
• Ride with a group.
• Operate within the limits of your ORV and yourself.
• Only transport a passenger when the ORV has been manufactured to carry a passenger (2 Up). Aftermarket add-ons do not permit a passenger to ride on/in a machine legally. Refer to the manufacturer’s user manual for clarification.
• Stay on the trail an ensure the area you intend to ride is open to ORV activity.
• Stay off state highways (those designated as M or US).

Be Prepared

• Expect the Unexpected-Severe Weather, Illness, Injury Mechanical Failure or being Lost
• Know your terrain and be prepared to adjust for changing environmental conditions.
• Carry First Aid kit, Current Maps, GPS and Cell Phone.
• Create a ride plan and share it with others. A ride plan includes the times and locations you will be riding, along with check-in points.
• Tell Someone where you are traveling and with whom and when you will return.

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May 1st is around the corner. It is getting close to put the Snowmobiles and ice fishing gear away and start to plan for our Spring, Summer and Fall riding season. Time to think about the oil changes, greasing the front and rear ends, checking for loose nuts and bolts, making sure the tires are inflated properly and have plenty of tread, and be ready for a great year of riding in the UP of Michigan! Get your new updated MI-TRALE Maps sometime in late May.

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