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

Build your fire in a fire ring on bare ground, away from trees or low-hanging tree branches.When finished with your fire, douse it thoroughly with water, stir the ashes and douse again. Repeat until cool.Watch for embers that can float out of a fire and ignite dry grass or leaves.

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 HearnM@Michigan.gov.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources wants to know how you use and enjoy the more than 13,400 miles of state-designated trails in Michigan. If you’ve ever been out on a state trail, please take some time and fill out our survey at: 

https://midnr.info/TrailsExperienceSurvey. The department is committed to making trail experiences the best they can be, so please tale a minute to let them know about your experiences and interests. Thank you and pass along to other folks who hike, walk, run, ride, ski, or paddle throughout Michigan.

Saturday, June 29, 2024
9 AM – 3 PM

Where: Meet at:
Hamilton’s North Coast Adventures 28905 L P Walsh Rd Ontonagon, MI
(46.74750, -89.46963)
W3W: charismatic.sketch.dished

Join Tread Lightly! & OnX Offroad to Do Your Part to #ProtectTheAdventure and #ProtectTheFun during our Tread Lightly! Day Michigan event for a cleanup project in the Ottawa National Forest.

What to bring: Long Pants, closed toe shoes, safety glasses, sunscreen, bug spray, headnets, metal tine rake, scoop shovel, work gloves, snacks and water

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 1-8. 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, horses and more,” said Joanne Foreman, Invasive Species Program communications coordinator with the 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.”

On every outdoor adventure remember to:Clean footwear with a boot brush.Remove invasive plants and dispose properly.Pick seeds and burrs off clothes and gear.Clean mud and seeds from dogs and horses.Hose off bikes or all-terrain vehicles with water or compressed air.Clean, drain and dry boats, and dispose of any invasive plants.Don’t move firewood; buy it where you burn it.”PlayCleanGo Awareness Week is about more than just spreading awareness – it’s about taking meaningful action to protect our environment,” added Teagan Wilmot, North American Invasive Species Management Association education and prevention manager. “Together, we can make a difference and stop invasive species in their tracks.