Public Act 288 of 2016 directed the DNR to inventory and map state forest roads to encourage more people to enjoy Michigan’s public lands through enhanced off-road vehicle opportunities.
The northern Lower Peninsula inventory and classification are complete, and similar efforts for the southern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula are under way right now. Public opinion continues to be an important part of the evaluation process.
Next year all state forest roads will be open to ORV use unless the DNR designates them closed for reasons of ensuring user safety, preventing user conflicts or protecting environmentally sensitive areas.
Revised recommendations will be discussed at the Oct. 11 and Nov. 8 Natural Resources Commission meetings, with a final decision at the Dec. 13 meeting. The final, approved recommendations will go into effect January 2019.
The DNR will accept public input throughout this process.
In-person comments will be accepted at all three NRC meetings. Mail, email and online comments will be accepted until Nov. 15.
Visi tmichigan.gov/forestroads to view interactive maps, leave comments online or get details about submitting feedback via email or U.S. mail.
