The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced a required five-year Consumer Price Index adjustment for snowmobile trail permit fees.
Starting this year, the fee will increase from $52 to $65 and will remain in place for the next five-year period.
This change follows a statutory requirement (Public Act 400 of 2008) to adjust snowmobile trail permit fees every five years based on the CPI as determined by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, ensuring funding keeps pace with inflation.
Specifically, the adjustment accounts for a 25.1% increase over the previous five-year cycle.
“The adjustment helps offset the rising costs of equipment and maintenance,” said Tim Novak, DNR state trails coordinator. “It ensures we can sustain our vast snowmobile trails system, which supports a $1 billion economic impact for the state and fuels the work of 67 volunteer clubs maintaining 6,300-plus miles of trails.”
Michigan enjoys international acclaim for the exceptional quality and diversity of its trails system. Consistently ranked among the top 10 snowmobiling destinations in North America, the state also boasts the fifth-largest trail network in the nation.
Trail permits go on sale Sept. 1 each year and are valid from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. They can be purchased online through eLicense, online via the Michigan Snowmobile ORV Association or in person at a number of DNR license agents and dealers.
Michigan’s snowmobile program is 100% funded through snowmobile trail permit and registration dollars. Every dollar is directly reinvested into the program through snowmobile clubs and DNR program support. These funds support critical operations, including:
- Trail brushing and grooming by 67 snowmobile clubs.
- New equipment grants for snowmobile clubs.
- Trail signage and maintenance.
- Trail bridge and culvert construction.
- Trailhead amenities, such as restroom maintenance and plowing of parking lots.
- Other snowmobile-related expenditures.
Residents must also register snowmobiles with the Michigan Secretary of State (unless sleds are used solely on private property). Nonresidents must display a valid registration from the operator’s home state or province. Michigan registration is good for three years, and those dollars support the purchase of trail easements, law enforcement on trails and safety education.
“Our snowmobile clubs are paid through the snowmobile program and are a vital component of successful, quality operations,” said Novak. “The revenue from every trail permit sold is funneled directly into the snowmobile program, providing essential funding needed to groom and maintain these sought-after trails.”
Michigan’s vast network of designated trails and authorized public lands officially opens for the season Dec. 1 and runs through March 31. Trail grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground.
For those looking to experience Michigan’s winter wonderland for the first time or ready to test out equipment, the DNR offers its annual Free Snowmobiling Weekend. For two days, the requirement for a trail permit or registration is waived (on DNR trails only), providing the perfect opportunity to explore the nation’s premier trails system.
Find information on snowmobiling in Michigan, including where to ride, rules and regulations, trail safety and etiquette tips and more, visit Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling.
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