September 16, 2004

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today announced three October meetings to provide information and gather public input to update Michigan’s statewide Off-Road Vehicle Plan.

The plan guides state land managers’ decisions regarding ORV use on public lands administered by the DNR. The department is working to update the 25-year-old plan to reflect changes in public land use, as well as looking ahead to ensure appropriate ORV recreational opportunities are provided without negatively impacting the state’s natural resources.

The DNR has contracted specialists from Michigan State University to facilitate public input through a series of public forums and surveys. The October meetings include a presentation to provide an overview of past plan efforts and issues, outline the status of the current planning, and gather public input.

Meetings are held from 7-9 p.m. at the following locations:

• Lansing – Oct. 12, Holiday Inn Lansing-South, 6820 Cedar St.

• Grayling – Oct. 13, Holiday Inn Grayling, 2650 Business Loop S. I-75

• Marquette – Oct. 14, Ramada Inn, 412 West Washington St.

More information about the ORV plan, public meetings and how to participate are located here.

“The process of updating Michigan’s ORV plan is specifically designed to maximize public input,” said Jim Radabaugh, state trails coordinator. “We encourage everyone to share their thoughts during this process.”

Those who cannot attend the meetings but would like to submit comments should email kubisias@michigan.gov, or mail written correspondence to Forest Mineral and Fire Management Division, C/O Steve Kubisiak, PO Box 30452, Lansing, MI 48909.

A draft of the ORV plan will be posted on the DNR web site in January for public comment.

The ORV program is supported, in part, by the Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Trail Improvement Fund, which uses ORV license fees.