Forest Roads Inventory

  • Public Act 288 (PA 288), enacted in September 2016, opens most state forest roads in the northern Lower Peninsula to ORV use starting January 1, 2018. The law also allows for the cross-country retrieval of deer, bear and elk using ORVs and horses. The law also required the DNR to inventory and map all state forest roads in the Northern Lower Peninsula by the end of 2017. Roads on state lands in the Upper Peninsula and southern Lower Peninsula will be inventoried and mapped by the end of 2018.

  • Frequently Asked Questions and closure criteria PDF icon
  • Read the full text of Public Act 288 (PA 288) PDF icon

Upper Peninsula - In-Progress

  • The state forest road inventory and classification for roads in the Upper Peninsula will go into effect in January 2019.

    The initial comment period lasts from May 1 to June 15, 2018. Use the interactive map below to comment, or send your thoughts via email to DNR-RoadInventoryProject@michigan.gov, or by mail to ATTN: DNR Roads Inventory Project, 1990 US-41 South, Marquette, MI 49855.  
    You can also attend these public meetings:

    • Monday, May 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
      Ballroom, Memorial Union at Michigan Technological University, 1503 Townsend Drive, Houghton
    • Tuesday, May 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. 
      Marquette Township Community Center, 1000 Commerce Drive, Marquette
    • Wednesday, May 16, 5:30-7:30 p.m. CST
      Fornetti Hall, Bay College West Campus, 2801 US-2, Iron Mountain
    • Thursday, May 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
      McMillan Township Hall, 405 Newberry Ave., Newberry

     

  • Interactive Map
  • Printable County Maps

Southern Lower Peninsula - Coming Soon

  • The state forest road inventory and classification for roads in the southern Lower Peninsula will go into effect in January 2019. Details on how to provide input and be involved in the process for the southern Lower Peninsula will be coming soon!

Northern Lower Peninsula - Complete

  • We’ve completed our first round of inventory and classified all state forest roads in the Northern Lower Peninsula. As of January 2018, 6,308 miles (of the 7,552 miles available) of forest roads are available for riding ORVs. An ORV license is required. Maps are available at the links provided below.

    Signs will be posted for state forest roads that are closed to ORVs. With the recent thaw, we are currently in the process of installing signs and efforts will continue until all closed roads are posted.

  • Interactive Map of Northern Lower Peninsula Roads
  • Printable Northern Lower Peninsula County Maps