Off-Road Vehicle Damage Threatens Michigan’s Natural Resources, DNR Struggles to Keep Pace
GRAYLING, MI – Expanding networks of unauthorized off-road vehicle (ORV) trails are inflicting escalating damage to Michigan’s ecosystems, outpacing the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) ability to monitor and repair the harm. From eroded riverbanks to disturbed lakebeds, the unchecked use of ORVs in sensitive areas is raising concerns about long-term ecological consequences and potential restrictions on ORV access.
The proliferation of user-created trails, often branching off designated routes, is proving difficult to manage, even for experienced riders. While the DNR provides an interactive trail map outlining permitted ORV areas, the reality on the ground is a complex web of legal and illegal paths. This situation threatens the health of Michigan’s forests and waterways, and could ultimately lead to limitations on ORV recreation if damage continues unchecked.
“Either our forests start to get overtaken and the ecosystems become damaged beyond recovery,or our state Legislature recognizes (the devastation) before its too late and ORV users start to lose access to public lands,” said DNR specialist Kevin Novak.
The damage extends beyond simple erosion. A recent restoration project on the Jordan River, were the bank was reshaped and trees replanted after ORV damage, highlights the extent of the problem. The DNR is currently facing a funding shortfall to address widespread ecosystem repair. According to Novak,there is “nothing immediately on the docket” to increase funding for restoration efforts.
The Michigan Snowmobile and ORV Association acknowledges the issue. “Stay on the trail,” urged association representative Shelly Middendorf. “That’s what they’re there for. Don’t go in rivers.Don’t go in lakes.Yes you can go in there, but don’t do it.” Middendorf warned that continued disregard for environmental concerns “they’re going to find more and more policies and regulations inflicted on them.”
the DNR’s primary mission, according to Novak, is to protect public lands, and restrictions on ORV use may become necessary if the current trend of off-trail riding persists. The agency is working to educate riders and enforce regulations, but the scale of the problem presents a significant challenge.
WCMU notes that the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is a financial supporter of the station.WCMU reports on the DNR as it does with any other organization.
