LEGISLATION FOR THE RIDERS

KAREN@MISORVA.ORG

BY: KAREN MIDDENDORP

HB 4021 of 2023~ Law enforcement: training; definition of a peace officer in ORV laws; include. Amends secs. 81101, 81132, 81145, 81146 & 81150 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.81101 et seq.).

HB 4458 of 2023 ~ Civil procedure: civil actions; fines for the use of the wheeled vehicle on snowmobile trail; allow deposit in recreational snowmobile trail improvement subaccount. Amends sec. 8831 of 1961 PA 236 (MCL 600.8831). TIE BAR WITH: HB 4459’23

HB 4459 of 2023 ~ Prohibition for wheeled vehicles from driving on snowmobile trails from December 1 to March 31 when sufficient snow is on the trail; provide for. Amends secs. 82101 & 82110 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.82101 & 324.82110) & adds sec. 82163. TIE BAR WITH: HB 4458’2

**Groomed Snowmobile Trail - Trails consisting of a snow surface that is prepared with a tractor and drag setup, by which moguls are removed, and the snow is processed and compacted to a uniformly flat surface which is safe for the operation of snowmobiles. Repetitive routine grooming results in a buildup of a solid flat base which is the essential foundation for a groomed trail.

Cities, towns, and villages depend on snowmobilers and ORV‘ers to visit their area and spend their money in their community. That’s why this goodsense legislation works for most of the community of riders.

After HB 4535, was presented initially and nearly unanimously passed by the House of Representatives, we realized that there were constraints within the language that needed to be addressed. The changes and revisions took many months, and unfortunately, by the time we had the legislation revised, the 2-year legislative clock had run out.

In January of 2023, the BOD, listening to the members, voted to reinstate the legislation. This week HB 4458 & 4459 have been reintroduced! This legislation limits wheeled vehicles on the designated marked groomed snowmobile trails WHEN there is SUFFICIENT SNOW TO GROOM.

The snowmobile community is asking for four months, if and when there is snow to enjoy their ride without fear of encountering wheeled vehicles on the snowmobile trails when the snow can be manicured to perfection or at least close to it.

The snowmobile grant sponsors work tirelessly to maintain a base and smooth trail. Snowmobilers want a few months when there is snow to ride a smooth, groomed trail.

Some ORV users feel they are giving up too much for this change. These chronic ORV complaints come from people who generally, in conversation, quickly comment, “ I would never ride my ORV on a marked groomed trail.” We believe that to be true, so that this legislation will bear no consequence to their riding habits.

This legislation will target the individuals that intentionally damage the trails, and why would anyone try to defend these individuals?

Weather can be challenging for the trail sponsors, the warm, the cold, the warm again, low snow, etc. So many facets shape motorized recreation; the roulette snowmobilers play, hoping for a great ride to a scenic destination, gathering with friends and family that share the same passion. Snowmobilers plan, hope, dance, and pray to the snow gods to bring on the gold.

When the snow comes, they buy permits with all the intentions of a great ride, and upon arrival at the trailhead, the trail is rutted and very dangerous.

What about the operators of that equipment? Think about the countless hours of personal time and volunteer hours to build the trail. After spending about 10-12 hours grooming the ribbon, parking the tractor, heading out to the jobs that pay their bills, and wheeled vehicles creating ruts and deep trenches in the trail.

What does that damage cost the snowmobile fund? How many thousands of miles are being repeatedly groomed simply to repair wheeled damages?

Under the proposed legislation, when the season does not bring snow, the dual sections of the trail remain an open opportunity to ride.

Do you live in the forest? That has also been covered; landowners can get to their homes and cottages by gently using the snowmobile trail with this proposed legislation!

State forest, seasonal, and National Forest roads remain open for ORV use. Hundreds of trail miles and routes will get riders to that favorite dinner spot.

Each group viciously defends their opportunity to ride. Each user feels that the money they paid to use the trails and enjoy recreation should be spent in the manner intended to be dispersed. MISORVA’s board of directors acknowledges that every legislative change does not always fit your riding style but is always promoted in the majority’s best interest.

Another piece of legislation to be introduced is the removal of the sunset clause in the ORV legislation ( 324.8116 Section C). Including the year date means legislators must renew the legislation to sell ORV permits for the ORV Trail Improvement Fund to remain active. By removing the 2024 date, the ORV trail improvement fund will go on without end. The ORV community will remain active, meaning one less legislative change. After adopting this change, we can proactively work on other necessary changes to enhance and provide better maintenance to the ORV trails.

Take time to talk to your elected officials and let them know your thoughts! -Karen