Changes to ORV license prices will improve trails, riding experience

ORV Trails

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Changes to ORV license prices will improve trails, riding experience

Michigan's fishing, hunting and off-road vehicle (ORV) license options will change beginning March 1, 2014. The new license structure – authorized by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Rick Snyder in 2013 – provides vital funding to improve outdoor recreation opportunities for hunters, anglers and ORV riders.

What does this mean for ORV riders? The new ORV license structure includes two levels depending on the type of riding you are doing. There will be a $26.25 ORV License that will be required on eligible county roads, state forest roads in the Upper Peninsula and eligible national forest roads as well as on the frozen surface of public waters. This license is required to operate anywhere off of private lands.

In addition to the ORV License, an ORV Trail Permit (an additional $10, for a total of $36.25) will be required when operating on State-designated ORV trails, routes and scramble areas.

Revenue generated from license sales will provide a better experience for ORV riders, with improvements that include:

• Acquiring an additional 300 miles for the state's designated ORV trail system.
• Providing sufficient trail grant funding for stakeholders to develop, groom and brush trails and add signage.
• Providing local law enforcement grants and grants for trail expansion areas.
• Ensuring a safer environment for ORV trail users by increasing the number of conservation officers in Michigan, thereby boosting opportunities for education contacts and public safety through trail patrols.
• Replacing and renovating failing or aging infrastructure, including bridges and culverts to address safety and environmental issues.
• Creating destination places by adding trail connections to communities through easements and acquisitions.
• Improving the ORV license-buying experience both online and in retail stores by enhancing the retail sales system.
• Creating a southern Michigan ORV area closer to local population centers.
• Better promoting Michigan's extensive network of trails to strengthen our reputation as the nation's Trails State.

Off-roading is a big part of our state’s outdoor recreation landscape, and we intend to roar to the top as the destination state for ORV enthusiasts – benefiting thousands of small businesses around the state and providing quality opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with our natural resources. If you’ve purchased an ORV license in the past, thank you. If you’re new to off-roading, we hope you enjoy the ride!

For more information about the license restructuring – including license prices, frequently asked questions and details about how license dollars will be invested – visit www.michigan.gov/dnr and click on "hunting and fishing license structure" under "In the Know."

As always, you can find information about ORV riding in Michigan – including trail maps–at www.michigan.gov/orvtrails.