Snowmobile Trails: Update on signage this season
Michigan Department of Natural Resources sent this bulletin at 11/30/2012 04:45 PM EST
Snowmobile Trails
Michigan is known by snowmobilers nationwide for its unique combination of abundant and dependable snow, exciting terrain and extensive trail network. Make the most of your winter break and plan to hit the trails this season! Below are some helpful links to help you get started:
Watch for changes to trail signage
This winter, snowmobile and off-road vehicle (ORV) trail riders will notice a reduction in the types of trail markings along the more than 10,000 miles of Michigan's designated motorized trail system. The DNR implemented these changes to improve safety and provide consistent guidance to the more than 90 non-profit organizations that maintain the trails.
Changes include the elimination of 11 workgroup-selected snowmobile signs, the addition of five new snowmobile signs (plus guidelines for placement), and a reduction in the size of regulatory signs in the ORV program to make them consistent with snowmobile signage (already implemented in 2011). The changes also include replacing ORV trail markers with new, highly visible, yellow markers. Installation will be phased in over the next several years.
The following trail signs have been removed:
- Bridge Ahead
- Chevron
- Deer Crossing
- Drift Area
- Narrow Bridge
- Narrow Trail
- Trail Crossing
- Truck Traffic
- Two Way Trail
- Winding Trail
- Steep Hill
New signage visible on the trails this year includes:
- Combination Horizontal Alignment/Intersection (left and right)
- Private Drives Ahead
- One-Direction Large Arrow (left and right)
- Next (number of) Miles - supplemental plaque
- Trail Closed to Wheeled Motor Vehicles Ahead
Learn more about the signage changes here, or contact Steve Kubisiak, DNR Recreation and Trails Program coordinator, at kubisiaks@michigan.gov or 517-373-1665.