Tall trees swishing by, the crackle-crunch of gravel roads under your tires, birdsong filtering through the canopy – these are the sounds of Michigan’s forest roads. 

What noise could help improve forest roads? Your voice! Michigan’s state forest roads offer thousands of miles of adventure – and these roads are yours to use and explore. As part of a yearly review process, public comments will be accepted through Dec. 1 on proposed changes to vehicle use on state forest roads.

“Your eyes in the field help inform our road review to protect natural resources and ensure safe recreational access,” said DNR Forest Resources Division Chief Jeff Stampfly. 

Proposed changes to road maps include:

• Adding roads that previously were unmapped.
• Removing roads that no longer exist.
• Closing or opening roads to conventional vehicle use.
• Closing or opening roads to off-road vehicle use.

Public input will be accepted online and via email. Comment on or view the locations of proposed changes on an interactive web map or printable PDF maps at Michigan.gov/ForestRoads or send emails to DNR-RoadInventoryProject@Michigan.gov. 

Comments also will be accepted at upcoming Michigan Natural Resources Commission meetings in early 2023. State forest road proposals will be brought before the DNR director for information at the January meeting. At the February meeting, the DNR director is expected to make a formal decision on the proposed changes. 

New maps will go into effect and be published online April 1, 2023.

Questions about state forest roads? Contact Jason Caron at 906-235-4361.

If you care about protecting, preserving and promoting Michigan’s natural and cultural resources, there are many ways to get involved in tending to them. Here are some opportunities coming up in November.

Fight invasives, collect natives

Several state parks in southern Michigan are hosting volunteer stewardship workdays. Volunteers are needed to help restore natural areas by removing invasive plants that threaten high-quality ecosystems or collecting native wildflower and grass seeds. Workdays will take place:

• 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Highland Recreation Area (Oakland County).
• 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, and noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, at Fort Custer Recreation Area (Kalamazoo County).
• 10 a.m. to noon Sunday, Nov. 6, at Hoffmaster State Park (Muskegon County).
•  9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 12, at Bald Mountain Recreation Area (Oakland County).
• 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 12, at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County).
• 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, at Yankee Springs Recreation Area (Barry County).
• 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 19, at Belle Isle Park (Wayne County).
• 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at Ludington State Park (Mason County).
• 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 26, at Warren Dunes State Park (Berrien County).

More details about each workday and how to register can be found on the DNR volunteer events calendar.

Donate a deer

Hunters can help hungry families in their community by donating a deer to Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that partners with the DNR to help connect donors, wild game processors and charities like food banks, pantries and shelters that help feed those in need. Hunters also can make a monetary donation to support venison processing when they buy a hunting license.

For more opportunities to volunteer, contribute and provide input, visit Michigan.gov/DNRVolunteers.

Each year, Pure Michigan and the DNR spotlight some of Michigan's best trail experiences through the Pure Michigan Trail, Water Trail and Trail Town program – and it's time to submit your recommendations on deserving destinations. 

“In 2014, the Michigan Trailways Act was revised to give the DNR the ability to designate trails and towns with the Pure Michigan registered mark,” said Tim Novak, state trails coordinator for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division. “We really want to elevate the state’s incredible array of trails, especially those that were developed and maintained by local governments, nonprofits, foundations and volunteers.”

Successful recipients will demonstrate quality trail or trail town experiences and access to clear information for users. Broad community support and a sustainable business, maintenance and marketing plan also must be established. Designations are reviewed against a set of standards and criteria, not by comparison to one another.

Several marketing advantages and Pure Michigan-branded signage come with the recognition.

“Michigan is known for having thousands of miles of hiking, biking, equestrian and kayaking trails, but the trails and communities that receive this designation are truly outstanding and embody what Pure Michigan is all about,” said David Lorenz, vice president of Travel Michigan. “We are pleased to partner with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to honor Michigan’s exemplary trails and trail towns.”

Applications and required documentation are due Jan. 15. Get Pure Michigan Trail and Trail Town details at Michigan.gov/DNRTrails.

Questions? Contact Tim Novak at 517-388-8347.