Forest officials remind hunters of OHV rules

Written by WLUC-TV

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

DELTA COUNTY -- With firearm season just around the corner, Hiawatha National Forest officials want to remind hunters of the dos and don'ts when hunting on national forest lands.

Hunters using AT's or other motor vehicles need to remember to stay on the designated roads and trails.

Vehicles are not allowed cross country from retrieving game to baiting blinds.

Officials say over 2,000 miles of roads and trails are designated open for off highway vehicles, OHVs, and that leaving the paths could harm vital plant or animal life.

"When folks use OHVs illegally, they can damage plants, animals, disturb habitat for special species," said Janel Crooks, Public Affairs Officer.

A map of the designated areas can be found at Hiawatha National Forest offices located in Escanaba, Munising, Rapid River, Manistique, St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie.

Source: http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=375094

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Community Voices

“As a rancher who leases public lands for cattle, I’ve seen my share of cut fences and rangeland damaged by ORV use. I’ve also experienced ORV trespass onto my private lands. But I’ve had no way to identify the culprits when reporting trespass or illegal ORV use to local law enforcement. Congress should require that ORVs used on public lands have visible identification plates or decals. Doing so would remove the anonymity enjoyed by ORV riders who are bent on breaking the rules.”

- Ambers Thornburgh, second-generation rancher from Oregon who grazes cattle on his private land and adjacent lands leased from the Bureau of Land Management