ORVs: Finding a balance

B.J. Hetler

CHARLEVOIX - Off-road vehicles are a hot topic in the northern part of the state as counties and municipalities attempt to find a balance between recreation and regulation.

The ORVs are built to traverse both countryside and roads used by everyday traffic. Public Act 240, which became state law last summer, allows local governments to enact an ordinance that permits ORV travel on the far right of county roads and streets at speeds not to exceed 25 mph. The law also provides for counties, townships and other municipalities to close any roads and streets to ORVs.

The County of Charlevoix has not drafted an ordinance and the board of commissioners is taking comments from townships and the general public. Officials from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources spoke to county commissioners about ORVs at the Nov. 12 commission meeting. If the county chooses to enact an ordinance to allow the ORVs to travel along the shoulders of county roads, the DNR urged the county to open roads only for the purpose of enabling the ORVs to connect from one trail to another.

DNR conservation officer Andrea Erratt said local governments have to weigh several factors in making a decision on whether to allow ORVs and, if so, where.

"I would encourage you to look at other counties to see what they've done," Erratt said. "Things to consider when drafting an ordinance are catering to local residents and encouraging tourism. One thing we do know is that the ORVs aren't going away."

Charlevoix Township has sent a letter to the county commission that notifies the county that the township does not want any of its roads open to ORVs.

Charlevoix County has 713.81 miles of roads. The law allows up to 30 percent of the road miles to be closed to ORV travel. The Charlevoix County Road Commission proposes to close 47.62 miles of roadway to ORVs. The Sheriff's Office also has input for prohibiting ORVs on certain roads.

In a letter from the road commission to the county board of commissioners dated August 26, the road commission explained that safety and liability on high speed roads are the reason for naming certain roads as not permitted for ORV use.

Some counties are finding that ORVs have a negative impact on soil, vegetation and wildlife habitat, Erratt said. The state has trails for the vehicles, but not everyone stays on the trails.

Most of the people who ride ORVs are responsible and considerate, Erratt said. "But it only takes one or two riders who aren't to spoil it for everybody."

Charlevoix County commissioners continue to take comments from the public.

Source: http://www.citizenandjournal.com/stories/111908/loc_acn02.shtml

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