2.8Enforcement of the ORV Act on Federal Property

The ORV Act is enforced in the three national forests in Michigan. This includes titling, licensing, equipment requirements, and general operating restrictions. In cases of individuals operating an ORV in a closed area, road, or trail, the offense cited will typically be MCL 324.81133(1)(q), operating in a manner contrary to operating regulations on public lands.¹ Michigan conservation officers are the primary enforcing agency of the Act on these lands. Law enforcement officers and other staff employed by the federal government are not authorized to enforce the Michigan ORV Act but may issue citations for violations of federal land use regulations.

A.Huron-Manistee National Forest

The Huron-Manistee National Forest is located in the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula.

“Motorized vehicles may only be operated on designated roads, trails or areas open to that use. To find what roads and trails are open to a particular use, visitors should obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map[.]” United States Forest Service, Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) Riding & Camping, http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/hmnf/recreation/ohv.

B.Hiawatha National Forest

The Hiawatha National Forest is located in the eastern and central portions of the Upper Peninsula.

“Visitors to the Hiawatha National Forest will find a wide variety of roads and trails designated open for motorized use.” United States Forest Service, Hiawatha National Forest, Maps & Publications, http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/hiawatha/maps-pubs. To determine where to ride a given type of motorized vehicle, consult the Hiawatha’s Motor Vehicle Use Map, which is updated annually. Id.

C.Ottawa National Forest

The Ottawa National Forest is located in the northwest corner of the Upper Peninsula.

“The Ottawa National Forest has over 2,300 miles of Forest Service road and trail open to off-highway vehicles (OHVs). . . . Roads and trails designated as open to OHVs are open to vehicles 65 inches or less in width and utilizing off-road low pressure tires.” United States Forest Service, Ottawa National Forest, OHV Riding & Camping, http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/ottawa/recreation/ohv. For more information, obtain a Motor Vehicle Use Map. Id.