DNR Approves Use of Off-Road Vehicles in Twin Lakes and Baraga State Parks

[Trail_Fanatic]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 11, 2009

CONTACT: Richard Hill Jr. 906-228-6561 or Debbie Munson Badini 906-226-1352


DNR Director Approves Use of Off-Road Vehicles in Twin Lakes and Baraga State Parks

An amendment to the state's Land Use Orders of the Department of Natural Resources Director was signed by Director Rebecca Humphries at Thursday's meeting of the Natural Resources Commission that will allow the use of off-road vehicles (ORVs) in Twin Lakes and Baraga State Parks. Both state parks, which are located in the Keweenaw Peninsula, are near popular multi-use trails in the U.P. that allow ORV riding.

The amendment will improve access to ORV trails for park visitors by making it legal to operate ORVs on roads within the parks when going to or coming from trailheads. Other ORV use is still prohibited in the parks. The amendment also waives the state park motor vehicle permit requirement for ORVs in both parks.

"This change will increase the recreational opportunities available to park visitors and will attract more ORV enthusiasts to both parks," said Rich Hill Jr., DNR Parks and Recreation Baraga District supervisor. "With the proximity to multi-use trails, these two parks are the optimal place for ORV riders to set up base camp and enjoy a few days of phenomenal trail riding."

Twin Lakes State Park is located across the road from the Bill Nicholls Trail, which spans 37 miles from Mass City to Houghton. Baraga State Park is near an extensive network of designated ORV trails.

Both parks offer modern campgrounds along with the opportunity to stay in mini-cabins. Twin Lakes State Park also offers a newly renovated lodge facility, while campers at Baraga State Park can reserve the popular tepee site.

Detailed information about both parks and reservation information can be found online at www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails.

For more information, contact Rich Hill Jr. at (906) 228-6561.

The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.

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[T-way]

Well.....I guess sometimes the State gets something right! This is good news and makes perfect sense!!

[Ridin Dirty]

Excellent! I'll have to try to get up there and check it out sometime. Show them that it was the right choice.

[junk90xj]

orv meaning quads or fullsize 4x4?

[Jarhead]

orv meaning quads or fullsize 4x4?

Reading this:

...The amendment will improve access to ORV trails ...

Tells me it is for ATV's at this time. It is still a step in the right direction.

[Trail_Fanatic]

Well.....I guess sometimes the State gets something right! This is good news and makes perfect sense!!

Perfect sense just might get to be more common in the U.P. now.
Rob Katona, the new U.P. Resource Analyst (Trail Tech), is a tremendous new asset to the Department. He brings a wonderful skill set combined with an understanding of the sport that has been lacking to this point. Combine his understanding with Mike Paluda's common sense and things just might get a whole lot better soon. We just need to keep Mike from retiring (He's due whenever he wants it).

orv meaning quads or full size 4x4?

Less than 50" at this time . . .

but the future may bring a change to that.

[timbercruiser]

Your fullsize (over 50") ORV should have license plate on it. And need a park pass.