By Staff
LANSING – Department of Natural Resources officials announced that the 2007-08 off-road vehicle (ORV) grant applications are now available to public agencies, non-profit and incorporated clubs and organizations.
Applications are available for grants to maintain existing designated ORV trails, routes and use areas; repair public lands damaged by inappropriate ORV use; and develop new ORV trails, routes and use areas. Grant funds are also available to pay for liability insurance, leases or easements.
The Off-Road Vehicle Trail Improvement Fund, a restricted fund, is the source for these grants and is made possible entirely by user fees that support the program for trail maintenance, trail development, resource damage restoration and law enforcement. An annual ORV License costs $16.25.
"We currently maintain more than 3,100 miles of designated ORV trails and routes statewide," said Steve Kubisiak, DNR recreation and trails program coordinator. "We encourage participation from all user organizations and other public agencies to help us maintain Michigan's great ORV trail system."
Grant applications are prioritized to address existing trail maintenance and restoration needs on public land. New trail, route and scramble area development proposals will also be considered.
Applications must be submitted by Aug. 1, 2007. Any public agency or non-profit, incorporated club or organization seeking an application should contact DNR Grants Management, P.O. Box 30425, Lansing, MI 48909.
Applications also may be requested by calling 517-373-9125. Application forms are available on the DNR Web site at www.michigan.gov/dnr-grants.
Under the Grants Program menu, click on "Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Trail Improvement Program" and then "Forms and Publications."
Questions about the ORV program and application requirements should be directed to the ORV program staff in the DNR Forest, Mineral and Fire Management Division, P.O. Box 30452, Lansing, MI 48909, or by calling (517) 373-1665.
A separate application is available for grants to eligible county sheriff departments to enforce ORV regulations. Counties that have either designated ORV trails or abandoned railroad rights-of-way that are being converted into Michigan Trailways are eligible for law enforcement funding. For more information on ORV enforcement grant opportunities, call Maureen Kay Houghton at 517-373-2965, or visit the DNR Web site.
The DNR is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state's natural resources for current and future generations.