Roadless Rule Repeal and Public Lands Trail Policy in Michigan
Let’s talk about the Roadless Rule and Public Land Trail Policy as it relates to Michigan.
The proposed repeal of the Roadless Rule seeks to allow road construction and timbering in areas of our National Forests that have been protected by this 2001 legislation in an effort to keep some of our public lands wild.
Very little of Michigan’s National Forest land falls into the category of being protected by the Roadless Rule legislation, you can find a map here to see the areas, https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/planning/roadless. Does this mean you shouldn’t care or act to make your voice be heard about the repeal of the Roadless Rule? Absolutely not. We in Michigan are in a prime position to speak to what the opening of motorized use on our state and national forest roads without proper foresight or management does. Not to mention we need to protect some public lands from development and change, the need to keep some areas wild. Please do speak out and contact your senators today as that is where the vote is heading!
For more information on the Roadless Rule:
https://www.backcountryhunters.org/news/details/roadless-rule-rollback-roads-to-ruin
In 2016, PA 288 was passed by the Michigan state legislature requiring the DNR to inventory and map all state forest roads which opened them to motorized use and greatly increased the traffic and recreational use of these roads. This was done with zero appropriation of increased budget for the enforcement, maintenance, and improvements of these roads and now many are in dire need of repair. The state forest roads fall under forestry department management (not the trails staff that we deal with for our Equestrian trails in MI) which has been left without a way to keep up with the increased needs this legislation has caused. After this legislation was passed opening many more state forest roads, the Huron-Manistee National Forest aligned their OHV use very closely to the state rules. The other national forests in Michigan have varying ways they manage OHV use of roads.
Now let’s talk about our Public Lands Trail Policy. In our State Park, Recreation and Game land areas in Michigan, equestrian, bike and ORV use is only allowed on trails which are designated for that specific use. This is why we can much more easily have separate trails in our Southern Michigan riding areas. To separate trail uses, the DNR need only designate or allow a use and to not designate or allow another.
For State Forest Land (most of our Northern MI and UP riding areas), equestrians can ride anywhere unless there is a Land Use Order of the Director prohibiting or restricting our use in these areas. This is where it’s much harder to separate uses. To prohibit or restrict a user group or multiple user groups, that system must go through the Land Use Order process. While not impossible, it’s much harder to prove the need to restrict on our forest lands than it is to allow. This works to equestrians’ advantage in that we are able to get out and explore vast areas of our state (and national) forest lands. Just grab some good friends, a trail app and an adventurous spirit to experience the wilds of Michigan. It works to our disadvantage in high volume areas where increased use and sometimes dangerous actions by other trail user groups threatens equestrian safe and peaceful access to our public lands.
Equestrians recently had success with getting a Land Use Order at the Thunder Valley Equestrian Trail (a non-motorized trail) in the U.P. prohibiting bicycles after much public comment, cooperation and support of the Equine Trails Subcommittee, the Non-Motorized Advisory Workgroup, the Michigan Trails Advisory Council and the DNR. It was done the right way with input and support from those who would be affected. The Michigan Horse Trails Association is working with equestrians in other areas of Michigan to identify where this policy may be needed and could be mutually agreed upon by trail user groups. Equestrians need safe, separate spaces where we can relax and enjoy the ride. It’s important that we all work together to advocate for and educate public land managers and other trail user groups on the unique needs of equestrians on our trails so we can ensure a future for trail riders.
State Forests Areas with restrictions to equestrian use by Land Use Order of the Director: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/managing-resources/laws/orders/luo
| Areas with Restrictions by LUOD: |
| Gladwin County state owned land |
| Blueberry Ridge |
| Pigeon River |
| Shingle Mill Pathway |
| High Country Pathway |
| Betsie Valley Trail (Segment 2) |
| Falling Waters Trail (paved portion) |
| Cadillac Pathway in Wexford County |
National Public Lands follow the same rules for equestrians – Park and Rec areas designated trail only, Forest Land open unless specifically prohibited. Which is again why it’s easier to have separate horse/bike trail at Hungerford Rec Area vs. on our trails within the national forests.