There is so much bad info on this subject, it's not funny!! FIRST there is some private property sections, THEY ARE NOT 50% of the trail! They are very important part, but many reroutes in recent years have removed those sections.
Everyone wants no one else in THIER woods/trails!! That's BS plain and simple, there is only so much ground, if everyone could get along, all RIDERS would be better off.
This info from MSA IS JUST WRONG!!! But proves the fact that S.O.S. vehicles are legal on forest and county rds.
October 2013
Legislation Update:
MSA Proposes Change to the Snowmobile Law
MSA is proposing several additions and changes to the Michigan Snowmobile Law. We are also working with our legislators on legislation that would see the new Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup (SAW) established into the Snowmobile Law.
Currently, the Governor’s Order that created the Michigan Snowmobile and Trails Advisory Council is due to sunset next year. The Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup (SAW) is a subcommittee of this group and will cease to exist unless it is established into the Snowmobile Law.
Defining a Snowmobile
First, we are asking for an addition to the definitions section of the Snowmobile Law.
The proposed new section would read:
"Snowmobile" means any motor-driven vehicle designed for travel primarily on snow or ice of a type that utilizes sled-type runners or skis, does not exceed 48" width at the ski spindles, an endless belt tread, or any combination of these or other similar means of contact with the surface upon which it is operated, but is not a vehicle that must be registered under the Michigan vehicle code, 1949 PA 300, MCL 257.1 to 257.923.
Our reasoning is simple. Many different types of off road units are now being built that have been outfitted with skis and tracks that exceed 4 feet in width. The snowmobile trails in Michigan are groomed at a minimum of eight feet. We have many private property owners who will not let our clubs groom any more than the 8 feet in width. So a five-foot six-inch wide side-by- side with skis on the front and tracks on the back is hazardous to snowmobiling’s health and well being. Add the bold language!
Keeping Wheeled Vehicles Off Our Trails
MSA would like to see something in the Snowmobile Law to keep unwanted wheeled vehicles off the marked groomed snowmobile trails. The snowmobile program spends millions each year of the snowmobile fees to keep the snowmobile trails smooth and safe for snowmobile use in the winter. Many of these trails are on forest roads, seasonal roads, and private property trails. With the advent of ATVs, UTVs, (side-by-side vehicles) jeeps, mudders, fat tire bicycles, you name it and they are on the trails. Some do extensive damage to the groomed surface endangering snowmobilers with sudden rutted trails. Another surprise to us also endangering our wellbeing is the new fad, fat tire cycling. (The instinctive part of driving will have us avoid the truck, ATV, bicycle, and go off the trail)
The proposed new section would read:
State sponsored groomed snowmobile trails are for snowmobile use only between Dec. 1 and April 1. All other vehicles are banned except emergency vehicles and designated maintenance vehicles. Violators would be subject to yet to be determined fines.
MSA is also seeking some changes to the Snowmobile Law regarding snowmobile rental operations, their duties and required liability insurance.
Finally, within the Snowmobile Law, MSA is proposing that all fines throughout the Snowmobile Law be looked at and increased where needed.
Seeking SAW Established by Law
MSA is also proposing legislation that would see the new Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup (SAW) established into the Snowmobile Law. The old Snowmobile Advisory Committee (SAC) was abolished by Gov. Jennifer Granholm. The new SAW committee was established as a sub group under the Michigan Snowmobile and Trails Advisory Council (MSTAC). Although the SAW has a great relationship now with the DNR, the MSTAC group will sunset and be disbanded in January 2014, thus eliminating all the sub groups.
Proposed legislation would read:
The Michigan Snowmobile Workgroup (SAW) is created in the department. The committee shall consist of seven individuals appointed by the director for two-year terms. The members of the existing SAW serving on June 1, 2013, shall serve on the committee until the expiration of their terms on the SAW. The director shall appoint one member of the committee as chairperson and that member shall serve as chairperson at the pleasure of the director. The membership of the committee shall consist of the following:
(a) Three persons representing the Michigan snowmobile association, one from each of the department's three regions.
(b) Two person representing trail sponsors; one from region 1 and one from region 2.
(c) Two persons representing at-large trail users.
(2) The workgroup shall meet four times each year and at the call of the committee chairperson as needed.
(3) The Michigan Snowmobile Workgroup shall advise the department regarding all of the following:
(a) The development of criteria for safety education and training programs.
(b) The allocation of funds from the recreational snowmobile trail improvement subaccount.
(c) The promulgation of rules affecting snowmobile use in this state.
(d) The development of annual updates to the comprehensive plan for implementing a statewide recreational and snowmobile trails system.
(e) Implementation of the recommendations made by snowmobile users regarding trails that should be designated for snowmobile use.
(f) The development of a comprehensive plan for the use of snowmobiles in this state.
(4) As used in this section, "workgroup" means the Michigan Snowmobile Workgroup.
None of these legislative requests have been introduced in the state House or Senate. MSA is working with the leadership of the legislature and expect them to be introduced sometime during the next month