T.E.A.M proposal for an east/west Chocolay Township ORV connector route utilizing County roads Tony Harry, 6369 US-41S, is President of Trail Riders Enthusiasts of Marquette County ATV club (T.E.A.M.), member of SORBA ATV club in Munising, on the Board of Directors of the U.P. ORV Trail Development Association, member of MI Trails ATV Club in Ontonagon, and member of the Hiawatha Snowmobile Club in Marquette. Harry is trying to get a connector route for ATVs through Chocolay Township to create a U.P. wide trail from Ontonagon to the Mackinac Bridge. The trails would be marked and would have organized law enforcement. Harry started the club because people don’t know where they can ride and are getting lost. The mission of the club is to play an active role in improving ORV conditions through legislation, publicity, and responsible members. Harry introduced Rob Katona who is a trails analyst for the Upper Peninsula District of the Michigan DNR. Katona clarified there are State designated routes that are maintained by grant sponsors, such as ORV clubs that apply for grants through the ORV trail Page 3 of 13 improvement fund. These trails are typically off road and have true trail characteristics. They are not on roads. They are through the woods or on railroad grades, and are eligible for grants to fund maintenance and law enforcement. They are approved through the internal DNR approval process. Non-state designated routes are corridors that are open to ATVs, and could be a forest service road, state forest road, county road, or even a trail that is not managed by the State. They are primarily located on County roads and serve as connector routes. In this case, this is an example of a club seeking to open a connector route. These are approved through a local ordinance. The process to open a non-designated route begins with citizens or a club approaching the DNR with a plan. The DNR provides guidance, and the initiators seek permission from landowners or the appropriate public authority. With support and approval from all parties, the corridor can be opened and enforced through a local ordinance. The U.P. Trail Development Association is working with clubs to develop a U.P. wide connector route. These can be combinations of designated and non-designated approved routes. Our area provides a large gap through which T.E.A.M. is trying to provide a connection. This proposal is to open Mangum Road, Basal Road, County Road 480, a portion of Kawbawgam Road, and Cherry Creek Road between 480 and Carmen Road for ORV travel (on the paved portion of the road). There are some portions of the proposed connector route that involve other landowners and managers and require separate review and approval. Katona said the benefits of opening select roads and enacting an ordinance is increased recreation for local residents, access to businesses, increased tourism opportunity, connectivity to other routes, and additional monitoring from responsible ORV users and club members along the routes. This could lead to decreases in trespassing, unauthorized youth operation, and property destruction. It creates the opportunity for enforceable regulations such as speed limits and hours of operation. Signage and information stations help educate users. Katona addressed some concerns, saying there would be an increase in ORV traffic if Chocolay opens up some roads, but the use would be concentrated and better managed. Enabling of enforcement would help address noise and speed concerns (there are State regulations regarding sound emission and the local government could enact speed limits and put up signs). When limiting operation to the far right of the maintained portion of a road, there would be less damage to road shoulders, steep wet areas and driveways. Some funding from fines would be available to assist in restoration and maintenance. He said that ORV and vehicular accidents have been very minimal. Ron Yesney of the DNR then explained their role. The DNR used to develop and maintain trails on their own. With staff decreases, the DNR now partners with others to develop and maintain trails, both motorized and non-motorized. The designated ORV route ends at the casino in Chocolay Township, and there is another trail that ends at the crossroads. A connection is needed between them through Chocolay Township. The governor supports interconnected trails between communities (Trail State) as good for the economy. A managed system is better Page 4 of 13 than a free-for-all where people don’t know where they can ride. ORV clubs are good partners. The DNR representatives are present to hear what people have to say and to support T.E.A.M. Mahaney asked if there any paved designated trails? Yes, there are, short segments to get around wetlands or accommodate road crossings. Sikkema asked if this would be considered a long or short paved segment? Katona said this would be considered a long segment. State designation would require moving the trail off the pavement (off-road), even in the unpaved portion of the right-of-way. Mahaney asked for clarification on funding for repairing road, shoulder, and driveway damage. An ordinance would allow civil infraction fines to be put into an ORV fund with a portion used for restoration. Milton asked if the ORV definition includes jeeps and pickups. Yes, it does. Everything from full size vehicles down to motorcycles, including side-by-sides, quads, four wheelers, but not snow machines. Sikkema asked about classifications of trails. There are several. An ORV route includes all vehicles; an ATV trail includes vehicles less than 50 inches in width; and a motorcycle trail is 24 inches in width and for motorcycles only. There are also ORV routes with specific restrictions. Meister asked if the DNR has looked at alternate routes. Katona said they have, as far south as Trenary, working with the forest service. The watersheds south of Chocolay Township provide a barrier. This is really the only viable route at this time. The other considered routes were mostly roadways except for off-road trails through the Chatham area. There were problems with landowner permissions. VI. OLD BUSINESS None VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Consideration – Trail Riders Enthusiast Alliance of Marquette County (T.E.A.M) proposed plan for east/west Chocolay Township ORV connector route Planning Director comments Woodward pointed out that the 2012 Annual Report for the Township includes descriptions of roles and responsibilities for Township Planning and Zoning staff and decision making bodies. She said her job as Planning Director is to bring items to the appropriate decision making body. This decision is being heard first by the Planning Commission who will hold the public hearing, and then may or may not make a decision this evening. Depending on the time, they may postpone a decision until the next meeting. But what they will work toward is making a recommendation to the Township Board on this proposal. Woodward said she appreciates that T.E.A.M. is working through the appropriate public process with the Township and the DNR to promote responsible ORV
Posted on: Fri, 05 Jul 2013 04:54:33 +0000
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