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DNR seeks ORV safety instructors

In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, off-road vehicles aren’t just for recreation but in many areas almost required equipment.

Yet as with any motorized piece of machinery, learning proper and safe operation is essential. Even more so with ORVs, which because of size and speed can prove more powerful than the driver might expect if not trained on their use, especially when a younger person is involved.

To make sure ORV users know what they’re doing, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources needs instructors for its safety education program — ORV enthusiasts willing to share their love and knowledge of the sport with new riders while teaching safe and responsible operation.

All prospective ORV instructors must attend a three-day academy to learn policy and procedure, classroom management and teaching concepts. Instructors will have the chance to experience various aspects of ORV operation, including basic hands-on operational skills on off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, utility-type vehicles and winching recovery equipment.

Current instructors also are encouraged to participate to brush up on training and any changes in equipment.

The DNR will offer two academies this spring. The good news: The sessions are free for instructor candidates and one will be as close as the Escanaba State Fairgrounds on May 19-21.

The not-so-good news if interested: Enrollment in each is limited to only 24 and it’s first-come, first-served. So if you want to be an instructor, better sign up soon.

Anyone interested in becoming a certified ORV instructor must:

— Be at least 18 years old;

— Be a high-school graduate or possess a graduate equivalency diploma;

— Possess a valid driver’s license;

— Have no felony convictions;

— Have no misdemeanor convictions within the past three years;

— Have no convictions that resulted in the revocation of ORV privileges within the past five years. Any other convictions of natural resource law violations also are subject to review and can mean rejection from the program.

Applications are available at www.michigan.gov/recreationalsafety or by calling the DNR at 517-284-6055. After a completed application is submitted, a background check will be done.

Successful applicants then will be contacted to schedule their attendance at an academy. The other planned academy will be April 21-23 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon.

Contact Cpl. John Morey at 989-619-3784 for more information about the ORV safety education program.

A new generation of trail riders are waiting for your guidance.

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