Spring breakers get a reminder; snow trail season is mostly over
Outdoors report
IRON MOUNTAIN — In Michigan, anyone born on or after Dec. 31, 1978, must have a boater safety certificate to legally operate a personal watercraft, such as a Jet Ski.
If you need a safety certificate, you can take recreational safety education courses online at your own pace. Find out more at https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/education/hunter-rec-edu-safety.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources notes that some people might be planning a trip to a warmer destination where they’ll want to rent a personal watercraft. Many states require safety certificates before allowing you to rent and/or operate a boat or personal watercraft. So don’t forget to have one with you.
People in Michigan born before July 1, 1996, may legally operate a boat without restrictions. Those born on or after that date may legally operate a motorized boat over 6 horsepower only if they have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it in their possession.
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Tri-County Snowmobile Club issued a notice Thursday that despite this week’s snowfall its trails are closed, due to the lack of a base and rising temperatures.
“We have to take into consideration our landowners, the club’s equipment and the safety of all snowmobilers,” the club said.
Some trails in Iron County were groomed at mid-week. In Wisconsin, trails in Vilas County remain open but trails in Florence and Marinette counties are closed for the season.
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The Michigan DNR has four new openings on its Off-Road Vehicle Advisory Workgroup after the expansion of the committee from seven to 11 members. The four-year terms include one ORV safety instructor representative, one full-size vehicle user representative and two at-large members.
ORVAW meets on a quarterly basis as a subcommittee of the Michigan Trails Advisory Council, which provides advice on the creation, development, operation and maintenance of the state’s designated trails system.
Another subcommittee, the Nonmotorized Advisory Workgroup, is seeking to fill a pair of two-year positions with a focus on water trails. Candidates should have an interest in paddling sports.
The application deadline for the trails positions is Saturday, March 15.
More information is available at https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDNR/bulletins/3d483c4 or contact Tim Novak at 517-388-8347.