Ogemaw County ORV Tell~All: May 2009

Sunday, May 31, 2009

St Helen News!!!!

Newsletter

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May 27, 2009

Richfield Township ORV Access Update

The past two weeks have been busy. This past weekend was particularly busy in town with the Memorial Day Holiday. We had a considerable number of ORV's utilizing the new access into town. ORV's were seen in number at our local Gas Stations, Restaurants, Hardwares, and other businesses.

With the increased ORV traffic, our township offices also received complaints of noise, dust, and speed. It is important that they also hear from the people that are pleased to have this access privilege and use it responsibly. Your input is important !!! Under the law, townships have the right to restrict roads approved by the county. Therefore, it is imperative that we police ourselves and follow the regulations for travel on the county roads. Let's not allow a few irresponsible riders to ruin it for the majority !! If we want to keep this access privilege, to ride our ORVs to the trail system rather than trailering them to a staging area, and access food & fuel in the St. Helen area, it is critical that we abide by the rules and control those that abuse it.

Please take a little time to email our County Commissioner and our Township officials letting them know providing ORV access was the right thing to do.

Bob Schneider – Vice-Chairman, Roscommon County Commissioners

bobschneider@roscommoncounty.net

Supervisor Jerry Campbell

supervisor.richfield@charterinternet.com

Clerk Pamela Scott

clerk.richfield@charterinternet.com

Treasurer Judy Scroggin

treasurer.richfield@charterinternet.com

Trustee Tula Alexander

tpa48656@lycos.com

Trustee Pete Rieli

pjrl_54@charter.net

Friday, May 22, 2009

Memorial Weekend

Well the holiday weekend is upon us. We have had a busy two weeks. Last weekend our Search & Rescue team was called into action when a 15 year old boy was lost. He was found in Rose City at the Shell Gas Station, all ended happily.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday Weekend. Stay safe on the trails. Remember to have a buddy system and always look for the back guy when making turns or switching roads. The bugs are heavy in the woods up here so bring your bug spray.
All we are asking is that you remember the reason the this long weekend holiday. Keep them in your hearts always!
Tread Lightly!!!

Friday, May 8, 2009

ATV Off Road Club of Michigan

We have riders from the ATV Off Road Club of Michigan staying in Lupton this weekend. What an exciting time for all. It looks like a good weekend on tap, might even have a little mud if we get the showers forcasted for Saturday. Only time will tell. I know a little mud will not stop the loyal at heart! I know Ron Sapes from Rose City has been out trying to clear the trails for you. If you come across a downed tree, please let us know so that we can get ahold of someone to clear the trail for you!
Have loads of fun on the trails!
Remember to tread lightly!!

taking MICHIGAN ORV LAWS

An ordinance for the regulation of operation of ORV's on streets and highways located with in Ogemaw County except as herein noted.
Sec.1*As used in this ordinance, the following definitions shall apply:*a). "ORV" means a motor driven off-road vehicle with forward movement made possible by the use of two, three, four or six wheels* with surface contact made by rubber tires.*b). Operation must be to the far right of the maintained portion of the road or street. An ORV may not be operated against the flow* of traffic. The maximum speed of operation is 20mph unless a lower speed limit has been posted.*c) . An ORV may not interfere with other traffic on the road or street. ORV's must travel single file except when passing.*d). An ORV may not be operated on the road surface, roadway, shoulder or right-of-way of any State Highway including but not * limited to M-55, M-30, M-33 or other State Highways in Ogemaw County. An ORV may not be operated within the city limits of * the City of West Branch unless the governing bodies of those municipalities specifically permits such use.*e). Sec. 8113: A person shall not operate an ORV:****a). unless wearing a crash helmet and protective eyewear. This does not apply if the vehicle is equipped with a**** roof that meets or exceeds standards and is wearing appropriate adjusted and fastened safety belt.*f). You CAN NOT transport any passenger in or upon an ORV unless the manufacturing standards for the vehicle make provisions for* transporting passengers. IE: Two-Up ORV or Utility Vehicle.*g). Prior to January 1, 2010 a person must display a lighted headlight and taillight when visibility is reduced. Beginning January 1, 2010, * any ORV operating on the road at any time must display a lighted headlight and taillight. A brake light must be brighter than the taillight,* visible when the brake is activated to the rear of the vehicle. Operation is permitted at all hours.*h). A person under age 12 may not operate an ORV on a street or road. A child age 12,13,14 and 15 may operate an ORV on* a road under the direct visual supervision of an adult and has in their immediate possession an ORV safety certificate.* Children younger than 16 may not operate a 3-wheeled ORV on a road. A child age 16 or 17 may operate without direct* visual supervision provided they have a valid drivers license or an ORV safety certificate in their possession. Michigan* will recognize an ORV safety certificate issued by states or a province of Canada.Sec.2*In the event an ORV is in an accident with another vehicle legally permitted to operate on the road or street, the owner of the ORV *shall be considered prima fascia negligent. The owner of an ORV does not qualify for no-fault/PIP benefits in the event of a single*vehicle accident or an accident with another ORV.Sec.3*Sec. 81147: Except as otherwise provided in this part, a person who violates this part is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by*imprisonment. the penalty for violating an ORV ordinance is a municipal civil infraction with a fine of not more than $500 and/or *damages to repair any damage to the environment, street, road or other public property. The fine and damages shall be deposited*into a local ORV fund. The penalty for creating an erosive condition or violating state environmental law is a misdemeanor punishable*by imprisonment for not more than 90 days and/or a fine of not less than $250 or more than $1000 for each violation. The penalty of*exceeding the 20 MPH limit can range from $50 to $150 or more if applicable.
ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.THE ABOVE SUMMARY IS BASED ON MCL PA451324.81101-50. PLEASE REFER TO SAID SECTION FOR THE COMPLETE ORVORDINANCE.

Get To Know Us!

Ogemaw County was the first county to allow ORV (Off Road Vehicle) riding on the shoulder of most county roads. Rose City is the host city that became the first city to allow the riding of ORV's within its city limits. Ogemaw County has all county and seasonal roads open to ORV's. The only roads not accessable to ORV's are State Roads, Ex: M-33, M-55 and I-75. Also two tracks and power lines are OFF LIMITS. Two tracks are also known as "logging trails". Snowmobile trails are off limits unless posted as a mixed traffic trail. Remember that the law states you must always wear a helmet. Only one (1) rider is allowed on a ORV unless the ORV is a legal two-up. All motorcycle and ORV's must have a current ORV sticker. Our posted speed limit is 20mph. Michigan has just adopted into law that grants access to ORV's to ride on allowable county roads. Please always check with the township that you are traveling in before riding and make sure you understand all the rules and regulations so that you will have an ENJOYABLE vacation.

Ogemaw County ORV Tell~All