ATV's on Bill Nichols trail

6

600hoic

Banned
Has anyone seen signs prohibiting ATV's from the bill nichols trail during winter months? My sons friends are planning a trip to the UP and are trying to convince me that ATV's are allow because they are joint use trails and there is no wording prohibiting them during winter months.
 
E

eao

Active member
No signs like that exist. Go over to the ATV forum, this has been discussed recently.
 
Admin

Admin

Administrator
Staff member
Actually, I don't think that is correct. Last time I spoke with the DNR about this, they said that on land owned by the DNR; from December 1 through March 31, only snowmobiles are allowed on the trails. If the trail is on private land, then ATV's can ride it if the owner permits.

-John
 
0

08m8

New member
trail

It say on trail maps. No atv during certain months, don't no what the dates were thought.
just read it 2 day ago. what admin said.
 
6

600hoic

Banned
Thank you. I am trying to persuade them this really isnt a good idea. Both of a safety and courtesy standpoint. The DNR site was no help. I may try calling them. I was looking for any groomers on the trail to comment but I respect the comments so far. Thank you.
 
E

eao

Active member
Here is a link to the official DNR Bills Nichols Trail Map and it makes no mention of any seasonal restrictions on ATV's.

http://www.midnr.com/publications/pdfs/forestslandwater/ORV/Maps-Trail/bill_nicholls_route.pdf

Read the bold type below.

It's the Law—Riding Your ORV
ORV Operation Regulations

If your license to operate an automobile has been suspended (regardless of the state where the suspension originated), you may not operate an off-road vehicle in Michigan until the suspension has been terminated by the court.

An ORV operator must stop upon the signal of a law enforcement officer.

On private property, an ORV operator must stop upon the signal of a landowner.

In addition to restrictions on state-owned lands and other violations previously noted, ORV operation is prohibited:

* In any forest nursery or planting area
* On a DNR-dedicated natural area
* In any area in a manner that would injure, damage, or destroy trees or growing crops
* In any area in a manner that creates an erosive condition
* Within 100 feet of a dwelling at a speed greater than the minimum speed necessary for controlled forward movement except when operating on private property or on designated routes, trails, areas, or access routes
* On lands of another without permission
* Within 100 feet of a slide, ski, or skating area
* On a DNR–designated snowmobile trail located in the Lower Peninsula unless it’s also designated for ORV use
* On any operating or non-abandoned railroad or railroad right-of-way, or public utility right-of-way, (except to cross at a designated railroad crossing)
* In or upon the waters of any stream, river, bog, wetland, marsh, or quagmire

ORV operation is prohibited in public hunting areas during the November firearm deer season, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for these cases:

* Going to or from a residence or hunting camp that is inaccessible by a conventional vehicle (subject to state land regulations)
* On private property, with landowner’s permission
* Passenger vehicles while being operated on roads capable of sustaining automobile traffic
* Persons holding a “Permit to Hunt From a Standing Vehicle” or otherwise meeting disability requirements while engaged in hunting or fishing activity

An ORV may not be operated on any public highway, street, or right-of-way, except:

* To cross at right angles after a complete stop (not on limited access freeways)
* For ORVs also registered as motor vehicles under the Michigan Vehicle Code
* In a special event held under a government permit

ORVs may be operated on a roadway in accordance with a locally enacted ordinance. ORV riders are encouraged to contact the appropriate local political subdivision to obtain ordinance specifics.

An ORV may not be operated:

* At a rate of speed greater than is reasonable and proper based on existing conditions.
* In a careless manner without due regard for existing conditions.
* In a manner that leaves behind litter or debris.
* To hunt, pursue, or worry any animal.
* While transporting a strung, uncased bow or an uncased or loaded firearm unless:
o The firearm is a pistol (concealed or not) and …
o The person transporting the pistol or carrying a loaded pistol has a Concealed Pistol License or is exempt from the license requirement.
* While transporting or possessing an alcoholic beverage that is open or uncapped (seal has been broken).
* While under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
* While visibly impaired due to alcohol or a controlled substance.
* While transporting a passenger unless the vehicle has been designed by the manufacturer to carry passengers.
* While the operator is under a court suspension of ORV or automobile operating rights.
* When the ORV is unlicensed.
Click to expand...
 
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M

miaferominka

New member
There are alot of signs on the trail that say no wheeled vechiles


__________________
Lake Effect Snow, my three favorite words.
 
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Admin

Admin

Administrator
Staff member
I would really call the DNR. Here is the number for the office in Baraga: 906-353-6651. That is who I called a few years back about this question and was told on state owned land it is a no-no during the snowmobile season (Dec 1-March 31).

I would also say that even if it is legal, it is a REALLY STUPID thing to do. They will tear up the trails, present a real hazard with their speed and generally piss off a lot of snowmobilers. Can't see any good reason to do that. Tell them to come up in April if they want to ride in the snow. That's when we break them out.

-John
 
E

edmarino

New member
I don't know if it is legal or not . Just the one time I came across a couple on the trail they were really tearing it up. If they were to run into the wrong bunch of snowmobilers they might fined more trouble then they want . That is not to say snowmobilers are bad people,they just like their trails in as good as shape as can be, with out tire tracks and ruts. So stay home and go when we are finished our season is short enought 2 or 3 months at best , they have the rest of the year, 9 or 10 months to tear things up.
 
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J

jay

New member
I called them today just to find out for myself. They told me you can ride the Bill Nichols trail with an atv year round. You have to have an atv trail sticker. Not a smart move in my book to have an atv out on snowmobile trail. The number I called was 906-228-6561
 
W

wiggsfive

New member
We were up riding Dec. 21 and ran into the double whammy, a full dog team pulling an ATV with three people on the quad (two kids sitting on the back, NO HELMETS). It was dusk and the dogs were in the middle of the trail pulling the quad almost sideways down the trail. My son came up on them first around a corner ( he was going slow enough to have plenty of time to stop, but if he would have been moving it could have been ugly) just North of Calumet. After riding about two miles of rutted quad tracks we saw his truck parked off on the shoulder.
 
S

stealthv

New member
How about giving a good sales pitch on why it is alright to ride an ATV on a snowmobile trail.

My ATV isn't coming out until sleds are done for the year.
 
S

skipschulz

New member
As stated this topic is in the ATV Forum. As I also stated I have had this question asked many times.

I will do my best to keep this short.

It is LEGAL to ride an ATV on the MiDNR Designated ORV Trails. In the Mi-TRALE 5-County Network of trails, this includes the BN (Bill Nichols), the SB (grade from Sidnaw to Bergland), the IRM (Iron River to Marenisco). You can ride an ATV on those trails at ANY time of the year. That's the law.

Now, I agree with many on this site...and as I stated on the ATV Forum, this is ONLY MY OPINION, and not the position of Mi-TRALE. I personnly do not think an ATV should be on any of the snowmobile trails in the Mi-TRALE 5 County Network of trails. I explain it further in the ATV Forum/

However, I think that after all these years, I should bring this up at a Mi-TRALE meeting and see what our Board and members think. Then we would have an official position.

Skip Schulz
Mi-TRALE President
 
C

cdsprague

New member
I was riding down by Black River, WI a quite a few years ago and came around a corner and there was a few quads out tearing up the trails. I was pretty pissed along with the rest of the group! 4 wheelers don't get around very good on the trail. They don't have a lot of control like sleds doo! Needless to say we have never been back to that area or any other area that allows quads on the snowmobile trails. I don't agree with it! Dumb idea!
 
R

ranger_x

New member
cdsprague said:
I was riding down by Black River, WI a quite a few years ago and came around a corner and there was a few quads out tearing up the trails. I was pretty pissed along with the rest of the group! 4 wheelers don't get around very good on the trail. They don't have a lot of control like sleds doo! Needless to say we have never been back to that area or any other area that allows quads on the snowmobile trails. I don't agree with it! Dumb idea!
Click to expand...

Sure some sport quads should not be out there but I own 4x4s and never had an issue riding on the groomed trails.

I sure would not go boone docking with my atv, but staying on the trails does not cause any damage. From what tracks left that I have seen.

I was into snowmobiling but tired for waiting for snow.

Skip,
I am suprised that you are anti atv for winter use? Mi trails are the best areas for atving. I never had an issue with riding on the marked trails with snowmobiles.
Have you read or seen this study done a few years back? Not everyone has the best of both worlds in having a sled and an atv.

The ony problem I would see is someone riding a sled at a very high rate of speed when atvs are running much slower.

http://www.snowmobilers.org/docs/evaluation_of_atv_use_final_report_part-1.pdf
 
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