Navigating Forest Road Closures

Policy Intern • February 7, 2024

Without a place to start, navigating forest road closures can be a difficult process. 

Public Act 288 directs the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to inventory, provide maps and provide the criteria for closure of any of Michigan’s state forest roads and trails. 

The act states that in developing the system, the department will consider the needs of hunters, senior citizens and individuals with disabilities.

According to section 81101 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA): A “forest road” is any “hard surfaced road, gravel or dirt road, or other route capable of travel by a 2-wheel drive, 4-wheel conventional vehicle designed for road use.” This definition excludes streets, county roads, or highways. 

Section 72118 of the Public Act covers the DNR road inventory process.

The actual inventory consists of land identification, an assessment of the condition and development level of the forest road, the types of vehicles that are currently restricted, and the seasons of those restrictions.

The DNR Forest Road Inventory page is linked here for specific information regarding the DNR’s process and timeline for road reviews.

Within each region, forest roads are open to motorized use by the public unless otherwise stated or designated by the DNR. Except in emergency situations, the DNR cannot restrict a new road without a written notice to respective units of local government that includes a reason for restriction.

ORV (off-road recreational vehicle) use on forest roads follows the same guidelines stated in section 72118 . Any inventory or road closure process revisions must be submitted to the Natural Resources Commission (NRC), the DNR, and the appropriate legislative staff.

Other specifics relating to the conditions of ORV usage on forest roads can be found in the remainder of section 72118 . This includes information on speed regulations, vehicle types, and vehicle equipment.

According to the DNR’s website, “the implementation of the law has resulted in 89% of state forest roads being opened to ORV use.” 

The DNR has a State forest roads page that outlines which forest roads are open to ORVs, defines the current road inventory, and explains the annual review process and different types of road proposals. 

The Forest Roads Web Map consists of an interactive map and printable maps to make finding specific roads easier for users. 

The web page also has a comment section where concerned individuals can provide a snapshot of the road area in question and details regarding their concerns. Public comments must be submitted by August 31 of each year in order to be considered for potential reviews or updates that will occur by April 1 of the following year.

MUCC was instrumental in passing section 72118 within Public Act 288, per our grassroots policies related to ORV usage. 

Our policy supported the DNR ORV draft with suggested changes: the inclusion of a clear definition of “Forest Road,” the assurance that all roads be inventoried prior to implementing the plan, and that the DNR Trails Advisory Council review inventories.

The NRC holds discussions of land use order information at select meetings. The schedule and locations of these meetings can be found here.

To ensure our natural resources remain protected and managed thoughtfully and our outdoor heritage defended, join Michigan United Conservation Clubs today: http://bit.ly/JoinMUCC . 

Recent Posts

MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project

By Justin Tomei • June 30, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MUCC Submits Public Comment in Support of Line 5 Tunnel Project Lansing, MI — Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), the nation’s largest statewide conservation organization, has submitted formal public comments urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to approve the Enbridge Line 5 Tunnel Project. In a letter submitted today, MUCC emphasized the need to move this critical infrastructure forward to protect the Great Lakes while maintaining safe, reliable energy transportation. “MUCC supports the tunnel project as the best available alternative to reduce the risk of an environmental disaster in the Straits of Mackinac while continuing to deliver essential energy products to Michigan families and industries,” said Amy Trotter, CEO of MUCC. “We believe the tunnel project strikes a balance between protecting the environment and maintaining energy security.” MUCC’s position is backed by a formal resolution passed by its membership, which includes thousands of hunters, anglers, trappers, and outdoor enthusiasts across Michigan. The resolution supports the tunnel as a long-term solution that replaces the aging and exposed pipeline segment currently crossing the Straits, offering greater environmental safeguards through secondary containment. The organization cited the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which acknowledges the tunnel’s benefits, including reduced spill risk and a controlled, buried environment for transporting light crude oil and natural gas liquids. MUCC also rejected the "no action alternative," which would allow the existing line to remain in operation without any new protective infrastructure. “Other alternatives, like transporting fuel by truck or rail, are inefficient and carry greater environmental and safety risks,” Trotter added. “Allowing the current line to operate exposed on the lakebed indefinitely is simply not acceptable.” MUCC’s comment stresses that the organization is not weighing in on the type of energy transported, but rather on the environmental risks and safety benefits of the tunnel itself. Originally approved by the Michigan legislature and governor in 2018, the Great Lakes Tunnel Project represents a once-in-a-generation investment in infrastructure and environmental protection. MUCC urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to issue the necessary permits and move forward with construction without further delay. For Media Contact: Justin Tomei jtomei@mucc.org 517-346-6488 #####

Michigan Wildlife Conservation Month: MUCC's Impact

By Olivia Triltsch • June 26, 2025
Since its inception, MUCC has made great strides in the conservation of natural resources through advocacy, habitat, youth education, and communications.

On the Ground: Native Plug Planting at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

By Katelyn Helsel • June 25, 2025
On Saturday, June 21, 2025, MUCC’s On the Ground program partnered with the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute (PCCI) for a native plug planting day in Barry County. Located on 850 acres, the institute offers both environmental education opportunities and serves as a biological field station for conducting research. Many diverse native communities from wetlands to prairies are present at PCCI, and many rare or threatened species in Michigan like the eastern box turtle call the institute home. 
More Posts