DNR Reminds Snowmobilers of Changes to Trail Signage System
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today reminded snowmobilers of changes to the snowmobile trail signage system on state trails, including the addition of five new sign types and the elimination of 10 sign types used in past years.
The changes were implemented based on recommendations submitted by a DNR citizens’ advisory workgroup, comprised of motorized trail users, trail maintenance organizations, members of the DNR’s Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup and the Michigan Snowmobile Association. Technical support for the workgroup was provided by recreation and law enforcement staff from the DNR and the U.S. Forest Service.
“The changes to the motorized trail signage program are the result of a collaborative process with stakeholder groups and should be a real improvement for trail users,” said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division. “The sign reductions will result in less clutter along the trails and provide for more consistency statewide.”
The workgroup’s recommended changes are designed to improve safety on Michigan’s 6,400 miles of designated snowmobile trails and provide consistent guidance to the 68 nonprofit organizations that partner with the DNR to maintain the trail system.
“Several of the other snowmobile states, and Ontario, have reduced their trail signs and have seen a reduction in accidents. Our objective is to provide a safe, family-oriented trail system for snowmobiling in Michigan,” said Bill Manson, executive director of the Michigan Snowmobile Association.
The following signs have been eliminated and will be removed from state snowmobile trails:
Bridge Ahead
Chevron
Deer Crossing
Drift Area
Narrow Bridge
Narrow Trail
Trail Crossing
Truck Traffic
Two Way Trail
Winding Trail
New signs added to state snowmobile trails in 2012 include:
Combination Horizontal Alignment/Intersection (left and right)
- Bright yellow signs with directional arrows give notice of changes in horizontal trail alignment of less than 90 degrees where an intersection occurs within or immediately adjacent to a turn
Private Drives Ahead
- Warn trail users where driveways cross a snowmobile trail
One-Direction Large Arrow (left and right)
- Large yellow, reflective signs (10 x 12 inches) with a black arrow and border give notice of changes in horizontal trail alignment of 90 degrees or more
Next (number of) Miles
- A supplemental sign that may be used below “Private Drives Ahead” sign to indicate how long the stretch of private drives runs
Trail Closed to Wheeled Motor Vehicles Ahead
- Used on state or federal land prior to the point where a designated state snowmobile trail enters private property where the use of wheeled motorized vehicles is prohibited
The DNR will continue to mark 90-degree turns with “sharp turn” warning signs supplemented with a new directional arrow.
For illustrations of the signs that will be used to mark Michigan’s snowmobile trails and more information about snowmobiling in Michigan, including trail maps with downloadable GPS coordinates, visit www.michigan.gov/snowmobiling.
The Mexican Mormon War (Drug Cartels vs. Mormons)
Mitt Romney Family, Drug Cartels, El Paso, Juarez Mexico, Gun Running, Mormons, Polygamy … fun stuff … wonder if it’s accurate?
Niles Man Catches Record Catfish, Breaking 1943 Michigan Record
Record Flathead Catfish Caught May 2012 in MIchigan
The Department of Natural Resources recently confirmed the catch of a new state record flathead catfish.
Caught by Rodney Akey of Niles, Mich., on Tuesday, May 22, on the St. Joseph River in Berrien County at 8 p.m., the fish weighed 49.8 pounds and measured 45.7 inches. Akey was still-fishing from shore with an alewife when he landed the record fish.
The record was verified by Scott Hanshue, a DNR fisheries biologist, at the DNR’s Plainwell office.
The previous state record flathead catfish was caught by Elmer Rayner of Hastings, Mich., on the Maple River in Ionia County on Aug. 6, 1943. That fish weighed in at 47.5 pounds and measured 44 inches.
“I’ve been fishing catfish on the St. Joseph River for the last 20 years, but it never crossed my mind that I would catch a state record,” said Akey. “And beating a nearly 70-year record – that’s a feat in itself!”
State records are recognized by weight only. To qualify for a state record, fish must exceed the current listed state record weight, and identification must be verified by a DNR fisheries biologist.
For more information about record-breaking fish caught in Michigan, visit www.michigan.gov/masterangler.
Top 10 Baby Names for 2011
United States Social Security Office – Top Names for 2011:
| Rank | Male name | Female name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacob | Sophia |
| 2 | Mason | Isabella |
| 3 | William | Emma |
| 4 | Jayden | Olivia |
| 5 | Noah | Ava |
| 6 | Michael | Emily |
| 7 | Ethan | Abigail |
| 8 | Alexander | Madison |
| 9 | Aiden | Mia |
| 10 | Daniel | Chloe |
You can look up…
- Change in popularity of baby names
- Popular names…
by decade
by State
for twins
in U.S. territories - Top 5 names over the last 100 years
- Background Information
Happening in Da U.P.? Great Lakes Radio Pix!
