(ESCANABA, MI.)–Department of Natural Resources officials are asking for help in teaching how to safely operate an ORV. Two locations, one downstate at Roscommon and here in the Upper Peninsula in Escanaba. This volunteer opportunity allows ORV enthusiasts to share their love and knowledge of the sport with new riders, while teaching them safe and responsible ORV operation to provide an enjoyable riding experience. All ORV instructors must attend a three-day academy to learn policy and procedure, classroom management and teaching concepts. Instructors will have the chance to experience various aspects of ORV operation including basic hands-on operational skills on off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, utility-type vehicles and winching recovery equipment. Current instructors also are encouraged to attend to brush up on knowledge and skills, and experience changes in equipment. There are two academies this year and each class is limited to 24 participants. While attendance at an academy is mandatory, there is no charge for instructor candidates. Enrollment is first-come, first-served. Academy dates and locations are:
- April 21-23 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon.
- May 19-21 at the Escanaba State Fairgrounds.
Anyone interested in becoming a certified ORV instructor must:
- Be at least 18 years of age.
- Be a high-school graduate or possess a graduate equivalency diploma.
- Possess a current, valid driver’s license.
- Have no felony convictions.
- Have no misdemeanor convictions within the past three years.
- Have no convictions that resulted in the revocation of ORV privileges within the last five years. (Other convictions of natural resource law violations are subject to review and may result in the rejection of any application.)
- Maintain a high moral, ethical and mental character.
Applications are available at www.michigan.gov/
Contact Cpl. John Morey at 989-619-3784 for more information about the ORV safety education program.
(Aaron Harper,WJNR,WOBE,WHTO)
aaronharper22@gmail.com