POWERSPORTS

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officers patrolled over 425 miles of snowmobile trails during the 57th annual International-500 snowmobile race on February 7 in Sault Ste. Marie. Officers contacted over 750 snowmobilers, issuing 44 citations and 97 verbal warnings while promoting the DNR's Ride Right safety campaign. No major incidents were reported during the enhanced patrols.

Michigan's Department of Natural Resources urges riders to prioritize safety during the Presidents Day weekend, promoting its Ride Right campaign. With nine snowmobile fatalities reported as of February 9, the DNR emphasizes operating at safe speeds, wearing helmets, and checking ice conditions before riding.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division is warning snowmobilers about a water hazard on Trail No. UP8 in Baraga County, where a stream overflowed overnight near Michigamme. Hazard cones mark the affected area, and officials advise proceeding with caution and staying to the high side of the trail.

Michigan DNR encourages safe group riding practices for the Presidents Day weekend, emphasizing maintaining safe distances, accommodating inexperienced riders, and yielding to nonmotorized trail users on state-designated snowmobile and off-road vehicle trails.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds snowmobilers and ORV riders to prioritize safety during optimal snow conditions and the Presidents Day weekend. Key safety tips include riding at safe speeds, staying sober, and making complete stops at intersections.

The Michigan DNR has closed a section of Snowmobile Trail UP16 in Iron and Dickinson counties, due to a change in private land access. The closure prevents a community trail connection between Crystal Falls and Sagola.

Winter has returned. And for Iowa’s snowmobilers, that’s music to their ears. In Iowa, most snowmobiling is done on trails maintained by clubs affiliated with the Iowa State Snowmobile Association. The snowmobile program purchases small directional and hazard signs marking the trails and association volunteers install and maintain them.

Michigan’s 6,000-plus miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (only where riding is authorized) are open Dec. 1-March 31, and trail grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground.

Storms that hit the region over the past week have left snowmobile trails impassable across portions of six Upper Peninsula counties. The impassable trails are in Ontonagon, Iron, Gogebic, Baraga, Houghton and Keweenaw counties.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an off-road vehicle (ORV) accident that occurred Sunday evening near the Clay-Putnam county line. On scene, initial investigation determined that the teen was operating the ORV when it left the roadway and struck a tree.

Iowa snowmobilers are no longer required to purchase and display an annual trail user permit, according to a new law that went into effect July 1, 2024. The law folded the trail user permit into the annual snowmobile registration fee, which will now be $30 plus administration fees.

With state-designated snowmobile trails set to open Dec. 1 – trail grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground – now is a good time to prep for the season, starting with purchasing your snowmobile trail permit.

A series of proposed updates to Michigan’s state forest roads is now open for public review and comment. These map changes are aimed at ensuring responsible, sustainable management of the state’s extensive forest road network.

A Rumford man passed away Friday afternoon after his ATV rolled over on him. Jeffrey Lang, age 78 of Rumford, was operating an ATV in the woods near Wyman Hill Road in Rumford while scouting for deer hunting season. Lang was driving the 2011 Yamaha 450 Grizzly up a steep hill on an old woods road when the ATV rolled over.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a fatal off-road vehicle (ORV) accident that occurred Sunday evening in Winslow. At 7:43 p.m., conservation officers responded to private property near Old State Road 64 and State Road 257 for a report of an ORV accident with entrapment.

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, continues its Proven Off-Road legacy with the launch of its 2026 Side-by-Side (SxS) lineup, spotlighting the adventure-ready Wolverine RMAX4 1000. Proudly crafted at Yamaha’s manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia, every Yamaha SxS is Assembled in the USA for global distribution.

Yamaha Motor Corp., USA, announces its 2026 ATV lineup, highlighted by Special Edition Sport ATVs honoring Yamaha Motor’s 70th anniversary. Yamaha’s ATV lineup offers Proven Off-Road capability, comfort, and confidence for off-road enthusiasts seeking dependable performance for every adventure.

A Berwick, Maine, man died and his passenger was injured Thursday evening when he rolled his ATV earlier this evening. An initial investigation indicates that the ATV veered off the trail, hit an embankment, and rolled.

If operating an off-highway vehicle (OHV) is going to be part of your Labor Day weekend plans, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) urges enthusiasts to put safety first and avoid unnecessary risks.

Off-road vehicles are fun year-round, but activity in Michigan tends to increase around Labor Day weekend as people head to trails and ORV scramble areas to enjoy world-class riding experiences.