By Karen Middendorp | Executive Director, MISORVA
While our budgets are being discussed and reviewed, and remain a bit behind, we need to understand how they work.
Our ORV and snowmobile budgets do more than fund trails. Each program covers a portion of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) expenses, including operations, salaries, wages, travel, and other costs. In addition, every program in Michigan contributes a percentage of its budget to help fund core government services—executive, legal, information and technology, finance, marketing, and operations.
How the Snowmobile Process Works
At the start of each fiscal year, the DNR sets aside (“encumbers”) a dollar amount for grooming grants. Each grant sponsor receives a contract based on three key factors: historical snowfall, length of season, and the number of estimated grooms.
The grooming season allows for a maximum of 16 weeks. Grant sponsors are paid per mile, assuming the full system is groomed six days a week.
Region 1 (Upper Peninsula): Typically 14 weeks of grooming.
Region 2 (Northern Lower Peninsula): Typically 11 weeks.
Region 3 (Southern Lower Peninsula): Typically 6 weeks.
Contracts reflect these averages. If conditions allow for more grooming, contracts can be amended with additional funding. If snowfall falls short, unused dollars roll back into the fund.
At season’s end, sponsors submit paperwork and are reimbursed for actual costs. Once all grooming contracts are closed, any remaining money encumbered for grooming shifts to equipment replacement.
Equipment Replacement
After grooming is paid, the SAW Equipment Subcommittee reviews all replacement requests and ranks them worst-case first. The DNR budget office then tells the program manager how much funding is available. Historically, this has averaged around $2 million—enough to replace a few groomers and drags.
Transparency Matters
While this system keeps Michigan’s snowmobile program operating, riders deserve a clearer picture of how dollars are spent. MISORVA continues to press the DNR for greater transparency in the Snowmobile Trail Improvement Fund.
Similarly, the Off-Road Vehicle Advisory Workgroup (ORVAW) is working on a formula to guide ORV equipment purchases and more consistent trail maintenance. Encouragingly, questions about clearer line-item reporting were raised at the most recent ORVAW meeting.
It’s important to note: each fund—snowmobile and ORV—remains separate. Both pay the DNR for administration, with each contributing around one million dollars annually.
The Value of Volunteers
At the end of the day, none of this works without our volunteers. Snow or dirt, they are the backbone of Michigan’s trail system. Imagine if riders had to pay the full wages of state employees to groom every mile. What would permits cost then? Would those employees have the same passion and dedication our volunteers bring every season?
I think we all know the answer. Our trails run on volunteer passion—something that money simply can’t buy.
Until November •
Mission Statement of the Michigan Snowmobile and ORV Association uniting Snowmobilers & ORVers of all ages and styles to responsibly protect and preserve our privilege to ride.
Our Pledge to Our Members:
To develop a common appreciation, understanding, and knowledge of the sport of snowmobiling and ORV’s in the State of Michigan. To facilitate the distribution and exchange of information regarding the sport of snowmobiling, and ORV’s including without imitation, matters pertaining to snowmobiling and ORV safety and general education and knowledge about the sport. To act as a resource and distribution point for information and knowledge which furthers the safety of snowmobiling and ORVing and for the safety of the public in general.
Our Pledge to Our Sport:
To lend support to any and all non-profit snowmobile and ORV organizations within the State of Michigan when it is requested as long as it is in the best interest of the Association to do and as long as this support does not violate any of the restrictions of the Articles of Incorporation or the Bylaws of the Association. To serve the interests of all snowmobile and ORV owners within the purview of the purposes of the incorporation as stated in the Articles of Incorporation.
Our Pledge to the Citizens
Of Michigan:
The Michigan Snowmobile and ORV Association has adopted a zero tolerance policy with regard to the co sumption of any alcohol by individuals while operating a snowmobile or ORV. Our Association is proud to represent those responsible riders who respect Michigan’s environment, appreciate the rights of other riders, and interact courteously with motorists and private citizens.