Photo Courtesy of the Keweenaw ATV Club

KEWEENAW COUNTY – At a recent public update meeting of the The Nature Conservancy’s Keweenaw Heartlands, some questions were raised regarding the banning of small fires, structures such as hunting blinds and access to Heartlands property and ORV trails. Keweenaw Heartlands published a release on Thursday welcoming visitors and clarifying some policies.

“With the return of sunshine and warmer temperatures, we are preparing for the annual increase in visitors to the Heartlands,” the release states. “Please read below for notes on responsible and respectful recreation while enjoying the Keweenaw Heartlands.”

The policies of the Keweenaw Heartlands are, in fact, adhering to requirements and policies of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’, Commercial Forest Program.

The DNR’s commercial Forest Program Summary states the Commercial Forest (CF) program provides a property tax incentive to private landowners to retain and manage their forestland for long-term timber production and to provide foot access to the public for hunting and fishing. It is a voluntary program, which is administered by the Michigan DNR.

Among the items in the release was the topic of campfires.

“Campfires are not permitted in the Heartlands,” the release states. “Do not build them: protect our forests and wildlife.”

In addition to not permitting campfires, camping is also forbidden on TNC lands, including the Heartlands, stating: “Camp at designated local campgrounds or on Michigan Department of Natural Resources owned land with a dispersed camping permit.”

Although the release did not mention building structures on Heartlands property, the Michigan DNR Forest Resources Division states in its Commercial Forest Program Summary:

“No buildings or improvements are allowed, including but not limited to trailers, motor homes, permanent hunting blinds, and utilities.”

The Heartlands release also states to access the 29 miles of designated trails on the Heartlands, as well as the broader trail system, an ORV license and a trail permit are required.

According to Visit Keweenaw, the Keweenaw’s ATV trail system is built on state, as well as, privately owned land. It is through the trust and generosity of private landowners that the public has the permission of crossing their property. It can be revoked at any time.

The DNR Permit Requirements state an ORV license is required to ride eligible county roads, frozen surface of public waters, state forest roads (open to ORV use) and eligible national forest roads. An ORV trail permit is required in addition to the ORV license when operating on state-designated ORV trails and scramble areas.

The release goes on to say while there are not many gates on the Heartlands, “the ones that are there are protecting something important, keeping trail users safe, and preventing trespass onto the private property of others. Please respect gates, signs, and private property that neighbors the Heartlands.”

This is also in accordance with Commercial Forest Program policies.

CF land must be open to foot access for the acts of hunting and fishing. It is up to the private landowner to decide whether to offer visitors on CF land such things as:

• Motorized access;

• The right to leave anything unattended; and

• The right to pursue any activity other than the acts of hunting and fishing (even if those activities might aid visitors in hunting or fishing).

As for motorized access, although many CF lands have logging roads that have traditionally been used by the public to access the property, the use of such roads by the public is entirely up to the individual landowners.

The Heartlands release also cautions visitors that cell phone service is spotty throughout the area, with no service in many places, and because many areas are remote, emergency services can take time.

“Bring plenty of water, food, and sunscreen. If you’re accessing designated bike trails, be sure to wear a helmet. Pack out whatever you pack in and leave no trace.”