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In their continuing effort to promote safety and enforce sound and alcohol laws, Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers conducted group snowmobile patrols recently in Houghton and Ontonagon counties.
Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers team up with local police for a snowmobile sound patrol in Houghton in February 2017. Safety and enforcement patrols are conducted each winter.
“We conduct several of these patrols each winter, which allow us opportunities to remind snowmobilers about important safety messages, enforce violations and pull riders who are drinking and driving off the trail,” said Sgt. Marc Pomroy. “These combined efforts help make the trails safer for everyone.”
On Jan. 11, conservation officers began their weekend group patrols along the state-managed trail system in Houghton.
“Over the course of the patrol, over 200 snowmobile operators were contacted,” Pomroy said. “Officers tested sleds and ticketed five snowmobilers for having an exhaust system that exceeded the 88-decibel sound limit. Officers also addressed registration and trail permit violations.”
The DNR and several partners have mounted a “Ride Right” snowmobile safety campaign this winter. Riders are being reminded to ride on the right side of the trail, at a safe speed and sober. Snowmobilers are also being asked to anticipate and yield to trail groomers.
“We want everyone to ride safely so they can make it home to their families and friends,” said Ron Yesney, DNR U.P. trails coordinator.
On Jan. 12, conservation officers continued their group snowmobile patrol in Bergland, addressing sound violations and riders operating while intoxicated. Again, more than 200 snowmobilers were contacted by conservation officers.
“Three snowmobilers were arrested for operating a snowmobile while under the influence and lodged in the Ontonagon County Jail,” Pomroy said. “Ten tickets were written, including one to a snowmobiler whose sled exceeded the sound limit, three tickets were also issued for registration and trail permit violations.”
DNR safety and enforcement patrols will continue throughout the winter.
To find out more about snowmobiling in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling.
Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned state peace officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect citizens by providing general law enforcement duties and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve.
Learn more about Michigan conservation officers at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.
