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Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment (MI-TRALE) was selected by the Polaris T.R.A.I.L.S. program to receive a $10,000 grant for 2017. The grant was requested by MI-TRALE to improve our youth safety training program in the western UP.
MI-TRALE has been limited in our ability to provide “hands on” training in addition to the 1 day of class room study.
With this grant MI-TRALE has been able to purchase two additional youth ATVs, safety cones, flags, helmets, and send an additional MI-TRALE member to the intensive 3 day Michigan ORV Safety Trainer certification training class.
Don Helsel, president of MI-TRALE stated “We are able to provide the safety training for our young riders to ensure that they have the opportunity to earn the legally required ORV Safety Certificate, and they are exposed to the rules and responsibilities of riding an ORV in Michigan”
In the past 2 years MI-TRALE has sponsored the training of about 200 youths in the Ontonagon, Baraga, Watersmeet and Ewen Trout Creek schools though a partnership with the Camp Nesbit Education Program.
Helsel stated “This safety and resource awareness is critical for the safety of our young riders and the continuation of our recreational sport”. Without the support of the schools and Camp Nesbit this program would not be possible.
MI-TRALE would like to thank Polaris Industries, Headwaters Polaris and Pat’s Motorsports in working with us to acquire the two new youth machines.
