The State of Michigan is considering allowing off-roading in a state forest that’s been off limits. That’s because the military uses it as a training area.
Camp Grayling is a huge complex where National Guard units from Michigan and surrounding states train. The exercises also extend into nearby state forest land. Training can include heavy armor and artillery.
“The military, Camp Grayling, they lease the land. It's actually state owned land, but they lease it for training purposes,” said Matt Foster, assistant project manager for the Department of Natural Resources’ road inventory team.
There are nearly 100 miles of trails and roads in the forest. Off-road vehicle riders want to use them.
Camp Grayling and the state are proposing opening up the state forest to off-roaders when National Guard training is not taking place there. If the proposal is approved, there will be limits.
“Camp Grayling, when they're doing training in a certain area, they are going to close gates for people to know that they're not allowed past that point,” Foster said.
Signs will be posted and notices issued on Facebook and local radio stations when the forest roads are closed to recreational use.
The area could be open to four-wheelers next April.
