If you love to ride the trails and you know how to do it safely, you could be the right fit for the DNR’s ORV safety education program. The DNR is recruiting instructors for this volunteer opportunity that lets ORV enthusiasts share their love and knowledge of the sport with new riders, while emphasizing safe, responsible ORV operation for a great experience.

All volunteer ORV instructors must attend a three-day academy – all expenses paid – to learn policy and procedure, classroom management and teaching concepts. Attendees will explore many aspects of ORV operation, including basic hands-on skills on off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, utility-type vehicles and winching recovery equipment. Active instructors also are invited to brush up on knowledge and skills and experience changes in equipment.

Each academy is limited to 24 students; enrollment is first come, first served. Academy, lodging and meals will be provided if the candidates use the DNR-provided accommodations. Two ORV instructor academies are offered:

• Friday-Sunday, May 3-5, Roscommon, at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center.
• Friday-Sunday, June 7-9, Escanaba, at the state fairgrounds.

Those interested in becoming certified ORV instructors must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be a high school graduate or have a GED.
• Have no felony convictions.
• Have no misdemeanor convictions within the past three years.
• Have no convictions that resulted in the revocation of ORV-operation privileges within the last five years. (Other convictions of natural resource law violations are subject to review and may result in the rejection of an application.)
• Maintain a high moral, ethical and mental character.

To receive an application, call Erica Moore, 517-284-5991. After a completed application is submitted, a background check will be conducted. Successful applicants then will be contacted to schedule their attendance at one of the ORV instructor academies.

Questions? Contact Cpl. John Morey, 989-619-3784.