off-road vehicles on a trailThe Department of Natural Resources is recruiting instructors for its off-road vehicle safety education program. The department scheduled two training sessions for new instructors this year. The May session already has been filled. The second, with space still available for those interested, will run June 5-7 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon, Michigan.

This volunteer opportunity allows ORV enthusiasts to pass along their love and knowledge of the sport to new riders, while teaching them safe and responsible ORV operation to provide an enjoyable riding experience.

All ORV instructor volunteers are required to attend a three-day instructor academy to learn instructor policy and procedure, classroom management and teaching concepts. Instructors will have the chance to experience various aspects of ORV operation, including basic hands-on operational skills on off-highway motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, utility-type vehicles and winching recovery equipment. Current instructors also are encouraged to attend to brush up on knowledge and skills and to familiarize themselves with new equipment.

The class is limited to 24 students. While attendance at the academy is mandatory, there is no charge to the instructor candidates to attend, and meals and lodging are included. Enrollment is first come, first served.

Those interested in becoming a certified ORV instructor must meet the following criteria:

• Be at least 18 years of age.
  
• Be a high school graduate or possess a graduate equivalency diploma (GED).
  
• Have no felony convictions.
  
• Have no misdemeanor convictions within the past three (3) years.
  
• Have no convictions that resulted in the revocation of ORV operation privileges within the last five (5) years. (Other convictions of natural resource law violations are subject to
• review and may result in the rejection of any application.)
  
• Maintain a high moral, ethical and mental character.
  
• To receive an application to apply to be a volunteer certified ORV safety education instructor, contact the DNR Law Enforcement Division's Recreational Safety Education and
• Enforcement Section at 517-284-6055. After a completed application is submitted, a background check will be conducted. Successful applicants then will be contacted to schedule their attendance at the ORV instructor academy.

For more information about the ORV safety education program, contact Cpl. John Morey at 989-619-3784.

Contact: Rudy Lawrence, 517-284-6055 or Cpl. John Morey, 989-619-3784