Below is a list of the latest news from the Chamber office:
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DNR reminds snowmobilers of changes to trail signage system
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources today reminded snowmobilers of changes to the snowmobile trail signage system on state trails, including the addition of five new sign types and the elimination of 10 sign types used in past years.
The changes were implemented based on recommendations submitted by a DNR citizens’ advisory workgroup, comprised of motorized trail users, trail maintenance organizations, members of the DNR’s Snowmobile Advisory Workgroup and the Michigan Snowmobile Association. Technical support for the workgroup was provided by recreation and law enforcement staff from the DNR and the U.S. Forest Service.
"The changes to the motorized trail signage program are the result of a collaborative process with stakeholder groups and should be a real improvement for trail users," said Ron Olson, chief of the DNR's Parks and Recreation Division. "The sign reductions will result in less clutter along the trails and provide for more consistency statewide."
The workgroup’s recommended changes are designed to improve safety on Michigan’s 6,400 miles of designated snowmobile trails and provide consistent guidance to the 68 nonprofit organizations that partner with the DNR to maintain the trail system.
"Several of the other snowmobile states, and Ontario, have reduced their trail signs and have seen a reduction in accidents. Our objective is to provide a safe, family-oriented trail system for snowmobiling in Michigan,” said Bill Manson, executive director of the Michigan Snowmobile Association.
The following signs have been eliminated and will be removed from state snowmobile trails:
Bridge Ahead
Chevron
Deer Crossing
Drift Area
Narrow Bridge
Narrow Trail
Trail Crossing
Truck Traffic
Two Way Trail
Winding Trail
New signs added to state snowmobile trails in 2012 include:
Combination Horizontal Alignment/Intersection (left and right)
• Bright yellow signs with directional arrows give notice of changes in horizontal trail alignment of less than 90 degrees where an intersection occurs within or immediately adjacent to a turn
Private Drives Ahead
• Warn trail users where driveways cross a snowmobile trail
One-Direction Large Arrow (left and right)
• Large yellow, reflective signs (10 x 12 inches) with a black arrow and border give notice of changes in horizontal trail alignment of 90 degrees or more
Next (number of) Miles
• A supplemental sign that may be used below “Private Drives Ahead” sign to indicate how long the stretch of private drives runs
Trail Closed to Wheeled Motor Vehicles Ahead
• Used on state or federal land prior to the point where a designated state snowmobile trail enters private property where the use of wheeled motorized vehicles is prohibited
The DNR will continue to mark 90-degree turns with "sharp turn" warning signs supplemented with a new directional arrow.
For illustrations of the signs that will be used to mark Michigan’s snowmobile trails and more information about snowmobiling in Michigan, including trail maps with downloadable GPS coordinates, visit www.michigan.gov/snowmobiling.
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DNR announces change to burn permit call system ~ The Department of Natural Resources today announced that starting Friday, Dec. 7, residents in the Upper Peninsula and the northern Lower Peninsula who call the DNR’s toll-free number to check if burn permits are being issued will be connected with a new, automated, interactive voice-recognition system.
“The new system will speed up the permit process, yet continue to provide users the guidance needed to complete their burns safely,” said O’Neill, who also serves as state forester. “The savings from this switch allow us to channel much-needed funding into programs that are necessary to keep our forests healthy, viable and attractive to residents and visitors alike. We’d like to thank those who loyally use our online and telephone burn permit systems to ensure they are conducting safe burns.
Residents are required to check if the DNR is issuing burn permits before conducting any open burning – recreational campfires and fires used for cooking are the exceptions to this rule.
Paul Kollmeyer, DNR fire prevention specialist, said burn permits are especially important with residents doing final yard cleanup before heavy snowfall. “Burning yard debris requires more than a rake and a match,” Kollmeyer said. “Carelessness remains the leading cause of wildfires in Michigan, which is why precautions need to be taken. Ensuring that burn permits are being issued before you light a fire is a quick, easy and free process that can prevent fires from escaping if burn restrictions are in place.”
The DNR encourages residents with Internet access to visit www.michigan.gov/burnpermit to get their burn permits online. Residents can use the interactive map to find the burn conditions in their area. If a “yes” is shown in the “burning permits issued” column, burning is allowed for that day. There is no need to print anything; this serves as a burn permit. For those who prefer to get their burn permits by phone, the DNR’s toll-free burn permit number is 866-922-2876. For more information on wildfire prevention, burn permits and fire preparedness, visit www.michigan.gov/preventwildfires.
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The Roscommon Area District Library is open!
241 E. Federal Hwy. Roscommon 48653
989-281-1305
Open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Higgins Lake Roscommon Chamber of Commerce
P. O. Box 486 709 Lake Stree Suite 101 Roscommon, MI 48653
(989) 275-8760 (989) 275-2029 (fax) www.hlrcc.com info@hlrcc.com 2011-2012 Chamber Executive Board
President Kurtis Norton, Village Hardware
Vice President Robert Jones, COOR ISD
Treasurer Marc McKee, BC Pizza & Subs
Secretary Andrea Weiss, Chemical Bank
Director Scott Marshall, Interactive Development
Director Amy Schmitt, Lear Corporation
Coordinator Connie Allen
OFFICE HOURS
Our office hours are 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Tuesday – Friday.
Please call or stop by. We are here to help you!