Michigan’s snowmobile trail permit fees rising

Lansing — The Michigan DNR has announced a required five-year Consumer Price Index adjustment for snowmobile trail permit fees. Starting this year, the fee will increase from $52 to $65 and will remain in place for the next five-year period.

The change follows a statutory requirement to adjust snowmobile trail permit fees every five years based on the CPI as determined by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, ensuring funding keeps pace with inflation.

Specifically, the adjustment accounts for a 25.1% increase over the previous five-year cycle.

Michigan has consistently ranked among the top 10 snowmobiling destinations in North America, and the state also boasts the fifth-largest trail network in the nation.

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Keeping the trail system up to par required money, DNR noted.

“The adjustment helps offset the rising costs of equipment and maintenance,” said Tim Novak, DNR state trails coordinator. “It ensures we can sustain our vast snowmobile trails system, which supports a $1 billion economic impact for the state and fuels the work of 67 volunteer clubs maintaining 6,300-plus miles of trails.”

Trail permits go on sale Sept. 1 each year and are valid from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30.

Michigan’s snowmobile program is 100% funded through snowmobile trail permit and registration dollars.

Residents must also register snowmobiles with the Michigan Secretary of State, unless sleds are used solely on private property. Nonresidents must display a valid registration from the operator’s home state or province.

Michigan registration is good for three years, and those dollars support the purchase of trail easements, law enforcement on trails and safety education.