In every aspect of life, volunteerism plays a vital role in making things happen. Many people across the country dedicate their time and effort to various causes without expecting any personal monetary gain. These volunteers contribute in countless ways, whether it's helping in healthcare, serving at soup kitchens, or maintaining ORV trails. Their dedication and passion drive the success of many organizations and initiatives that benefit our communities.
Non-profit organizations such as MISORVA and other clubs around the state are responsible for building, maintaining, and caring for the motorized recreation trails in Michigan. Almost NONE of these people get paid—they do it because they are passionate about the sport they enjoy. Travel expenses to attend board meetings, DNR meetings, and special events around the state are not reimbursed, so they come out of the volunteer’s pocket. Club members use personal vehicles and their free time to go out and brush and sign trails with no compensation. This is all the “easy” stuff compared to what the volunteers who created what we have today had to do. Ideas had to be organized, trails created, laws passed, funding secured, clubs formed, and equipment purchased—all by volunteers. Some of these pioneers are no longer with us, and those who are deserve to just enjoy what they built.
Unfortunately, volunteers seem to be harder and harder to come by. People want to spend their time enjoying things they love to do, whether it be snowmobiling, dirt biking, riding quads, or side-by-sides. Understandably, most Americans work hard for their toys and their vacation time. However, without the volunteer network, which is aging, these trails would be in horrible condition or closed.
Although our situation isn’t unique by any means, my local snowmobile club is a great example. Membership continues to drop, and the same 3-5 guys show up for all the work that needs to be done. These statewide clubs need membership to keep the lights on at the groomer barn and to buy equipment that the program doesn’t pay for, but they also need manpower. You’ve heard the saying, “Many hands make light work,” and this will hold true until the end of time. Those that live in the areas where we recreate will always do the brunt of the work; however, giving up a weekend to join a club in your area lightens the load on those men and women. Clubs hold brushing events, usually in the fall for snowmobiling and most of the year for ORVs. Joining a club in the area you frequent the most and giving them one weekend a year has a bigger impact than you may think. Personally, I love doing it. Getting out with fellow riders in the woods with chainsaws, snips, and tractors isn’t a bad thing. Yes, it’s hard work, and yes, it takes time away from my family, but giving back to the sports I love to participate in gives me a sense of fulfillment. Clubs usually provide a meal at the end of the day where you can hang out and talk about the activities we enjoy. I’ve brushed and signed trails in Luce, Alger, Chippewa, and Grand Traverse counties throughout my years of volunteering. Showing up to a club function with a few buddies makes any club’s day, knowing the workload just got easier. My kids have gone out with me on numerous occasions as well, just to pick up brush or cut low branches with a pair of snips. This is a great opportunity to bond with your children and teach them about hard work.
Without volunteers, our trail systems suffer, and if things continue the way they are going, we may not have anyone maintaining our statewide trail systems. We buy toys that cost tens of thousands of dollars, not to mention all that goes along with the toy. Memberships range from $25 to $50, which is cheap considering what you get for that small amount. Please consider supporting a club both with your membership and your sweat! You’ll have a new appreciation and a sense of accomplishment the next time you ride down a trail you worked on. I know I do.
Regardless of how you ride, we are all snowmobilers whether we ride off trail, backcountry or trail we ALL must use the marked trail at some point.