Snowmobile Patrol
During the off-road season Special Deputy Gary Owen and Special Deputy Dean Piper patrol all Kalkaska area snowmobile trails, forest trails/roads and county roads.
Snowmobile Patrol is assigned to deputies that have proven proficiency on the machines in addition to specialized training in the statutory aspects of the operation, licensing, and registration of these vehicles.
This patrol normally operates on weekends and will occasionally work special events. Selective enforcement may be necessary based upon special requests or complaints received from citizens. Typically, deputies patrol the snowmobile trails and selected areas conducting inspections and compliance checks to ensure that operators adhere to state and local laws. The snowmobile patrol may be requested to assist at accident scenes and could at any time, be called out for search and rescue operations.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
A snowmobile shall NOT be operated unless it has at least:
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
The following equipment is not required by law, but is recommended for safety:
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT:
The following equipment is not required by law, but is recommended for emergency situations:
SAFETY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY:
Most accidents are caused by operator error. The most common causes of snowmobile accidents are:
AS A SNOWMOBILER OWNER/OPERATOR, USE THE SAME CARE, CAUTION AND RESPECT THAT YOU WOULD EXPECT FROM OTHERS.
EMERGENCY TRAIL LOCATOR SYSTEM
Trail Markers
Throughout the snowmobile trails of Kalkaska County, you will see these signs. The first set of red numbers designate the trail that you are on and the second set is your location.
These signs can be found at all road crossings; as well as, along the trails. Each of these locations are mapped with GPS coordinates to assist emergency personnel in locating those in need of help.
If you need help, dial 911 and give the operator the number on the sign.
Snowmobile trails in Kalkaska County - Click on Below Links
Trail 6 - Runs along the Missaukee County Line.
Trail 55 - Runs from Grand Traverse into Kalkaska Village and back to the northwest into Grand Traverse.
Trail 76 - Runs from Missaukee County, north through Kalkaska into Antrim County connects to Trail 4.
Trail 79 - Runs along the east side of Kalkaska off Trail 679 and connects to Trail 76.
Trail 679 - Runs along the east side of Kalkaska into Crawford County. It connects to Trail 79.
Additional Links:
Snowmobile Patrol is assigned to deputies that have proven proficiency on the machines in addition to specialized training in the statutory aspects of the operation, licensing, and registration of these vehicles.
This patrol normally operates on weekends and will occasionally work special events. Selective enforcement may be necessary based upon special requests or complaints received from citizens. Typically, deputies patrol the snowmobile trails and selected areas conducting inspections and compliance checks to ensure that operators adhere to state and local laws. The snowmobile patrol may be requested to assist at accident scenes and could at any time, be called out for search and rescue operations.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
A snowmobile shall NOT be operated unless it has at least:
- One headlight that emits a white light; and
- One taillight; and
- Operating brake light; and
- Adequate brakes; and
- A muffler no louder than 78 decibels, measured at 50 feet.
- A person operating or riding on a snowmobile shall wear a crash helmet on his/her head.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT:
The following equipment is not required by law, but is recommended for safety:
- Approved eye protection.
- An insulated snowmobile suit.
- Heavy duty gloves that provide both hand and finger protection and secure grip on the controls.
- Insulated boots for ankle and foot protection.
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT:
The following equipment is not required by law, but is recommended for emergency situations:
- Tool kit (knife, pliers, adjustable wrench, electrical tape, plug wrench and screwdriver).
- Flashlight (extra battery and bulb)
- Matches (candles).
- Disposable blanket (heat reflecting type).
- First Aid kit.
- Maps and compass (extra copies).
SAFETY IS EVERYONE'S RESPONSIBILITY:
Most accidents are caused by operator error. The most common causes of snowmobile accidents are:
- Excessive Speed
- Terrain Unfamiliarity
- Failure to Signal Intentions
- Failure to Observe Hazards
- Faulty Equipment
AS A SNOWMOBILER OWNER/OPERATOR, USE THE SAME CARE, CAUTION AND RESPECT THAT YOU WOULD EXPECT FROM OTHERS.
EMERGENCY TRAIL LOCATOR SYSTEM
Trail Markers
Throughout the snowmobile trails of Kalkaska County, you will see these signs. The first set of red numbers designate the trail that you are on and the second set is your location.
These signs can be found at all road crossings; as well as, along the trails. Each of these locations are mapped with GPS coordinates to assist emergency personnel in locating those in need of help.
If you need help, dial 911 and give the operator the number on the sign.
Snowmobile trails in Kalkaska County - Click on Below Links
Trail 6 - Runs along the Missaukee County Line.
Trail 55 - Runs from Grand Traverse into Kalkaska Village and back to the northwest into Grand Traverse.
Trail 76 - Runs from Missaukee County, north through Kalkaska into Antrim County connects to Trail 4.
Trail 79 - Runs along the east side of Kalkaska off Trail 679 and connects to Trail 76.
Trail 679 - Runs along the east side of Kalkaska into Crawford County. It connects to Trail 79.
- Kalkaska County Snowmobile Trails
- (to the west)- Grand Traverse County Snowmobile Trails
- (to the south)- Missaukee County Snowmobile Trails
- (to the north)- Antrim County Snowmobile Trails
- (to the east)- Crawford County Snowmobile Trails
- Northern Lower Peninsula Snowmobile Trails
- Michigan DNR Snowmobile Trail Maps
Additional Links:
- Michigan Snowmobile Safety Course
- Michigan Snowmobile Regulations
- Michigan Snowmobile Brochure
- Kalkaska Village Snowmobile Ordinance
- Michigan DNR Snowmobiling
 Snowmobile Patrol |
 Snowmobile Patrol |