A nonprofit ORV group is warning trail riders to be on the lookout for an invasive plant, wild parsnip, often found along Michigan trails that can pose a significant risk if you get its sap on your skin.
According to The Great Lakes Four-Wheel Drive Association,a nonprofit organization that promote the responsible use of motorized vehicles, the sap can trigger phytophotodermatitiswith sun exposure, a reaction that can cause discoloration, swelling and dark patches.
The group says riders should wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves when traveling through overgrown or unfamiliar trail edges. The group also says riders should wash ORV tires and undercarriages to avoid spreading seeds to new areas.
If exposed to plant sap, wash the area with soap and
cold water immediately and keep the infected skin out of the sun.
What does wild parsnip look like?
The plant, according to the Michigan Invasive Species database, grows from a single stem and can reach 5 feet tall.
Here's how to identify wild parsnip, according to the Michigan's Invasive Species Program:
- Biennial flowering herb on a single stem that grows to 2-6 feet tall.
- Leaves consist of 2 to 5 pairs of leaflets that grow across from each other along the stem, and one diamond-shaped leaflet on the end.
- Leaflets are toothed and often shaped like a mitten.
- Yellowish green flowers form umbrella-shaped clusters 4 to 8 inches across.
- Flowers bloom in June and July.
- Stem is green, 1-2 inches thick and smooth with few hairs.
Officials say to report wild parsnip, the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online reporting tool is available online.
How many trails does Michigan have?
Michigan is home to 4,000 miles of off-road vehicle trails and routes.
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Age requirements in Michigan to ride an ORV?
Any person under the age of 16 are required to pass an approved ORV safety course and must have their safety certificate when riding, the state website says.
Youth can take a classroom course or online course to get a safety certificate.
How do I purchase an ORV license?
ORV licenses and trail permit can be purchased:
- Online through eLicense (your sticker will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 days).
- In person at a number of DNR license agents and dealers.
ORV license fees for 2025-26
Riders are required to purchase a $26.25 ORV license to ride on county roads, frozen surface of public waters, state forest roads and eligible national forest roads.
Additionally, a $10 ORV trail permit, is required in addition to your ORV license ($36.25 total) when operating on state-designated ORV trails and scramble areas.
The ORV license and the ORV trail permit are both valid for one year, which begins April 1 and ends March 31 of the following year.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Riding off-road this summer? Why ORV group is issuing warning
