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OREA 2026 Goals

Trail System Goals, Tasks, & Steps

OREA 2026 Goal - Add Existing Trails to Official Trail System
Goal: Add existing trails to the official trails system and provide appropriate signage so that there are more known trail riding opportunities is the Ortonville Recreation Area equestrian trail system and Ortonville is a more attractive equestrian camping destination.

  1. Add existing trails to Official trails: (Reference 2006 map mark-up)

    1. Create Pine Tree Loop (Trail cleared)

    2. Trails south side of Fox Lake Road

    3. Pinnacle point

    4. West side of Tody Road

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OREA 2026 Goal - Add Road Access Trails to Official Trails
Goal: Add existing access trails to the official trails system and provide appropriate signage so that local equestrians, hikers, hunters, and emergency personnel can more easily and confidently access the trail system with a presentation to the DNR and completion including map updates and signage.

  1. Add trails to roads & parking areas to official trails:

    1. Reopen existing trails to all roads and mark for road access. (Partially cleared)


OREA 2026 Goal - Investigate New Trail Candidates
Goal: Identify potential trails to add to the official trails system so that OREA can propose more trail
riding opportunities in the Ortonville Recreation Area equestrian trail system and Ortonville is a more
attractive equestrian camping destination with a presentation to the DNR.

  1. Identify potential new trail opportunities within the Ortonville Recreation Area:

    1. Add old trails back to the official system

    2. South side of Fox Lake Road

    3. West side of Tody Road

    4. Old Road cut

    5. Algoe Lake Trail

    6. Big Fish Lake, Davison Lake, Round Lake, Mud Lake

    7. Hegel Road and Washburn Road perimeter

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OREA 2026 Goal – Rest Area
Goal: Implement a rest area including a picnic table, hitching post, and mounting block in a scenic area of the trail in the proximity of Jasmond Rd along Trail 3A or the New Trail by the time the New Trail is officially opened so that there is a place for trail users to take a pleasant break when using the trails.

  1. Trail Rest Areas:

    1. Build mounting block and hitching posts and install picnic table at locations approved by the OREA board

      1. By lake on Trial 3A

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OREA 2026 Goal – Maintain Trails
Goal: Work with the DNR Team to maintain and enhance the existing trails so they are cleared of downed trees and encroaching brush and the trail surface is safe for equestrian travel.​​

  1. Creek Crossing:

    1. Install additional limestone on mats​

    2. Install concrete step and mats

    3. Install split rail fencing to prevent horses from crossing creek in undesignated areas

    4. Complete grading and installation of bench

  2. Add posts with arrows at each location where there is a trail not on the mapped trail system to help riders stay on marked trails.

  3. Rate difficulty and length of each trail. Post on trial. Create guide & post in Kiosk

  4. Explore Adopt-a-Trail for Trail Maintenance

  5. Install additional post for trail signs near Campground entrance

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OREA 2026 Goal – Harry's Hideaway Kids Loop & Confidence Course

Goal: Improve the Harry's Hideaway Kids Loop & Confidence Course so that it is more fun for everyone!

  1. Build & install additional obstacles.

  2. Install round pen.

  3. Update the course with metal Harrys.

  4. Add signs to the obstacles with suggestions on how to use them (10 ways?)

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Campground Goals, Tasks, & Steps

OREA 2026 Goal(s) - Reconfigure Campground

Goal: Construct parking pads to define where the horse trailer should be positioned on the campsite so that campsites are clearly delineated, level, and solid.

  1. Redesign Campground:

    1. Mark out and install screened asphalt millings to provide level parking area for camping trailers at each campsite. Start with sites where corrals are installed.

    2. Put all extra material from RV parking spots in the back of sites 2, 3, and 4 to create deeper campsites.

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Goal: Remove stumps and roots throughout the campground area so that the ground is more level in the campground.

  1. DNR to remove stumps in entire campground area. (Partially completed)


Goal: Grade camping area by pavilion and any other poorly drained areas so that drainage is improved.

  1. Redesign Campground: 

    1. Grade camping area by pavilion for proper drainage.

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​​​OREA 2026 Goal - Corrals
Goal: Construct additional sets of corrals on the remaining sites and upgrade the base on the existing corrals as money and resources are available so that all 21 campsites at the Ortonville Recreation Area Equestrian Campground have corrals available in addition to picket posts.

  1. Upgrade the Base Materials in the existing Corrals

  2. Build new corrals as allowed by DNR.

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OREA 2026 Goal – Campground Kiosk
Goal: Design and Implement kiosks in the equestrian campground in proximity of the trailhead so that information can be effectively communicated to campground, day use, and trail users in a place that is convenient.

  1. Kiosks:

    1. Build Kiosk west of trail entrance.

    2. Install DNR Leash law signs in new kiosk.

    3. Install information about BOG areas in new kiosk.

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OREA 2026 Goal – Support DNR Reservation System

Goal: Provide and validate information about Ortonville Recreation Area Equestrian Campground so that those utilizing the campground have a positive reservation experience.

  1. Update all campsites on DNR campsite reservation system.

    1. Take good pictures of each campsite and add to reservation system

    2. Verify information and notes on reservation site are accurate.

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OREA 2026 Goal – Electrify Campground

Goal: Work with the DNR Team to electrify the Campground.

  1. Work with the DNR to create a WIP for electrical service in the campground.

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OREA 2026 Goal – Campground Shower

Goal: Work with the DNR Team to add a shower area to the campground.

  1. DNR to install outdoor shower behind the main vault toilet.

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Day Use Area Goals, Tasks, & Steps

OREA 2025 Goal - Day Use Area Redesign
Goal: Redesign the Day Use Area so it is larger and more open to accommodate more and larger rigs with 25 specified non-trailer parking near the trailhead to accommodate vehicles for hikers and hunters with a surface that is equestrian-friendly yet can be plowed in winter.

  1. Add gravel and grade drive for proper drainage

  2. Day Use Area Redesign:

    1. Create design and submit to DNR (completed)

    2. DNR to submit WIP for project (completed)

    3. DNR approval of project (completed)

    4. Waiting for DNR funding

    5. DNR/OREA install vault toilet in Day Use area (scheduled for spring 2025)

    6. Manure bunker

  3. Remove Stumps​

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OREA 2026 Goal – Vault Toilet in Day Use Area
Goal: Install a vault toilet in the Day Use Area so that day use riders have availability of toilet facilities near where they are parked and are not as tempted to break the rules and park in the campground. 

  1. Vault Toilet in Day Use Area:

    1. DNR matching grant 

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OREA 2026 Goal – Day Use Area Kiosk

Goal: Design and Implement kiosk in the day use area in proximity of the trailhead so that information can be effectively communicated to campground, day use, and trail users in a place that is convenient.

​​​

  1. ​Kiosks:​

    1. Move existing kiosk near trail entrance.

    2. Install DNR Leash law signs in new kiosk.

    3. Install information about BOG areas in new kiosk.

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Planned Activities, Tasks, & Steps

OREA 2026 Goal(s) - Assess and Prioritize 2026 & 2027 Activity Opportunities
Goal: Have the OREA Board assess potential fundraisers and activities for 2026 & 2027 including
but not limited to those already suggested and bring a basic plan back to the Board for Approval and Funding as a standing Agenda Item throughout the 2025 camping season so that equestrian campers and trail riders have opportunities to have fun on the trails.

  1. Assess and Prioritize 2025 Activity Opportunities:

    1. OREA Activities:

      1. OREA Board will evaluate and coordinate OREA activities (on going)


Goal: For each Activity the OREA Board opts to pursue put together a plan of what will be necessary to make the Activity successful, define resources and funding requirements and determine any income that may be generated from the Activity.

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​OREA 2026 Goal - MHC Horse Expo - Completed
Goal: Participate in the Trails Area of the MHC Horse Expo from March 6-8 so that we can communicate what is going on at Ortonville Recreation Area in 2026.

  1. MHC Horse Expo:

    1. Have table at 2026 Expo

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OREA 2026 Goal - Support WHAM Judged Trail Ride - Completed
Goal: Work with WHAM to support their 2026 Judged Trail Ride.

  1. WHAM Judged Trail Ride

    1. Coordinate with DNR

    2. Have Work Bee prior to JTR to clear trails and Confidence Course

    3. Direct parking in Day Use Area

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OREA 2026 Goal – Memorial Day Campover

Goal: Hold a Poker Ride and Campout activity on Memorial Day weekend (May 22-25) with the ride occurring on May 24 so that we can raise funds for OREA projects, raise interest in the Ortonville Recreation Area Equestrian Campground and provide fun activities for our campers and participants.

  1. Activity Memorial Day Poker Ride with Camp over

    1. Host May 23rd Poker Ride

    2. Host May 24 Ride for Reckless to raise funds for Ortonville VFW Post

    3. Create flyer

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OREA 2026 Goal – Support Ride Into Camping

Goal: Work with the DNR team to make their Ride Into Camping weekend a success.

  1. Help plan activities and speakers

  2. Help recruit participants and experienced camper​s
  3. Provide Saturday Breakfast
  4. Lead Activities as needed
  5. Provide one-year OREA Membership to new campers

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OREA 2026 Goal – CMO

Goal: Hold a Competitive Mounted Orienteering activity on the weekend of September 11-13.

  1. Coordinate the CMO

    1. Schedule with MiCMO

    2. Create flyer

  2. Plan & set up CMO Courses for the 3 days​

  3. Run the CMO

  4. Pot Luck Dinner on Saturday

  5. Post Scores

  6. Awards

    1. Certificates​

    2. Prizes?

​

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OREA 2026 Goal – Support Fall Harvest Fest

Goal: Work with the DNR team to make their Fall Harvest Fest weekend a success.

  1. Help plan activities

    1. Create flyer​

  2. Provide Saturday Breakfast
  3. Lead & Coordinate Activities as needed

    1. 50-50 Drawing

    2. Silent Auction

    3. Box Auction

  4. Provide one-year OREA Membership to new campers

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OREA 2026 Goal – Work Bees
Goal: Hold Work Bees as needed and within defined parameters as needed throughout the year targeting to have at least 2 weeks notice so that we can improve the campground, day use area, and trails as required.

  1. Work Bees:

    1. ​Plan Work Bees at least 2 months out.

    2. Need to be specific as to what is expected to be accomplished at a Work Bee and what skills are needed and a goal number of bodies

    3. Clear brush next to ponds to make more attractive

    4. Build mounting block and hitching posts and install picnic table by lake on Trial 3A

    5. Equine Community Support: Work with other organizations including MHTA, ETS & MHC for ideas for getting more people at work bees​​​​​​

Administrative Goals, Tasks, & Steps

OREA 2026 Goal - Engage Others
Goal: To leverage and build the enthusiasm of our members and the equestrian community so they feel engaged and have pride and personal ownership in the success of the Ortonville Recreation Area.

  1. Engage Others:

    1. Leverage and build the enthusiasm of our members and potential members so that they feel engaged and have pride and personal ownership in the success of the Ortonville Recreation Area.

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OREA 2026 Goal – Document OREA Procedures
Goal: Identify and document the Processes and Procedures needed to successfully manage OREA and
develop a Succession Plan as they are identified so that roles can be easily transitioned to new people in
a position.

  1. Document OREA Procedures:

    1. Complete master list for all events. (in process)

    2. Create master electronic folder of all OREA forms and procedures. (in process/ongoing)

    3. Treasurer

    4. Membership

    5. Sponsor/donor.

    6. Events

    7. Merchandise

    8. Web Site Management

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​OREA 2026 Goal - Communications Plan
Goal: Document and execute the elements of an OREA Communications Plan so that OREA’s communications are defined by Who, What, When, Where, and How.

  1. Document Communications Plan:

    1. Define who, what, where, and how

    2. Present plan to OREA Board

    3. OREA President or designee to create two newsletters in spring and fall.

    4. Create OREA Membership Welcome Packet

    5. Create monthly articles for Saddle Up magazine.

    6. Create flyers for events.

    7. Complete OREA 2025 Annual Report

    8. Update 5-Year Strategic Plan. (Draft completed)

      1. Get OREA Board approval

    9. Showcase DNR Partners​

    10. Update sponsorship/donation/volunteer opportunity guide

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​OREA 2026 Goal – Fundraising
Goal: The OREA Board is to define and execute fundraising initiatives on a continual basis so that OREA’s Goals can be achieved.

  1. Fundraising:

    1. Fundraisers for specific goals

      1. Corral Bases

      2. Corrals (ongoing)

      3. Others?

    2. Develop a plan to increase sponsorships and donations.

  2. Update 2025 sponsorship/donation/volunteer opportunity guide.​

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OREA 2026 Goal – Grants
Goal: Identify and Submit for available Grants to help fund OREA Projects and Activities.

  1. Grants:

    1. DNR match grant (completed) 

    2. MHC grant (completed)

      1. Picture of Vault Toilet to fulfil obligation for previous grant​

    3. MHTA “Giving Back Trail Raffle” (completed)

    4. Others?

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OREA 2026 Goal – Equine Community Support
Goal: Work with other trail organizations (not limited to equestrian) as opportunities arise so that we can learn what they do and how they do it in support of their user community while helping them achieve their goals and coordinate where it is of mutual advantage.

  1. Equine Community Support:

    1. ​Work with MHTA, MHC Trails committee, and DNR ETS to support the Equestrian activities throughout the state of Michigan and promote our campground. (ongoing)

    2. Attend work bees to see what is going on with other trail groups. (ongoing)

    3. Support other Equestrian Association events.

    4. Coordinate and set dates for events with Equestrian Association leadership.

      1. Being accomplished through the MHTA Calendar. (ongoing)

  2. ETS Sustainable Trail Team:

    1. Work with the DNR Equine Trails Subcommittee to develop a multidiscipline team to build and re-engineer trails using sustainable techniques:

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​OREA 2026 Goal – Feature DNR
Goal: Feature members of the DNR team in our communications throughout the year so that our audience can understand and appreciate how great this team really is!

  1. Feature DNR:

    1. Showcase our DNR partners. (completed website/Facebook/saddle up) (ongoing)

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OREA 2026 Goal – Stop Sign
Goal: Pursue the request to the Lapeer County Road Commission install a STOP sign on Southbound Hadley Road at the intersection with Fox Lake Road so that leaving the campground road to go home is safer.

  1. Stop Sign:

    1. Stop Sign on East Bound Hadley Rd.:

      1. Follow up with LCRC

      2. Like the one on Herd Road near DNR headquarters.

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