Accordign to the DNRE, a recent grant from the Charlevoix County Community Foundation will help Young State Park enhance its winter programming by purchasing new snowshoes and lanterns.
The park has partnered with a new outfitter in Boyne City called No Boundaries, to procure the snowshoes. Staff from No Boundaries will provide assistance with the winter programs at Young.
Certified Heritage Interpreter Maureen Stine will guide the free and educational snowshoe hikes for park visitors. These hikes are geared toward families or anyone interested in learning more about the winter ecology in the park. The snowshoe hikes will be held in Young State Park at 1 p.m. on Saturdays, Jan. 15 and 29 and Feb. 12, 19 and 26.
Registration is not needed for the snowshoe hikes. There will be a warming fire and hot beverages to enjoy before and after the hike. Additionally, when the hike is complete, visitors are invited to attend an information session on the sports of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Other activities at Young State Park during the winter include hiking, dog walking and cross-country skiing, and Lake Charlevoix is great for perch and walleye fishing.
For more information about these programs or partners, contact the park at 231-582-7523. Young State Park is located at 02280 Boyne City Rd., near Boyne City.
Effective Oct. 1, 2010, the Recreation Passport replaced the resident motor vehicle permit (MVP). All resident motor vehicles must display the new Recreation Passport when their vehicle registration is renewed, for entry into Michigan state parks, recreation areas and permit required boating access sites. Michigan residents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($10 for motor vehicles; $5 for motorcycles) by checking "Yes" on their license plate renewal forms, or at any state park or recreation area.
Non-resident motor vehicles must still display a valid non-resident MVP ($29 annual; $8 daily) to enter a Michigan state park, recreation area or state-administered boating access site. Non-resident permits are available at any state park entrance or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.
A new way to fund Michigan's outdoor recreation opportunities, the Recreation Passport also helps to preserve state forest campgrounds, trails, and historic and cultural sites in state parks, and provides park development grants to local communities. To learn more about the Recreation Passport, visit www.michigan.gov/recreationpassport or call 517-241-7275.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is committed to the conservation, protection, management, and accessible use and enjoyment of the state's environment, natural resources, and related economic interests for current and future generations. Learn more at www.michigan.gov/dnre.
