SPORT ride planned for Saturday

Off-road vehicle enthusiasts are invited to attend the annual State Park Off-Road Trek (SPORT) ORV ride on Saturday, June 16, to celebrate the grand opening of a new ORV connector route linking Baraga and Twin Lakes state parks in the western Upper Peninsula.

The round-trip ride will begin and end at Baraga State Park, with lunch provided for registered riders at Twin Lakes State Park. Baraga and Twin Lakes state parks are the only state parks in the western Upper Peninsula where ORV use is allowed.

Registration will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by the ride. The lunch stop at Twin Lakes State Park will feature guest speakers, prizes and vendor displays. Riders will begin the return trip to Baraga State Park at 2:30 p.m.

The annual SPORT ride is free of charge, and is sponsored by Baraga and Twin Lakes state parks in partnership with the Michigan Trails and Recreation Alliance of Land and the Environment (Mi-TRALE) and the Baraga County Convention and Bureau Center.

A valid 2012 Michigan ORV license is required for all ORVs participating in the event. Participants are asked to pre-register by June 8 by calling Baraga State Park at 906-353-6558.

For more information about the annual SPORT ride and the new ORV connector route, contact Baraga State Park supervisor Dan Dowdy at 906-353-6558. More information about ORV riding opportunities in Michigan can be found online at www.michigan.gov/orvtrails.

A Registration Passport is required for vehicles entering Baraga and Twin Lakes state parks. The Recreation Passport is an easy, affordable way for residents to enjoy and support outdoor recreation opportunities in Michigan. By checking “YES” for the $10 Recreation Passport ($5 for motorcycles) when renewing a license plate through the Secretary of State (by mail, kiosk, online at www.expresssos.com or at branch offices), Michigan motorists get access to state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds, non-motorized state trailhead parking and state boat launches. In addition, Recreation Passport holders can experience real savings at businesses and retailers that participate in the Passport Perks discount program. The Recreation Passport is valid until the next license plate renewal date. Nonresidents can purchase the Recreation Passport ($29 annual; $8 daily) at any state park or recreation area or through the Michigan e-Store at www.michigan.gov/estore.