An easy drive North of Charlestown finds you at one of New Englands most beautiful beaches, Crane Beach. One of 106 properties managed by The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees), Crane Beach announced that sales of Beach Parking Permits are beginning for the 2012-13 season.  

The stickers, designed to offer visitors significant savings on beach parking, can be purchsed by members for just $50, now through March 16, 2012. After March 16, members can purchase stickers for $75. A 2012–2013 Crane Beach Parking Permit sticker will allow members (and everyone in their vehicle) to park at Crane Beach for no additional charge from May 1, 2012–April 30, 2013, offering a significant savings for frequent beach visitors. 

The parking sticker is available exclusively to Trustees members. Membership in The Trustees starts at just $47 per year for individuals ($37 for students and seniors). Individual members may purchase one sticker. Family members ($67 annual contribution) and Contributing members ($125 annual contribution) may purchase up to two stickers. Supporting-level members ($165 annual contribution) and above may request up to two stickers at no additional cost with their membership.

“We encourage individuals and families who are not currently Trustees members to join and take advantage of the savings and the many other benefits a Trustees membership has to offer,” said David Beardsley, Director of Crane Beach. “  For as little as $97, you can become a Trustees member and pay no additional admission fees at Crane Beach – voted best beach in Massachusetts by Boston.com readers – for an entire year.

“The permit program was very popular with our visitors last summer,” adds Beardsley. “Since members can use their parking permits for admittance any time of the day, we were happy to see many people coming to the beach more often – stopping by for a few hours in the morning or for a little relaxation after work. We’re excited to continue to offer members significant savings and convenience again this year.”

Membership and admission fees help to support the critical work of The Trustees, including the ongoing management, maintenance and care of special places like Crane Beach and other remarkable natural and cultural resources on the North Shore and across the state. Crane Beach is among the world’s most important nesting sites for piping plovers, a threatened bird that was nearly hunted to extinction in the 19^th century for its eggs and feathers. Crane Beach has been nationally recognized for its successful shorebird protection program.  In addition to the piping plovers, Crane Beach also provides important habitat for rare plants, invertebrates, mammals, birds, shellfish, and finfish that live and nest among its tidal pools, coastal dunes and five miles of beautiful trails.

To receive the maximum savings on visits to the beach all year long, The Trustees are encouraging members to take advantage of the early-bird discount by purchasing a $50 sticker before March 16, so they can enjoy a full year at the Beach for no additional admissions fees. Please note: Parking stickers will not guarantee parking. As in the past, The Trustees recommend arriving early on weekends and holidays, carpooling and/or using public transportation. For more details and information, please visit www.thetrustees.org/cranebeach.