r e p o rt %%% 2 0 1 2 annual
Your Adventure Starts Nearby.
%%% i n 2 0 1 2 THE Brule-St. Croix Rovers trail building team
won the NPS Hartzog Award for Outstanding Volunteer Group in the Midwest. NCTA NCTA volunteers volunteers donated donated aa total total of
contents 1
From the Executive Director and President of the Board
NCTA Programs 2
Volunteerism, Trail Building and Maintenance, Trail Protection, A Message from NPS Superintendent Mark Weaver
3
Partnering for Wildlife and Trails in Minnesota, Outreach and Events, Trail Advocacy
4
Trail Use, Young Volunteers in the North Country
73,834 hours valued valued at at $ $ 1,608,842.86!
5-6 Decade Member Club Philanthropy and Financial Highlights 7
True North Society and Founders Circle
8-10 2012 Contributors 11 North Country Legacy Society 11 How to Get Involved and Support the Trail 12 2012 Financial Highlights NCTA Chapters, Partners, Affiliates, Staff and Board Members (inside back cover)
MISSION The North Country Trail Association develops, maintains, protects and promotes the North Country National Scenic Trail as the premier hiking path across the northern tier of the United States through a trail-wide coalition of volunteers and partners.
North Country Trail Association
2012 Annual Report
Volunteers constructed 65 miles of new trail treaD!
From the Executive Director and President of the Board The North Country Trail Association made remarkable progress in 2012.
T
he organization continues to mature as we embrace today’s challenges in completing and ensuring the perpetuity of the North Country National Scenic Trail. It’s a daunting task, when you think about it – protecting the 2,600 miles already built and building the remaining 2,000 miles of North Country Trail, creating the simple footpath envisioned in the National Trails Act.
Bruce Matthews Executive Director
Our volunteers continue their pattern of sweat equity growth, which in 2012 grew by eight percent in hours, and ten percent in dollar value – to $1.6 million. That’s almost $5 leveraged against every federal dollar in our core National Park Service investment – a pretty darn good return! Stable membership in these troubled times is another indication that the NCTA’s core is rock-solid. Annual membership has varied less than two percent over the last four years. Elsewhere in this report you’ll see the detailed breakdown of NCTA’s finances, which performed better than budget in 2012. NCTA’s development program is showing impressive growth as we continue to build a solid and diversified foundation of non-governmental financial support.
LARRY HAWKINS President of the Board
The National Park Service assigned its first superintendent solely devoted to the North Country Trail in 2012. Additionally it moved its trail office to Lowell, Michigan just a stone’s throw from the NCTA offices. We’re already enjoying the benefits of a closer relationship with our major partner and with our new superintendent Mark Weaver, even as all government agencies are entering a period of uncertainty, particularly in funding. The NCTA took major steps in 2012 to not only build the trail but protect it. Last year we were compelled to sue the State of New York when it permitted trail destruction to allow snowmobile use on an NPS-certified section of North Country Trail in Madison County. We refused to be marginalized, stood up against local politics and manned the barricades on behalf of hikers and non-motorized National Scenic Trails. Finally, the NCTA embarked on a major effort to more proactively acquire easements to protect key stretches of the trail corridor in 2012. The era of simple handshake permission is rapidly being replaced by the need for increasingly sophisticated easements. And the NCTA’s volunteers are responding in kind – redoubling their efforts, forging into new trail corridor territory and building partnerships with like-minded organizations leading to significant progress in getting the trail not only built but protected. They’re a rugged group of bootstrapping individuals united in their conviction that this simple footpath uniting the red plaid nation is good for America. We’re honored to be able to serve them.
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ncta programs Volunteerism Volunteers are who we are. They build and maintain the trail, promote its use and its stewardship in their communities and fight for the protection of the trail and the surrounding areas that make it special. In 2012: • 924 volunteers gave a total of 73,834 hours of their time (an 8% increase from 2011), valued at $1,608,842.86! • The Brule-St. Croix Rovers, a group consisting of NCTA volunteers led by Regional Trail Coordinator Bill Menke, won the NPS Hartzog Award for Outstanding Volunteer Group in the Midwest. • Four NCTA volunteers won President Obama’s Call to Service Award for accumulating more than 4,000 hours of volunteer time: Arlen Matson, Ray Vlasak, Stan Kujawa and Dick Kroener.
Trail Building and Maintenance In 2012, our volunteers advanced our trail miles on the ground, built needed bridges and boardwalks, added signage and improved the experience for hikers overall. Highlights include: • Volunteers constructed 65 miles of new trail and relocated 25 miles to more sustainable locations.
Trail Protection The route of the NCT traverses more than 2,100 miles of private land, most of which is still yet to be built. Securing permanent access for the trail as well as protecting the surrounding corridor has become one of the most challenging yet inspiring aspects of our mission. The NCTA made these great strides to protect the trail in 2012: • We worked with the Partnership for the National Trails System to develop a large acquisition proposal for all National Scenic and Historic Trails.
• More than twenty bridges, 7,500 feet of boardwalk or puncheon, and countless other kiosks, shelters and campsite were built along the trail.
• Successful grants in Pennsylvania and Michigan allowed us to continue working to connect two key state parks in Pennsylvania and to begin to build a trail protection plan for Michigan.
• The Laurentian Lakes Chapter worked with the Minnesota Conservation Corp to complete 22 miles of new trail, including fifteen miles in the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge.
• NCTA sued the State of New York over opening ten miles of the NCNST to snowmobile traffic, after ten years of use as a hiking trail. In doing so NCTA stood in defense of hiking and the quiet recreation community as well as the intent of the National Trails System in establishing National Scenic Trails. Ultimately, the lawsuit was withdrawn to enable both parties to engage in good-faith negotiations establishing the NCNST in a position of strength in New York.
• The Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter built 3,500 feet of boardwalk and five bridges with a grant received from the U.S. Forest Service’s Secure Rural Schools and Community program. • An easement was acquired and two miles of new trail were built on the Ekre Grassland Preserve in North Dakota.
“I wake up every morning thinking “Wow, what a cool job I have!” And the next thought that follows is; “And what a cool trail!” Then I hyperventilate while thinking about how in the heck are we EVER going to get everything done along a somewhat imaginary 4,600 mile-long line that snakes across half the country! But you know what? We’ve got an incredible team of people at the National Park Service and the North Country Trail Association to make it happen! All the chapters and affiliates are busting tail every day with the same goal in mind – making and keeping the North Country Trail REAL, making it safe, finding the needed funds, making friends and building support along the way.” – Mark Weaver, Superintendent, NPS North Country National Scenic Trail
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North Country Trail Association
2012 Annual Report
Partnering for Wildlife and Trails in Minnesota This summer, NCTA’s Laurentian Lakes Chapter worked with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Conservation Corps of Minnesota to construct approximately eight new miles of the North Country Trail within the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge in northwestern Minnesota. The Tamarac NWR is located “ People are in a scenic stretch of the boreal forest right in the trail corridor, and making wonderful building the NCT there has been a target for the Laurentian Lakes Chapter. Six miles of trail had already been built in the refuge so connections to when this final eight mile stretch was okayed, the chapter mobilized nature on the a team and went at it.
North Country Trail through the refuge.”
Once construction was underway, interest from local visitors poured in with people wanting to know how to access the new trail. According to Kelly Blackledge, visitor services manager for the Tamarac NWR; “The trail has already proven to be a great place for bird watching, photography, and interpretive programs. People are making wonderful connections to nature on the North Country Trail through the refuge.” With the eight new additional miles, the Tamarac National Wildlife Area now has over fourteen official trail miles which greatly enhance the public’s ability to watch wildlife.
Outreach and Events
Trail Advocacy
Fun events can get boots on the trail and extra hands for big projects. It also gets the community outdoors and involved and shows off the trail as a great recreational resource. Year after year our chapters, affiliates and partners find great ways to engage the public.
The NCTA’s trail advocacy team, made up of staff, board members and volunteers in each state, follow legislation on the national level that affects the trail and takes action on important issues in Washington DC and at home.
In 2012:
• Arrowhead Reroute – this legislation is needed to revise the official route in northeastern Minnesota to include the Superior, Border Route and Kekekabic Trails. We were successful in getting bills introduced in the House and Senate. Unfortunately we were unsuccessful in getting the legislation passed.
• We launched the Trail Town program building momentum in our community and trail relationships across the trail. The Trail Town number grew to five official towns in 2012. • More than one hundred people participated in the 6th Annual North Country Trail Fest at Itasca State Park in Minnesota. • Nearly 300 people attended three different Andrew Skurka events with Chief Noonday Chapter. • The NCT and NCTA were prominently displayed on the certificate given to the 45 thousand hikers that walked across the 5-mile Mackinac Bridge, part of the NCT, on Labor Day.
In 2012, our major priorities were:
• Land and Water Conservation Fund – NCTA joined with others from the Partnership for the National Trails System to pull together a proposal for acquisition that highlights National Scenic and Historic Trails as large landscapes in need of protection. • In Ohio’s Burr Oak State Park, where the Buckeye Trail and the North Country Trail share twelve miles of trail tread, the Buckeye Trail Association worked tirelessly to bar the use of ATVs in the park.
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NCTA Programs
Trail Use Millions of visitors find countless ways to enjoy the North Country Trail each year. Whether they are day hiking with kids, thru-hiking a long section, tracking geocaches or birding, outdoor enthusiasts are finding great ways to experience the outdoors through the NCNST. Highlights for 2012 include: • Eight hikers from four states came together to enjoy the scenery and explore the route of the NCT in the Adriondacks as part of our Extended Outing program. • A new trail through Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge will open up a new world of wildlife viewing. • Several chapters have started hiking events along their sections of the trail, including the Allegheny 100 Backpacking Challenge and the Grand Traverse Hiking Club 100 Mile Challenge.
Young volunteers in the north country In 2012, the North Country Trail Association forged a stronger relationship with the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps, a service program utilizing young adults for intensive community projects across the nation. Two major projects were undertaken in Minnesota and Michigan this fall using AmeriCorps volunteers. Quoting Itasca Moraine Chapter leader, Bruce Johnson; “We accomplished more in that month with the AmeriCorps than we could have in two years on our own.” The project Bruce is talking about is the Waboose Lake Trail in the Paul Bunyan State Forest. This new four mile trail, part of which is official North Country Trail creates a family-friendly loop trail around a scenic lake and features outstanding wildlife watching opportunities and an old growth pine forest. According to NCTA Regional Trail Coordinator Matt Davis, “the Waboose Lake Trail should become a popular hiking destination in the area.” A secondary benefit of these partnerships with the AmeriCorps is the great exposure the community gets to the volunteers and the project. In both North Country Trail projects, the volunteers lived in or near a nearby town and as “outsiders” promoted interest in what they were doing.
“We accomplished more in that month with the AmeriCorps than we could have in two years on our own.”
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North Country Trail Association
2012 Annual Report
The other AmeriCorps project involved a major U.S. Forest Service grant that the Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter received for trail work in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Getting ready for such a major trail project required significant preparation, but the staff at the AmeriCorps headquarters really helped out and the outcome made it all worth it. Chapter leader, Kay Kujawa points out; “They were energetic and eager volunteers – willing to learn new skills, to attack difficult projects and to work in adverse weather conditions.” The list of what this group accomplished was long but the high points included 3,500 feet of new boardwalk, five bridges and 2.5 miles of new trail tread. To top it off, they built and installed eighteen new trail signs.
Decade Member Club In 2012 we decided to introduce a new set of clubs to recognize the faithful members of the North Country Trail Association. Organized into 30, 20 and 10 year clubs, these decade members represent the back bone of the organization. As many know, the North Country National Scenic Trail was officially designated by the National Park Service in 1980. The North Country Trail Association was incorporated the following year, just 32 years ago. We currently have eight members who have been with the organization at least thirty of those 32 years! As you can see, dozens more have been with us twenty or more years and hundreds for at least a decade. What an astounding testimony to the faithfulness of our membership.
Thirty Year Members Donald Beattie Cecil and Joanne Dobbins Kenneth Gackler Tom and Janis Gilbert John Hipps and Barbara Smith Byron and Margaret Hutchins Milton Jones Kalista Lehrer
Twenty Year Members Dwain Abramowski Pat Allen and Mark Miller Jack Amelar Charles Axthelm Earland and Marieanna Bair Len and JoAnne Baron Derek Blount Doug and Kathy Brehm Joseph Brennan Donald Bussies Tim Calloway Robert Campbell Pat Carlson Frank Casenhiser Patrick Delaney Mary Dineen Stewart DeWitt Dinger Donald and Brita Dorn Carol Durling Bruce Eckert Donald Edwards Kathleen Eisele Donald Elzinga Gene Elzinga Woody Ensor Art and Virginia Fish Peter Gradoni Wayne and Shirley Gross Martha Hale Chris and Helen Haller Mary and Kathy Hamilton Dennis Hansen Anthony Haswell James Hoogesteger Dan Hornbogen Keith Horngren and Katherine Erdman Lou Ann Johnson James Kenning Kent County Parks James and Fern Kieffer Ronald Killebrew Peter and Paula Klima Robert Krzewinski and Sally Allen Lunn Shirley LaBonte Gordon Lachniet Gary Leff Harlan Liljequist Janice Lindstrom Zora Longworth Margaret MacRae Richard Magyar and Lyria Palas Eugene Majerowicz Hugh Makens Arlen and Arlene Matson Edith Maynard Roger and Glory Meyer Gary Nichols Glenn Oster Martin O'Toole Leo G Paveglio
Ralph and Barbara Powell Michael Reed Thomas Reimers James Richards David and Joyce Salisbury Bill and Sue Sanger John and Lynn Seirup Louis Shainker Maynard Shier David Maclean, Shoreline Cycling Club, Inc. Edward Sidote James Siegel Jeffrey and Denise Smith Scott Smith James Sprague Lucy Stopher Robert Suss Janette Sweasy David Tattan George and Stella Thelen Raymond Vlasak Charles and Janet Wagner Lynn Waldron Doug Welker and Marjory Johnston Gail Werner Chris Wise Dewey and Kay Wobma Gaylord Yost Mary Zuk Domanski
Ten Year Members Jay Abercrombie Barbara Abrahamer David and Jean Adams Rick and Juanita Adamson Alan and Lou Adsmond Sam Affendikis Allegheny Outdoor Club Jerry Allen and Connie Pausits Allen R. Marie Altenau Galen Anderson John Andersson Catherine Andrews Joyce Appel Julie Ann Arneth Daniel and Constance Arnold Patricia Arvilla Richard Ashbacker Todd Ashby Carol Atwell and Philip Lenko Larry Baar Lori Baker and David Koski R. Alan Baker Steven Baker Juanita Ball Terry Ballinger Dan Bandrowski William J. Bandy Barnes County Wildlife Federation Steve Barrows Deena Barshney Jim Bartlett Mark Batchelor Dan Baumhardt and Joyce Krause Thomas Bausman Gene and Liz Bavis Sondra Beach Mitzi Beckman Kevin Bell Raymond and Elizabeth Bell Lewis and Mary Bender
Dawn Bennett Henry Bent Jim Berch Nelda Bergsten Joe and Willi Bevirt Bob Beymer Lyle Bialk Jann and Dan Bidwell Bill and Paul’s Sporthaus Anne and Greg Billiard Bruce Bishop Mark Bissell Vee Bjornson Stephanie Black Paul D. Blanchard Frank Blumenthal David Boboltz Steve Boehm Matt Boes and Collen Ortwine-Boes Carl Boesel Richard and Sue Boettner Susan Bond Bruce Booth Robert Borak Andrew Todd Borsum Doris Borthwick Heinemann Evert Bos Brad and Cheryl Bosley Bruce and Char Bostrom Ryan Bowles and Lori Skibbe Richard Boyak Nancy Bradbury Jim Brady Ruth Brandel Bob and Judith Bredeweg David Brewer Belinda Brewster Eugene and Mary Briggs David Briggs Keith and Dorothy Brown Bob and Ruth Brown Jim Bruce Nancy Brucken Jerry Brucksch Joyce Brukoff Mike and Bonnie Brunett Patricia Brunner Brian and Barb Buchanan Jack and Elaine Buege James and Sharon Buhr Laura Bulleit Dorothy Buquo Bureau of Reclamation Marilyn Burfiend David Burgan Michael Burgess Walter Burgess Robert Burris Sharon Burtrum David Busse Bruce and Julie Busta Butler Outdoor Club David Byrne James Byrne Jonathan Call Jay and Mary Campbell Peter Cann Theresa Careaga Janet Carpenter Marilyn Chadwick Steve Chapman Ed and Nancy Chappel Donnan Christensen
Charles Church Sara Cockrell William and Mary Coffin Suzanne Cohen Donald Collins Dennis Collison David and Jan Conley Tim and Christine Conners Joan Conway Dave and Jan Cornell Harold Cotant Linda Coughenour DeWayne and Joan Cox Helen Coyne John and Nancy Crowley William Currie Joe Dabes and Kathy Brennan Tom Dahle Carl Daiker Elizabeth Daly Tom Dandridge and Lynn Martin James Darabi Cameron Dasch Verl Dasher Kenneth and Maura Davenport Bruce Davis John and JoAnne Davis Mary and Bill Davis Robert Davis Robert C. Davis Susan Deaner Laura DeGolier Ray and Barbara Dereske Bonnie DeSloover Jacob Detrie Phyllis Devlin John Diephouse William Dietrich Garrett Dill Kathleen Disque David and Carol Dixen Lon Dobson Catherine Doherty Tom and Janet Dohr James and Debbie Donaldson Dan and Ruth Dorrough James and Maureen Doull Erich and Alex Drescher Mark and Pam Dryer Steve and Betsy Duede Tom and Marianne Duvendack Tom Dwight Ron and Jane Dziurda Scott and Terri Edick Carolyn Edmunds Clifton Edwards Martin Eggener Loyal and Bonnie Eldridge Peter and Michelle Eldridge George Elliott Tom Elliott Jim Elzinga Lon and Lynn Emerick Barbara Enger Stephen J. Eno Jake and Lotta Erhardt Robert Erickson and Cathy Bulinski Lynn L.M. Evans Alan Fark Edward Fenelon Joseph Finley Frank Fishman Robert Fitch
Jeff and Mary Fleming Peter Fleszar William and Barbara Fletcher Richard Flinn Joseph D. Folzenlogen Kathleen Foote Foothills Trail Club Geoffrey Force Ken Fowler Jerry Freels Bettina Frisse James Funke Catherine Gadbaw Laurence Galen Earl Garn Tom Garnett James Garthe Fred and Nan Gaunt Louis Geeraerts Patti Gehring Daniel Geiger William and Joanne Gerke Terry Giarrosso Ruth and Dennis Gilgen Susan Gille Anita Gilleo John E. Gilrein Chris Gladieux Curtis Glasoe Curt Gledhill Daniel Gold Aubrey and Martina Golden Dave Goodman Carol Gorton Lorna Goshman Bill Grau John and Carol Gregory Gerald H Groebe Paul Haan and Julie Nietling Richard and Chris Halbert Mark and Sarah Halvorsen William Hamilton and Susan Heathfield Marshall Hamilton Carolyn Sue Hammers Jeff Hammond Ronald Hand Rudi Hargesheimer Harvey Harris Laurance Harwood Dan Haugen Carol A Haupt Larry and Diane Hawkins Myron Hawkins Chuck Hayden Lee Hayes D. James and Mary Heaton Carter and Flo Hedeen John Heiam and Lois Goldstein Jerry L. Heiman Eric Helfrich Paul Henry David and Frances Herring Denise Herron Douglas Heym and Debra Huff Steven Hicks Gerard Hilferty Miriam Hilton Bobbie Hineline Bill Hinton Alicia and Chris Hoffarth Carolyn Hoffman Mark Hoffmann John Hofrichter
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NCTA Programs
Decade Member Club Ten Year Members Continued
Matson and Deborah Holbrook Bill Holland and Kim Steffes Marilyn Holmes Tim Holschlag and Lyn Verthein Jim and Gladys Hoogterp Carl and Karen Hooks Jan Horak Tom and Mary Hord Ken Howell Patricia Hudelson Peter Hudelson Theodore Hullar Herbert and Suzanne Hulls Lucy Hulme Mike Humphreys Brian Huschle Grace and Ronald Hutchinson Lita Ihle David Irish Darleen Jarman Mark Jenness Eunice Jennings Steve Johgart Gary and Cindy Johnson Gerald Johnson Karen Johnson Kirk Johnson Paul and Linda Johnson Peggy Jones and Andy Zeek Caroline Jordan Lois Judd Sarah Julien Thomas Kaiser Michael and Eloise Kaizar Carol and Hans-Peter Kappus Roger Karsten Tom D. Kauffman Mike and Sherry Keeler Brenda Keener Jerry Keeney James Kelly Robert Kibbe Verlyn and Dorothy Kicker David Kinnamon Robert Kirkland Barbara Kletzke Paul and Joyce Kline Janet Knepper Pollie Knight A.A. Koeller Bobby and Deb Koepplin Gary and Marta Konrad Charles and Verle Krammin John Kroha Ray and Marj Krumm Mikie Kuhman Stanley and Kay Kujawa Ronald Kulak Ronald Kustra Neoma Laken Cal and Jean Lamoreaux Michael Landry Paul Lane John Larch and Mary Campbell Al Larmann and Mary Kunzler-Larmann Penny Larsen Gayle Larson George Lauff John Laughrey Edward Lawrence and Catherine McLaughlin James Lawrence John Lawton Joan and Dana Leach Don Lee Lee’s Adventure Sports John and Pat Leinen R.K. Lenahan Martha Leppanen David LeRoy
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Laura Leso and Family John and Lisa Letarte Christopher and Margo Light Richard Lightcap Ellen Lightle Mona Liska John and Mary Beth Lohse Ron Lovasz Terry Lowery Carolyn Lundberg Gary and Barbara Lyall William Lynch and Barbara Manger-Lynch Mike and Donna Lynch George and Patricia Maas Susan Mabee Cynthia Maczuga Bill Majernik Susan Makrianis John Malcolm Dan and Deb Malesevich William and Swea Manthey Jerry Marek Henrietta Mark Marion Marsh Jim Martin Pat Martin William and Shirley Martinus Robert Maruna William and Bonnie Mathias Jim and Norma Matteson Dave Maxwell Dan and Mary Mayhew Fred and Kathy Maynard Steve and Kathy McBride Nancy McCain Timothy and Susan McCoy Dennis McCurdy Michael McGraw Charles McKay E. Anne McKinsey Patrick J. McNabb Karen McNew Stephen McPherson Kim and Terry Meacham Nelson Meade Peter Melcarek James and Marcia Mellen Hugh Melling and Denise Simon Bill and Donna Menke Catherine B. Miller and Bernie Winter Don and Joan Miller Jack Miller Lisa A. Mink Dan Mixer Alan Mize Al and Jean Moberly Tom Mohler Chuck Moll Diane Morand Jean-Pierre Moreau Bethann Morgan John and Carol Morris Edwin Morse Larry and Sophia Morton Dan and Peggy Mourer Craig Mullenbrock George and Judith Mullison Mark Murphy Richard and Cheryl Naperala Peter and Lynne Nason Joshua Nast Ronald Navik Bert and Cheryl Nemcik Mary Lee and Steve Nielson James Noel Philip Nolt Peter and Deb Nordgren Kent Nordin and Jill Ciszewski Robert Norlin John Norlund North Dakota Game and Fish Department
North Country Trail Association
Edna Northrup Northwestern Ohio Rails-to-Trails Association Michael and Virginia O’Keefe Eugene Ollila Ruth Olsen Timothy O'Rourke Merry Ossenheimer Atley Oswald David Otto Jeff and Sandra Palmer Byron Panasuk Bob and Annette Papp Scott Parker Richard Parks Brian Parks Lawrence Parmelee Derrick Passe Gerald Pattok Brian and Barb Pavek Wayne Peel Peggy L. Penny Kathleen Perry Denny and Jennifer Peterson James and Rebecca Peterson Orville Peterson Bohdan Petryszak Dale Petty Stephen E. Pew Thomas Pflueger Aaron and Sharon Phipps Larry Pio and Suzanne Darling Randal Podoll Chuck Polonowski Robert and Constance Pond Rense Jack and Virginia Post Gail Poterack Roxanne Potter Thomas Prieto John Pulver Bruce and Cheryl Pummell Craig and Sue Quimby Scott Radtke William and Avis Rambo Patricia Rathmann Val Rauceps Julia Rawlings Thomas Reeber Thomas Reed Joel Reed Robert Reeves Rick and Deb Reis Eugene and Arlene Renico John Rethman Stephen Rhodes Thomas Riccio Ron Rice Mary Rifkin Neil Rinne Christina Rizzo Keith and Ardath Robertson Michael Robinaugh Michael Robinson Walter and Jodell Rockenstein Anthony Rodriguez Dan and Betty Rogalla Kathleen Rollins Sandra Roobol Peggy Roth James Rowe Robert and Grace Rudd John Rudnicki James and Vivian Runk Ginny Ruppe Gregory Russo Jane Ryan Bill (Soupie) Ryding Arthur Saari Ronald Saccol Paula Sagala Roy Salmon Don and Karen Sandberg Michael and Erica SanDretto
2012 Annual Report
Daniel Sathre Ruth Saunders Sharaza Saur Mike Schaeffer and Debby Page Daniel And Nancy Schiebel Firman Schiebout Kurt H. Schindler Merl and Pat Schlaack Lewis Schlanbusch Tina Schmidt Dennis Schoenick Bob Schrems Marguerite Schubert Tony Schwaller Bruce Schwenke Ed and Norma Jean Scurry Marcia Seaman Heide Seaman-Mahlke and Ernest Mahlke Doug Seaney Peter Seed Brian Seely John Seidel and Deborrah Frable Bernard and Phyllis Senske Van Serrell Perry Severance Thomas Shaffer and Carol Hegland James Shaum Dick and Marty Shaw Randy Shoemaker Allen and Mary Shoup Carl and Mary Shroeder Harold and Karen Slater Carol Smith Dena Smith G. Warren Smith Joseph Smith Martyn Smith Robert Smith Don and Mary Snitgen Arnold Soderholm Ted and Alice Soldan Tom and Liz Solka Louis Solomon Dominic Sosnowski James Spencer Mike and Terry Stafford Judith Stalder Mike and Carol Stasik Robert Stein Robert and Linda Steiner Bill and Karen Stellema Ellen H. Stephenson Carol Stetter James and Jan Stewart Susan Stimmel George Stojic Jan Stowman Philip and Brielle Stoyke Mark and Tiffany Stram Michael Streibel Margaret Strobel and William Barclay Robert Sulaski Marty and Vickie Swank Rolf Swanson Robert Swanson Irene Szabo Douglas Szper Thomas Szpond Bob Tait John and Mary Lou Tanton Thomas Taylor R.W.W. and Jo Taylor Michael Terrell June E. Thaden Charles and Frances Thompson Stuart Thompson Jere Thompson Scott Tichy Clinton Tompt David Tosten John Tremore
Michael Trinko Fred and Chris Tritschler Jerry and Beth Trout Gerald Trzybinski Turkey's Cafe Tana Turonie Roger Tuuk Donald Ulsh Michael Unsworth Valley City Convention/ Visitors Bureau David A. Van Baak Rudy and Nancy Van Donk Gail and William Van Haren John and Ayleen VanBeynen David VanderBee Mark VanHornweder Jeffrey and Nancy VanWinkle Mike Veen Brenda Veilleux Werner and Marianne Veit Mary Jo Vent Lewis Vespoli Leonard and Joan Vetrone John Vose Jerry Wachter Murray Wagman Jon and Judy Walter Donald B. (Jack) Watkins G. Neal Watson and Patricia Yale Steve Webster Lois Weed Jim Weiske William Weiss John and Lynn Wellinghoff David Wells Frederick Wenn Gary Werner and Melanie Lord William Wesner James Wessel Walker Steven Wester Neil C. Wester Ted Weyerhaeuser Margaret and Pat Whaley Mike Whelsky Arthur Wick Donald Wickstra Lynne Williams Jack and Sanda Willsey Daniel Willshire Kevin Wilson and Robin Raley David Wingrove and Ann Borkhuis Chad Wise John and Patti Wojtowicz Rodger and Denise Wolf Douglas and Barbara Wood James and Shirley Wood Kathryn and John Woodruff Andrew Wright Gary Wright Peter Wybron Richard Wynalda Jeffrey Yoest Joan and Omer Young George Zacharek John Zadvinskis Walter Zarnoch Richard Zeman Rolf Zerges and Lynda Rummel Dana and Lisa Zintek Chuck Zosel David Zosel
We have made every effort to make these lists as accurate as possible. If we have omitted or incorrectly reported anyone, please accept our apology and contact Jill DeCator, Membership Coordinator at (616) 897-5987 ext 1.
ncta philanthropy and financial highlights
P
hilanthropic giving to the North Country Trail Association continued to grow and mature in 2012. Giving from private sources alone grew by 35%. Membership in our major giving club, the Founders Circle, grew by 34% to a record number of ninety donors. With contributions now reaching into the mid-six figure level, we have added a new giving group – the True North Society to recognize this new group of important donors. We realize that leadership gifts like these set the bar high and are critical if the association is going to move into new areas of our mission. As an example, this year, True North Society member, the Lux Foundation, provided a $30,000 match to our “Boots on the Ground 2013” marketing initiative. One of the major goals of the philanthropic giving strategy for the association is to reduce the dependence on the funds provided by our partner, the National Park Service. In 2012 we took a major step in that direction, dropping the percentage of the park service’ contribution to 44% of the overall income. This is a 7.4% improvement from 2011. On the other hand, private donations and grant awards accounted for a 44% increase in revenues from 2011.
TRUE NORTH SOCIETY
FOUNDERS CIRCLE
$25,000 and up Lux Foundation
TRAIL CHAMPION
TRAIL BLAZER
$10,000 to $24,999 Scheels All Sports J. A. Woollam Foundation
$1,000 to $2,499 $500 to $999 Appleton Scheels All Sports Pat Allen and Mark Miller Deena Barshney Joyce Appel* Raymond and Elizabeth Bell Brian and Elizabeth Bachynski Peter Bennett NCTA Central New York Chapter Betty Benson Dakota Square Scheels All Sports Lyle Bialk Duhring Resource Company Black River Environmental Improvement Tracy Dulak and Dominic Bragg Association Eileen Fairbrother Kenneth Buran Michael Fitzsimmons Butler Outdoor Club Richard Flinn Mary* and William Coffin David Galbreath Dave* and Jan Cornell James Glockner Cecil and Joanne Dobbins Richard Gray Eau Claire Scheels All Sports Larry* and Diane Hawkins Shell Oil Company Honeywell Hometown Solutions Grand Forks Scheels All Sports Donald and Kay James Carter and Florence Hedeen Ryan Johnson John Heiam* and Lois Goldstein Sarah and Mike Julien Kirkwood Scheels All Sports Bobby and Deb Koepplin Joseph and Cindy Krueger Peggy MacRae Al Larmann and Mary Kunzler-Larmann Bruce# and Linda Matthews Marquette County Community Foundation Mark and Gail McCensky Travis and Mink Neely Bill# and Donna Menke James Noble Minard Run Oil Co. Brian* and Barb Pavek Roger Morrison PIOGA Orvana Minerals Corp. Mike and Pamela Ryan River Hills Scheels All Sports Steve and Tiffany Scheel Ronald and Linda Sootsman Neil Smith Irene Szabo St. Cloud Scheels All SportsTruist Traverse City Track Club Werner and Marianne Veit Jerry and Beth Trout Walmart Foundation Roger Tuuk Gaylord* and Marlene Yost Jeffrey and Nancy VanWinkle Lynda Rummel* and Rolf Zerges John and Sandra Wagner Jim Weiske Gary Werner and Melanie Lord Larry Willis * Indicates a Director of the Board # Indicates a NCTA staff member Mark and Silvia Wilson
TRAIL LEADER $5,000 to $9,999 Betty A. Lewis Environmental Charitable Trust Butler County Tourism/Jack Cohen* Coles Family Foundation Fremont Area Community Foundation Lorana Jinkerson* Tom* and Mary Moberg The 1772 Foundation, Inc. Raymond Vlasak*
TRAIL GUARDIAN $2,500 to $4,999 Adirondack Mountain Club – Onondaga Chapter Garry Dill* Finger Lakes Trail Conference Good Family Foundation National Environmental Education and Training Foundation Plum Creek Foundation Doug Thomas* and Carol Zazubek
TRAIL BUILDER
%% i n 2 0 1 2 The Lux Foundation became our first
“True “True North North Society” Society” member setting a new high bar for major giving.
The Founders Circle, our major giving group, grew by
Private and foundation
contributions to the ncta
to ninety members!
increased increased by by
44%. 7
NCTA contributors
$100 to $499 Anonymous Judy Abrams David and Jean Adams AFSCME District Council 85 Rayanne Aiken Judy Akkala Phoebe Alden Jerry and Connie Allen Stefan Anderson Gary Anderson and Catherine Furnberg Todd Ashby Steven Ashmead Charles Axthelm Lori Baker and David Koski R. Alan Baker Terry Ballinger Robert Banks Len and JoAnne Baron John Barrows John Bauer Timothy Bauer Dan Baumhardt and Joyce Krause Gene and Liz Bavis Sondra Beach Donald Beattie Brian Becker Jim Belote Ron Belski Lewis and Mary Bender Dawn Bennett Jason and Sejal Bennett Megan Berlo Mary Berube and John Schrock Jann and Dan Bidwell Bill and Paul’s Sporthaus Paul D. Blanchard Bert Bleke David Blewett David T. Blewett Blissfest Music Organization Thelma Boeder James and Hope Bradley Doug and Kathy Brehm John Breitinger Ralph Bremigan Robert and Sandra Bridge David Briggs Bill and Mary Beth Brinkman Lynn Broaddus Bob and Ruth Brown Mike and Bonnie Brunett Edwin Burman Robert Burris Sharon Burtrum Calhoun County Master Gardener Association Joe and Sharon Callahan Robert Campbell Jay and Mary Campbell David and Mabel Casey Mary Jo Clark John Clement Fred and Mary Clinton Donald Collins Walter and Kathleen Colyer Bob Cooley Linda Coughenour Bill Courtois and Anne Finlayson Courtois Robert Courtois Marian Crossman Phil and Sheree Cunningham William Currie Carl Daiker Bill and Margie Darooge Robert Davis Robert and Patricia Davis Matthew# and Stacy Davis Mary and Bill Davis Donald Dickmann and Kathleen McKevitt John Diephouse David Diephouse Dan and Ruth Dorrough David Dosland Eric Dreier Alexander Drescher 8
Skip Duchesneau Scott and Patricia Duemler Michael and Pam Dundas Gary Eckard Donald Edwards Kathleen Eisele Loyal and Bonnie Eldridge Cheryl Emoto Randy Eshenroder Harold and Eleanor Fairbanks James and Peggy Falk Edward Fenelon John and Patricia Fey Michael and Jennifer Fitzsimmons Jeff and Mary Fleming Nancy Fleming Teri Foust Richard Fowler Joanna Frank Friends of the Walker Library Bettina Frisse Mary Gallagher Tom Garnett Louis Geeraerts William and Joanne Gerke Tom and Jan Gilbert James Gilkey Anita Gilleo Grand Rapids Community Foundation James and Jane Gregoire Paul Haan and Julie Nietling Mark and Sarah Halvorsen Mary and Kathy Hamilton William Hamilton and Susan Heathfield Dan and Margaret Hamilton Harvey Harris Chuck Hayden Andy Hazel Keith Hein Sue Helder Randy Heldt William and Nancy Henke Denise Herron Raymond Hoag Marc Hoeksema Gary and Bonnie Hollander Gladys and Jim Hoogterp Jan Horak Tom and Mary Hord Keith Horngren and Katherine Erdman Bob and Merrill Horswill Howard Drilling, LLC Peter Hudelson Theodore Hullar Gilford and Nelda Ikenberry David Irish Itasca Mantrap Co-Op Electrical Association Trust Mark Jenness Bruce and Linda Johnson Laura Johnson Gary Johnson Joseph H. Johnson Peggy Jones and Andy Zeek Lois Judd Robert Kahl Michael and Eloise Kaizar Carol and Hans-Peter Kappus Robert A. Kazar Paul and Trish Keech James Kelly Linda Kermeen Ronald Killebrew Susan Kitchen Paul and Joyce Kline KLM Enterprises David Kranz Joseph J. Kravetz Drew Kreidelcamp Ronald Kulak Brian Laarman Gordon Lachniet Cal and Jean Lamoreaux Michael Landry John Larch and Mary Campbell David Larsen
North Country Trail Association
Harold and Pam Lassers Shemaya Laurel Duane Lawton John Lawton Robert and Jane Leedle Lee’s Adventure Sports Kalista Lehrer Edwin and Judith Leonard Martha Leppanen Laura Leso and Family Laura# and Phillip Lindstrom Carolyn Lundberg Mary W. Lunt Gary and Barbara Lyall William Lynch and Barbara Manger-Lynch George and Patricia Maas Mary MacDonald John Malcolm Marquette Board of Power and Light Pat Martin James and Sydney Massee Jim and Norma Matteson Phyllis Matthews Dan and Mary Mayhew Jerry Maynard Steve and Kathy McBride Melinda and Jerry McCarty Joseph and Michelle McGinn Richard McKnight Larry Meyer and Sharon Schaafmeyer Eeva and Bob Miller Jack Miller Don and Joan Miller Steve Miller John Miller and Rosemary Etter Minnesota Deer Hunters Assoc. Al and Jean Moberly Donald Mong Diane Morand Edwin Morse David Moscatello and Ann Dixon Dan and Peggy Mourer Timothy and Sue Mowbray Craig Mullenbrock Lawrence Mulligan Richard Naperala Clareyse Nelson Erik Nielsen Emily Nietering Laura Nitsche Philip Nolt Peter and Deb Nordgren Michael and Virginia O’Keefe Eugene Ollila Ric Olson and Pam Iacullo Timothy O’Rourke Charles Otis Edgar Palmer Bob and Annette Papp Richard Paul Viviana Pawlick Pennsylvania General Energy Co, LLC Brian Peppler William Peterson Aaron and Sharon Phipps Larry Pio and Suzanne Darling Richard and Leslie Platte Dave and Irma Powers Brian and Jennifer Prather Richard and Elizabeth Pratt John Prusila William and Avis Rambo Julia Rawlings Razoo Foundation John Regenhardt Daniel Rehner Linda Rehorst Paul and Evelyn Reid Thomas Reimers John Restall Nicholas Rhodehamel Don Richard James Richards Richgas, Inc. Neil Rinne
2012 Annual Report
Brian and Susan Roberts Andrea Roberts Ellen Robinson Darrel Rodekuhr Dan and Betty Rogalla Ron and Maureen Ronquist James Rowe Robert and Grace Rudd Janie Saltarelli Mike Schaeffer and Debby Page Rick and Mary Schlauderaff David Schlosser John Schroeder David Scripps Marcia Seaman William and Mary Seeger Jeffrey Seiple Bernard and Phyllis Senske Perry Severance David and Elvera Shappirio Mark Sherman Carl and Mary Shroeder Edward Sidote Frederick Silver Mark Sisson Ann and Mark Smith Joseph Smith Ronald and Amy Snyder Arnold Soderholm Tom and Liz Solka James Sprague Michael and Michelle Springer St. Ignace Visitors Bureau Mike and Terry Stafford Mike and Carol Stasik Robert Steeneck Wayne and Nancy Steger John and Alice Stehle Robert Stein Mary Stenberg and Richard Pomerleau Mark and Barbara Stender Gary Strand Kay Stremler Margaret Strobel and William Barclay Jim Sunstrum Superior Hiking Trail Association Marty and Vickie Swank Dick and Linda Taylor June E. Thaden The Voyageur Trading Post Stella and George Thelen Laura Bethany Thomas Robert Thompson Mike and Tina Toole Jerry Valka Gail and Willliam Van Haren Tim and Nancy Van Nest Juli Van Woert Douglas Vandenberg Vincent Vannicola Mike Veen Tammy Veloski Constance and Steve Vorenkamp Nancy Wadopian John W. Wagar Jeffrey Ward Jay and Darlene Warren Dennis Weaver Mark and Stephanie Weaver William Welch Jacqui Wensich Neil C. Wester Ted Weyerhaeuser Neil Whitbeck Donald and Terrie Wicks Donald Wickstra Scott and Julie Wilhelmsen Michael and Linda Wilkey Kevin Wilson and Robin Raley Gene Wimmer Vince and Antoinette Winklerprins Todd and Jennifer Winnell Frederick and Eleanor Winston Jay and Patricia Winter Alan Wiseman Rodger and Denise Wolf
Marjorie Wright Quinn Wright Gary Wright Jack Wykoff Mary Kay Wysham Walter Zarnoch Andrew Zbikowski Cecile Zdunich Cynthia Zientarski
up to $99 Anonymous (2) Mitchel Aafedt Jay Abercrombie Cynthia Ackerson Alan and Lou Adsmond Kevin Alexander Allegheny Outdoor Club Jack Amelar Robert Amundson Galen Anderson Clyde and Jane Anderson David and Joyce Anderson Philip Anderson and Valerie Kozlovsky Doug and Val Anderson John Andersson Sue Andraschko Cindy Angerhofer George Apostolou Julie Ann Arneth Daniel and Constance Arnold Arlyn Aronson Patricia Arvilla Tom and Barb Auer David and Sandra Auge Richard Austin Larry Baar Loren Bach and Dave Martus Steve Bade Greg and Laurie Bailey Charlotte Baines Marieanna and Earland Bair Doug Baker Ken Ballema William J. Bandy Carole and Zane Bard Wayne and Joann Barry Dean and Sharon Bartholomew Mark Batchelor Elizabeth Bates Mary and Robert Beals Ronald J. Beavers Mary Becker Mitzi Beckman John R. Beguhn Donald Belanger Thom and Mary Lou Belasky Trisha Bell Bob and Nancy Benham Robert Bennett Henry Bent Jim Berch Nelda Bergsten Joe and Willi Bevirt Bob Beymer Andrew Biddle Jan Bilden Anne Billiard Bruce Bishop Vee Bjornson Daniel Blanton Jack Bley David Blouin Derek Blount Caite Blount Frank Blumenthal Mary Jo and David Bobholz Andrew Boddy Matt and Colleen Boes Richard and Sue Boettner Richard and May Bohjanen Jim Bolick Robert Borak Ken Bordwell Debra and Joe Borer Colin Bork Evert Bos
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR CONTRIBUTORS The generous support of the North Country Trail community continues to build and grow the mission of the organization. Without these faithful contributions, we could have never accomplished all that we did in 2012. We sincerely appreciate the sacrificial giving and thoughtful support of all of our donors. Brad and Cheryl Bosley Robert A. Bouchard Doug Boulee Lynda Bouwsma Jane Bovard Jeff Bowen Ed and Karla Bowen Leslie Bowen Nancy Bradbury Ruth Brandel David Brewer Eugene and Mary Briggs Jim Bronson Keith and Dorothy Brown Jim Bruce Robert Bruce Nancy Brucken Jerry Brucksch John Bruneau Patty Brunner Ed Brunner Ronald Bryant Phyllis Buchwalder Jason Buckner Jack and Elaine Buege Larry and Nancy Buege James and Sharon Buhr Tammy Bukach Laura Bulleit Elly Bunzendahl and Chris Edlin Bureau of Reclamation David Burgan Walter Burgess Kathy Burmania Terry Burns and Claire Duquette Sally Burroughs David Busse Bruce and Julie Busta David Byrne James Byrne Edward and Linda Calhan Raymond and Sara Camilli Steven and RoseMarie Canfield Janet Carl and Greg Johnson Pat Carlson Janet Carpenter Robert and Agnes Carrier Richard Causley Marilyn Chadwick Charles and Dianne Chandler Ed and Nancy Chappel Kay Christensen Donnan Christensen Charles Church Tom Church Jody Clark Alecia Clark William Clark Peter Clover Timothy Clulo Suzanne Cohen Mike Collins and JoAnn Brede Robert and Yvonne Colville Tim and Christine Conners Bob Conradi John Cooley and Victoria Kelly Valerie A. Counard DeWayne and Joan Cox Gayle Coyer John Craig James Crandall Tom and Jeanne Crosby John and Nancy Crowley LuAnne Crupi Joe Dabes and Kathy Brennan Diane and Larry Dahl Tom Dahle William Daines Tom Dandridge and Lynn Martin Dee Daniels and Tom Jahnke Verl Dasher Kenneth and Maura Davenport
John and JoAnne Davis William and Kathleen Davis Bruce Davis Rose Ann M. Davis# Eugene Dawson Don and Bonnie Dealing Dennis and Barbara Dean Jeffrey and Susan Dean Amanda Debevc Robert Decker Claire Dedow Laura DeGolier Timothy DeJong Patrick Delaney Roland Derksen Kate DeRosier Bonnie DeSloover Charlene and Marvin DeWitt David and Carol Diephuis William Dietrich Mary Dineen Stewart DeWitt Dinger Mark Dingman Douglas Dodd Tim and Janice Donahue James and Debbie Donaldson Patricia Dooley Donald and Brita Dorn James and Maureen Doull Paul and Mardy Dovre Michael Doyle Roy Dray Betsy and Steve Duede John Dulik Carol Durling Tom and Marianne Duvendack Bruce and Kathy Dziadzio Ron and Jane Dziurda Steve Easley Fred and Jean Eckel Henry Eckhardt Alison and David Edgerton Scott and Terri Edick Carolyn Edmunds John Edwards Bill and Cathy Egerer Martin Eggener Scot Egleston Sherry and Richard Eiler Jim and Jill Eisele Randy Ellingson Tom Elliott Fred Elmore Colleen Elonen William Endres Gordon Engdahl Stephen J. Eno Jacque Erdman Myron Erickson George Ernst Mark Erway Lynn L.M. Evans Paul and Sheri Ewing Mark Ewing Alan Fark Terri and Don Feola Catherine Ferguson Laurie and Tim Fill Morris Fine Paul C. Finstrom Sarah and Jeff Fisher Frank Fishman Douglas Flanagan Peter Fleszar William and Barbara Fletcher Geoffrey Force Bruce and Angela Forgrave Jerry and Linda Forrider Marge and John Forslin Dwight and Janet Fox Peter and Eileen Freiburger Doug French
Charles and Anne Frihart Claudia Fry Melanie Fullman and Bill Baer Bronson Funke James Funke Laurence Galen Mary Gall Clark H. Galloway Donovan Gardner Fred and Nan Gaunt Duane and Jennifer Gebhard C Mitchell George Terry Giarrosso Amanda Gibson Layne and Susan Giering John E. Gilrein Richard and Alisha Glasgow Glen Falls - Saratoga Chapter of the ADK Mark Glendon Lynn Glesne Donald Godfrey Timothy Goodman Lorna Goshman Joan Gossner Rick Gotts Peter Gradoni DeAnn Graham and James Medacco David Granger David Green John and Carol Gregory James Gries Kay Grignon Barbara Grissop Tim and Lauren Groenhof Richard Grossman Teri Grout Ed and Rennae Gruchalla Gary Gulish John and Cindi Haag Muriel and Randall Hachfeld David Hagen Ann and John Haglund Matt Hahnfeld Richard and Chris Halbert Dwight and Donna Halfmann Jan Hallberg John Hallenburg Chris and Helen Haller Marshall Hamilton Jeff Hammond Michael Hammond Deborah Hammond Dennis Hansen Roger and Laurie Hanson Howard Hardy Glory Harris Robert Harris Bob Harrison Jocelyn Harvey Laurance Harwood Tim and Ellen Hass Anthony Haswell Patrick and Mary Hayes Eric and Holly Hedeen Jerry L. Heiman Thomas Heinrich Phyllis Heinze Becky and Daryl Heise Maribeth Helgesen Ellen Heneghan Bruce Henke Alan Herdzik John Hess Randall Hetfield Douglas Heym and Debra Huff Timothy Hicks Steven Hicks Gerard Hilferty Gail Hill and Jim Overzet Frank Hinterleitner
Bill Hinton Cindy Hinz Myrna Hixson Kurt Hochstein and Nancy Davis Alicia and Chris Hoffarth Carolyn Hoffman James Hoffman Mark Hoffmann Jason and Carissa Hofstede Matson and Deborah Holbrook Bill Holland Marilyn Holmes Beth and Tim Holst Alice Holwerda Tim Holzkamm Lori Honrath James Hoogesteger James and Margaret Hoover James and Tena Hop Ronald Horn Dan Hornbogen Jim and Kaye Houk Shaun Hughes and Sari Cafmeyer Herbert and Susie Hulls Lucy Hulme Brian Huschle James and Patricia Huston Grace and Ronald Hutchinson Warren Irle Mark Isken Barbara Isom and Charles Todd Rhoda Jackson Donald and Donna Jacobs Randall Jacobson Martin and Leslie Jan Jane Jeannero Ken Jeffery Eunice Jennings Karl Jensen Paul and Linda Johnson Deanna Johnson Kirk Johnson Karen Johnson Gerald Johnson Mark and Mary Johnson Matt and Erika Johnson-Bailey Cindy Jones Ramon and Janette Jones Micheline Kagan Thomas Kaiser Barb and Greg Kalinoski Martin Kalishek Andrew Karnavas Eileen Karnavas Roger Karsten Jerry Keeney Catherine Kelleher Robert and Carol Keller Beth Keloneva Ellen Kendall Phyllis Kephart John and Barb Kersey Verlyn and Dorothy Kicker Susan and Michael Kielb James Kingdon David Kinnamon Steve and Anne Kinne Kristine Kipka Eric Kirchner Robert Kirkland Lynn Kistler Peter Klaver Barbara Kletzke Peter and Paula Klima Peter and Lonhilt Klose Byron Knapp Bunk Kofal Frank Kohl Dirk Konings Gary and Marta Konrad Anne and Ron Koontz David Kotzian
John and Jane Kozal Lynn Kozlowski Charles and Verle Krammin Donald Krause Joshua Krbez John Kroha Charles Kruch Kurt Krueger Jack Krueger Ray and Marj Krumm David J. Kubicek Norman Kuchar Richard Kudner Stanley and Kay Kujawa Karl Kunz Ronald Kustra John and Nancy Kwapinski Shirley LaBonte Harold LaFleur John and Karen LaFond Scott and Mary Lagaard Neoma Laken Paul Lane Harold Lane James Langemo David Larson John Latterell and Rebecca Svatek George Lauff Robert and Beverly Laughna NCTA Laurentian Lakes Chapter Edward Lawrence and Catherine McLaughlin Robert Lazar Don Lee Gary Leff John and Pat Leinen Riley and Patricia Lentz John and Lisa Letarte Mary Letts Kenneth and Andrea Lewaine Richard and Christine Lightcap James and Betty Line Eric Longman Bruce Loomis Tom Lorentzsen Mons Lovaas Ron Lovasz Stuart Lowe Terry Lowery Hank Ludtke Mike and Donna Lynch Frank Lynn Nelson Lytle Edward Mackus Mary Madden Kathy Maginity Richard Magyar and Lyria Palas Hugh Makens Stan and Judy Malaski Dan and Deb Malesevich Carol Mallison David Manning Melanie Mantos Rebecca Marjonen William and Shirley Martinus Deborah Massafra Arvan Matheny William and Bonnie Mathias Arlen and Arlene Matson Willis Mattison Lori Mattison and Marcia Paulson Eric and Jon Maturi Fred and Kathy Maynard Edith Maynard Curt and Betty McCabe Drew McCalley Chuck and Bev McCready Dennis McCurdy James McDowall Charlotte McIvor Charles McKay Tamara McLain
9
NCTA contributors
up to $99 CONTINUED Jean McLean Patrick J. McNabb Robert and Pat McNamara Karen McNew Craig and Betsy McNulty Stephen McPherson Marjorie McRoberts Kim and Terry Meacham Nelson Meade MECCA Peter Melcarek James and Marcia Mellen Hugh Melling and Denise Simon Steve Mettner Heino F. Meyer-Bahlburg Emily Meyerson Richard Micka Paul Miedona Jean Miewald Catherine B. Miller Michael Miller Roger Minch Mike Minium Lisa A. Mink Andrew Mitchell Edward Moellering Douglas Moericke Chuck Moll Patrick Monahan MaryAnn Moore Jean-Pierre Moreau James Morford Larry and Sophia Morton Craig and Kathi Mulder George and Judith Mullison Mark Murphy Robert Nagelkirk Joshua Nast Bert and Cheryl Nemcik Gordon and Vernie Nethercut Helga Neugebauer Stan Newill Mary Lee and Steve Nielson Kent Nordin and Jill Ciszewski John Norlund Northwestern Ohio Rails-to-Trails Association Jane Norton Jeffrey O’Neill Dan Ochs Connie Lou Ogg Karol Ohe Roger Olsen Prudence Olson Douglas Olson Arlene Olson Merry Ossenheimer Glenn Oster Richard Ostheimer Martin O’Toole David Otto Jeff and Sandra Palmer Brian Parks Paige Patterson and Alan Gillotte Bob and Janet Patton Jerry Pearl John and JoAnn Pearson Gerardo Pedraza Scott A. Pendleton Mark and Heidi Pengra Don Penly Peggy L. Penny Fran Perkett Patricia Perkins Pamela Perry and William Toth Mike Perry Steven Perucco Mary Peters Denny and Jennifer Peterson Orville Peterson Kim Peterson Anne Pettigrew Dale Petty Stephen and Kathleen Pew Thomas Pflueger
10
Jim and Linda Phillips Gerald Phillips Ellen and Robert Pisor Sandra Planisek Judy and Sam Pobst Randal Podoll Jim and Cindy Polega Gail Poterack Roxanne Potter David Potzler Ralph and Barbara Powell Paul Praus Timothy Premack Dale Prey Thomas Prieto Jan Provost Holly Puk Jett Craig and Sue Quimby Scott Radtke Daniel Raish Donald and Jeanette Rantala Patricia Rathmann Ken and Kay Reader Rod Reamer and Yini Chen Sarah and Dan Redmond Melissa Reed Eric Rehorst Tom and Joyce Reidy Rick and Deb Reis Eugene and Arlene Renico Nancy Reschke Kenneth Rhoads Thomas Riccio Ron Rice Susan Ritter and Greg Sutherland Christina Rizzo Keith and Ardath Robertson Walter and Jodell Rockenstein Barb and Mike Rodenberg Anthony Rodriguez Hugo Rodriguez Todd Rogers Kathleen Rollins Leon Roose Round Icecracking Lakes Association Ken and Linda Rubin Helen Rudie John Rudnicki E. Alan Rumbaugh Patricia Ryan Sherry Ryther Ronald Saccol Ron and Nancy Saeger Paula Sagala David and Joyce Salisbury Roy Salmon Larry Sampson Michael and Erica SanDretto Dennis Sands Bill and Sue Sanger Daniel Sathre Ruth Saunders Daniel and Nancy Schiebel Firman Schiebout Craig Schifter Kurt H. Schindler Merl and Pat Schlaack Lewis Schlanbusch Douglas Schleef Lona Schmidt George Schmit John Schmitt Dennis Schoenick Jackson Scholl Walter and Mardene Schuiling Willliam Schumell Tony Schwaller Cindy and Mike Schwehr David Schwenker Janice Sciba Joshua Scissons Lee and Polly Scotland Steve and Sue Scott Carol Seacord and Tracy Baij Peter Seed Brian Seely John Seidel
North Country Trail Association
Karen and Noel Sexton Gary Sexton Thomas Shaffer and Carol Hegland Nessia Shafransky and John Fugelso James Shaum Ron Shavalier Dick and Marty Shaw Tim and Mary Shepardson Randy Shoemaker Allen and Mary Shoup John Shreves George Shumar Martha Sjogren Curt Slabaugh Harold and Karen Slater Mike and Kim Slette Chris Sloffer Jonathan Smail Donald and Mary Smalligan Julia Smith Christopher Smith Dena Smith Edwin Smith Paul Smyth Suzanne Snyder John Sobaszko Steve and Pat Somers Betty Jo and Wes Sorenson Dominic Sosnowski Kim and David Spangler Michael Spencer Sandra Spiewak and Otto Bacon Leslie and Bonnie Spitz Doug Springborn Patrick St. Germain and Maggie MacDeVitt Julie Stachecki Johanningsmeier Judith Stalder Jim and Nancy Stamm Merry Stanford Karen Stearns Robert and Linda Steiner Bill Stellema David B. Stevens Carole Stevens David and Patricia Steward James and Jan Stewart Pam Stonehouse Jan Stowman Philip and Brielle Stoyke Tiffany and Mark Stram Michael Streibel Bill Strong Robert Sulaski Roseann and Barry Sullivan Craig Swaggert and Tanna Moore Rolf Swanson Robert Swanson Ray and Marvel Swanson David and Nancy Swanson Richard Swanson Michael Sweet Charles Switalski Douglas Szper Tamarac Interpretive Association, Inc. Laura Tay R.W.W. and Jo Taylor Jay Taylor Thomas Taylor Gabriel Templeton Kenneth Terpstra Louise Terrell Chris Tews Charles and Frances Thompson Bruce Thompson Kay Thompson Stuart Thompson Jim Timmerman Dean and Diane Tobias Jim and Beverly Tobin Clinton Tompt David Tonnies David Tosten Anne Townsend Ken Trana Frank Trautman
2012 Annual Report
Duane and Gay Travis John Tremore Mike and Cheryl Trieschmann Michael Trinko Fred and Chris Tritschler Tyler and Emma Tufte Turkey’s Cafe Doug Turner Dale Turner Dieter Uckert Don Uden Robert Ulrich Donald Ulsh United Business Media, LLC Michael Unsworth Jim Upthegrove John and Ayleen VanBeynen David VanderBee Nicolaas Vanderkloot John and Diane VanderVeen Mark VanHornweder Sarah VanLeer Phillip and Betty VanNoord Theresa Vanveelen Ronald Vargason Mary Jo Vent James E. Vickerman Chanda Vincent Paul and Deena Vlasak Scott Vlasak John Vose Jerry and Kathleen Wachter Lawrence and Sally Wagle Sara Wall Dorothy and George Wallace Ed and Monica Wallen Jon and Judy Walter Thomas Wappes Dave Warner Jerry and Belinda Warner Jan and Cynthia Warren G. Neal Watson and Patricia Yale Steve Webster Wesley Wehner Dean and Marci Weimer William Weiss Welcer Family Doug Welker and Marjory Johnston John and Lynn Wellinghoff Frederick Wenn Gail Werner William Wesner James Wessel Walker Charlie and Margie West Greg Westrick Johnny Weting Maureen Whalen Maureen Whelan Mike Whelsky Steven A. Whistler Jerry and Mary Wick Paul Wiedeman Amy Wilks and Dave Whitlock Steve Williams Eleanor Williams and Kevin Schram David Williamson Jack and Sanda Willsey William Wilson David Wingrove and Ann Borkhuis John Winnenberg Chris Wise David Wissink Dewey and Kay Wobma John and Patti Wojtowicz Mike and Barbara Wollmer Douglas and Barbara Wood Bill and Shelby Woodard James and Carole Wortley David and Carol Wozniak Andrew Wright William Wuerthele Ronald and Laurie Wurst Bill and Maggie Wyman Scot Yarnell Hugh Yeman Dale Yerkes
Jeffrey Yoest Alan Youel David Young William Young George Zacharek Deborah Zampini David Zavadsky Gary and Nancy Zebko Robert Zeilenga Richard Zeman Gail Ziegler and Marshall Secunda Paul Zielinski Kenneth Zimmer Gail Zink Dana and Lisa Zintek Chuck Zosel David Zosel Mary Zuk Domanski Teresa Zweering
Corporate Matching Gifts 3M Foundation AT&T GE Foundation Microsoft Foundation Pfizer Foundation Walmart Foundation
TRIBUTE GIFTS In Honor Anonymous, Honoring Patty Brunner David T. Blewett, Honoring David C. Blewett Tammy Bukach, Honoring Ed Scurry Roy Burmeister, Honoring Kelly and Corey Perez-Vergara John Clement, Honoring Cam and Miriam Steketee, Penny and Mike Sidor, Fred and Deb Steketee, Steve Steketee Matthew and Stacy Davis, Honoring their children Ruthy Joistad, William Avery Tucker, Theodore Kephart, and Clara Lynn Micheline Kagan, Honoring Mary Coffin Dirk Konings, Honoring The Scot and Darlene Konings Family Gary Johnson, Honoring The Wampum Chapter David Manning, Honoring Zoe Ashmead Douglas Vandenberg, Honoring Tree Planter Chanda Vincent, Honoring Mike Manning
TRIBUTE GIFTS In Memory The Boven Family, In Memory of Rod Dale Alison and David Edgerton, In Memory of Al Mitton Robert Kahl, In Memory of Marilyn Kahl Al Larmann and Mary Kunzler-Larmann, In Memory of Randall Brune Bruce and Linda Matthews, In Memory of Jesse M. Wolfe Philip Nolt, In Memory of Naomi Eby The Welcer Family In Memory of Rod Dale # Indicates a NCTA staff member We have made every effort to make these lists as accurate as possible and to publicly acknowledge all of our donors in accordance to their wishes. If we have omitted or incorrectly reported your gift, please accept our apology and contact our Development Director, David Cowles at (616) 897-5987 ext. 5.
north country Legacy Society
T
he North Country Legacy Society recognizes those who have made a planned gift to the North Country Trail Association through their estate plan or through some other planned gift vehicle. Though no gifts were realized in 2012, three new individuals made us aware of their intent to include the association in their estate plans. This accounted for an 11% growth in the North Country Legacy Society in 2012. To gain membership in this group, one must simply make the association aware of your intent to benefit the organization with your estate. There are a variety of planned gifts recognized by the IRS and the NCTA recognizes many of them. Planned gifts can be restricted by the donor in their estate plan or some other agreement with the organization. Due to the size of these gifts, they are sometimes referred to as the “ultimate gift” because they provide not only important funds to an organization but they often provide stability and security for the future of the mission. All realized planned gifts support the NCTA Endowment Fund unless otherwise restricted.
NORTH COUNTRY LEGACY SOCIETY ES
TA B
0 LISHED 2
10
• • • L e g acy S o c i e ty M e m b e r s • • • Pat Allen Cecil and Joanne Dobbins Tom Funke Tom and Jan Gilbert John Heiam* and Lois Goldstein Martha Jones† Beth Keloneva
Betty A. Lewis† Roderick† and Peggy MacRae Tom* and Mary Moberg Bob and Annette Papp Ron and Linda Sootsman Walter Srogi† Harmon Strong†
Irene Szabo Doug Thomas* and Carol Zazubek Joan Young
†
Deceased
*Indicates a Director of the Board
How to Get Involved and Support the Trail The North Country Trail Association and North Country National Scenic Trail are going strong because of the generosity of our many dedicated members and supporters. Thousands of hours of volunteer support are poured annually into trail building and maintenance, as well as chapter leadership and administrative help. And then there’s the financial support that makes all of these physical improvements and the promotion of the trail possible. Perhaps this Annual Report has inspired you to join the many others who support the trail and you would like to make a meaningful contribution. Take a look through the list below and consider getting involved in the trail today. It truly will make a difference. Become a Member – Join the 2,500 members already involved nationwide. You can join a local chapter if you wish. The easiest way to sign up is at our website: www.northcountrytrail.org. Volunteer – Whether it’s building trail or stuffing envelopes to get the message out, we need your help. Call us at (616) 897-5987 and let’s discuss how we can match your interests to our needs. Gifts of Cash – This area of giving, outright gifts of cash, benefits the trail immediately and helps us leverage other grants and funds for the work we need to do each year.
Planned Gifts – Deferred or planned gifts such as bequests, charitable remainder trusts or retained life estates can make great tax sense for you and your heirs, and benefit the mission of the NCTA well into the future. Talk with your tax or estate planner about this option. Company Matching Gifts – One great way to double or even triple your giving power is with matching gifts from the company you work for. It’s easy to do. Check with your human resources department before you give your next gift. Corporate Giving – If you represent a corporation or work for a corporation that is interested in the mission of the NCTA and would like to support that mission there are a number of marketing and philanthropic opportunities that will give maximum exposure to your corporation.
If you still have questions or want to make a special donation to the NCTA but want to talk about the best way to go about making the gift, contact David Cowles, our Director of Development, at dcowles@northcountrytrail.org or call him at (616) 897-5987 ext. 5.
Gifts of Land and Stock – A gift of land or stock is often a very tax-wise way to make a generous gift to the trail and receive a significant tax benefit. Call David Cowles, Director of Development to discuss this option.
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NCTA finances
2012 financial highlights Summary of NCTA’s 2012 Financial Performance
Income and Expense
Expense by Category
Through 12/31/2012, in $1000’s
For 2012, in $1000’s
The North Country Trail Association’s financial performance for the 2012 fiscal year reflects the organization’s continued growth and increased sustainability.
Income Membership $113.7 Donations $153.6 NPS Base Support and Projects $415.6 Grants $156.3 Trail Shop Sales $23.1 Programs and Events $26.1 Other Income $56.6 TOTAL INCOME $945.0
Key financial points for 2012 are: • Continued decrease in dependence on NPS funding (7.8%) • Significant increase in Donations and Grants (+$65,000)
Cost of Trail Shop Goods Sold
• A net income loss for the year
GROSS PROFIT $937.3
• The association’s cash position remains strong ($235,000)
Expense Salaries and Benefits $486.6 Administration $104.3 Communication and Outreach $123.8 Trail Management and Projects $179.3 Travel and Meetings $58.7 Advocacy $3.5 Depreciation $0.5 TOTAL EXPENSE $956.7
The net income loss of $19,400 for 2012 occurred due to a required accounting adjustment associated with a $33,000 restricted grant received late in 2011. With project expenses for this grant occurring in 2012, NCTA still had to book the revenue in the prior year. Nevertheless, the bell-weather indicator for the association’s strength and stability, our cash position, remains very strong.
1.3% 30.8%
18.9%
$7.7
• Healthy balance of program-related expenses over administrative expenses
The National Park Service remains our primary source of funding, through our Cooperative Agreement and various project and program support funds. NPS support in 2012 dipped below 50% for the first time, while our overall revenue stream grew by 4.3%. Increased non-governmental support came from both donations and private and restricted grants.
14.0%
11.3% 20.9%
n n n n n n n
2.8%
Administration Advocacy Chapters Development GIS/Cartography Outreach Trail Management
TOTAL EXPENSE
$133.5 $12.2 $181.1 $108.4 $27.0 $200.1 $294.4
14.0% 1.3% 18.9% 11.3% 2.8% 20.9% 30.8%
$956.7 100.0%
NET INCOME (LOSS) ($19.4)
Balance Sheet
Income by Source
As of 12/31/2012, in $1000’s
For 2012, in $1000’s
Assets Checking/Savings $237.8 Accounts Receivable $71.2 Other Current Assets $11.2 Total Current Assets $320.2 Fixed Assets $28.0 TOTAL ASSETS $348.2
2.8% 2.4%
6.0%
12.0%
16.5% 16.3%
Liabilities Other Current Liabilities $20.3 TOTAL LIABILITIES $20.3 TOTAL EQUITY $327.9 44.0%
TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY $348.2
The North Country Trail Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Audited financial statements are available upon request.
12
North Country Trail Association
2012 Annual Report
n n n n n n n
Membership Donations NPS Base Support and Projects Grants Trail Shop Sales Programs and Events Other Income
ncta chapters, partners, affiliates, staff and board members Official Federal Trail Partner
Federal Land Management Partners
North Country Trail Association Staff
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
n
U.S. Forest Service U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service n U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Andrew Bashaw (2012), Regional Trail Coordinator – Ohio/Pennsylvania David C. Cowles, Director of Development Matt Davis, Regional Trail Coordinator – Minnesota/North Dakota Rose Ann Davis (2012), Office Manager/IT/Communications Jill DeCator, Administrative Assistant/Membership Coordinator Dan Hester, Trail Development Intern Andrea Ketchmark, Director of Trail Development Laura Lindstrom, Finance Administrator Bruce E. Matthews, Executive Director Bill Menke, Regional Trail Coordinator – Wisconsin Matt Rowbotham, GIS Coordinator Bill Treat, Trail Protection Intern
n
Chapters, Partners and Affiliates of North Country National Scenic Trail NORTH DAKOTA n Sheyenne River Valley Chapter n North Dakota Prairie Grasslands Chapter MINNESOTA n Star of the North Chapter n Laurentian Lakes Chapter n Itasca Moraine Chapter n Arrowhead Chapter n Kekekabic Trail Club (Trail Maintaining Affiliate) n Border Route Trail Association (Trail Maintaining Affiliate) n Superior Hiking Trail Association (Trail Maintaining Affiliate) WISCONSIN n Brule-St.Croix Chapter n Chequamegon Chapter n Heritage Chapter n Ni-Miikanaake Chapter MICHIGAN n Peter Wolfe Chapter n North Country Trail Hikers Chapter n Superior Shoreline Chapter n Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter n Harbor Springs Chapter n Jordan Valley 450 n Friends of the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery (Trail Maintaining Affiliate) n Grand Traverse Hiking Club Chapter n Spirit of the Woods Chapter n Western Michigan Chapter n Chief Noonday Chapter n Chief Baw Beese Chapter
OHIO n NW Ohio Rails-to-Trails Association (Trail Maintaining Affiliate) n Buckeye Trail Association (Trail Maintaining Affiliate) n Adams County Chapter n Little Cities of the Forest Chapter n Ohio Valley Chapter n Great Trail-Sandy Beaver Canal Chapter PENNSYLVANIA n Wampum Chapter n Butler County Chapter n Butler Outdoor Club (Trail Maintaining Affiliate) n Clarion County Chapter n Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy (Trail Maintaining Affiliate) n Allegheny National Forest Chapter NEW YORK n Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC) (Trail Maintaining Partner) Maintaining Organizations Coordinated by FLTC - Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) - ADK-Genesee Valley Chapter - ADK-Onondaga Chapter - Cayuga Trails Club - Dansville Boy Scout Troop 38 - Foothills Trail Club - Genesee Valley Hiking Club - Hammondsport Boy Scout Troop 18 n
Central New York Chapter
VERMONT n Middlebury Area Land Trust (Trail Maintaining Affiliate)
North Country Trail Association National Board of Directors Larry Hawkins, President, Lower Michigan Repr. Tom Moberg, First Vice President, Minnesota Repr. Lorana Jinkerson, Secretary, At-Large Repr. Mary Coffin, VP East, New York Repr. Gaylord Yost, VP West, Great Lakes Repr. Joyce Appel, Pennsylvania Repr. Jack Cohen, Pennsylvania Repr. Dave Cornell, At-Large Repr. Garry Dill, At-Large Repr. John Heiam, At-Large Repr. Brian Pavek, Minnesota Repr. Lynda Rummel, New York Repr. Doug Thomas, At-Large Repr. Ray Vlasak, At-Large Repr.
A special thank you to all photographers who contributed their images for this annual report. We also want to acknowledge some images were supplied by the NCTA photo archive. This report printed on recycled paper with 10% post-consumer waste.
North Country Trail Association 229 East Main Street Lowell, MI 49331 (616) 897-5987 northcountrytrail.org hq@northcountrytrail.org facebook.com/northcountrytrail twitter.com/NCTrail