Newsletter of the
North f,ountry Trail Association
North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn 1991
Page2
NEWSLETTER
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PO Box 311, White Cloud, Ml 49349 Headquarters Phone: (616) 689·1912 Editor: Wes Boyd, 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach, Ml 49253 OFFICERS President: Martha K. Jones, 1857 Torquay Ave, Rafal Oak Ml 48073 Vice Prealdent: Barbara A. Smi1h, 11 W. Main St, Galeton PA 16922 Secretary: Nancy Schuler. PO Box 194, Warren PA 16365 Treasurer: Kenneth Gadder, 418 W. Johnson St, Caledonia Ml 49316 Headquarters Mgr.: Virginia Wunsch, Rt. 1, White Cloud Ml 49349 President Emeritus: Lance Feik1
by the Editor
(313) 200-2921 (814) 435-2371 (814) 723-5150 (616) 891-1366 (616) 689-6876
(607} 272·5119 (716} 288-7191 (607} 564-3548 (l?,P7} 272-8679 (607} 334-3872
Pennsylvania Don and Brita Dorn, Star Rt, Box 476, Sheffiekl PA 16347 Barbara A. Smith, 11 W. Main St. Galetoo PA 16922 John G. Hipps, 11 W. Main St, Galstoo PA 16922 Glenn Oster, 784 Olive St, Pittsburg PA 15237 Nancy Schuler, PO Box 194, Warren PA 16365
(814) (814) (814) (412) (814)
968-5759 435-2371 435-2371 364-2864 723-5150
(216) 884·0281 (216) 867-3371 (216) 884-4757 (614) 882-8023
Michigan Pat Allen, 2215 Sylvan Dr. SE. Grand Rapids Ml 49506 Wes Boyd, 14815 Rome Road, Man~ou Beach Ml 49253 Derek Blount, 906 N. Alexander, Royal Oak Ml 48067 Don Elzinga, 1010 Allouez, Marquette Ml 49855 Kenneth Gackler, 418 W. Johnson, Caledonia Ml 49316 Arden Johnson. 600 Tennyson. Ro::hester Hills, Ml 48307 Martha K. Jones, 1857 Torquay Ave, Rafal Oak Ml 48073 Ruth Sack, 2317 Foster NE, Grand Rapids Ml 49505 Vince Srnjth, Box 76, WMmore Lake Ml 48189 Darlene Snyder, 4067 Luxford, Comstock Park Ml 49231 Doug Welker, R1, Box 59A, Pelkie Ml 49958 Virginia Wunsch, Rt 1, Mundy Ave. Wh~e Cloud Ml 49349
(616) 452-4487 (517} 547-7402 (313) 548· 1737 (906} 225-1585 (616} 891-1366 (313} 853-0292 (313) 280-29'21 (616) 363-5966 (313) 231-1257 {616) 784-5050 (906) 338-2680 (616) 689-6876
Wisconsin Gaylord Yost. 2925 W. Bradley Rd., River Hills WI 53209
(414) 354-8987
Minnesota Rod MacRae, 1210 W. 22nd St., Minneapolis MN 55405 Harlan Liljequist, 1605 W. Medicine Lake Dr., Plymouth MN 55441 Jim Richards, Rt. 1, Callaway MN 56521
(612) 3n.0130 (612) 559.5994 (216) 375-4461
North Dakota Linda Mieke, 1536 Second Ave. S, Fargo ND 58103
(701) 232-8513
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR Tom Gilbert, National Park Service, 700 Rayovac Dr., Sui1e 100, Madisoo WI 53711
(608) 264-5610
REGIONAL AFFILIATES New York: Finger Lakes Trail Conference, PO Box 18048, Rochester NY 14618-0048 Ohio: Buckeye Trail Association, PO Box 254, Worthington OH 43085 Please report any errors or omiuiona to the editor.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS New York Doris and Clifford AbbcXt, Rt 1, Box 259, Spencer NY 14883 Hcmard S. Beye, 202 Colebourne Rd., Rochester NY 14609 Laura McGuire, 1 Boylan Rd. Newf101d NY 14867 Thomas J. Reimers, 3C Wildllcmer Dr .. Ithaca NY 14850 Ed Sidde, 5 Clintoo St, Norwich NY 13815
Ohio Emily Gregor, 6502 Okle York Rd., Parma Hts OH 44130 Cecil Dobbins, 783 Cliffside Dr., Akroo OH 44313 Jim Sprague, 4406 MllP.lscrest, Parma OH Tomi Lou Spyker, 7040 Africa Rd., Rt 1, Galena OH 43201 R. Baird Stewart, 215 W. 12th St, Salem, Ohio 44460 (216} 332-1745
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The deadlinefor the next issue of the newsletteris December 2, 1991. Copy receivedby the editor after that date cannot be assuredof aplace in the newsletter;receiving it well before that date is highlyappreciated.Forfuture referencethe deadline for the spring issue of the newsletter will be March 1, ]992.
***
The final assembly and trimming of tbe newsletter just prior to shipment is a dull job, and I do it largely on automatic, giving me time to think about things. As the last newsletter was in this phase, I found myself thinking about the article on active trail projects, to the point where I took a break and put some numbers together. They're interesting numbers, and there are some lessons buried therein: I count 23 trail projects listed in the article. Five are in the planning stages, with little work on the ground done, 16 are active, and two are about complete at the time of writing. Who runs the projects is an education: the prime mover for four is the US Forest Service, but in all these cases but one, these are rapidly moving toward completion. The NCTA or clubs affiliated with the association is the prime mover in nine other projects, and in three other projects, association representatives play an· active part in projects with a large local participation of non-hiking clubs or governments. Six more projects are pretty much locally initiated, funded, and guided, either by private clubs or local or state governments, with NCT A participation only peripheral. (I'm not sure about one.) I count 12 projects on public lands, and 11 on lands that are privately held, or were when the project started. Of those 11 projects, seven are local efforts, or local efforts with Association participation. Of the remaining four, two are only on the drawing board, one is very short, and one is completed. Now that's great news! We know we're going to have to give increasing emphasis to projects on privately held lands, and to have nearly half of the projects under way on private lands, or where land was privately held is encouraging, to say the least. More interesting is that a majority of those projects in private land areas are results of local initiative and local resources - and that must be the wave of the future. Like it or not, it's a pipe dream to imagine that we - the association - can build this trail in our lifetimes. There's just too few of us, and we're spread too thin. Wbat we can dowhat we must do - is to encourage local development of the trail, for whatever local motives, as part of the larger project. That's going to be more effective, anyway, in privately held land areas, since it will be local people contacting local people, using local money and local volunteers for a project to benefit local needs and users. A much better, easier job will result than if we try to do this under central control. While it's nice to think of a long trail spanning thousands of miles, we're never going to see great crowds of longdistance users. What we are going to see is much more use by joggers and posy-pickers and dog-walkers from the nearby area. And, as a popular project, that's how it should be, and we need to help it every way we can.
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North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991
_,._ THEOPENINGCEREMONYforthe little Miami Trail between Xenia and Yellow Spring, Ohio, was held Friday, September 13, 1991. This multipurpose trail and bikeway follows approxiately nine miles of the old Little Miami Railroad between Xenia and Yellow Springs, and has a ten foot paved area for bicycles and an access road along side for horses. Pedestrians and hikers may use either the paved bikeway or the unpaved horse trail. Design engineering was funded by the City of Xenia, the City of Yellow Springs, and Greene County. Construe. tion was funded by the Federal Highway Administration through the Ohio Departmentof Transportation. Stargel Construction Company of Dayton is the prime contractor for construction.
***
THEAMERIAN HIKING SOCIETY has named it "Trails in Trouble" list for 1991. The ten most endangered trails named by the society are:Acadia National Park System, Maine, due to diminishing funding for trail work; Park Butte Trail, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington, where erosion and overuse are destroying subalpine meadows and forests; Ala Kahakai Trail; Hawaii, where explosive growth funded by foreign investment has made protection efforts difficult; Florida Trail, Florida, due to encroaching development and lack of staffing, funding, and government commitment; Jee Age Trail, Wisconsin, due to threat of development and zoning problems; Foothills Trail, South Carolina, due to clearcutting and road construction; Long Trail; Vernwnt, due to changes in ownership leading to threatened trail segment closure; Ampersand Mountain Trail, Adirondack Park, New York, due to overuse and eroision; Salmon Ranger District Trail System, Klamath National Forest, California, overgrown and eroded to the point of abandonment; and Trail 220, Big Dry Canyon, Gila National Forest, New Mexico, no funding for maintenance. "All of these trails can be saved through a combination of restored federal, state and local funding and assistance, action, private
support and work by volunteers," Susan Henley of the society said. "But the primary reason for the poor state of so many Of our trails is cuts in the federal budget."
***
TRAIL PROJECT MANAGERS are reminded that to give trail workers "Volunteers in the Parks" protection, under the NCT A's agreement with the National Park Service, that "Daily Volunteer Trail Logs" must be filed with Nancy Schuler, PO Box 194, Warren PA 16365 at the end of each work week or weekend. Forms are available from Tom Gilbert's office, National Park Service, 700 Rayovac Drive, Suite 100, Madison, WI 53711. Log those miles and keep the NCT growing -- but make them safemiles!
***
THREE MEMBERS of the North Country Trail Hiker's Club of Marquette, Michigan, received Certificates of Appreciation from. the US Department of Agriculture recently. Gene Elzinga, Don Elzinga and Doug Welker were cited for "providing an outstanding example of citizen participation by contributing to a sense of excellence in public involvement during the wilderness planning process for the Sturgeon Gorge Wilderness and the McCormick Wilderness," where construction of the NCT is in progress.
***
ARDEN JOHNSON reports that initial contacts with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources about putting the connecting section of trail between the Manistee National Forest and the Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding-Hiking Trail along the north bank of the Manistee River look positive, and there is a possibility that trail work could begin there next summer.
** *
A PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER of the NCTA seems to be coming together, John Hipps and Barbie Smith
report. A very successful meeting of interested Keystone State people was held at Cook Forest State Park on July 20; and another annual meeting is plannedforJuly18, 1992,alsoatCook Forest. A meeting is planned on November 9 at 11 AM to discuss forming a Pennsylvania NCTA chapter.
***
STA TES CAN SPEND up to $4.5 million of federal highway funds for construction of independent bike and walking trails, provided that the national c.ap of $45 million is not exceeded. However, the cap has never been approached, as few states have sought the funds aggressively. There is one catch: Trails must be designed primarily with .ransportation in mind, not recreation. That rules out many national trails, but certainly not all segments of every trail. Transportation uses of trail are especially relevant in urban and suburban areas. The request for federal aid must come from the state's transportation department. For more information on the pathway program, contact John Fegan, Federal Highway Administration Bicycle Program Manger, at (202) 366-5007.
***
THE DETAILS aren't represented in the annual survey in this issue, but new certifications of trail bring total certified mileage to 996.59, according to late information received from the National Park Service. Certified in late August and early September were: • An 0.9 mile segment in Manistee National Forest, from the southern Boundary of the Baldwin Ranger District to Cleveland Drive. •A 2.379 mile segment of the Finger Lakes Trail in the Finger Lakes National Forest. •A 36.1 mile segment on Ottawa National Forest, From Forest Road 2200 in Sec. t 5;T49N, R34E to Forest Road 733 in Sec. 8, T-49N, R39 W. in Baraga, Houghton and Ontanagon Counties. Two more segments under consideration could bring the total certified over 1,000 by the fall meeting.
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North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn1991 Sept. & Oct.: Organized group hikes on the NCT/Chippewa. Small group of no more than 1 O with trail leader. Great food and fall color. Other hikes on Superior Trail, Porcupine Mountains. Contact Starting Lake Outdoor Center, Eden Prairie MN (612) 941-8336
Michigan
New York
September 21-22: Backpack Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore with North Country Trail Hikers Club of Marquette. Contact Gene or Don Elzinga (906) 225-1704 or (906)2251 585 for details.
September 20-22: The annual Fall Campout of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference will be held in the Finger Lakes National Forest, near Watkins Glen, NY. The National Forest Service is hosting the meeting. A section of the Finger Lakes Trail that passes through the For est will be dedicated as official North Country Trail during the meeting. Several hikes on the Finger Lakes Trail, Burnt Hill Trail, Backbone Trail, and lnterloken Trail have been planned. Gaylord Yost, NCTA Board m emtier and eastern region trails coordinator for the USFS will be the featured speaker.
September 28-29: Hike and trail work in Sturgeon River Gorge Area west of Marquette, Michigan, with North Country Trail Hikers Club. Overnight at campground. Contact Gene or Don Elzinga (906) 225-1704 or (906)225-1585 for details. October 1 Western Michigan Chapter meeting, 7:30 PM. Call Darlene at (616) 784-5050 for details. October 5: Hike NCT segment in Wildcat Canyon, west of Marquette, Michigan, with North Country Trail Hikers Club of Marquette.Contact Gene or Don Elzinga (906) 225-1704 or (906)225-1585 for details. October 6: Re-organization meeting of Southern Michigan Chapter of NCTA, Lansing, Ml. Contact Liz Fosberg, 550 Boichot Rd., Lansing, Ml 48906 for more information. October 8: Fall meeting of North Country Trail Hiker's Club of Marquette, 12 Middle Island Drive, Marquette, 7 PM. Contact Gene or Don Elzinga (906) 225-1704 or (906)225-1585 for details. October 11-13: The Huron Valley Group of the Mackinac Chapter of the Sierra Club will sponsor a weekend trail building session near Kalkaska, Michigan, under the supervision of Vince Smith. For information, contact Vince Smith, Pox 76, Whitmore Lake, Ml, 48189 (313) 231-1257. Octc;>ber 12-14: Backpacking and off-trail hiking in McCormick Wilderness Area with North Country Trail Hiker's Club of Marquette. Use minimum impact techniques. Contact Gene or Don Elzinga (906) 225-1704 or (906)225-1585 for details. November 3: Western Michigan Chapter reunion potluck and hike. Call Kay at (616) 949-6099. December 4: Western Michigan Chapter meeting at Christmas Party at the German Village restaurant in Standale. This is a fun social evening. Social hour at 6:30 PM and dinner at 7:30 PM. Reservations, please. Call Darlene (616) 784-5050 or Ruth (616) 453-8622 for details. January 11-12: Mackinac City Mush dog sled race, Mackinac City, Ml, on new segment of North Country Trail. Contact (800) · 666-0160 for more information. January 18-19, 1992: Western Michigan Chapter Snowshoe weekend. Contact Darlene at (616) 784-5050 for details.
North Dakota October 18-20: North Country Trail Association Annual Fall Meeting, held at Fargo, N.D. Tour grasslands, historical sites, and give some focus to the western part of the trail. For more information, contact Linda Mieke, 1536 Second Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58103 (701) 232-8513 for details.
Ohio October 19: The Buckeye Trail Association will work in the eastern portions of Pike State Forest, home to many of Ohio's "mountains". Trail changes in Tobacco Barn Hollow will improve trail drainag~. thereby reducing erosion, and should improve the scenic value of the trail through the area. The BTA has permission to camp on the property of the Rev. Richard Van Tine. From Chillicothe, follow SR-772 south. Shortly after entering Pike County from Ross County, veer right onto Morgan's Fork Road (0.3 mi). In 1.3 mi., turn right onto Davis Road. Proceed 1.4 mi. and turn left into the Van Tine property via Van Tine Lane (gated) and Jimmy Blvd. If you have questions, call Jim Sprague at (216) 884-4757.
Pennsylvania _November 9: Pennsylvania NCTA Chapter Development Committee meeting, McBeth Bed and Breakfast, on route 36 between Sigel and Cook Forest State Park at 11 :00 AM. Interested Pennsylvania members and friends are invited to this information sharing, trail development maintenance planning for 1992, get-acquainted and organizational development meeting. All that plan to attend please RSVP to John Hipps or Barbie Smith, 11 W. Main St., Galeton, PA 16922 (814) 4352371.
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HIKING PARTNERS WANTED ]
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Minnesota Sept. - Nov.: Campsite construction/reconstruction work parties in Chippewa National Forest. Dates TBA; contact Rod MacRae, (612) 377-0130 for more information.
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HIKING PARTNERS wanted for through-hike of North Country Trail. Hike will begin about April 1, 1992 at Crown Point, New York. The goal is to reach Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota by December 1, 1992 at about a 15 mile per day average. For further information, contact Ed Talone, 605 Pershing Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910.
Pages
North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991
Letters to the Editor Trail needs work in Lake Superior State Forest Dear Wes, I received the newsletter today and want to tell you how impressed I was with your description of our guidebook. Virginia Wuasch called last week and ordered 10 more copies so she is getting some sales. We are going north in August to finish Ottawa National Forest and the new trail near Mmming built by Hiawatha National Forest West. We plan to stop at Mellen to see about the new section from Copper Falls State Park that joins Chequamegon National Forest. We have written to Tom Gilbert and Martha Jones about our experience in hiking through Lake Superior State Forest. We started at Culhane Lake Campground and crossed two cut-over areas where we had to detour because the trees used for trail markers were gone. This was before we reached Lake Superior. There has apparently been no maintenance since the trail was built. Downed trees have so cluttered the trail that it is almost impossible to follow. Trail markers are mostly faint, but a path is still visible much of the time. The greatest shock came when the trail ended when it reached the Sucker River east of Grand Marais, and I had to hike cross-country about five miles to reach the town, wading across the outlet of Sucker River as it emptied into Lake Superior. We were also surprised at Muskallonge Lake State Park when the park rangers knew nothing about the trail, even though it passed right in front of their park office ... Idon't feel that I should include this section in the guidebook until.it is improved. It is a beautiful section and it would be a shame to lose it from neglect. Sincerely, Byron Hutchins Editor's Note:路 It looks like we have Michigan's own candidate for a "Trail in Trouble." I queried the Michigan DNR, which constructed the trail in the early '80s, about this letter,路 they say they have no money for maintenance, andwouldlikevolunteers tohelp , --WB
Liked multiple use story Dear Mr. Boyd: Thanks so much for sending me the NCTA Newsletter. I particularly enjoyed reading your article about multiple use. I found the article to be both informative and objective. Multiple use is often an emotionally charged, difficult issue to tackle. You handled it professionally. Keep up the good work as editor! Sincerely Jack Amick
Jordan River - Shore to Shore Trail progress Dear Wes: I thought you'd like to know that the NCT is hikeable from Pickerel Lake all the way to Warner Creek. South of Pickerel Lake is partly done; it needs 20-30 man-days (like 10 people 2-3 days). Rough going; have to tightrope walk between a clearcut and a swamp with jungle growth. Sand Lake is still out as far as I know, sowe haven't done anything there. There are existing trails the hiker can use. Motorcycles have been trespassing, especially between Bocook Road and Scholl Road (where the trail enters Lakes of the North). The Cycle Conservation Club even put up signs for their Six Days of Michigan, this past week, directing cyclists onto the NCT and Booook:. I took down the signs, put up NCT labels and "Foot Travel Only" signs, and pulled a bunch of logs across the trail. The blue diamonds apparently weren't enough of a hint. 路 At the power line south of S.cboll Road, someone mowed the NCT so it merged with the ORV trail, instead of crossing it at right ankles. So, riders coming up the ORV trail can take the left fork and be on the NCT! They threw aside the branches I put on the false trail, so I put them back with more added, and also put logs across the trail further north. On our weekend outing October 11 we'll probably work between County
Road 612 and Pickerel Lake. We had 9 or 10 people the first week; only 2 or 3 the second. Had a ball, with people from Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Brooklyn, NY. Congratulations on the space you got in Pathways Across America and American Hiker! Keep on pitching! Vince Smith Editor's Note: The article, "Can Multiple Use Trails Really Wo~k?" ~ last winter's newsletter was reprinted m the Summer, 1991, American Hiker, retitled as "Looking for Common Ground." A segment of the same article was also reprinted in the Summer 1991 Pathways Across America. One point made in this article is that invasive use by motorized vehicles is a major problem, and Yincecertalnly seems to be finding this true. It can be especially troublesome, as in this case, where motorized and non-motorized pathways have to share a very narrow corridor of public land. - WB
Newsletter getting better Wes: It's time once again to comment on the development and excellence of the North Country Trail Association's Newsletter. F.adt is ~ently high quality and getting better each time both in format and content. I can recall so well the first few years of our organization'~ birth a.nd early growth when our wntten voice was an infantile, small voice in the wilderness of other, more mature trail associations. Memory reminds me, too, of a quiet envy of those other newsletters .. But no more. We can stand tall and proud now along with all others in our appreciation of the NCT A Newsletter, and with great thinks to the Editor, copy and contributions, our governing board and a membership; it makes it all happen. John Hipps Former Editor NCTA Newsletter
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North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991
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To the membership:
MORE LETTERS to the Editor
FLT 30th Anniversary Celebration planned Wes: In the summer of 1961, Wallace D. Wood of Rochester,NY, hiked portions of the Appalachian and Long Trails in Vermont. It occurred to him that a similar trail system might be possible in New York. He presented the idea to the Genessee Valley Hiking Club, and a committee was formed to investigate the prospects for a long-distance trail in New York. The following year, approximately 100 people met at Keuka College near Penn Yan, NY, on Saturday, March 17, for the opening session of the first annual meeting of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Inc. Next year marks the 30th anniversary of this historic event. The FLTC will celebrate the anniversary from June 19 to 22, 1992, at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY. The organizing committee is actively planning many workshops, special programs, and hikes on the Finger Lakes Trail and certified sections of the North Country Trail. A highlight of the celebration will be a special ceremony to close the final gap in the 535mile long Finger Lakes Trail. Sincerely, Tom Reimers Editor's Note: I think Tom is talking about the "M-22 Gap" in that last sentence. Closing that gap will be a major milestone in the developmentof theNCT and the FLT!
SWISS
Some words of apologyto our friends of the Board and all other NCTA members for our absence at the August 25, 1991 Grand Rapids meeting for selection of our executive director. It developed that one member of the selection committee was neither notified nor invited to this meeting, and two others were unable to attend because of the unexpected and urgent arrangements for the place, date and time of the meeting. Previous commitments that had been made months before in anticipation of the selection meeting for some time in September, rather than August, were not cancellable. The selection committee, therefore, suddenly dropped from six official NCTA members to three. None the less, we are confident in those who did perform the selection process and in the candidate, one of many very qualified individuals, who has been selected to be our executive director. We all look forward to the committee's report on the selection process, and in meeting our long-awaited and needed director. Barbie and John Smithhipps Editor's Note: At press time for the newsletter, the naming of the new executive director has not been announced, apparentlypending final arrangements.
Senator encouraged by community participation Dear Wes: I enjoyed spending time with you hiking the Baw Beese Trail. I appreciate your efforts in organizing my visit to the trail.
ALPS GRINDELWALO SAAS-FEE GSTAAO FLUELEN ENGELBERG LEUKERBAO
KANDERSTEG ZERMATT MURR EN LENK WENG EN BETTMERALP RIGl-KALTSAD
Moder•I• optlon•I length DAY hiking along akyllne tralla. 7-2 week tour• baaing at 15 mountain 3-4 atar hotels. All hlkH guided by NCT member Cecll Dobblna. For a free color brochure call (216) 867-3771, or writ• to:
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I was encouraged by the community participation with the Baw Beese section of the North Country Trail. It is this volunteer effort that will guarantee tbe completion of this visionary project. The Hillsdale community should serve as a model for other communities to emulate when developing the North Country Trail. I am dedicated to the success of the North Country Trail. Again, thank you for your efforts on behalf of the trail. Best wishes always. Sincerely Carl Levin Editor's Note: see the article on the next page.
Trip discounts help AHS volunteer vacations Dear Wes: If you purchase plane or train tickets through Cohasset Travel Service's 800 number, 1-800-624,1550, a portion of the ticket price will be donated to the American Hiking Society's Volunteer Vacations Program. For every $500 fare, AHS gets about $9.00. Irecently used their services to get airline tickets to Dawson City in the Yukon territory. The gals I dealt with, Sue and Nancy, went out of their way to check out every possibility for me. They even were able to reduce the fare from $1300 to $824, a big difference. Ithink that as trailmakers we should consider the fact that they are supporting us through their donations and we in turn should support them. By the way, nice article you wrote in American Hiker. Sincerely Gerrie Caro
MACKINAC CITY
MUSH
Dog Sled Racing on the North country January 11-12, 1992 For Information, contact National Scenic Trail 1-800-666-0160
North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991
Pagel
Community support makes trail project come to life by Wes Boyd Turning trail potential into trail on the ground can be a big project at any time. There are many places along the North Country National Scenic Trail where the potential for development of trail segments has been identified, but there just aren't the resources available to do the job. Routing the trail through southern Michigan and northwestern Ohio appears to be one of the biggest problems facing the completion of the NCNST, but right in the middle of the problem area, an opportunity was noticed several years ago. Now, that opportunity is being turned into trail, through the strength of local interest and support, local financing, and local resources. Since the 1981 certification of the first 650 miles of the North Country Trail, the M-99 bikeway has stood alone as the only bit of certified trail in southern Michigan. The bikeway, paralleling the state highway connecting Hillsdale and Jonesville, Michigan, was originally built by the Michigan Department of Transportation, using money drawn from a special Michigan fund which earmarks I 1/2 percent of gas tax revenues for non-motorized developments. The problem was that the bikeway ended near the city limits of Hillsdale, with no sidewalks or other routes to get to the bikeway from town without getting out on the busy highway. In addition, maintenance of the bikeway was poor, and there had been some difficulties over just who was responsible for maintenance of the pathway. Directly across town from the end of the bikeway is Waterworks Park, a huge city park that takes up most of one shore of a 1 1/2 mile long Baw Beese Lake. Even as the bikeway was being completed, the Hillsdale City Recreation Department realized that a bike path connecting the two would be a great recreational asset to the city, and planning to make the connection became a line item in the department's long term planning process. What made the plan seem feasible
For the moment, the eastern end of the Baw Beese Trail is at Blackbridge Road, at this classic railroad viaduct. The other end is 10 miles of railtrail, urban linear parkway and roadside bikeway away. was the fact that Hillsdale has a cityadd up to about 17 miles of continuous owned electric utility that owns a good trail, virtually all on publicly owned land in an area where trail potential on deal of land in and around the city; it seemed possible to string together a public lands is minimal. combination of electric utility land, and IL seemed to Nier that not only city parks and sidewalks to make the would development of the trail make for connection across town. While the route an important local recreation resource, having the national trail pass through seemed workable, upgrading it for touring bicycles was obviously goihg to be a the community would help to raise local big, expensive project, that seemed a interest . However, the city recreation little beyond the means of the city, cashdepartment had other priorities at the strapped like many small urban areas, so time, and for two more years, Nier had the notes on the project found a home in to campaign to get something going. a file drawer for several years. One of the potential problems on the route was the need for a bridge One of the items that got the plans out of the file drawer came about three across the St. Joseph River in the north years ago, when an NCTA representa- part of town, in order to get ~hrough a tive contacted Hillsdale City Utilities critical bottleneck area. A local service Director Ron Nier, and made him aware club volunteered to go ahead and build of the existenceofthe trail. It seems that the bridge, but after it was completed among the land the utility owns is a and the city made no attempt to make stretch of former Penn Central railroad connections to it, the service club begrade, purchased for eventual use as a came upset, and complained to the city power line right of way, stretching east council. from Waterworks Park, partly along an About that time, Mark Reynolds undeveloped lakeshore, several miles to took over as city recreation director. near the village of Osseo. The utility Reynoldswasfrom Baulc Crcek.Michiowned land ended only am ile or so from gan, which has a spectacular urban linthe Lost Nations State Game area, an- ear parkway penetrating its downtown other potential steppingstone along the area, and the new recreation director trail. Stringing all these together would was familiar with the potential for a
PageB similar linear parkway for recreation development in Hillsdale. Still, there was no money available - but Reynolds found a couple of valuable allies in Nier and his assistant, Stacy Bullock, who had also been involved with a similar "river walk" project in Defiance, Ohio. The key seemed to be the development of the project through the city. Since the city did not have the money for the project, the three soon realized that funds would have to be raised elsewhere. Through contacts at Hillsdale College, they were able to raise funds for a planning study of the project, and a class at the college undertook a marketing survey to determine what kind of use the linear parkway could expect. A planning firm was engaged to develop plans for the parkway through town, the most difficult part of the project, as a first step toward applying for a state development grant- but much of getting the grant would depend on the availability of local matching funds. The trio set out to raise interest in the project, and see what they could get donated. Starting with a seed donation from the Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities, they sought pledges of either money or volunteer assistance. Though it took some time to achieve, they succeeded beyond their wildest dreams - over $50,000 raised in pledges of either cash or volunteer time! Where did the volunteerscome from? Almost universally from within the communit짜, and over 700 in all. High school and college students, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. A local industry's employees pledged hundreds of hours or time toward cleaning out the river, clearing brush, grading, and similar sweaty chores. The cash donations were generally not large, most running from the $5 to $100 range - but there were a lot of them, from individuals, businesses and groups - enough so that work has been under way since last spring, and plans arc in place to go ahead with the project (although at a slower pace) even if the grant money is denied. Even the more remote part of the railroad grade - which is not planned to be a paved bikeway - is getting some special attention. A plastic recycling program is under way in the schools, with the plastic collected to be credited toward the purchase of park benches and picnic tables; there will be one or another of these every half mile from the park out to the current end of the project.
North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991 Quite clearly, the community of approvals, including word on the grant Hillsdale does not see the project as a money from the DNR - which will specialist hiker's trail- they see it as a determine the level of development to comm unity recreational resource, benebe undertaken on the downtown section fiting those that want to go out for a jog, - and working out an agreement for a a ride or a stroll along the lake and bicycle grade crossing over an active railroad line, which has caused some through the quiet rural countryside. Several parts of the proposed river liability concerns. The project is still walk will have to cross private property, moving ahead, and when Senator Carl and some easements would have to be Levin (D-Michigan) visited Hillsdale in worked out. However, the Hillsdale August to walk a segment of the trail, he project it a little unique along the North was impressed with the community Country Trail, in that it is the only support of the project. project where a local utility has taken a It is this type of community support in local areas that the North Country primary role in leadership - and utility people are no strangers to. easements Trail has long needed. The North Counand other land acquisition. try Trail is not an end in itself to the During the summer of 1991, work people of Hillsdale that are making this went ahead rapidly. The several miles dream a reality. Rather, the NCT is an of trail in Waterworks Park and to the asset to a project that is mostly local in focus, leadership, development and use. east was already in a certifiable condition, but volunteer hours improved it, Keeping that local focus has allowed the and a certification application has been Hillsdale trail builders to bring an awefiled and awaits National Park Service some effort to bear on their part of the approval. Progress has been made on larger project, and it's a model of how other parts of the project, but several similar projects could be developed in key items are still awaiting various other areas.
US SEN. CARL LEVIN (D-Micl:l) does some symbolic brush-trimming along the Baw Beese Trail during an August, 1991 visit to the project.
North Country TrailAssociation Newsletter, Autumn 1991
Beaver Creek State Park Columbiana Trail BT-Tuscarawas CR82 to CR109
OHIO DNA-Parka 6.25 8/2183 Columb. Qnte.
BTA BT-CR1 09 to TR213 BTA BT-TR 213 to Deersville BTA BT-Deersville to US22 BTA BT-US22 to Guernsey CR893 BTA BT-Gurnsey CR893 - Salt Fork SP BTA BT-Salt Fork State Park BTA/DNR BT-Salt Fork SP - Seneca L..k RA BTA Wayne National Forest USDA/FS BT-TR23 to SR3n BTA BT-SR3n to SR555 BTA BT-SR555 to Morgan CA39 BTA BT-Morgan CR39 to CR101 BTA BT-Morgan CR101 to SR78 BTA BT-SR78 to Burr Oak SP BTA BT-Burr Oak State Park BTNDNR BT-Burr Oak SP to Athens CR92 BTA BT-Athens CR92 to Salem Rd. BTA BT-Wayne National Forest USDA-FS BT-Mann Rd to TR40 BTA BT-TR40 to Lake Logan Rd. BTA BT-Lake Logan Rd to Murphy Rd. BTA BT-Murphy Rd to Star Rt. Rd. BTA BT-Star Rt Rd -SR56(Hocking Hills BTNDNR BT-SR56 to Vincton CR47 BTA BT-Vinton CR47 to TR13 BTA BT-TR13 to TR11 STA BT路TR11 to SR327 BTA BT-SR327 to Clark Hollow Rd STA BT-Clark Rd - US 35 (Tar Hollow) BTA/DNR BT-US32 to Woods Hollow Rd BTA BT-Woods Hollow Rd.- Prussia Rd.STA BT-Prussia Rd to Davis Rd BTA BT-Davis Rd - Bell Rd (Pike SP) BTNDNR BT-Bell Hollow Rd - SR41 Pike SF STA BT-Fort Hill State Memorial BTNOHS BT-Fort Hill to Wamsleyville STA Shawnee Trail (Shawnee SP/SF) DNA BT-Swawnee SF to East Fork SP BTA BT-East Fork State Park BTA/DNR BT-East Fork SP to Little Miami Pk BTA Little Miami Scenic Park DNA BT-Spring Valley to Goes Station BTA Yellow Springs Segment Yellow Sprs. BT-Yellow Springs to Statler Rd BTA BT-Statler Rd. to Piqua Hist. Area BTA BT-Lockington to Stoker Rd BTA BT-Miami and Erie Canal Trail BTA/DNR BT-Delphos to Defiance BTA BT-lndeoendance Pam State Park .lllAlilli.8 Current Total- Ohio (658.69 ussble)
52
35.0 (4)
8/2183 24.4 (2)
6.5 8/2183 10.2 (2) 4.0
B/2183 16.8 (2)
7.8 8/2183 17.0 (2) 19.0 10/13/89 6.0 (3) 5.0 8/2183 3.3 (2) 4.1 8/2183 3.4 (2) 2.6 8/2183 .9 (2)
8.0 8/2183 3.6 (2) 2.2 B/2183 14.5 10/13/89 4.2 8/2183
Page 13
Hiawatha NF - Maple Hll to bound USDA-FS 42.0 12/5/89 Tahquamenon Falls State Park DNA 20.0 5/16/89 Lake Superior State Forest DNA 24.6 8/2183 Muskallonge Lake State Park DNA 1.5 5/16/89 Lake Superior State Forest DNA 18.1 8/2183 Pictured Rocks National L..kshore NPS 42.8 8/2183 4.5 (2) Pictured Rocks - Hiawatha Conn. NPS/USDA-FS Hiawatha NF -West Unit (1) USDA-FS 2.81 5/16/89 Hiawatha NF - West Unit (2) USDA-FS 6. 76 5/16/89 Marquette Bikeway MOOT 6.0 (3) 7.0 (3) Superiorland Trail NCTH/NCTA Craig Lake SP DNR/NCTH 4.5 (3) Superiorland Trail (Tibbits Falls) NCTH/NCTA 5.8 (3) Ottawa NF (1) USDA-FS 26.0 8/2183 Ottawa NF (2) USDA-FS 10.2 8/2183 68.8 (3) Ottawa NF (3) USDA-FS Porcuojne Moyntjao State Park QNB ~ Cunwnt Total- MJchlgan(581.22u-ble) 350.62 230.6 WISCONSIN Copper Falls State Park DNA 7.8 8/2183 Copper Falla - Mellen Connecter DNFVMellen Chequamegon National Forest USDA-FS 60.0 8/2183 Brule f3iyer State Forest QNB Current Total- Wltu:onsln (83.3 usable) 67.B
2.0 (4)
1ll.!ll 15.5
3.6 (2) 1.4 8/2/63 4.7 (2) 13.25 8/2183 3.6 (2) 3.0 8/2/63 2.6 (2) 1.5 8/2183 1.1 (2) 17.6 8/2183 9.7 (2) 2.2
8/2183
MINNESOTA Minnesota - Wisconsin Border Tr. MONA Jay Cooke State Park MONA Savanna State Forest MONA Chippewa National Forest USDA-FS 68.0 6fl2/88 Paul Bunyan State Forest MDNR/MNCTA Itasca State Park MDNR Bad Medicine Lake Trail MNCTA Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge USDl-FWS Maplewood State Park MQ.tIB Current Total- Minnesota(162.00usable) 68.0
23.0(1) 4.0 (1) 12.0 (1) 6.0 (4) 8.0 (1) 20.0 (4) 17.0 (1) ...$Q.ill 94.0
12.5 (2) 17.0 8/2183 1.5 8/2183 4.07 8/2183 67.1 (2)
NORTH DAKOTA Sheyenne National Grassland USDA-FS 25.0 7/9/90 Sheyenne State Forest NDFS 1.0 8/2183 Fort Ransom State Park P&A Dept. 1.5 11 /8/85 82.0 (S) McClusky canal - Sheyenne Lk-L..k Audubon C of Engrs Current Total- North Dakota (109.5uHble)27.5 82.0
16.5 (2)
TOTAL CERTIFIED MILEAGE
36.8 (2) 14.5 8/2183 6.6
B/2183 953.61
44.8 8/2/63 18.3 (2) 3.921/16/86 6.3
(Notee) Listed as eligible for certification in 1982 Comprehensive Plan Usable but not certifiable due to allowed motorized use Project under development or completed, reported uaable Project under development, usability uncertain Not recognized as trail project but reported as usable
(1) 55.2 (5)
(2) (3)
9.2 (2)
(4) (5)
8/2183
42.0 8/2/63 19.2 (2) I.Q ~ 2n.99
MICHIGAN Baw Beese Trail Hillsdale M-99 Bikeway MOOT 5.0 Battle Creek Linear Parl<way 路 Battle Creek Kellogg Forest MSU Yankee Springs St. Rec. Area DNA Siedman Perk & Egypt Valley Trail Kent Co. Rogue River State Game Area DNA 7.0 Manistee NF - Croton Dam - 40 St USDA-FS Manistee NF - 40tSt - Nichols Lake USDA-FS 28.0 Manistee NF - Nichols -Cleveland USDA-FS 11.0 Manistee NF - Cleveland McCarthy USDA-FS Manistee NF - FR5327 - 1-igh Br. USDA-FS Manistee NF - High Br. - Beers Rd. USDA-FS 21.6 Shore-to-Shore Riding-Hiking Trail DNA 34.3 STS-Jordan Connector NCTA/DNR Jordan River Pathway DNA 9.25 Jordan River - Werner Creek Conn. NCTA/DNA W amer Creek Pathway DNA 1 .6 Spring Brook Pathway DNA 1. 7 Wilderness State Park DNA Wilderness SP-Mackinac City DNR/NCTNCity Hiawatha NF - Castle - Maple Hill USDA-FS 36.4
380.7
STATE
Antic Ipated
% of NCT Certified Other
Total S1. State%
6.0 (3)
NY PA OH Ml WI MN
518 198 708 872 155 373
15.5 5.9 21.7 26.8 4.8 11.4
42.05 119.65 2n.99 350.62 67.80 68.00
380.95 165.15 658.69 581.22 83.30 162.00
iaa
~
8/2183 11.0 1 .5 7.2 6.5
(3) (3) (1) (3)
m
t:lQ.
11/8/85 7.0 (3)
Tot
32511
953.81
338.9 45.5 380.7 230.6 15.5 94.0 搂2.Q 1187.2
~
2140.81
73.5 83.4 93.0 66.6 53.7 43.4
2il
15.1
4/2.5189 11/4/8J3 21.5 (3) 23.6 (3) 7/6/88 8/2183
6.5 (2) 11.0 (3)
8/2183
8/2183 8/2183
.8(3) 9.4 (1) 7.5 (3)
11/'2J90
ANNUAL CERTIFICATIONS BY STATE lJll
NY 0
6.5 0 0 7.0 0 0
0 0 3.92 11.0 0 0
Ull lllZ 0 0 0 0 0 0
HU lll.l 13.7 0 0 21.6 0 68.0
7.45 0 23.5 59.07 0 0
14.4 42.05 0 119.65 0 m.99 36.4 350.82 0 67.80 0 68.00
ll
12
12
12
12
~~
1H! W1
0 PA 119.65 0 OH 250.57 0 Ml 215.55 0 WI 67.8 0 MN 0 0 ND U 12
154.57 0
15.0
14..92
0
HI.SI Iszlll
103.3 90.02 71.1 953.11
Page14
North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991
SPRUCEVALE OVERLOOK on the Sandy and Beaver Canal in the early spring; the North Country Trail follows the right side of the river. Volunteers from Columbiana, Stark, Carroll and Tuscarawas Counties, Ohio, led by NCTA Director Baird Stewart, are trying to work out a connection between here and the main Buckeye Trail, many miles to the west. The project has generated a lot of local support through a series of meetings and local presentations, and when completed, will be both a scenic and vital link along the North Country Trail, but completing this segment will take a lot of work to arrange the necessary private land crossings needed to complete the project.
The Nott Less Monster of Willow Bay The North Country Trail in the East makes exit from the Empire State into its southern Keystone neighbor near the Willow Bay area of Kinzua Lake. From that point the Great Hiker can travel by canoe on an unofficial prosthesis of the trail along the eastern side of the waterway within a long steep view of the ground trail. This leg takes The Hiker southward some 20 miles to a point where the trail turns west, then south again, on its way to the Clarion and Allegheny Rivers. This lake, also referred to as the Allegheny Reservoir, was created some 20 years ago when a dam backed up the waters of the Allegheny River as a flood control project for the benefit of down-river homosap-iens. ... These waters buried 2600 acres of pristine valleys, land of the Cornplanter Indian Tribe. The great flood took place much to the consternation of the Indians and all the Nature Gods of the land's streams, woodlands, flora and fauna .White man had his way as usual, but the original Chief of the Cornplanters was never able to rest in his watery grave ever after. Now and again since. Chief Nott Less expresses his sadness and his grief in the form of a monstrous anger the likes of which you will hear. It is not uncommon to walk along the usually quiet shores of Willow Bay and see footprints of the Nott Less, big and deep, in the sand; a sight that in itself is pretty scary. These prints measure a pretty mean size; one foot from toe to toe and two feet from toe to heel. J\nother occasional sighr on the beaches of Willow Bay is pairs of shoes and items of clothing that have been left behind by someone suddenly scared out of their footwear as well as their pants. Some of these shoes are top
Tall Tales of the North Country Trail
up in normal walking position. Others are widely and wildly scattered around in helter-skelter fashion, upside down and all such which ways that gives cause to think the victims were scared out of more than their wits and souls. I must tell you now, before going on further with this tale that the Nott Less Monster is not a physically ugly kind of thing as is the case with other legendary monsters like Big Foot and the Abdominable Snowman. There is a terrible force about its being, however, that generates a fearful power for all who bears any kind of witness to its presence, whether by hearing or seeing its evidence on the Willow Bay shores. It is an immense power which generates an intense sense of physical, mental and spiritual pain in reaction to the white man's destruction of life and land. Traveling the watery leg of the off-shore North Country Trail by canoe is, indeed, an interesting way to experience the sights and sounds of this wonderful land. It is also risky in paddling your own canoe in the waters of the Nott Less monster. The Monster may suddenly appear and chomp off the flat end of your paddle or swallow the whole thing. He has also been known to whip the canoe around in increasingly rapid circles sufficient to give you a case of motion sickness as you swirl around in a whirlpool of Nott Less power. Some have been known to have their canoe upset and have to swim for shore although the truth is that the monster has never been known to swallow a canoe or a white man, Jonah or otherwise. This is thought to be due to the fact that such a deed would nauseate him so much he would not be able to stomach it and would promptly throw it up. At any rate, it can all be a scary enough experience such that the white man in the canoe could continue rapidly on his way without paddle power. The jet propulsion from his own posterior end will get him the 20 mile distance to the end of the water trail in no time fla-tusflat. by John Hipps
North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991
Page 15
Number Five:
Another septuagenarian goes end to end on FLT by Irene Szabo President, Finger Lakes Trail Conference Seventy-one year old J. Robert Muller, fondly known as Bob the Environmental Artist, sponsor of the Harrisburg Hollow section on FLT Map 12, and stalwart helper everywhere else on M-12 and in Birdseye Hollow on the new M-13, keeper of the tidiest trail ever, has managed to fit a couple hundred miles of the FLT into his schedule over the last year to become the fifth hiker to finish the whole main 540-mile Finger Lakes Trail across New York. A retired grocery owner and Kodak materials manager, Bob started hiking the FLT alone in 1975, with no particular goal in mind. Gradually, the more he hiked it in small pieces, the notion began to form that hem ignt just do the whole thing; end-to-end became a serious goal around 1984, he recalls. Until two years ago, he did it all alone, walking out typically four or five miles and then back to his car, so Bob Muller has walked more than half of the trail twice. To say he did it alone is inaccurate, of course. Since 1982 he has been joined by Teddy the dog, all five mighty ounces of him, whose low ground clearance problems in snow or burdocks have sometimes merited him a ride in Bob's pack. Yes, Bob has done some days in snow without benefit of snowshoes: some people can stay in the house only so long in winter. In 1988 Bob took on the task of reclaiming the trail on the west side of Map 12, a section that had been abandoned for years and had only been partially resurrected by Dick Harrison, at a time when M-12 was not even being published. By spring of '89 a map was published with Bob's seven-plus miles. Significant for Bob's long-range hiking goals was the fact that his sponsorship of a trail section introduced him to others of the hiking ilk. Terry Giarrosso sent him an invitation to help create new trail on the east side ofM-12 in the summerof '89. Her fateful postcard not only brought in Bob's hundreds of hours of work on Birdseye Hollow, now a candidate for NCT status, bur-introduced him to Terry and Ed Sidote. Over a year ago Ed ran articles in the FLT newsletter urging long-distance hikers to help each other with the logistics of placing cars to avoid either Bob's two-way hikes or taking two cars long distances. The responses brought helpers, including Bob, to Ed and Rufus Perkins, who finished the trail last September well after their respective seventieth birthdays, and Ed has gone out of his way to offer assistance to hikers in his half of the state. Terry, too, has spent whole days ferrying Bob and other hikers, whether they are day-hiking like Bob or beginning backpacking trips far from home. At the beginning of this last May, Bob bad one hundred miles left, all of it at the every eastern end of the FLT, involving both road walks and very steep hills in the Catskill
BOB MUELLER ends his FLT end-to-end hike. Forest Preserve. For some reason I have yet to recall, I asked him aloud then whether he thought he would finish it by June. Immediately the words escaped my lips I knew I had inadvertently goaded him into setting a cruel goal for himself: too late, the words were out ... and Bob was off! This was during the black fly season, an usually warm May, and clouds of insects were so bad during the last days of May that Bob wore a mesh headnet, a light jacket and glove despite the humid heat of the Memorial Day weekend. But the Possessed One did it anyway, finishing at 9:30 AM on May 27th, so early because the heat dictated an early start to his last four miles. Combining typical hikes of, say, five miles because of grueling forested hills with two or three road-walk miles in a different location in the same general area, mixed in with Gatorade breaks and car rides from his trail saints, made bearable days of his last hundred miles, but only barely. On May 28th, the very next day, he worried aloud that his trail probably needed a lot of attention (certainly not by ordinary mortals' standards!), so he wouldn't be available to help on anyone else's trail section for a little while. In March and April he had contributed many a long and laborious day to the Letchworth Branch Trail clean-up after an ice stonn bashing. Congratulations, Bob Muller. Had you ever calculated how long it was going to take you to finish before you met some trail saints and inadvertent inspirations? The way you dld more than half the trail, hiking both in and out each day, you would have been end-to-enders five AND six had you continued. You're a pip.
Page 16
North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991
Finger Lakes Trail - 50. Mile Trail Run by Joe Dabes
only known she was so close." In teams, the "Finger Lakes Animals" consisting of Powers, Shawn McDonald and myself were first. The "Finger Lake'n Good" team of Dion,
As in the preceding two years, this was no ordinary pre-race pasta feed. The site was Turback's restaurant, a historic many-gabled former mansion that locals call "The Painted Lady." Turback put on his usual great spread, an all-you-can-eat buffet style dinner: salad, pasta with three different sauces, and dessert. The restaurant and the food help with the recruiting of the needed This is not just another summer many volunteers as they were also in- coming to a close for the NCTA, but vited to this pre-race feed. Turback's is rather the beginning of a new era -"The" place to eat in Ithaca. another giant step forward for our AssoUnlike the previous two years, race ciation. Soon, we will no longer be a directors John Sholeen and I could not totally volunteer organization, but will welcome the runners to the "cool northhave a paid Executive Director with an east." The forecast called for the upper office to work from and the much needed 80s, and high humidity on race day. time to direct toward the many projects Although most of the course is wooded, required to insure the growth of the the gypsy moth caterpillars had caused NCT, toward which we have all been nearly total defoliation along much of working these past years. the course. These factors, with an honYour search committee has purest wheel-measured 50 miles and 8300' sued the task all summer of finding the of climb contributed to a most difficult person best qualified to fill this position. race. With only a few remaining details to be The field was the best yet - Tom worked out, we expect to have a full' "You must be crazy to run 50 miles, but report for you at the Fall Meeting and an this race is in my back yard" Powers introduction to the new Executive Direturned to defend his course record of rector. 7:53:53 set last year. Another local, This is not a "Swan Song" for all Gary Burdick, who last year led until you wonderful volunteers out there, but two miles to go returned. John Lahoud, rather a "Helping Hand" to keep you all winner of the first FLT-50 two years godirrg, and - YES - recruiting even ago, was back with his wife, Helga. more volunteers! It's the great work you Helga won the women's division two volunteers have been doing along the years ago and set the master's course trail that keeps us growing, and the new record for women. The total field in- Executive Director will need all the creased from 50 starters last year to 62 support available. Speaking of the Fall Meeting being this year. Bob Dion led early in the race, but held in Fargo, ND, this October-- I hope by half-way Powers had moved to the many of you plan to attend. LindaMeike front, with Dion and Burdickclose behind. has been hard at work putting together a All were on a course record pace. Then very exciting meeting -- an opportunity the heat hit. Powers limped in for the . for you to visit North Dakota and travwin. erse part of the Grasslands which are the "The cramps set in," Powers said. NCT in our westernmost state. "Mentally, I wasn't really bothered and Earlier this year I had the privilege l wasn't aerobically taxed at all, I was of a visit to Hillsdale, MI, and the opporready to go. But it didn't matter. There tunity to walk, with the Honorable Carl was just no way to put in enough fluid Lo Levin, a number of local officials, busikeep the cramps away." The other lead- ness executives and "ever-faithful" volers agreed. unteers, on a portion of the NCT being â&#x20AC;˘ In the women's race Helga Lahoud built though this area. The enthsiasm of had a half hour lead over Dot Helling this entire community was contagious, half way through the race. But at the and their success definitely worth emufinish, Helga was only one minute ahead lating. With a few more "Hillsdales" of Dot. Dot remarked afterward, "If I'd along our 3200 mile route, the NCT
--
John Lahoud and Will Barrett was second. The women's team winner was the "VerMass Women" consisting of Dot Helling, Holly Massucco and Diane McNamara.
completion date would certianly move closer. I'm aware of a number of work groups along the trail route this summer, and I'm sure there were others, too. Don't forget to send your requests for Certification to the NPS for any completed sections. And, equally important, if you are a member of the NCT A living in close proximity to a section of trail just built, or recently finished, perhaps you and your friends close by could volunteer to maintain a few miles. What could be more enjoyable than hking a few milesofNCTand keeping it cleaned up for others to enjoy: a sort of "guardian angel" over a piece of Mother Earth. And, as fall and winter months approach, remember the NCT is great under a pair of skis or snowshoes. --Martha Jones
SouthernMichigan Chapterto reorganize Paul and Liz Forsberg will be hosting an organizational meeting for a regional chapter of the North Country Trail association at their home, 550 Boichot Road, Lansing, Michigan, on Sunday, October 6, 1991, at 2 PM. Any questions? Give them a call at (517) 3725782.
North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Autumn. 1991
Page 17
"Be Seen" is rule for fall hiking Whether our feelings about hunting are pro, anti or neutral, we still have to accept hunters in the woods as a fact of life and be safe during hunting and fall color seasons. There are people around that won't go out hiking in the woods in the fall -and they're missing the best time of the year. The air is usually crisp and cool and clear, the bugs have pretty much departed, and the autumn colors, of course, are spectacular. But, hunting safety concerns cause many people to pass up the woods in this lime of year. It's their loss. Attitude is an important factor. Colin Fletcher wrote in The Compleat Walker III, "Jn recent years, I've become increasingly aware that certain men whom I like and respect, men whose knowledge and even veneration for wildlife is at least as great as mine, find hunting a satisfying and natural pursuit consonant with their veneration. Furthermore, I often feel more comfortable in the company of men who I know are hunters -- even though I deplore what they do in that role -- than I do in the company of many 'ecologically aware individuals' who share my concerns but who never for one moment, by God, let you forget that they are the Chosen Defenders of the Earth." Unwillingness to go into the woods while hunters are present will seal off much of the year for the hiker. In Michigan, for example, there is one hunting season or another open from September through March, and the state has recently added on a spring turkey season. Technically, some hunting seasons never close, like for woodchucks, so there is a possibility of encountering hunters in the woods at any time of the year. Yet, except with the possibility of rifle deer seasons, hunting safety concerns should not be a reason for the hiker
to to avoid the woods, ifthehikerwilldo two simple things: avoid paranoia, and be seen. Linda Stein writes in the Pennsylvania Game News: "As a hunter, I take my hunter safety knowledge afield even when I'm not carrying a bow or firearm. I know that whenever I go for a walk in the woods, any time of the year, it's possible I'll encounter someone who's hunting. Even if it isn't the "standard" smallorbiggameseason,gunners might be out after spring gobblers, groundhogs, doves, crows, fox, even frogs, or they might just be plinking with a .22. I don't let the possibility worry me. I just do what my hunter training and experience have taught me. I wear bright colored clothing, especially on my head. I want any hunter who's out there to see me, even ifl don't see him. It's the best way I know to come home safe again." While hunters can be encountered at any time of the year, fall is rightly thought of as the hunting season, and hunters can be expected to be encountered more frequently then. Syndicated outdoor writer Steve Hepker says, "In some seasons, such as the turkey or archery deer seasons, hunters may be well camoflaged and be hard to see -but the hiker can take comfort in the fact that the hunter that has gone to the amount of effort necessary to prepare for hunting in these modes will be aware enough of his surroundings to have a good sight picture of what they are
shooting at before squeezing the trigger or letting the arrow fly." The North Country Trail is generally open to hunting, and, in fact, may provide some hunters with a means of access to more remote areas. "Many public and private lands," the Comprehensive Plan for the North Country National Scenic Trail reads, "through which the NCT passes are legallyopen to hunting during the proper seasons. IL is not intended that passage of the NCT through these lands should in any way lead to their closure to hunting nor that the trail should be closed during hunting seasons. Safety for hikers during hunting seasons can best be pursued through education of hikers to wear hunter's orange, and of hunters to avoid shooting near or across the trail. Regulations in some jurisidctions would require hikers to wear hunters orange. Managing authorities responsible for public lands and NCT segments should post notices at trail entrances notifying hikers of any applicable regulations." Hunter's orange caps and vests are available at almost every sporting goods store during the appropriate seasons, and the costs are quite reasonable. Orange may not be in the wardrobe of every lover of the outdoors. But certainly there is something comparable, some intense red, sunny yellow, shock路 iog pink. Any bright color helps. "Neon" colored fashions are popular among the
Page 18 younger set; hats, jackets, and shirts in various loud colors are readily available. These colors, popular in ski wear and summertime togs, are ideal. As a plus, their "fluorescent" quality makes them visible even in dim light. Adults whose own closets are lacking should check their kids for something that fits. Columnist Hepker adds that choosing where and when Lo hike is another important point. "Hunters do shoot other hunters," he says. "Opening day is an especially dangerous time, and hikers should avoid heavily gunned areas at this time -- especially the opening days of rifle deer and small game seasons. Hike in mid-day, and avoid hiking during low-light or low visibility conditions." During the rifle deer seasons in the various states, considerably more caution is advised, Hepker adds. It is from these seasons that the stories of hunters "shooting anything that moves" are generated, and there are in fact some slob hunters out there, with low skill levels, that consider it a badge of honor to go out into the woods with a snootful of antifreeze. While the general rule of
North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Autumn. 1991 wearing hunters orange again applies don't want to be the odd one out, so I during rifle deer seasons, hikers should make sure by wearing a safety color." avoid the colors white and brown like There's no reason why hiking in the the plague. There are any number of woods in the.fall can't be safe, if the stories about such slobs taking shots at hiker will have a proper attitude and white hankerchiefs, thinking that their take a few sensible precautions. Steine shooting at a deer's white tail. These tells this story: I was told about a young stories are common enough to hold a woman who wanted to take her children germ of truth.Don't wear white or brown for a hike at a local state park where in the woods during deer season! hunting is allowed. This was during the Again, opening day of rifle deer last deer season, and the woman was season should be avoided, and hikers petrified to take her family into the should give careful thought about hikforest with the hunters there. Certainly ing in the woods during this period, one can't fault motherly concern, but Hepker says. "Common sense is the key her lack of knowledge about bunting to safety," be adds. made her overreact. I was told she was However, Hepker notes that hikers advised to put some bright clothing on should avoid loud singing, whistling, herself and the kids and just go for a radio playing, and that sort of thing. walk, that hunters and hikers could use "This could be considered to be a volathe park at the same time, there was no tion of the recently-enacted 'hunter har- conflict. That didn't suit her. She conrassment' laws." sidered the hunters were "preventing" "Hunting is statistically one of the her from using the park, and she went safest sports around," Stiene writes. "Last home in a huff. It was her loss because of year out of 1.2 million hunters afield in her misunderstanding of the sport, and Pennsylvania, there were only eight fatal. because she wouldn't teach her children accidents. In other words, anyone in the how to be safe in the woods. But I'm wilds while hunters are around has very sure she will teach them bow to cross a little.chance of getting hurt. I, however, road."
North Country Trail Shop Patches ond·stidkers,
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=~t~::~~r~• • • •it:~i•• ·=•·• • • :·• • -• • •.• • • -· .·•·• • • ·•·• · ·•~e,~;~~f.;:•s.I~~~•· ~·)·.~.~•• New York. Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan. Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota ' Hike Distance Stiips (must qualify) $1.25 5, l Q, 15, 2.0i 2$ or 35 mues hik$d Jn one day WlndoW·Stlck~($liOO ·. . . . .·.·.
al•.r.a.11.su•p•p·=· •. ·~.9.r, =o .f1.n.J.~1.•~.·.c.10.1s•p•n•n•e•)•$•3•~9 •.s
Scenic Trail
T-Shirt adult $9. 95 (sm, med, lg,
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City, State, Zip........................................... North Country Trail 10th Anniversary T-Shlrt (circle size): I Adult, S, M. L. XL, XXL. 100% cotton, It. blue only@ $9.95 each 1== Child6/8. l0/12.14/16--50/50cotton@$7.95each Phone -.... I Please enclose for shipping & handting: Michigan resk!ents include 4% sales tax Send order to: NCTA Trail Shop $0.00 - $10.00 $2.00 $25.01 - $100.00 $4.00 Make check/money order payable to: PO Box 311 I $10.01 - $25.00 $3.00 Over $100.00 $5.00 'North Country Trail Association WhiteCloud, Ml 49349
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Page 19
North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991
North r.ountry National Scenic Trail
A DREAM THAT'S BEING REALIZED Building the North Country National Scenic Trail will be a big job. Much has been completed, but there's still a lot to do. You can help with making the dream a reality by joining the North Country Trail Association.
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Annual Dues: membership year runs from July 1 through June 30. Dues paid from April 1 on are valid through June 30 of the following year.
North Country Trail Association PO Box311 White Cloud, Ml, 49349
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I wish to join the North Country Trail Association. Enclosed is $ for a membership.
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North Country Trail Bookstore JUSl PUBLISHfQ/llll • NEWUll • JUST PYBL/SHEQIUU CERTIFIED SECTIONS OF THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL by Byron and Margaret Hutchins.The long-awaited start to a trail guide for the entire trail. Accurate route descriptions by an experienced guidebook writer who's walked the sections with a measuring wheel, covering many certified sections of the long enough to be a hiking destination, published in an easy to carry loose-leaf form. Individual map sets at various prices (see order form); whole set, including binder. is $15.40, plus $2.00 shipping. Sorry, no direct wholesale . . GUIDE TO THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL -- CHIPPEWA NATIONAL FOREST by Roderick Mac Rae. Discussion of the route and trail log from east to west in the Chippewa National Forest. Wonderfully written by a Chippewa National Forest expert. 12 pages. $1.25 each; Wholesale (10 or more) $.75 each MICHIGAN MAPSETS developed by Arden Johnson. Maps to follow the NCNSTin the Manistee, Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests, and the trail between St. Ignace and Munising, and northern lower peninsula. Four separate sets, part of a l" per mile series to be developed for the whole state. Order from Croton Dam to Hodenpyl Dam, Interlachen to Boyne Falls, St. Ignace to Harvey or Marquette to Ironwood sets. $5.00 per set; $18.00 for all four. Binder with indicies, $2.50. Contact bookstore for information on ordering individual maps. OTHER GREAT TRAIL INfORMATION A\IAILABL€ fROM THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL BOOKSTORE FOLLOWING THE NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL by Wes Boyd, NCTA Newsletter Editor. Packed full of information about the NCNST. "The aim is to give the reader the information necessary to find out what they need to know to follow the troll" - - and lots of other useful information. The most inclusive and up-to-date Information on the whole troll. November 1989 printing. $2.95 each; Wholesale (l 0 or more) $2.00 each. THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL -- MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST by the Michigan Trailfinders. Offers a detailed description of the trail from the White Cloud troilheod to Big Star Lake; and from US 1 O to McCarthy Lake. Current through June, 1989. $2.00 each, no wholesale available. GUIDE TO THE PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE by Olive Anderson. Includes revised Lakeshore Trail Guide. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the centerpiece of the North Country Trail-- a rugged, unique toast on the wild Lake Superior shore. Updated in 1988, this 56 page book by Pictured Rocks enthusiast Olive M. Anderson gives the reader revised maps and up-to-date information about this Michigan section of the North Country Trail. $5.95 each; Wholesale (l 0 or more) $4.25 each.
·-------------------------------------~ I ORDER FORM •• NO'RtH COUNTRY TRAIL BOOKSTORE I __ copies of 'Fol/owing the North Country National Scenic Troll' I $2.95 per copy ($2.00 per copy If ten or more) Country Troll - Manistee National Forest" I __ copies of 'The North$2.00 per copy. (no wholesale) I I __ copies of 'Gulde ~~.~~e~~gi~~~ (~~.~~ e~~~~~~;~~~~~~)' I copies of 'Gulde to the North Country Trail - Chippewa National II --· Forest' · $1 .25 per copy ($. 75 per copy If ten or more) copies of Michigan mapsets (check appropriate ones:) I -o Croton Dam - Hodenpyl Dem o Interlachen - Boyne Falls I D St. Ignace - Harvey o Marquette - Ironwood $5.00 per set. AH 4 sets, $18.00; Binder, $2.50 No wholesale I of 'Certtned Sections of the North Country Trail' I -- copies (Check appropriate sections:) o Allegheny NF a cook Forest. $2.90 I c Wayne NF, $1.50 0 Little Miami scenic Perl<, Sl .is o Mic ml and Erle Canal, $1.80 D Manistee NF $2.20 I o Hiawatha NF, $2.20 D Chequamegon NF, $1.60 I o Chippewa NF, $2.20 D Sheyenne Grassland, $1.15 •
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White Cloud, Ml 49349il
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