North Star Vol. 13, No. 1 (1994) by NCTA Staff

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Newsletter of the

North Country Trail ~ciation PO Box 311 White Cloud, Ml 49349 Editor:

14845 Rome Rd . Man1tot1 Bear.h Ml 49253

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 47 Caledonia, Ml 49316

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North Country Trail Association

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PRINTED ON

North Country Trail Association

RECYCLED PAPER

PO Box 311, White Cloud, Ml 49349 Headquarters Phone: (616) 689-1912 Editor:

Wes Boyd, 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach, Ml 49253

Newsletter,

Keyboard Trails by the Editor

Mr. Boyd: Our names are Derek Sumption and Ken Libby. We are both sophomores at Walker High School in northern Minnesota. We are planning a tri-state hike from the Headwaters of the Mississippi to Sault Ste. Marie, on the North Country Trail this coming summer as a benefit to the American Cancer Society. After meeting with Roderick MacRae, he suggested we contact you for your help and advice in publicizing our hike in your quarterly North Country Trail Newsletter. We are hoping to be in contact with the North CountryTrailmembersandclubsalongtheway, but we need people to know what we are planning to do. This is why we would greatly appreciate your help in letting people along the trail know what's going on. We are also very willing to promote the trail along the way. For example, we would be more than happy to be accompanied by various trail groups or Boy Scout troops. We love the trail and would love to make it grow by getting people involved. We are also looking for an experienced young adult to hike with us for safety and parental concerned reasons. If you know of anyone, wewoiild love to have them along with us on this great adventure. Pleasecontact us at Rt. 1, Box 24-0, Longville MN 56655, or call evenings from 6 to 10 PM at (218) 363-2942. Derek Sumption & Ken Libby Editor's note: Rod MacRae comments, "I think your estimated distance of perhaps 1,000 miles is realistic and could be accomplished within a summer. Your thoughts about a "Headwaters to the Soo" is exciting."

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The deadline for the next issue of the Newsletter is April 1, 1994.. Items received after that date cannot be assured of a place in the newsletter. Items recieved well before that date are much appreciated. The deadline for the Summer issue of the newsletter will be July 1, 1994.

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Youths plan big trip

Winter, 1994

This issue of the newsletter marks the first issue of the new publishing schedule, which is now January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. This change was made to fit the new meeting schedule better, and to better fit into the printer's production cycle. With the change in schedule, I thought it best to do a little overhaul in the appearance of the newsletter as well, mostly to make it a little more visually appealing and to make it easier to read. The previous appearance worked out well, but the type was on the small and crowded side. That decision was made consciously before I took over the editorship of the newsletter, to try and keep costs down by cramming as much onto a page as possible. While cost is still a concern, increasing membership makes it necessary to produce the bestlooking publication possible within the budget restrictions. I see a lot of other newsletters go across my desk. I don't really want to blow my own horn, but we have one of the better and more respected publications among the National Scenic Trail community. There are some that have more budget to work with, and more membership, and accordingly, they're going to put out a slicker product, but I think we do pretty darn good with what we have to work with. In the next couple of years, we probably will have the opportunity to further upgrade the appearance of the newsletter. Considering that we still will have a limited budget to work with, several options are open to us: • Spot color (in other words, a second color on some pages). • A full-color cover. • Slick, magazine-style paper. • A further increase in page count. • Bimonthly publication, six times a year (or possibly, five times a year, with issues every two months in the summer and every three months in the winter). We won't have the budget to do all of them, not for some time to come. However, over the next few months I'd like to hear your opinion on what you think the best course for us to take would be. My own gut feeling is to go to five or six issues a year, to give faster reportingbu t I'd like to know what you think. --WB

North Country Trail Association Newsletter,

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Winter, 1994

THE BTA ANNUAL MeetNCTA PRESIDENT Derek THE 1994 "Helping Out In ing will be held at Camp Kern Blount reports that Congress has The Outdoors", a directory of volYMCA Camp, Oregonia, Ohio, on approved an additional $'150,000 unteer opportunities on Public April 15-17, 1994. This will be a for the National Trails System. In lands published by the American special meeting; it's the 35th doing this, Congress also removed Hiking Scoiety is now available. anniversary of the Buckeye Trail an earmarking of $250,000 for the Thousands of fascinating opporAssociation. Santa Fe Trail, which will mean tunities are described in the dithat funds will be divided among rectory. Campground hosts and all the trails based on need as trailcrewsaremostcommon, but determined by the NPS National the listing includeaa tremendous Trails Office in Washington. Blount variety -of opportunities such as THE SEVENTH edition of says, "One of the prime needs we _ graphic artist; geologist, biologist, "Guideto Troils,Finger Lakes Rewill face will be budgeting money _ carpenter, computer _and data gion, has been published by the from grants and the NPS eooperaentry, diver, gardener, historian, Cayuga TrailSClub. Thenewedi- tion describes 120 miles of thetive agreement. • That's a happy hydrologist, librarian, curator, challenge! · -river patrol, .surveyor, wildlife main FLT from thehamletofSouth management assistant, writer, Bradford in Steuben County east and many more. For a 128-page to O'Dell Road, southwest of Virdirectory of more than 2,000 volgil Mountain.in Cortland County. unteer jobs, send $7 .00 for a single Also described are several FLT THERE HAS BEEN more issue to AHS Helping Out, PO spurs. It's available from the.FLTC action on the trail certification front. Box 20160, Washington DC 20041Service Center, PO Box 18048, In Augu~t. too late for publication 2160. Rochester NY 14618-0048. Sorey, in the last Newsletter, the NPS no price available. restructured it's certification of trail in Michigan's Porcupine Mountain State Park, changing the mileage there from 12 to 17 .5, based on a NCTA BOARD MEMBER better understanding of what had Emily Gregor suffered a subdural ACCORDING TO THE been certified. Alao, the NPS dehemotoma in October, according FLTC'S'EdSidote, thenumberof certified tWo miles in the Manistee to Mary Hamilton in the BTA Finger Lakes Trailend-to-enders - . National Forest at the same time, Trailblazer. Maiy and Emily had has reached 22 with.the .complewhere the trail is located on road driven to Black Mountian, NC. . tion of the Finger Lakes Trail by between 40th and Spruce Streets, for the AHS board meeting.Atler_ V~c_torYatesonNov.13ap.dChara total of 2.0 miles, Also in the return from the meeting, she had les Monroe. on November 21. An surgery to remove the blood clot Manistee National Forest, the NPS FLTC End-to-ender's meeting was o has-correCted theirrecords to show held in Allegany State Park-Sept. -· that could have potentiillly had 7 .5-miles between Croton Dam and _ Severe results. 24-26. 40th Streets. Then, at the last minute, after printing had already started for this issue of the newsletter, the llllllllllllllllllllllllll l l llll!lllI~''ll!lll'ill'illll''l11111111111111111111111111111111111 1 1 1 1 11111111111111111111;111~1111111111 NPS announced the December 29 certification of 6.2 miles of the new National Conference in MN, Aug 28-31 7 extension in McConnel'sMill State Park in Pennsylvania, a project New trail· In Minnesota 8 that has been under way for some Volunteer recognition program 10 time, headed by the Shenango Outing Club and in cooperation Annual Report Special Section 11 with the Keystone Trails AssociaArrowhead Route possibility grows 17 tion. Fortunat.ely, we hadn't printed the pages with the annual totals Signs for casual trall users 20· on them yet, so they're reflected in the total figures given on pages 13 and 14.

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North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Winter, 1994

NCTA TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES ffEMS FOR THIS COLUMN CDJillj)e recleved before the deadUne dote given on Page 2 of this newsletter. We welcome listing activities of affiliated organizations, but we must be aware of them In sufficient time for publication.

Michigan Jan. 15. NCTA Board Meeting, Courtyard Inn, near Metro Airport, Detroit.) Contact NCTA President Derek Blount (810) 548-1737 for more infonnation. Jan. 19. NCT Hiker's Club, Marquette, membership meeting, Library, 7 PM. Jan 22. NCT Hiker's Club, Marquette, ski to Chapel Rock in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Moderate/stenuouseight mile circular route for intennediate skiier. Call Gene at (906)225-1704. Jan 30. NCT Hikers Oub, Marquette, Leader's choice in Marquette area. Easy two to 1hree miles for novice skiiers. Feb 5-6 Mackinac Mush Dog Sled Race, Mackinac City, Ml. For lnfonnation Contact Tun-Dra Outfitters Mackinac City, Michigan (616) 436-5243. Feb. 5, NCT Hiker's aub, Marquette, ski to Pinnacle Falls by way of Mulligan Plains. Moderate ten miles for novice with endurance. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704. Feb. 12. NCT Hiker's Oub, Marquette, ski to Wildcat Canyon by way of Silver Lake Basin. Moderate ten miles for novice with endurance. Call Seth at (906) 486-9550.

Mar. 5. NCT Hiker's Club, Marquette, ski McCormick Wilderness chain of lakes. Strenuous ten miles for intennediateskiier. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704. Mar. 6. NCT Hiker's Oub, Marquette, ski Anderson Lake Ski Trails. Easy to moderate for novice or intennediate skiiers, depending on trail. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704. Mar. 12. ASLC/ASHCThird Annual Messier Night, Lake Hudson State Rec. Area Contact Wes at (517) 547-7402 for information. Mar. 12. NCT Hiker's Oub, Marquette, ski Leader's Choice on the Yellow Dog Plains. Moderate to arduous by prior discussionwith leader. Call Dan at (906) 226-6609. Mar. 19. NCT Hiker's Club, Marquette, ski overnightto McKeeverCabin in Hiawatha National Forest. Ski groomed trails or logging roads. Easy to moderate, you pick. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704 or Doug at (906)338-2680. Split cost for cabin and food. Mar. 26. NCT Hiker's Oub, Marquette, ski Yellow Dog River area near County f1>ad 51 o. Showshoe/ski with some bushv.ttacking. Could be strenuous depending on weather and snow conditions. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704.

Minnesota Aug. 28-31 NCTA NATIONAL CONFERENCE, Maplelag Lodge, Calloway, MN. Contact Rod MacRae, 1210 W. 22nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55405 (h) (612) 337-0130 (w)(612-~941,8336 or John Lomnicki (w) 800-688-4578 or Del Bjerkness, (h) (218) 573-3858 for more information.

New York Feb. 7. All FLT System trails on private land closed for 24 hours. Mar. 12. FLTC Board of Managers Meeting, 9:30AM, Cornell University College ofVetemary Medicine, Ithaca NY.

Feb. 13 NCT Hiker's Club, Marquette, ski Presque Isle Park followed by hot chili, hot beverage and dessert. Easyto moderate depending on trail ch0sen. Cost $3 per adult, $1 for 23 and under, free ior those under 5 and over 80. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704.

Mar. 12. FLTC Trail Sponsors and Trail Committee meeting, 12:30 PM, Cornell University College of Vetemary Medicine, Ithaca NY.

Feb. 19. NCT Hiker's Club, Marquette, ski to Big Island Lake in the Big Island Lake Wilderness. Modate ten miles for intennediate skiier with endurance. Call Don at (906)225-1585.

Apr. 2. FLTC Wallace D. Wood Founder's Hike. Meet at 9:30 AM at entrance to Bowman Lake State Park west of Norwich, Shennan Rd., FLT map M-24. Call Joe Donovan (315) 253-9863 or Ed Sidote (607) 334-3872 for more infonnation.

Feb. 20. NCT Hiker's Club, Marquette Leader's choice in Marquette area. Easy two to three miles for novice. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704.

Apr. 22路24. Annual meeting of Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Seneca Lodge, Watkins Glen, NY.

Feb. 21. NCT Hiker's Oub, Marquette, ski old growth hardwoods in Rock Aver Wilderness. Easy five miles for novice skiier. Call Gene at . 225-1704. Feb. 26 NCT Hiker's Club, Marquette, ski Craig Lake State Park chain of lakes. Moderate ten miles for intennediate skiier. Call Jerry at (906) 339-2964.

Ohio Feb. 5, Findlay State Park, 10:00 AM. Annual winter hike. 3 and 6 mile loops, (Combined with CuyahogaValley Spaziergangers'6 mile Volksmarch, headed by Charlie Briggs.) Meet at Commisary. Park employees will serve bean soup and com bread lunch. Leader: Flora Burkholder, (216) 967-5569.

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Winter, 1994

To many trail enthusiasts winter brings a quiet time when the trail leaves our thoughts for the reading of a good book or of quilting in front of a fire place. For othersofusitisjustas busy a time as summer. The trail bustles with activity as cross-country skiers and snowshoers pack the snow underfoot. Occasionally you can hear the sound of sled rails and dogs panting as a dogsled rushes by and silently glides back into the forest. Even the occasional equestrial can be found on the trail in winter. Winter brings new experiences for the trail enthusiast. Waterfalls are frozen and lakes show a mirror finish. Spruce trees are covered by a dusting of snow. The paw prints of a rabbit race across the snow to suddenly disappear surrounded by the trace of owls wings. Stray leaves tumble along leaving their trail across the glistening white of Mother Nature's winter blanket. There is lots more to do for those of us that work on the trail each summer. We have to plan all of the projects that will follow next summer. It's time to design bridges, interpretive signs, and search maps for the new trail paths to be scratched out next spring. It's time to write articles and call newspapers. We are planning a lot of new things in 1994 for all of the members and friends of the NCTA. There will be a major NCTA Conference in August in Minnesota. This will not just be an annual membership meeting. There will be several days of training on trail construction, workshops, slide shows, hikes and a whole lot more. There will be a special keynote speaker for the conference that will be special to the NCT. You will receive a special memento for attending this event. This will be an event to center your vacation around. Don't miss it! Look for your invitation in the Newsletter this spring. We are hoping that 1994 will be the year that the NCTA will open a permanent full-time office in White Cloud, Michigan. When that happens, then when you call the NCTA there will be someone there to answer your questions and take your trail shop orders. You can find out about events on the trail and where we opened new sections. Even when we aren't there a voice mail answering system will be, so you can leave a message for us. We also plan to set up a 1-800 number for nationwide NCT information. This year you will start to see some new trail signs along the NCT. They will be white with green lettering

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saying, "This trail maintained by Volunteers of the North Country Trail Association". If you need some of these for your trail segment, please write and request these from our Executive Director, Pat Allen. They are not meant to mark the whole trail, only for trail heads and trail intersections. We have a new NCTA membership brochure and would love to get them out to more people. If you could help by delivering some to your local camping shop please contact our Headquarter manager, Ginny Wunsch. This organization is only as strong as the membership that supports it. We are going to be more active in political action in 1994. We and the rest of the 18 National Trails were moderately successful in 1993 in getting Congress to allocate an additional $750,000 to the National Trail System. But, as you can guess, the money doesn't go far when there are 35,000 miles of trail in 45 states. During the next three years, some of the funding for the Appalachian Trail will be winding down. Rather than having those funds lost to some "pork barrel" program we couldhave those funds transferred to the National Trail System as a whole. You can help in this by writing a letter or making a phone call to local Legislators next Spring. We will needalotofsupport to get our goal of$5 million for the National Trail System. If you worked on a political campaign in 1993 or before, we could use your support in 1994. We want to start working with State Legislators as well as Federal. Most of our states are not actively supporting the NCT for budgetary reasons as well as political. If we show more local support in the states, then more will gE1--done. If you would be willing to sign a letter, write a letter or make a call to a State or Federal legislator on behalf of the trail please write or call Pat Allen. It's time to thank all of those that supported the trail in 1993. Thanks to all the volunteers, the political supporters, the Legislators, the hike guides, the NCTA staff of the Headquarters, NCTA committee chairs, our Executive Director, the NCTA Board of Directors, our NCTA Chapters and Affiliates. Thanks to all of the trail clubs that helped. Most especially, thanks to all of the Park Service and Forest Service folks who have been supporters for so long. Thanks also to the seven state Departments of Natural Resources people who are helping to make the trail grow. Thanks to all of the individuals who seem to go unnoticed. Thanks, you were noticed and appreciated.

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North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Winter, 1994

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Signs of progress There are "signs" ofprogres.s everywhere along the North Country National Scenic Trail. Ournew3" circular plastic signs say "This Trail Maintained by VOLUNTEERS of the North Country Trail Association." They are available from me or from Bill Menke to be used to recognize your volunteer work on trail sections. Trailhead markers have been put up along newly certified trail sections. Along roadsides, markers direct hikers to the trail. The trail route is being included on county and other tourist maps. Our affiliate organizations are publicizing their partnership in the North Country Trail. New trail maps and brochures are available to interest hikers and volunteers. Federal financial support of the national trail system has increased. All of these signs are so essential to get people acquainted with the North Country National Scenic Trail and our Association. Thank you, one and all, for your efforts during 1993 to promote and complete the trail. Thanks to our chapters, affiliates and partners in state and federal agencies who have worked on the trail this past year. Our continued efforts in 1994 will lengthen the trail, strengthen the partnership, and increase the support of the North Country Trail and the Association.

Five seats available in annual board election The time has come again for nominations to the board of the North Country Trail Association. Any member, except those over term limits or those serving on the elections committee, who desires to run for the board may do so. Potential candidates must be willing to agree that they will: • Work toward NCTA's goals; • Maintain their NCTA membership; • Agree to attend a majority of board meeting annually, or present a written request for an excused absence for good cause; • Agree to provide the elections committee with a written request to get on the ballot. This request is to include a written statement of qualifications and priorities, and will be used in the packet sent to members. •Agree to serve an an officer, or on committees as needed, and will agree to serve on the elections committee when they go off of the board. Seven board seats expire this spring; however, two arerepresentativesfrom theBuckeyeTrailAssociation (Emily Gregor) and AYR-Pittsburgh (Helen Coyne). Two seats are vacant, including the one formerly held by Executive Director Pat Allen. Three directors will be eligible to run again: Odell Bjerkness, Gaylord Yost, and Don Dorn. All terms will expire in 1997, except for the person elected to fill the 1996 expiring seat of Pat Allen. (The last time the decision was made by lot.) NCTA officers will be elected by and from the board at the spring board meeting. Requests to go on the ballot should be sent to the NCTA Executive Director, Pat Allen, 2215 Sylvan Dr. SE, Grand Rapids MI, 49506, and must be received by her not later than February 15.

Levin still working at spreading the word The North Country National Scenic Trail has a great friend in Michigan Senator Carl Levin, who has been very active in promoting the trail the past few years. Senator Levin recently put out a mailing to many Michigan and regional people about the trail, one of the largest one-piece mailings ever done to promote the trail. The mailing was done out of his office, and. mailed under his franked signature. In the mailing, Levin noted, "When I first heard about the North Country National Scenic Trail, I was taken with the imagination of the project. It is a dream that links generations of volunteers, hikers, and nature lovers over decades of time. "The North Country Trail is the longest nonmotorized hiking trail in the United States. It will extend

3,200 miles from New York State to North Dakota, meandering the length and width of Michigan. Almostt 500 of the 875 or so miles of trail that are to run through Michigan are already complete. "I will continue to do whatever I can to make this dream a reality. My wife and our three daughters love to hike. The North Country Trail offers a unique opportunity topreserve our most valued natural resources while promoting outdoor recreational activities for ourselves and our children. "If, like me, you are a hiking enthusiast, or just someone who loves natural beauty, I hope you will take an interest in the development of the North Country Trail and help in its completion." If you would like a copy of the mailing, please contact Thad McColl um at the Senator's Alpena Office, 145 Water St., Alpena, MI 49707 (517) 354-5520.

North Country Trail Association

Pagel

Newsletter, Winter, 1994

Call of the North 0

NCTA National Conference

August 28-31 . Maplelag Lodge, Calloway MN 1994 will see something new for the NCTA: The annual meeting has been expanded into a conference week, with plenty of activities for the whole family. The first national conference will be held August 28-31 at Maplelag Lodge, in Calloway, MN, located about 10 miles north of Detroit Lakes, MN. Plan now to attend!

Schedule of events (tentative as of 11 /93) Thursday, August 25 through Saturday, Aug. Z7: Preconference activities, trail work project on Bad Medicine Section, backpacking trip Itasca-Bad Medicine. Saturday, August Z7: Grand Opening Ceremony, Itasca/Bad Medicine Tentative Workshop topics include: Ropecraft, Section (tentative) outdoor cooking, health and safety, trip planning, Sunday, August 28: Registration and check in, Board Meeting 1-4 PM, map and compass, water purification, wildflowers of the northern woodlands, forest habitat along the Dinner with speaker and announcements, NCT, successful birding on the trail, guiding by the Committee Meetings, Little Theater. stars, how to survey and lay out a trail, how to Monday, August 29: organize trail clearing, amenities along the trail Workshops and Seminars, Banquet dinner with (signage, guidbooks, maps, campsites, shuttle keynote speaker. services), the trip leader's responsibility, Tuesday, August 30: membership development, finding and keeping (Morning) Annual General Membership volunteers, writing grant proposals, working with meeting (Afternoon) Workshops and local interests, American Indians -- the original dJ}@~1 ~ seminars, Trail day hike, (Evening) ,J:::,fi:;';<,.t -: · Cookout supper, Ceilidh party or trailbuilders; Itasca State Park and the Mississippi headwaters. ./. ··~· l l . j~ ' 1 campfire. ,r J._,1:·' -~ .• ::1;(.; . Wednesday, August 31: . J-- , ,.· ,.; \. ~ State chapter breakfasts. Morning: . ·1l°•' ·~ 1. .:.'· ' workshops and seminars, Trail day y_;.'.'.1:·:~.' hike, Board meeting extra session if • .:: • ' 1. needed. Luncheon with speaker and closing ceremony. Thursday - Saturday, Sept. 1-3. Post-Conference Activities, Trail work project and backpacking _I trip, Chippewa section.

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Fees and further lnfomation will be announced in the nextNCTA newsletter. Plan to betherel

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North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Winter, 1994

Itasca State Park and Bad Medicine Trail now open by Roderick MacRae The Minnesota Chapter of the North Country Trail Association is pleased to announce that 20 new miles of the North Country Trail are now open in Minnesota. Culminating the efforts of several years of negotiations with the Minnesota State Parks, the Itasca Park officers agreed to follow existing NCT guidelines in constructing the planned segment through the Park. The 13-mile route will follow about six miles of existing backpacking trail in the parks, and adds about seven new miles, some of which is newly constructed trail, NEW NCT ROUTE through old growth pines, in and some of which are old abandoned forest roads. Minnesota's Itasca State Park Itasca is the "crown jewel" of Minnesota parks, and marked only with existing trailhead signs. Both seghosts the headwaters of the Mississippi River in addition to an extensive growth of"old growth" pines. Some ments are clear and easy to find. A map and brief trail NCTA members will remember Itasca State Park as guide will be available in the summer of 1994. the site of the memorable 1987 NCTA fall meeting. Future plans are to continue survey and construcThe Bad Medicine segment begins at the western tion on the Bad Medicine segment for another 8-10 boundary of Itasca State Park and heads westward miles. It is anticipated that this trail will lead directly toward the Tamarac Wildlife Reserve. This segment to the Tamarac Wildlife Refuge. The trail will also be a featured hike and work project for the August, 1994 has been the dream of Dell Bjerkness and 'Tun Holzkamm, long time residents of the nearby Bad Medicine lake. conference to be held nearby. A major "grand opening" Over the past several years they have surveyed an ceremony is being planned for 1994, and will feature the abandoned narrow-gauge logging railgrade which is Governor, among other dignitaries. Offical NCT blaze tags should be in place by then. still faintly visible in the forest. Beginning the fall of 1992, members of the lakeshore association began clearing trail. Major work parties were mounted this summer and fall to complete about seven miles of open trail. In the survey, a magnificent hill was discovered with views of some 15 miles ... a real accomplishment in Minnesota! Together, this 20 mile segment will offer hikers rolling glacial hills (with a few great views), old growth pine forest, sparkling ponds and lakes. Three campsites exist in the Itasca Park and more are planned in the next year or so. Several convenient road trailheads are available for hikes of varying distances. The Bad Medicine Trail is curEXPLORERS Dell Bjerkness and Peggy MacRae enjoy a rest at Morrison rently flagged with orange Lake in Itasca Park. Note creative headgear for July's black fly season. ribbon. The Itasca section is

North Country Trail Association

Newsletter,

Page9

Winter, 1994

Go9d trail building summer in Michigan There was a lot of trail construction activity in northern lower Michigan last summer, lower Michigan Trail Coordinator Arden Johnson reports. "Wewill be filing certification applications for about 20 miles of new trail as soon as I can get the applications assembled," Johnson reports. "The above mileage is in addition to about 50 miles I filed for last winter, which covered work done in 1992 and previous years." Johnson reports that the trail is complete on the north bank of the Manistee River from M-37 to Baxter Bridge, a stretch of8.0 miles. Then, there is a connector of 2.5 miles on public right of way to the northwest corner of Greenwood Township. The trail continues from there east to Old US 131 State Forest Campground, a distance of 7 .4 miles. Quite a ways to the north, the Chandler Hills section in the northeast corner of Charlevoix County is finished, another 4.8 miles. A 2.8 mile section in southern Emmet County is about half done and will be completed in 1994, Johnson says. "The route north in Emmet County is pretty well established, and project requests have been filed with the DNRcoveringfoursections," Johnson sait Weare exploring the possibility of using crews from the Pellston State Prison next summer in the area." The Sierra Club had a crew working on the Manistee River section in July. Dave Tardy and crew from the West Michigan Chapter came for two days in June, and

End to end try planned ..,

Veteran long distance hikers Sue Lockwood and Ed 'alone are planning..to thru-hika orth Country Trail in 1994._.......,.....,.. ...,. Both Sue d 'have hiked- 路 e Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails. In addition, Sue has hiked the Continental Divide Trail. Support for the hikers will be provided by Sue's brother, Gordon Smith. The hike is planned to begin near Crown Point, New York, in early April. Many incomplete trail sections will be "bridged" by using existing trails. The hikers plan to use the proposed "Arrowhead" route through Minnesota. Sue and Ed are hoping to reach trail's end in North Dakota by early December. Anyone with information concerning possible connector routes, trail information, etc., on any section of the North Country Trail is encouraged to write to: Sue Lockwood,c/o General Delivery, Van Buren, MO, 63965. "See you along the NCT in 1994," Talone says.

again in August, to help finish this section. "Rich Siebert of Charlevoix came out whenever he had a day off, and was a great help on the Manistee," Johnson reports. "He also surveyed and helped build the Chandler Hills section and started work in southern Emmet County." "I was invited to attend a seminar on trail building at the University of Michigan Biological Station in Pellston in July," Johnson adds. "I participated in an hour of discussion, and then led a group out to tour some of the project areas in Emmet County, and discuss construction problems. "It was a good summer, and plans are already under way for next year."

Is it hard to think of next summer when you're trying to recover from the holidays? t

For some people, it's already time to make commitments for vacations, etc., for 1994. Are you going to include some time on the North Country Trail? There's lots of new sections to be hiked, and many sections need maintenance. Also, there are sections waiting to be built, so be sure to include some volunteer time in your schedule along with your hiking plans. The trail managers for the various states will be glad to receive volunteers. For example, projects in northern lower Michigan are going on almost any time in June, July and August of 1994. Give your local trail manager a 路call soon to volunteer:J: to help on the trail. New York Howard Beye.1.. 202 Colebourne, Rochester NY 14609 (716) 281j-7191 Ohio Jim Sprague, 4406 Maplecrest, Parma OH 44129 (2f6) 884-4757 Michigan (Lower) Arden Johnson, 600 Tennyson, RochesterHills, Ml 48307 (810) 853-0292 Michigan (U.P.) Gene Elzinga, 12 Middle Island , Marquette Ml 49855 (906) 225-1704 Wisconsin Gaylord Yost, 2925 W. Bradley Rd., River Hills WI 53209 (414) 354-8987 Minnesota Rod MacRae, 1210 W. 22nd St, Minneapolis MN 55405 (612) 559-4461 North Dakota Dale AndersonbRR1, Box 10, Oslo, MN, 56744 (218)965-45 8

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North Country Trail Association Newsletter,

Winter, 1994

New Volunteer Recognition Program Announced A new program is being implemented starting January 1, 1994, to recognize volunteers on the trail. This program is in conjuction with the National Park Service (NPS) and the NCTA utilizing the Park Service Program called Volunteers in the Parks (VIP).

When a NCTA member accumulates 100 registered service hours doing trail construction or maintenance under the Volunteers in the Park program, he or she is awarded a certificate of accomplishment, a NPS Volunteer sticker, and a cloisonne NPS Volunteer pin. When 400 registered hours are aoeumulated under the program a certificate of accomplishment is given and a shirt with a fully embroidered NPS Volunteer patch is awarded. 'Those members attaining this level will also be recognized in the NCTA Newsletter. These awards would be made at a NCTA National, Regional or Chapter meeting by a NPS representative or NCTA VIP Coordinator. If this is not possible,

then awards will be made by mail. Any NCTA member who has accumulated 20 or more registered hours in the VIP program is elibible to purchase from the NCTA a special Trail Crew T-Shirt. The shirt will carry the NPS Volunteer and NCTA logos and will be labeled "North Country Trail VIP Trail Crew." To qualify for inclusion in this program you must sign a participant's roster at the time of your trail service. Your trail crew leader should have them available, or you can write to the NCTA Secretary, Helen Coyne, for a copy. These rosters must then be submitted by the crew leader to Helen for inclusion in the VIP Program. Helen will keep track of the hours, and only those records will be counted for this program. Hours reported without rosters will not be counted.

Three rustic cabins added near trail The Michigan State Parks system has increased the number of its rustic cabins by three, with the addition of new rustic cabin and two new mini-cabins at Van Riper State Park, near the North Country Trail west of Marquette. "Our two original cabins at nearby Craig"Lake have proven to be extremely popular, and are booked constantly from mid-May through Mid-October," Frank Rasch, supervisor of Van Riper and Craig Lake State parks said. "These new cabins will be open year-around, so we are very excited that we can better accomodate the demand from those seeking the quiet wilderness setting here. Featuring a screened porch overlooking the mean-

dering Peshekee River, the new rustic cabin is accessible by car, yet located in a secluded, wooded setting. The cabin can accomodate up to eight people and features a wood stove, a supply of firewood, three sets of double bunks, two cots, a table and chairs and a magnificent view of the river. The two mini-cabins are also open year around. Also accessible by car, these cozy cottages feature electricity and can sleep ,up to four. Michigan state parks have more than 60 cabins available to rent. . 路 The rental is $30.00 per night with a $40.'00 reservation fee for either cabin. For further Information about the rustic cabins at Craig\~ke and Van Riper State Parks, call (906) 339-4461 or (906)228-6561. -,

. â&#x20AC;˘.

'1993

Ann~al Report ---

~-~~-

North Country Trail Association Officers • Board Members Committees •Affiliates Trail Coordinators Administrators

COMMITTEES Awards: Rulh Seek. 2317 F08ter NE6~5and Rapids, MI 49505 (1>1 6) 3 966

Floanc:o;

Kern1'lth Gackler, 416 w. Johnson,. CallldoniaMl49316 (616) 891-136<> Headquarttrt V1_rgtniaWunseh, Rt.1. WhiteCtoud'MI 4!1349 (616) 689·6676

Execullve Director; Pat Afien, :2:215 Sylvan Dr. SE, Grand Rapids Ml 49506

Doug Welker, A1, Booe 59A, Pelkfe Ml 4995ll (906) 338-2680

(606) 264·1>610

Memberel\lp: Aidan Joh11>0'1 600 Ten!'Y.son. Roch· ester HiUs, Ml •8307 {81 UJ 853·02112

Natlonol Pork Service Admlnls!rolo< 8111 Manke, National Park Service, 700 Rayovae M1tdison \YI 53711

Or., Suite

100,

Meolln9a'

(616) 452"4487

Pl•nnl!lll:

Arden Johnson 600 Tennyson, Aoche•ter Hills, Ml 46307 (81 O) 853-0292

OfflCERS

Publlcatlofla:

President: Derek Blount, 906 N. Alexander, Royal Oak Ml 48067

(810) 548·1737

Wee BOY,d1 )4815 Rom" Road.. Manl· to110eaclu•l 49253 (Sl7) 541-7402

(900) 338-2680

TraU Management: Ooug Welker, Rl, Box 59A, Pelkie Ml 49958 (906) 338-2680

121 a )233-5830

STATE COORDINATORS

(412) 776-0678

New York Howard B"''"· 202 Colebourna Rocil••ler NY 14609 (716) 2.88·l191

(616)891-1366

vaconl

Vice President (Trolls); Doug Welker, R1, Box 59A, Pelkle Ml 49958

Vice President (Admln) Odell Bjerlmess, Bad Medicine lake, Rt, Box 221A. · Ponsfcrd, MN 65675

Secretary: Helen Cay11e, 212 Willow Circle, Zelienople PA 16063

Treasurer: Kenneth Gackler, 418W. Johnson SI., Caledonia Ml 493l6

Ohio Jim Sprague, 4406 Marilecre•t, Panna OH 44129 (216) 88~4757

BOA.RD Of DIRECTORS NewV01k Howard Beye, FLTC 20~ Colabourn10Rd., Rocnester NY 14609 (716) 288-7191 Thomas J. Reimers, ac Wlldflower 01., lll>aca NY 14650 (607) 272·8579 Harmon Siron~. Rochester NY

Pennsy\vQnlQ fielen Coyne, 212 Willow ClcclehZelienoale PA 16063 13rila Dorn, Slal' Rt .• Bax 476, S elfield PA 16347 Don Dorn, Star Flt.. Box 476, Sheffi~ld PA 16347

412l 776-0678

814 968-5759 814 968·5769

Ohio Emily Gre11or, !STA) 6502 Olde York Rd .• Parma Hts OH 44130 (216) 884-0281

Michigan Derck Blount, 906 N. A!exander1 ~oval OaK Ml 48067 Was B<))ld 14815 Ro:ne Roa.cf, Ma11nou Beach Ml 49253 Kennetti Ga.ckler, 418 W. Johnson St, Caledo11ia Ml 49316 Arden Johncon, oOOTennyson, Roct>Mler Hills Ml 4ll007 Martha K. Jones, 1657Torquay Ave, Rl)l'aj Oa~ Ml 48073 Doug Welker, R1, Box 59A, Palkle ~ii 49958

811548·1737 51 547-7402 61 891·136S 810 853-0292 810 28-0·2921

North Dakota

. Mlehlgan (U,P,) Gene El>:lnga, 1 :! Midille Island , Marquette lill 49855 (906) 225-1704 Wisconsin

G!IYIOrd Yostj 2925 W. Bracll~ Ad,._

River HIHs W $3209 (414) 354-8""7 Mlnnesola Rod MacRae" 1210 W. 22nd St, Mlnneapoll• MN ,.54-05 (612) 559·4461

Ncnh Da tota

OalaAnderaon, RA1, Box 10, Oslo, MN, 56744 (218)965-4508 REGlONAl.AfFll.lATES

(414) 35+tl987

New York: Finger l.akeG Tran Conference, PO Box 18048, Rocnester NY 14618·0048

(218 }233-6630

Ohio: Buck~ Trail Association, PO BOll 254, Wonhlngton OH 43085

Mlnneroto Odell Bjerlcnsss R1, Box 221A, Ponsford, MN 65675

Mlctllgan ~•r) ArdenJohnson, 600Tennyson, Rochester Hiiis, Ml 48307 (810) 853-0292

90 338-2680

WiSconsln Gaylord Yost, 2925 W. Bradley Rd., River HUI$ WI 53209

Pennsylvania

Penr.sylvanfa:AYH, PiUsbtJJghRegion.

North Country Trail Association Consolidated Statement of Income • June 1993 tlnaudlled RJNENUES MemberShipFees Donations

OPERATING INCOME Trail snop Sales Advertising Hostel Membership Meetingi: Contracted lnoome from NPS NPS Challenge Cost Shar'efunds Oil!ER INCOME

8,861.35

$ 2,355.73

s 2,741.75 $ 82.33 s 460.00 s 1,374.50 $32,871.00 $ 1,588.00 $

(Ne!)

64§83

$51,180.49

TOTAL INCOME

OPERATING EXPENSES $25,449.75 $11,860.94

Adminlstratioo Costs Membership Service Costs NPS Challenge Cost Share Projects

$ 1,saa.00

JOIAL EXPENSES

$38.898.89

NET INCOME lloesl

$12,281.80 Consolidated

Balance Sheet

Ageets

Current Assets Cash aod Temporary Cash lnv&Stmenls Receivables Materials and Supplies Prepaid and other assets PIOperty and Equipmefll Land and Blifdings ·Tools and Equipmerll

Less Accumulated Deprecialioo Other Assets and De1erred Charges Total Assets

$5,700.00

o. $6,000.00 0 $20,000.00 $ 500.00 0 0 $32,200.00

Liabililies CurrentUabllties Debi Maluring within one year . Accounts Payable

Other Long Term Debt Tolal U1butt1n Net A!l8et!! .

0 0 _Q D

NORTH COUNTRV NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL CERTIFIED SEGMENTS as of 12/31/93 !<•l'liflw,d Trail

Seo"*''

Mor.g1"1J

Aulh<lri1y

Lenge, Do"'

(mt.. J Cell.

NEW YORK FLT-&ldwlnto O.f•Y Holfow Ada. Fl TCID€C 8.5 1 t /8185 FLT .Sh1nd•gon Holow SI. for .. 1 FLTC/DEC 5.5 7/9/90 FLT·DMll>y60>"' Forest FlTCJCEC 5.1 6/2118& FLT-Robe~H.TrernanSlalePatk FLTC/OP;tiP3.6 6!21/88 FLT-Aoi>oftH. Treman stole PaJi< IUC!OPJ1HP .B 6/'ll/88 FlT-CoMo<.tteul Hiii Vo'oldllfo Aroo Fl TO/OEC 7 ."5 1/20/89 FLT-Finger Nol'I Fot0$t FLTCl\JSOA2.311 8)29191 FLT-WolkinaGian StalO l"atl< flTCJOPRHP 4.5 1~ FlT-Su9or 1-ill Slate Fore.I Fl TC/DEC 8.4 6/1/9!l. FLT-a...ndry '"""' S'°"' ForMl FlTC/OEC 8.9 5/1/90 FLT·alroaeyeHollowSt.ta FO<ftt FlTCIDEC 9.2 4/tS/00 FLT-RoekCily&BuckloolhSF FLTCIOECn.3 611/9!l. EtJ.A)logfl'!y StattP«it ELICtopfll9196 il9/ia Tot•l-N•wVorlr {»O. I llAllbl•) !Jl.8.J

lo~••

PENNSYLVANIA l\l~hll<W Nalional Foro•I . USl>J\ll'S 88.8 8f2/&3 Bakw T,.il • C'8ar Creek St For-.tOER.-Forfft 1.5 8(2183 8akorTnifl • coot. l'«e$1 SI. Parl< DEA.f'ar\'6 8.0 8l2/S3 Jenoln~ Envfronmcnl&IEd. C1r. OER.P•rl<• 1.0 8/2JM "or.>ino SI. Pk. tClotlOfflklg• Tr.) OER.f'M<t12.7&l\'2i8S McConC\al"~ 11.'tll S\al& Ptiric OER.-Padts 1.4 BJ2/&S r.'1c0on!'ltl;• IAll S111tp Pgfk DEB.&® Tor.l-P•nn61flv.nl• (165. IS,,.,,.) 111.SS

l.llCHIOAN &·NBo<.seTn11I Hlr6df.16 M·OO Bil«>~ MOOT Roguo RI- Sl8fe Gomo Ar... DNA Monl•Wf> NF ·Croton • -40lh St. USOA.fS Mlllli•teo NF· 40lhSt-Nic~olsloku USDA-I'S ManiateeNF -Nichola-Cle•oland USDA·FS Manl•l!>a l.oke USDA·fS Monist... NF. 761h Sl-a..JOllin AD USDA·FS MMoO(o<> NF. Hfgh Br •• Boore Ad. USDA·FS S1iora-l0-6hc·ra F<ding-KJ<lng Tr&• DNA Rlver Palhwe) DNA W•mor Cree~ Poli\way DNR Spring Brook Polnway ONA Wildemecc Stale Porl< DNA WUdtm""" SP·M•cklna<: Oll}r DNA/NCTA Hi&W31N\ NF· C1'$!1& • IJ.oplo HP! USOA·FB Hiow•lhaNF· IJ•plo Hill lO boi.nd USDA·FS T•hquomonon F•~& Stote POii< DNA l.$ke Supetior Stale For&et DNR Muskol1""ge l.ok• S"'b> Pail< ONA Ui<J> $0.1perierSlate f.,...l DNA Piclur&d Roekb NetlondlLakNhoroNPS Hiawatha NF· WO$Wn~ fl) USDA·FS Hla...,.tha NF • w.. r UoH (2) USDA-FS era~ Ullo Slate DWR 00.wo NF belly to fRZ!OO USDA-FS 01\Gwo NF FR220010 Bee IS VSOA·FS 011<1-..• NF Soc. 12 lo 8. Bdiy Rd USDA-FS Porouploo M1ns SP DNR Qtt,wffll ~S!191o Copo&r paM< USDA-fS Jot•Igen (581.21 uubtiJ

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NF·~·

Joroan

ea ~

OHIO

Di'IR·Pod<• 6.25 8!2183 BT-Tuoc.,.owM CR82 !O CR109 BTA S.2 8~ BT·TR 213 to De.,.vlllo aTA 8.5 8/2183 ITT·US!ll! lo GJemooy CAS!l3 BTA 4.0 8/2.183 BT·SAlt f'<><k SIAU> Pork · BTA/DNR 7.8 8/211>3 Wayne NF. SR 138 to lri<lt Run USDN"S ~.2 12!231112 Woyoc NF· !rich Rin 10 Boer Ron USOl\li'S 18.0 IQ/'13/89 Woroa FN • B<w Run IO SR 26 USOA/FS 9. t t 2t23i92 BT-TR23lo SR377 BTA 5.0 S,'2/83 BT·SRSSS to \\org•nCR39 9TA 4.1 e/2183 8T·fl.t><11•n CR101 IOSR78 BTA 2.6 8121!13 BT.SorT O..k 6\o.!oPolle 8TNDNR 8.0 8f2l(J3 BT·AttooosCRJ:!toSalom Rd. BTA,' 2.2 $12M BT-WayneNadonal Forost USDA-FS 13.5 10113189 BT-Monn Rh> TR40 BTA 4.2 012/83 8-·llllco Logan RIJ te Morphy A:I. BTA t.4 61?./83 BT-61'>r Al Rd -SFISG-HockingBlbBTA/DNR 13.25 8/ZllJ3 BT~Vit1onm471o TH13 61'A S.O 6/ZJ83 BT-TR11 to SA327 BTA 1.5 812183 BT-<:1•11<Rd. us 35 (T•r Holla.y) eTNO"'R 17.6 8/2183 BT-Wnocts Hollow qd.· P"'••I• Rd. BTA 2.'. 8/2183 BT-0..Vis A:I - Dell F.d (Pike SP) BTNDNR 17.0 BHloll Holow RIJ • SH41 Pike SF BTA t .5 8/2/ll3 ST -Fo~ Hlll 5'o1c Memorial 9TNOHS 1..07 81218J ShawM• flail {Shawnoe SP/SF) DNA 14.5 8121&3 BT-t .. 1 Foil< Stole PM< BTAf.)NR 8,6 6/2A\3 Clttlo Mlornf Scoonfo Park ONA «.8 8/2Jfl3 Linl• MllllTll Pk Hodge.Jacoby Ado G'""no Pko.5.84 91291112 Li!Uo tAiomiPllf'lt. VellowSp1iros Groono P~:.. .S.921116/86 BT~Statret f;d. Piqua Hi:>t. Al'Oa BTA ~.3 &."2./&S BT-MINnl Md Eri• C•o.i Tr.rl BTAIDNR .<12.n l!PJB.~ BT.1rdepan¢gnce Dam Sr.mp Pads BINP1i8 1.Q ~ Tot.JOhio (858.69 1J11.b1'1) 295.1.,

Baa""' Creek Sta!O P"'1<

4.0 7114192 5.0 8/2/SS

7.0 11/8155 7.5 :J{l/93 28.0 4!25189 11.01t/4186 0.9 8/30.'ilt

26.S 3/'11113 2:1.6 715188 34.3 9.25 1.6 1.7 S.3 9.0

8/Z/83 812183

8tl./fl3 9.'2ro3 Q/f!lli:!

6/IF-2 96.4 1 l/2!90 42.0 1a/5189 21.5 5/16/89 24.6 8/2183 1 .5 51111189 t B.1 8/2/S3 ~8 8/2l6S 2.81 5116/ll9 6.76 5/16189

7.5 7/14192 6.4 1G,f\l/93 36.18.'30191 29.6 812183 t7.6 5/.?'li!l8 W §1ZL9

411.AZ

WISCONSIN Coppor F.>.~o Stolo l>oll< Choqui.mollO<> Ntln!o<lo\ Foroot

Ba1Jfiold Cooorv ftumt Tot.I-

ON"R USDA·FS

Wlsconsllf (83.!I u•sble)

NORTH DAKOTA Sh!>iCMCN•~onal G!'n051And USDA·FS

S~e:tenf\t State Fot()$l

NOFS

Fort Rv!aom Slate Park

P&R Qept

Tct•l- IV<>nh D~k<>bt (1Df,Sus.t>le)

7.8

St:l/83

60.0 812183 ....§.~

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PA OH Ml

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7()8 872 155

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4.8

Ui(aa 92,83 117.es 2:95.13 476.•2 66.40

\t.4

63.00

NCT 15,5

21.7 26.8

"' .,

113973

.1M

100%

:u.m

11<•s.t•

SI% 17.9

~.2 41.6

... , 54,6

18.2

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3.4,t1'

ANNUAL CERTIFICATIONS BY STATE NV

.un

D 119.65

250.57

I.<\

WI MN

215,55 67.8 0

Ll!

1>54.57

mi D 0 0 0 0 0 .Q

•

mi 6.5 0 D 7.0 0 0

15.0

.un D

1lll

0 3.92 11.0 0 D .Q

0 0 0 0 0

13.7 0 0 21.8 0 68.0

102

2. 0

103.J

.llii

7.45 0 23.5 59.07 0

1ill!

14.;, D 0 Jll.4 0 0 2§.2

!I0.02

15.8

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~9.4

.i.m. 39.3 0 19.14 25.8

0 0

14.24

I.lWll 91?.!)3

6.2

117.65 295.13 478.42

0 51.9

.e 0 .Q

64.1

68.40 68.00

..2L!i2

1145.93

Page 15

What's done so far

1993 Trail Status Survey 1993 drew to a close with the ...North Country Trail having 1146 .,,,,.,,,, l,---1146 miles of trail certified, still a long ~/ ~ 1080 ___.YY/ way from the goal of 2000 miles by 2000, and a lotlonger from the eventual length of the trail. Although the official anticipat.ed length of the trail is 3,259 miles, it's hikers, perhaps as much again as is certified. However, clear that the eventual total will be much higher, the numbers on this, never totally clear, are becoming perhaps as much as 4000 miles, if current trail reroutfuzzy to the point where it's unwise and misleading to ing proposals are approved. 2000 by 2000 is still a reality, although eertificatry and publish them, so a listing of uncertified but usable mileage awaits a study and development of a tions haven't kept pace at the hoped-for rate in the past two years. However, there are three big trail projects in data base by the Trail Management committee. It's hoped that work can begin on this data base in the next the works, each of them more than a hundred miles, and one nearly 500, that could give a big shot in the arm year, and be complet.ed by the time of the next annual to the total certified distance sometime in the next few report. years. The biggest of these, Minnesota's "Arrowhead Note: there will be some irregularity in annual Route" is detailed elsewhere in this newsletter. figures due to the move from summarizing figures in Much more of the North Country Trail is usable by July to the end of the year. Grand totals are correct.

Can the North CountryTrail be completed? by Thomas L. Gilbert, Manager, Ice Age, North Country, and Lewis and Clark National Trails, National Park Service. With one-third of the North Country Trail officially recognized by the National Park Service (NPS) as complet.ed (other usable segments do not meet certain standards), what will it take to complete the remaining two thirds? Realistically, can the trail be complet.ed? A long question, indeed -- about 2,000 miles long. The answer is a strong, "Yes." How soon? That's another question. The reasons for an optimistic answer to the former can be found in the growing support and interest from public agencies and the primary private partners -- the North Country Trail Association, (NCTA), Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC), and Buckeye Trail Association (BTA). The FLTC and BTA have long been at work putting segments of their trails in New York and Ohio, respectively, on the ground. They continue to be active supporters of the North Country Trail which utilize the routes of these two trails. The NCTA, which works in cooperation with these two organizations and more independently in the other five trail states, is growing and becoming more effective in its organization and operations. The pace of trail development is picking up, at least on the public land segments of the trail.

But what about all those miles of private ownership? The NCTA realizes and is commited to the fact that it must begin functioning as a land conservancy as soon as possible to begin protecting permanent routes for the trail. It is laying the groundwork for this. Meanwhile, volunteers are actively working out agreements with landowners for connecting routes between the patchwork of public lands. Some areas are easy; other areas, particularly near urban areas, are more difficult. The NPS has initiated a local corridor planning process, usually conducted on a county basis, to determine the exact route for the trail in areas where this is uncertain. The process serves not only to determine the trail's alignment, but also to involve all relevant parties, integrate the trail into local thinking and planning, and encourage local citizens to become active as volunteers. Some are convinced that it will ultimately require restoration of Federal land acquisition authority, at least on a willing seller basis, in order to complete the trail. Some wonder whether it will ever be possible to complete the last 5 to 10 percent of the trail, or protect the trail from adverse development without the authority of eminent domain. Nevertheless, present opportunitesforcreation ofhundreds of miles ofthe trail should suffioontly occupy volunteer resources for the foreseeable future.

Page 16

North Country Trail Association

Newsletter,

Winter, 1994

Board irons out chapter requirements Working out details of the relationships between Cooperative Agreement money. A report on budget the NCTA and its chapters and affiliates was the main ~ adjustments is planned for the next meeting. topic of discussion.at the Fall B~rd of Directors meetExecutive director Pat Allen has applied for a $3300 ing, held at the schoolhouse in White Cloud on Septemgrant from REI to buy mailing lists for North Dakota, Minnesota and Wisconsin to build membership in prepaber 18. After much discussion, proposed affiliate and charration for next summer's meeting in Minnesota, and ter agreements were worked out and agreed to. The also applied for a $32,000 grant from the Fremont agreements are to be submitted to the affiliates, chapFoundation for 1994 to help establish an office with ters, and potential chapters for approval. someone to answer phones and respond to trail inqiries. Among other high spots at the meeting, the board is Bill Menke of the National Park Service reported looking into having an audit done on the chapter's that route planning is progressing in Kent County, MI, books, and is considering contacting an accounting firm and East Central Ohio. 90% of the route has been to take over financial accounting. When an associaidentified in Ohio. In Kent County, the route has been tion's annual budget goes over $25,000, they are refinalized using plat maps, topos, and aerial photos. An quired to file a Form 990 with the IRS, and with Environmental Assessment has been prepared, and cooperative agreement money, the NCTA is in this letters will go out to approximately 850 landowners area. Therefore, the accounting procedures need to be within thecorridorinvitingthem toOpenHousesschedfirmed up. uled for October 12 and 13. It was suggested that the format for the budget Menke noted, "We need to pay attention to the fact report be revised. A new budget will be studied, reflectthat the NCT is not signed in many areas and many ing some increase in availability of funds, especially in people within easy reach of the trail do not know that it exists. One thing the NCTA could do is to contact local managers of certified segments of trail, and work with them to increase awareness of the trail, to get it's identity u . " Menke reported that 7, 000 small signs and 500 larg es have been ordered and should soon be available. In addition, some Volunteers in the Parks money has been used to order 1000 disks saying, "This Trail maintained by volunteers of the North Country Trail Association." Membership as of September totals 614: 51 in New York, 50 in Pennsylvania, 48 in Ohio, 321 in Michigan, 28 in Wisconsin, 42 in Minnesota, six in North Dakota, with all other states totaling 68. Only three resignations were reported due to higher dues. National Trails Day next year will be June 4. Someone will be appointed to form a committee to plan events and track efforts being made in each state. More em~li is will be place on this event in the future. 1@"'11)~Lots ofactivity was reported from all sections of the trail in the past summer, especially in northern Michigan, including a lot of trail construction and several HEAD new bridges, especially in the Ottawa National Forest, Knit cap helps retain body heat. and in Laughing Whitefish Falls State Scenic area. It's Sunscreen. lip balm and UV-rated sunglasses important to log all volunteer hours worked, and subor goggles protect against sun and wind. mit these records to NCTA Secretary Helen Coyne in BODY Layer clothing starting with light. synthetic underwear order to have them available when lobbying in Washcovered by wool-blend turtlenecks. sweaters and pants ington. or lycra skiwear. Outerwear should be lightweight and The publications committee is considering the offer wind and water protection. development ofa membership handbook, similar to the HANDS Wear silk or synthetic gloves or wool gloves with leather membership book put out by the ATC. This would be palms. free to all members, and contain things like history, FEET association constitution, policies, and trail discriptions. Wear nylon or acrylic inner socks and heavy wool or The next meeting of the board will be on January synthetic outer socks. 15, 1994, in the Detroit area, near Metro airport to =, â&#x20AC;˘' facilitate those flying in to the meeting.

CROSS-COUNTRY TOG Tl PS

North Country Trail Association

Newsletter,

Page 17

Winter, 1994

Major trail relocations brewing in Minnesota It's been talked about for years, but major relocations of the route of the North Country Trail in Wisconsin and Minnesota are coming closer to reality. Minnesota NCNST enthusiasts have long been unhappy with the planned route of the North Country Trail west of Duluth, and have cast their eyes towardamajorrelocation to the north, up the route of the Superior Hiking Trail toward Grand Portage, then returning to the existing route in the Chippewa National Forest through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. Such a route would be more than four hundred miles longer than the planned route, much of it through Minnesota's wildest boreal forests. In addition, there are problems with every possible route linking central Wisconsin with Minnesota, and Park Service officials are getting closer to backing off and taking a fresh start to the whole problem. The discussions firmed up at a "Summit Meeting'' called by the National Park Service and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, held on August 25, 1993, at the DNR headquarters in St. Paul.

The ArrowheadRoute There has never been any serious work done on the trail between the Duluth area and the eastern trailhead of the Chippewa National Forest. From Jay Cook State Park to Floodwood, the planned route generally follows

MlrlrJE:.S C11/fl I. Ot< fr-tJlff"IW'/C~

Hi/cil'Jfr ~IU 830 rt11.c..r

~: =

e.oripu..,.._ pRopo.S<et> U1'10UC.....

â&#x20AC;˘ "'

along the St. Louis River, passing through Minnesota Power and Light land, some county forest lands, and private lands. Generally speaking, the land is rough, but a trail route is possible. Also possibly eyed is a former railroad grade, but it's open to motorized use, so probably couldn't be used. Things get rougher from Floodwood to Savanna Portage State Park. This approximately 15 mile segment is all black spruce/tamarack swamp. Trail passage would be very difficult and costly. There is a possibility that there might be some areas where a spoil bank along the straightened Savanna River might be followed, but that's a big ''might". From Savanna Portage west, the land is in private ownership, although a trail route is possible.

Page 18

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Winter, 1994

'Thedifficultiesof traversing the wet terrain through this area have been recognized for some time. For the last several years, various groups have raised the possibility of rerouting the trail northward, into what's called Minnesota's "Arrowhead" district- that northeast corner of the state that -x ......... ··=·=···=·=·=·=·=·=·=·=·····:·:···=·=···=·=·= .• points across thetopofLake Superior. At the summit meeting, the possibilities of this route were discussed in some detail. Passing through or around Duluth might be chal· · ., , , , , , , ,., , ,., , ,., , , , ,_,.,., lenging, but sidewalks could always be used. Once through the city, it would be possible to follow the route of the Superior Hiking Trail (SHT). This trail, passing through rugged, beautiful terrain along the ridgeline overlooking Lake Superior's North Shore from Duluth to the Canadian border is essentially completed, except for small gaps. It is a land of rugged, forested hills, sweeping vistas of blue, green, autumn red and gold, and winter white, rocky headlands and crashing waves, cozy valleys and surging waterfalls. The trail passes through a number of state parks and forests and portions of the Superior

:i::~:~~-;.;;:~;i::=.7.·:~1a::~\:h~ unsure if permission for the SHT to cross the reservation will be granted. Ifso, the route would connect with the historic Grand Portage within Grand Portage National Monument. The

nus of the Kekebabic Trail. The Kekebabic Trail continues west another 40 miles through the heart of the Boundary Waters to a point about 18 miles west of Ely, Minn. Built in the 1930s as an access trail for firefighters, the Kekebabic offers several scenic overlooks and points of interest such as beaver dams, swamps, bridges and waterfalls, and campsites near pristine lakes. New trail would need to be build for about 18 miles to reach Ely - much of this through the Superior National Forest. From Ely to Grand Rapids, the route would follow a new trail - the Mesabi Range Trail (formerly called the Cross Range Trail). This 150 mile trail is in the formativestages, buthasreceivedagranttoacquirethe trail corridor. Presently, it is conceived as a paved or crushed rock trail suitable for bicycles. An adjacent 2-4 foot grassed strip will be provided for hikers. In the winter, it will be usable for cross-country skiers and dog sledders. From Biwabic to Coleraine (perhaps 2/3 of the way), a parallel snowmobile trail is anticipated. Since the corridor will be a minimum of 100 feet wide, it will be able to accommodate parallel trails separated by vegetative screening. Except for the snowmobiles, no other motorized use will be permitted on the parallel trail. The Mesabi Range trail would provide the link necessary to make the North Country Trail reroute through the Arrowhead possible. From Grand Rapids, MN, it is only about 20 miles to existing North Country NST in the Chippewa National Forest. If the Mesabi

~~r~~:: -

of the eastern extremity of the existing trail in the Chippewa may be required. In total, the realignment through the Arrowhead would eliminate 100 miles of the current route, none of

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the Border Route Trail. This would provide another historic point of interest along the trail, and a connection with another National Park Service unit. If the SHT cannot cross the reservation, an alternate route is available passing through -DNRand SNF lands, to connect with the Border Route Trail. 'TheBorder Route Trail extends west approximately 75 miles along the US-Canadian border to its western terminus on the Gunflint Trail. Much of the trail is within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of the SNF. Towering cliffs, the call of the loon, and views into Canada are common sights and sounds along this trail. Upon reaching the Gunflint Trail, it is less than a 200 yard walk along the shoulder to the eastern termi-

the wet areas around Floodwoodand Savanna Portage? It was perhaps best expressed at the summit meeting by Tom Danger of the Minnesota DNR Trails, Waterways and Recreation Unit, but agreed to by most of the participants: ''Yes! It takes in the most scenic part of the state!" But, the North Country Trail is still a long way from being certified through the Arrowhead route. A number of actions, beginning with formal expressions of support from the Superior Hiking Trail Association, the Minnesota Rovers, the Kekebabic Trail Club, and Superior National Forest are needed before a change could formally be proposed. At the summit meeting, it . was agreed that the National Park Service will begin to Seek these expressions of support. Bill Menke reports that Superior National Forest is willing to support the

North Country Trail Association

Newsletter, Winter, 1994

Arrowhead Route, if the other affected trail organizations do. The National Park Service is undertaking efforts to complete an issue paper analyzing the alternatives, and then take the actions necessary to bring about a change in the route of the North Country Trail.

Connecting Wisconsin and Minnesota The exact location of where the North Country Trail will enter Minnesota from Wisconsin is still unsettled. After recent meetings with the staff at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway in western Wisconsin, it was generally concluded by the NCNST's NPS staff that finding a good route down the river, within the park, will be difficult. The Riverway is essentially a "water'' park, with only very narrow on-land ownership. Within this narrow ownership, there are complications with wetlands and eagle nests. The adjoining County Forest managers want to use existing trail, rather than create new trail. The problem is that the existing trail is all motorized, and so could not serve as the route of the North Country Trail. In Minnesota, the originally planned route of the NCT followed the Minnesota-Wisconsin Border Trail. Based on comments by the Minnesota DNR and recent route checking by the NPS, it appears as though this is not a good route. Not only is it open to motorized vehicles, but it is also very wet. According to MDNR personnel, the area around Nemadji State Forest is a huge swamp, and the only walkable east side route is the Gandy Dancer Trail. However, Gandy Dancer is also motorized, and because it is an abandoned rail grade, has very long straight tangents. ''When spot checking the route," Bill Menkecomm en te d, "We could see for miles in either direction from some road crossings." ''Considering the fact that we may need to locate new north-south trail in Minnesota because none of the existing trails are suitable," Menke continued, "And, considering the difficulty associated with the St. Croix Riverway, the entire question of whether we want to struggle south in Wisconsin and then struggle back north in Minnesota needs to be resolved. Perhaps looking for a new route that heads generally straight west from near Brule River State Forest (Wisconsin) to near Duluth, Minnesota makes more sense."

Page 19 Considering the regional scope of the issue, an indepth look at the trail route in northern Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota is needed, Menke says. This may mean that a planning process, similar to those being conducted by the NPS in Kent County, Michigan, and eastern Ohio, will be needed. Menke says that the Park Service will initiate such a study as budget and staffing permit. Ideas or assistance from any interested parties will be gratefully accepted, Menke says. The Minnesota summit meeting covered some other issues. Prospects for the route in western Minnesota, connecting to North Dakota, still look as bleak as ever, and problems with access in Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge still need to be addressed. But, the results of the Minnesota summit meeting indicate that efforts to solve two long-standing problems in the area are under way, and the prospect of rerouting the trail in Minnesota down the "Arrowhead Route" and the well developed Superior Hiking Trail are exciting, to say the least. Moreover, the chances look good for having the NCT route more or less complete through the "north country" boreal forests from central Michigan to western Minnesota, perhaps by the end of the decade.

WESTERN GATE WORKS PO Box 807, Red Lodge, MT 59068, (406) 446 3979

VERTICAL PIVOT LIFT GA TES "The Gate That Stands Alone"

MEMBER

Gl:N/:路 D1I VfY (406) 446-3979 FAX 446-1441

Mackinac City

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February 5 & 6, 1994 For InformationContact Tun-Ora Outfitters Mackinac City, Michigan (616) 436-5243

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Winter, 1994

Page20

Interpretine Lone-Distance Trails

Signs for casual trail users by Wes Boyd Interpretive signs are a great way to communicate with trail users. They're always on thejob, day or night, rain or shine; they never need to be plugged in, turned on, wound up, or tested; they're as courteous at the beginning of the day as they are at the end. They make more visitor contacts than all other media combined, and visitors like them, because they can take them at their own pace. That doesn't mean that we need to put signs all over the place - that's just visual pollution. Before deciding to put up a sign, ask yourself some questions: - ''Is there something at this location that needs explaining? - ''Is there something interesting here that visitors will miss if we don't point it out?" - "Do we need to help people figure out where they're at, or where they're going? -- "Will enough visitors see the sign to make it worthwhile? - "Is this sign going to be one too many?" When dealing with casual trail users, signs are usually the best media available - if they're well done. But signs can be expensive, and be a pain in the neck, too. Signs come in two types: Trailhead and wayside. Trailhead signs are an excellent way to reach the casual user. Such signs should be fairly brief, but give some basic information that the user needs: How far? How difficult? What will I see when I get there? What should I watch out for? These signs may include a map, or related information. The other kind of signs are wayside signs. These can be simple - "Shortcutting causes erosion", or "Overlook 1/2 mile", or an all-out interpretive sign, with lots of information about a subject before the viewer, or somewhere in between. A simple informational sign is a pretty straight forward item; however, developing wayside interpretive signs on trails requires more thought. Only rarely will there be a combination of sufficient trail use and a special location that will justify the expense and trouble of a wayside sign or exhibit. In many situations, wayside signs along the trail will de-

tract from the quality of experience the trail user is seeking. The most important thingtorememberaboutsigns, whether trailhead, wayside informational, or wayside interpretive, is that they must be brief, clear in meaning, and visually attractive. If a casual trail user can't read the sign and comprehend it in twenty to thirty seconds, most will not pick up on the information that you're trying to get to them. Good design helps along with brevity. Some sort of graphic art on the sign usually helps draw interest. Avoid lettering with all capitals, and try to stay away from creating "a book on a stick." Seeing and reading a sign had better be an experience that visitors will find interesting and enjoyable, or there's no point in putting it up. You can't go far wrong if you try to make your sign one that visitors will remember with pleasure. The use that you intend for a sign will help to determine what kind of sign you will put up. Signs are expensive, and prone to vandalism. A ternporary sign such as made with a marker on cardboard - are temporary, and will not last long. If a sign is to be permanent, with a life expectancy of perhaps twenty years, it's worthwhile to spend the money on a sign that will last. Always remember that a sign is obtrusive on the viewer's experience. Signs need to be noticed, but need not shock the viewer. A quality sign will imply a quality trail; a cheap sign always implies something less than the best. There are many types of sign materials, some appropriate for trail use, others less so. A bulletin-board type sign with a removable plexiglass cover, in a well-designed frame, at a trailhead is probably worth the effort in many cases. This will allow temporary information about changes in trail conditions to be added; however, the trail managing agency or trail maintainer will need to include sign maintenance in their duties. For en-route wayside signs that give directions, routed wooden signs are common. These are easily made in a halfway decent wood shop. Only rarely are painted signs appropriate in a trail setting - at least partly because it's difficult to give them a professional appearance. A professionally-made vinyl sign may be appropriate in some locations, but may be more subject to vandalism than other types. For wayside interpretational material, fiberglass-impregnated or porcelain ceramic signs are often a good choice, but only in an area where there's going to be enough use to justify their relatively great expense. In addition, developing such a sign, if done through a public agency, will take a long time and be more expensive than if done in the private sector. Wayside signs should be mounted so that the item being interpreted is the object of interest, not the sign; it should not block the viewer's view. Proper location and mounting of such wayside signs is especially difficult in trail situations where wheelchair access is expected.

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North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Winter, 1994

Other types of signs include etched, imaged, or cast metal. The graphic flexibility of these signs is less than that of the fiberglass-impregnated or porcelain ceramic signs and the cost is still high, but they withstand vandalism better. Always remember that signs, like other interpretive material, are subject to restrictions and planning by managing authorities. Funding for these materials is always a concern, and, when dealing with managing agencies other than the association, authorization will be, as well. It's best to work with these agencies, rather than spring a surprise on them. The best informational idea in the world is useless if you can't get the information to the user. This has just been an overview of signs. For more information, read Signs, Trails, and Wayside Exhibits by Suzanne Trapp (UW-SP Foundation Press, University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, WI 54481). There are plenty of other good materials available on signs. Thishasbeenthethirdinaseriesofarticksoninte~ preting trails for the casual user, inspired by a workshop in May, 1993 on "Interpreting Long-Distance Trails", given at the National Park Service Mather Training Center in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. Next time: Publications.

SWISS

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FOLLOWING THE NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL by Wes Boyd, NCTA Newsletter editor.

All-newedition. 64 pages Many maps and photos Now available: the most complete overview of the North Country Trail, full of information for both the enthusiast and the casual user. It's not a trail guide, but a trail discussion that features the most inclusive and up-to-date information on the trail available in one volume . "The aim is to give the reader the information necessary to find out what they need to know to follow the trail" - and plenty else, besides!

$5.95 ($4.00 wholesale l 0 or more). Add $2.00 per copy for · shipping. Michigan residents add 4% state sales tax.

North Country Trail Bookstore PO Box 311 • White Cloud, Ml • 49349

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Winter, 1994

Page22

Gate protects landowner's stock Several years ago, the NCT encountered a problem along the trail in North Dakota. Public land administrators were reluctant to allow the trail to cross their land because an opening in their fence could allow cattle to roam free off the range. Too small a gate also wouldn't allow horses to travel on the trail, nor would stiles. Equestrians are a primary user group along the trail in N orth Dakota, and important to the welfare of the trail. Therein lay the problem. _ The solution came in the form ofa self-closing gate. Western Gate Works of Red Lodge, Montana, came up· 1n·novatlve vertical closing gate used on North with a design that accomodates all the needs of'the trail · CountrY Iran In North Dakota. and the landowners. It is spring-loaded and lifts-verti: cally. It rotates vertically from a pivot point on a lower · tlie gate open by accident, corner. The gate rotates back into a cage that protects The gates have proven very effective in keeping cattle (and you) from the gate mechanism. It also makes cattle on -the range "and hikers and equestrians on the a smaller package for shipping. The gate can easily be trail. If you have need of a gate like this, or perhaps have lifted with one hand while on foot or horseback. The need of something similar, you can contact Gene Davey spring loaded gate closes by itself, eliminating disat Western Gate Wol'ks, PO Box 807, Red Lodge, Mon-, tana, 59068: · mounting from your horse. It also eliminates leaving

North COUJ).try_ Trail shop. _ . _ -

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North Country · Natlonal Scenic· Trail ~

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North North North North North

Country Country Country Country Country

Notlonol Scernc·na1r Pin,@ $3.95 each . Trail Patch @ $3.00 each · Trail State Segment Patch@ $1.25 each Trail Window Sticker@ $1.00 each Trail Supporter Cloisonne pin @$3.95 each

Name Add ress

City, State; Zip North Country Trall 1oth Anniversary T-Shltf (circle size): Adult, S, M, L. XL. XXL. l 00% cotton, It. blue only@ $9.95 each Child 6/8, l 0/12, 14/16 -- 50/50 cotton@ $7.95 each Phone Please enclose for shipping & hand Ung: Michigan resklents jnclu(!e 4% safes taK Send order to: $0.00 • $10.00 $2.00 $25.01 • $100.00 $4.00 Make check/money order payable to: $10.01 - $25.00 $3.00 Over $100.00 $5.00 "North Country Trail Association

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ORDER FORM ~.:. NORT~ C~U~TRYJRAIL SHOP.

: .. NCTA Trail Shop PO Box 311 Whitt aoud, 11149349

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North Country Trail Association

Page23

Newsletter, Winter, 1994

North Country Trail Bookstore GREAT INFORMATION ON THE NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL AVAILABLE 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.64 pages. Not a trail guide, but a trail discussion. "The aim is to give the reader the information necessary to find out what they need to know to follow the trail" - - and lots of other useful information. The most inclusive and up-to-date information on the whole trail. $5.95, ($4.00 wholesale 10 or more). 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 $22.00, use order form. 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. $4.00 per set; $16.00 for all four. Binder with indicies, $2.50. Contact bookstore for information on ordering individual maps. FOREST by the Michigan Trailfinders. Offers a detailed description of the trail from the White Cloud trailhead to Big Star Lake, and from US 10 to McCarthy Lake. Current through June, 1989. $2.00 each, no wholesale available. THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL -- MANISTEE NATIONAL

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 coast 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 O or more) $4.25 each.

·------------------------·-----------~ I ORDER FORM -- NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL BOOKSTORE I copies of 'Following the North Country National Scenic Troll' I -$5.95 per copy ($4.00 per copy If ten or more)

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Name

Address

copies of 'The North Country Troll-- Manistee National Forest' $2.00 per copy. (no wholesale) copies of 'Gulde to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore' $5.95 per copy. ($4.25 each If ten or more)

City, State, Zip

copies of 'Gulde to the North Country Troll-- Chippewa National Forest' $1.25 per copy ($.75 per copy If ten or more)

Phone

copies of Michigan mapsets (check. appropriate ones:) Croton Dam - Hodenpyl Dam lnterlochen - Boyne Falls St. Ignace - Harvey Marquette - Ironwood $4.00 per set. All 4 sets, $16.00; Binder, $2.50 No wholesale

Please enclose for shipping & handling: $0.00 - $10.00 $2.00 $10.01 - $25.oo $3.oo $25.01 - $100.00 $4.oo I Over $100.00 $5.00 Mlcblaan residents Include 4% sales tu I Make check/money order payable to: I "North Country Trail Association• I

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copies of 'Certlned Sections of the North Country Trail' (Check sestlons) O Burr Ocie - Sinking Spring $4.00 O Allegheny NF & cook Forest, $2.90 o Wayne NF, $1.50 o Little Miami Scenic Parle. $1.15 Miami and Erle Canal, $1.80 Manistee NF $2.20 Hiawatha NF E & Tahqua $2.70 Ottawa NF, $2.10 Hie.NF W & Pict Rocks, $2.05 O Chequamegon NF,· $1.80 Chippewa NF, $2.20 O Sheyenne Grassland, $1 .15 Complete set with binder. $22.00, plus $3.00 shipping. No wholesale.

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Send order to:

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NCTA Trail Shop PO Box 311 White Cloud, Ml 49349

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North Country Trail Association

Newsletter,

Winter, 1994

2000 Members by 2000 2000 Certified Miles by 2000 It's not going to be easy, but we can do it. Much has been completed, but there's still a lot to do. You can help meet the challenge by joining the North Country Trail Association, and by inviting others to join, too. Let's do it! r--------------------------------------, APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP ,,.

Annual Dues: membership year runs to anniversary of' North Country Trail Association dues payment. PO Box 311 White Cloud, Ml, 49349 Membership Categorjes I wish to join the North Country Trail Association. Basic Membership . $ 20.00 for a _ Household (includes children under 18) $ 30.00 Enclosed is$ Organizational. . $ 35.00 membership. Trail Leader .. $ 50.00 Pathfinder . $ 100.00 Corporate . $ 500.00 Name Life . $ 400.00 Life (withspouse) . $ 600.00 Address------------

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O Yes, I would like to further support the North Country -------------TrailAssociationwith my tax free contributionof $ .. enclosed. Phone (

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