North Star Vol. 14, No. 3 (1995) by NCTA Staff

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 47

Caledonia, Ml 49316

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NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

June-July 1995

NORTH STAR:

COMMITTEES

the newsletter of the

Awards: Odell Bjerkness

North Country Trail Association

Finance: Arden Johnson

3777 Sparks SE, Suite 105 Grand Rapids Ml 49546 Phone (616) 975-0831 FAX (616) 975-0957 Editor:

Trail Shop: Virginia Wunsch, Rt.1, WhiteCloudMI 49349 (616) 689-6876

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

Meetings: (vacant)

Executive Director: Pat Allen, 3777 Sparks Dr. SE, #105, Grand Rapids Ml 49506

(616) 975-0831

Plannlng: Arden Johnson

National Park Service Administrator Bill Menke, National Park Service, 700 Rayovac Dr., Suite 100, Madison WI 53711

Membership: Kenneth Gackler

(608) 264-5610

Publlcatlons: Wes Boyd Trail Management: Doug Welker

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

(810) 548-1737

STATE COORDINATORS

(906) 338-2680

New York Howard Beye

Vice President (Trails): Doug Welker, R1, Box 59A, Pelkie Ml 49958

Pennsylvania vacant

Vice President (Admln) Odell Bjerkness, Bad Medicine Lake, R1, Box 221 A, Ponsford, MN 56575

(218 )573-3858

Acting Secretary: Thomas J. Reimers, 3C Wildflower Dr., Ithaca NY 14850

(607) 272-8679

Treasurer: Arden Johnson, 600 Tennyson, Rochester Hills, Ml 48307

(810) 853-0292

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ohio Jim Sprague, 4406 Maplecrest, Parma OR 44134 (216) 884-4757 Michigan (Lower) Arden Johnson Michigan (lJ.P.) Gene Elzinga, 1 Z Middle Island , Marquette l'ii11 49855 (906) 225-1704 Wisconsin Gaylord Yost

TERMS EXPIRINGIN 1995 C A C E A

Derek Blount, 906 N. AlexanderL~oyal Oak Ml 48067 Wes Boyd, 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach Ml 49253 Arden Johnson, 600 Tennyson, Rochester Hills, Ml 48307 Thomas J. Reimers, 3C Wildflower Dr.hlthaca NY 14850 Harmon Strong, 76 Shellwood Dr, Roe ester NY 14618

810 517 810 607 716

548-1737 547-7402 853-0292 272-8679 586-3846

F A A A A A

Howard Beye, 202 Colebourne Rd., Rochester NY 14609 Hans Erdman, 116 E. Rose Pl., Little Canada MN 55117 Kenneth Gaekierh 418 W. Johnson St., Caledonia Ml 49316 Tim Mueller, ND Parks and Recreation Department 1835 E Bismark Expy. Bismark ND 58501 Doug Welker, R1, Box 59A, Pelk1e Ml 49958 (Vacant)

W A B W A G

Odell Bjerkness R1 Box 221 A, Ponsford, MN 56575 Chet Fromm, 1001 tompkins Dr., Port Orange, FL 32119 Emily Grego1_ 6502 Olde York Rd., Parma Hls OH 44130 Pat Miller Pu Box 756, Mellen WI 54546 Gaylord Yost, 2925 W. Bradley Rd., River Hills WI 53209 Glenn Oster, 784 Olive St., Pittsburgh PA 15237

A B C E F G W

At-large representatives Represents Buckeye Trail Association (Appointed by BTA) West Central Region representatives Eastern Region Representative Representsringer Lakes Trail Conference (Appointed by FLTC) General affil[ate representative (Current appointment by AYH Pittsburgh) Western region representatives

TERMS EXPIRINGIN 1996

716} 288-7191 612 482-1877 616 891-1366

(701 224-4887 (906 338-2680

TERMS EXPIRINGIN 1997 218 904 216 715 414 412

567-3858 788-2232 884-0281 274-2346 354-8987 364-2864

Minnesota Hans Erdman North Dakota Dale Anderson, RR1, Box 10, Oslo, MN, 56744 (218)965-4508

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 Pennsylvania: AYH,.,PittsburghCouncil 5604SOlway,#202,t"ittsburghPA 15217. CHAPTER CHAIRS Headwaters: Hans Erdman (see above) NCT Hikers: Gene Elzinga (see above) Traverse City: Gregg Law, 1953 Lardie Rd., Traverse Cityl Ml 49684 Western M chlgan: Bill Van Zee 7744 Thornapple Bayou Dr. SE, Grand Rapids Ml, 49512

NORTH STAR:

The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association , June-July 1995

WORLD WALKER St.even Newman will be the Saturday night program at the NCTA's Annual Conference in New York in August. Bill Irwin and Orient Express will be the Sunday evening program.

***

AS OF THE END of 1994, there were 36 hikers that had endto-ended the Finger Lakes Trail reports Ed Sidot.e. There are 50 more who have end to end hikes in various stages of completion. Over 140 hikers signed up for the "Hike Across St.euben County" series, and 100 showed up, he reports. They were split into three groups, fast, int.ermediat.e and slow, hiking 10 miles on the first hike. "The turnout indicates that there are a lot of people who would like to hike but they need someone to show them where to go and how to hike the trail," Sidot.e says. This has proven to be a popular event, one that could be emulated elsewhere.

*** THE NORTH COUNTRY Trail Association has become a sponsor member of the Land Trust Alliance and the Wisconsin St.ewardship Fund. Both are organizations involved in developing Land Trust arrangements, and NCTA Executive Director Pat Allen feels that there is much to be learned from memberships in the two organizations as the NCTA gets into Land Trust issues.

*** OWEN "O.P." MURPHY, 70, Editor of the Buckeye Trail Association "Trailblazer", passed away early Monday morning, March 27. He had been hospitalized for several weeks due to breathing problems. "O.P." became the Editor of

the Trailblazer in 1988 and had devoted much time and energy to making the newsletter an important part of the Buckeye Trail Association's effort to publicize the Buckeye Trail. Prior to his involvement in BTA, he had devoted his time to the Boy Scouts of America in many volunteer capacities after a career in the Columbus, Ohio, Police Department.

*** THE NCTA'S Land Trust Fund is the recipient of a $500 contribution from the American Hiking Society. David Lillard, President of the Society, said that he want.ed to make the donation in order to get the Land Trust on a solid footing.

***

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THE US FOR.EST Service has issued a permit to Trek and Trail, a privat.e guiding service, to lead mountian biking, cross country skiing trips, and dogsledding trips on the NCT in the Chequamegon National Forest in Wisconsin. •All trips," a USFS decision memo says, "Are designed to give their clients a 'wilderness' experience that promotes minimum impact and a wilderness ethic."

*** IN RECENT Certification activity, the NPS certified a 0.8 mile segment in New York's Burt Hill State Forest, and decertified 1.5 miles in lower Michigan, due to mismeasurement. These changes bring the total certified miles of the NCNST to 1243, and the total ofNPS signed miles to 1253.2.

1:11111:1~lll l!l!l!m!!I'.'. ~~1:111~111~ !!~!!!!~1111!,Ji!!i!i!l!i!i!i!i!i ici!!!l!!!!:i·: :;1!1 1 1:!: :!1 1 1:1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

NCTAoffice adds staff 4 Letters: Mountain bikes, PNWT,ADT 5 North Star computer Bulletin Board 8 NCTABoard sets up Land Trust Fund 1O Wisconsin Report 1o Thru-hiking the NCT-- second of a series 11 NCTAConferenceto be in NewYork Center Nationaltrail supporters meet 15 Statementto Congress about Trails 16 Trails need your help in Washington! 18 Run-packing 19 Trailbuilding plans In Michigan 20 Newvolunteer opportunity with USGS 20 SCS: Build trails for the long term 21 Trail dedication at Lonetreeplanned 23 NCTAhires planner,gets grant 23 Lots of coming events 24

-•immnmmm::::::::::1

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NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

June-July 1995 ··"";··,

Keyboard Trails by the Editor

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1994-95 will be the year the NCTA became a different organization -- one that it taking its place in the national trail comm unity as a leader. The willingness of board and members to look at themselves in this new way will open even more doors. While our trail is administered by a national agency, we also need to become integrated into the state trail councils in each of our seven states. Many of the lands we cross are state lands and raising our visibility with their administrative divisions will be important to the growth, support and maintenance of the trail. Our trail planning efforts will get a needed boost with the addition of our recreation planning assistant who will start on June 1. In conjunction with the National Park Service, we have or will have planning projects underway in Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and New York. We have an agreement now with Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, to operate an interim program for their environmental science students. The students will pay tuition, work with us for 10 hours a week, and get three hours credit for their projects. In addition, we have listed two positions with the Student Conservation Association -- one will be our first "ridge-runner" to operate out of the Schoolhouse. The second will be in conjunction with Recreational Equipment, Inc., of Madison, Wisconsin, to develop a program with their store. My role in keeping all of these projects in motion has changed the pace and direction of myworkfor you. We will be looking at the Trail Shop for a new look and new items. It was an exciting moNorth Country National Scenic Trail ment when I recently got a price for an End to End patch to be given to hikers who complete the entire trail. So, Go Hikers! We are very pleased with the support we have had in establishing our office. We particularly thank the National Park Service, Madison Office, our landlord, VanDyk Mortgage Company, which has loaned us furnishings, and the Steelcase Corporation for chairs and filing cabinets.

..·

_.,. ...

'•

The deadline for the August-September issue of the Newsletter is August 1 1995. Items received after that date cannot be assured of a place in the newsletter. Itemsreceivedwellbeforethat date are much appreciated. The deadline for the October-December issue of the newsletter will be October 1, 1995. Wouldn't you know it? Just about the time the last newsletter was reaching the readers with the news about the NCTA's "North Star" Bulletin Board, the hard drive on the computer crashed. It was an old computer that I was trying to make do with, and it took me about ten days to get it replaced, up, and running. If you tried to call the board and gave up, try again. Some new board software will be coming along with the new computer as soon as I can get it done, so it should be easier to use and more interesting. Sorry if it caused any problems.

***

It is becoming clear that the NCT and trails in general took a defeat with the elections last November -- at least, that was the message I got at the Fourth National Trails Symposium in Washington in April. Bluntly put, although there are bright spots, trails are not a priority in Congress this semester; budget cutting is. The only bright spot is that since trail dollars are often seen money for huge amounts of matching volunteer hours that the Federal government gets a pretty big bang for the trail buck. One of the things that we did at the Symposium was spend a day lobbying for trails on "The Hill". It was an interesting experience, sort of awesome in a way. It was a lot offun to walk those halls with a briefcase and a suit and tie. However, since Congress was unfortunately on break, about all thatmostofusgot to do was talk tolowlevel staffers, some of whom looked old enough to have graduated from high school, so I'm not sure how much we accomplished, but it was a memorable experience, anyway. There's a longer article about this elsewhere in the newsletter.

***

In the "More Bad News" department, the Michigan DNR recently named their permanent trails advisory council. There are plenty of ORV and 4x4 types on the panel, mountain bike enthusiasts, and no designated representatives of any hiking group. This is a shame, since hikers are the largest group of trail users, but it shows where hiking stands as a priority to the DNR.

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association , June-July 1995 Page 5 that in season may become mud or dust? And there is nothing a rider can do to alter that to any appreciable degree - ride more slowly perhaps, not skid. There are scattered segments of the North Country National Scenic Trail that will stand up to the wheel and that hikers make use of, but to artificially "harden" our foot trails for the sake of the wheel would be a travesty and a step backward. The assertion that hikers and bikers seek the same experience on the NCT, ''the challenging communion with nature", calls for a defining of terms: Howard Meyerson, reporting for the Grand Rapids Press and with Doug Nelson as one of his contacts (Saginaw News, Between March 12 and November 21, 1994, I walked 4/29/95), makes plain that, for the mountain biker, 4250 miles along the North Country Trail. My hike "challenge" translates to ''steep forest hills," hills that included 160+ certified sections. Of these, only three "have mountain biking written all over them," says were designed for multiple use. MMBA executive director, Dwain Abramowski. "Hilly These are: â&#x20AC;˘ The Little Miami State Park -- 22 miles. terrain is what makes the proposal (to develop a mounâ&#x20AC;˘ Xenia - Yellow Springs Bikeway- 10 miles. tain biking complex using cross country ski trails at Big â&#x20AC;˘ M-99 Bikeway - 5 miles. M) so attractive to our members." ''It's a unique opporIn all other cases, horse and bike use leads to tunity for riders to travel through beautiful wooded immediate trail damage. terrain at different levels of difficulty. It could be used Horses's hooves turn over the soil and create a by children and beginners or by those looking for more "cookie dough" type of surface that never really dries challenging experiences," says John Hojnowski, who is out. Bike tires cause ruts which then hold water; once with Manistee National Forest Ranger District. I underlarge ruts are formed, future riders ride in the ruts in stand physical challenge and can appreciate the thrill order to maintain balance. Damage is especially severe of skillfully driving a fine machine on a challenging in low areas, or around the edges of waterbars, which track, but a long distance footpath is not the place for bikes avoid. this kind of testing, a combative challenging of nature. It is fine to argue about shared use of the NCT. That MMBA encourages its members to be consciHowever, one important point has been overlooked: it entious, committed trail menders says it is aware of the rains a LOT along the trail. Because of this fact, unreality: 1) The foot trails they make use of come to be, paved sections of trail are doomed if subjected to consisunavoidably, in varying levels of disrepair and in need tent horse and bike use. of constant maintenance; and 2) The growth in numbers The NCT is the finest long-distance trail in this of mountain bikers has been "rapid" and is ''truly recountry. We should not be in such a hurry to declare it markable," potential for a lot of damage. In six months done that we deviate from addepted trail standards. and twenty-two rides in the Manistee National Forests, The standard for all unpaved sections of the NCT Doug encountered hikers and backpackers "vecy infreshould be "foot travel only." If you end up building a quently"; but does the fact that walkers are in the hiking trail that no one wants to hike, what's the point? minority (or make themselves scarce because of bikers Sincerely on the trail) mean they must resign themselves always Ed Talone to being out-powered - when it was the backpacker Silver Spring, MD who had the dream and got the grand project off'(and on) the ground!? Then there is Doug's "Quite frankly''warning: 'Give in or we'll leave you to the lawless ''maverick(s)" riding 'lb the Editor: the trail, which could get ''unpleasant'', even "becoming Doug Nelson's letter (Apr/May 1995) was unnecesinflammatory." Let us, with our greater infludence, sarily long: I don't need to know what a fine fellow he is, take care of that little problem for you.' An the the nor how responsible his group, the Michigan Mountain proselytizing! Doug converted six backpackers on the Biking Association, is. All I need to know is how wheeled spot, so that they all made a ''vow'' to come back with locomotion can NOT break down the firm, natural base BIKES next year. Lord, save us! Donna, where were of a foot trail. Is that not the very nature of the beast? you? Hikers stress a trail and are advised not to choose Dough seems to indicate that he, or the MMBA, has heavy boots with lugged soles if the trail doesn't dethe United States Forest Service and the Sierra Club in mand it; a lighter, smoother footfall is often possible his back pocket; if that is true, John Muir, whose without sacrificing safety. But why should a hiker take birthday I just celebrated, is turning over in his grave. seriously any of this concern for the trail when mounAfter all, there is really just that one essential question tain bikers, nice as they may be, are setting up a of incompatible trail usage that I raised at the beginprogression that begins with a continuous cut in the ning of this letter. And after all, the answer may be for earth, that in short order erodes, that becomes a rut, mountain bikers to team up with someone else -with

Horses and bikers won't work on the NCT

Save us from mountain bikes

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NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

cross country skiers, as they have at Big M, and to make use of rail trails, and of existing two tracks and other trails that have been prepared for them to use, such as those on Grand Island. Maxine C. Harris Editor's note - The mountain bike issue is coming to a boil, especially in the Manistee National Forest, as is indicated by the following letter: - WB

Input for plan sought Dear Mr. Boyd: In 1980, the North Country Scenic Trails Act (sic) was passed which approved construction ofa National Hiking trail from North Dakota to New York. The Park Service is the agency responsible for providing overall management direction for the North Country Trail. In 1982, the Park Service developed a comprehensive plan for management and use of the North Country Trail. This plan provides general direction for development, use, and certification of segments of the trail. Local land management agencies retain the right to regulate activities on their segments. The Forest Service presently manages approximately 96 miles of the North Country Trail across the Huron-Manistee National Forests. Management direction for the North Country Trail is specified in Amendment# 16 ofthe Huron-Manistee National Forests Plan. These Standards and Guidelines for trail management were developed as part of the Settlement Agreement for the Forest's Plan. The trail has become increasingly popular, especially among mountain bikers and horseback riders. Resource managers are concerned over reports of adverse resource impacts associated with these uses and the growing controversy of whether certain recreational activities should occur on this trail. In addition, the Forest Service is aware that there may be other emerging issues pertaining to Forest Service management activities of this section of trail. The Forest Service has decided to consider revision of management direction in the Huron-Manistee National Forests' Plan Amendment No. 16 to address the increasing controversy over differing recreational uses of portions of the North Country National Scenic Trail through the Huron-Manistee National Forests. We need your help. The Forest Service is seeking your input on whether the direction in the Forest's Plan should be amended, and if so, how? Please let us know ofissues you feel we should address and any concerns of comments you may have. Please have all comments to me by July 15, 1995. For further information, please contact me at (616) 723-2211. Sincerely John R. Hojnowski Interdisciplinary Team Leader Manistee Ranger District路 1658 Manistee Highway Manistee, MI 49660

June-July 1995

National Trails Controversy To the editor: So far our association (The Pacific Northwest Trail Association) has not been involved in the ongoing controversy about whether the proposed American Discovery Trail from the San Francisco Bay Area to the Delaware Coast should be named a "national scenic trail" by Congress, This proposal has been heavily promoted by Backpacker magazine, some large companies, and the American Hiking Society. It has always seemed like a very odd notion since most of the proposed route would consist of paved road travel, not something any of us would willingly choose. However, on the positive side, the ADT might broaden the public constituency for trails by dropping a national scenic trail into many states lacking long distance hiking opportunities. In other words, many more congressmen would be able to "bring home the bacon" to their districts in the form of a trail. That is certainly a valid strategic consideration in favor of the ADT. However, James R. Wolf, director of the Continental Divide Trail Society has argued cognently against creation of the ADT. He has told federal planners studying the matter that: ''We are not persuaded that the ADT satisfies the criteria for a national scenic trail." He said that Congress has not yet provided adequately for the existing long distance trails. And that if a cross-continent trail were desired by Congress, the route should incorporate the well-known North Country Trail and the Pacific Northwest Trail. In the April-May issue of North Star, you said," .. . the concept of extending the North Country Trail westward to the Continental Divide and Pacific Northwest Trails was ... proposed in this newsletter some years ago, and still is an idea that has merit - more merit, I think, than the American Discovery Trail, for reasons explained by Wolf. rm just glad that others have seen the wisdom of it. The idea - which was dubbed the High Plains Trail back then, just to have a name to use -would be a heck of a trail, rather than the extensive road walk that the ADTwould be. I still think that the concept of the High Plains Trail deserves study." ''It turns out that many people.are having second thoughts about the ADT anyway, at least making the ADT a National Scenic Trail. There has been the idea thrown about of a new category of national trail created expressly for the ADT; it is one possibility." ''The ADT always has had a degree of controversy attached to it, partly from the promotion surrounding it. The controversy, no doubt, will continue." Here in the great Pacific Northwest the ADT controversy can seem very distant. But it bears directly upon the eventual designation of our PNT as a national scenic trail. The PNT is already considered by many elsewhere as a vital link in the de facto national network of distance trails. Wereourgreatroutetobejoined to the CDT and the NCT in some official way, the trail would be one of the world's longest and most prestigious.

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The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

June-July 1995

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out at the car, that is a great day trip or a weekender. A hiker or horse rider could begin at Cape Aiava, However, each person, be he as green as a pea from the most northwestern point in the lower 48, and wend Portland, has at least some glimmering in the back of eastward to eastern New York State. Then, via a not too his brain that a long distance trail offers a type of difficult link with the Appalachian Trail, he or she freedom uncommon in contemporary life. The Crest could reach Maine's Mount Katahdin, within sight of Trail or the AT or the PNT stretches from here practithe Atlantic Ocean. This unprecedented achievement of cally to Kingdom Come. Benton MacKaye in 1921 knew trailbuildingis within our grasp in the next decade. The when he proposed creation of an Appalachian Trail that Continental Divide, North Country, and Appalachian civilization was encroaching fast upon Americans' psyTrails have already been designated by Congress. The ches. His trail and greenway were an escape valve for three missing links are: (1) the NCT to AT link in in folks in congested areas. His trail served eastern New York; (2) the Missouri and Dearborn Rivers link; and (3) the Pacific """'"""""""""""""""'==--"""""'=~ some of the same functions that "lighting our for the territory" did in the Northwest Trail. (The PNT, of course, nineteenth century. Today the entire already exists as a de facto ''Practical National Trails System, including our Route" that we have developed.) Pacific Northwest Trail, is an increasFederal money for maintenance of ingly valuable outlet for our romantic existing trails on our national forests is and backcountry impulses. The trails drying up fast. There is even talk of sellare profoundly educational, too. They ing some national parks to private internot only help individuals get in touch ests. This is a difficult era in which to be with theirinnerresourcesbutalsothey a visionary if your vision depends upon . 'help large numbers of us to gain a federal largesse. Fortunately our vision direct appreciation for America's natural resources. of a foot and horse path from the Pacific Ocean to the The experience we gain on these trails is vital to our Continental Divide does not depend solely upon any understanding of our place in the universe. In an age agency's good will. We have created our PNT through when materialism and the "hip" are paramount, the perseverance and faith in the future. Our friends in the Continental Divide Trail Society and in the North pleasure of beckoning horizons is a needed antidote. In a time of lack of trust, we are confident in the dawn, in Country Trail Association have done the same. Should we not work together to begin the new millennium with the stars, and in putting one foot in front of the other. When and if the dark night of the soul descends, we have a common vision of linking the Pacific and Atlantic? The National Trails System already boasts amaza memory of joy and confidence. ingly good north-south coverage. We have the Pacific These experiential matters are difficult to explain Crest National Scenic Trail, the Continental Divide to scoffers and to people whose values are antithetical National Scenic Trail, and the Appalachian National to our own. A continuum of effort is needed from the Scenic Trail. Each of these great routes definitely meets grassroots work with hazel hoes to the capitol lobbying the requirement of "providing for conservation and with elected officials. It is often exhausting and even eDjoyment of ... nationally significant scenic, historic, disheartening, especially when the challenge must be passed from generation to generation. But the rewards natural, or cultural qualities." Each provides us with "maxim um outdoor recreation potential."What is missof camaraderie and success are there, too. ing is an east-west route to tie the two coasts and the The east-west route across the northern tier of the interior together. United States could become a reality within a relatively I have no objection to the American Discovery Trail shorttimeiftheentiretrailscommunitywereunited.If is it is not categorized as "national scenic trail." The hikers reached out to horse riders and if the mountain ADT has garnered impressive corporate and lobbying bikers and the cross-country skiers joined hands. It support. It could give us a presence in congressional schools saw trails as an opportunity to counter the districts where we previously have had none. America cynicism of the youth culture. If parents saw trails as a needs many more trails, not fewer. The ADT as a road chance to connect with their kids. If ... experience is a valuable addition to America's trails What are your thoughts about the National Trails landscape, Its proponents should be congratulitted for System and about linking the PNT within a broader their vision and ingenuity. But let's not dilute the east-west effort? category of"national scenic trail"by including theADT. Ron Strickland, Executive Director I think that the purpose of national scenic trails is Pacific Northwest Trail Association often misunderstood, even by trail devotees. A dichotomy exist.s between the actual use of such trails and Editor's note: What a beautiful piece of writing/ their romantic image. We know that in reality the users There is much food for thought in this. As for my own are almost entirely daytrippers, weekenders, loop hikopinion.on Ron's final question: let's go for it/- WB ers, and other short trip souls. The hiking and horse riding public has limited time to embark upon what is for most people a very occasional outing. For instance, Dear Editor: if a Scout troop or some birdwatchers can include Lake In order to provide your readers with the opportuA with Spot B via a chunk of the Crest Trail and come

ADT chief respondsto criticism

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

nity to fairly assess whether the American Discovery Trail has merit as a national long-distance trail, I wish to respond to the letter in your last issue from James R. Wolf. . From the outset of the project the ADT was intended to be different than the already authorized National Scenic Trails. It would like cities and wilderness, deserts and forests, people and communities. From the beginning, the idea was to make the trail accessible to people, so it passes through metropolitan areas and incorporates many urban and rural trails not only for hiking, but also bicycles and horses where local trails have been designed for such use. During the past twenty-five years there have been many new developments that have had an effect on trails and the people who use them. With a greater awareness of the benefits of outdoor exercise to our personal health and a greater awareness of our growing numbers. Today, there are over 650 rail-trails and over 700 National Recreation Trails, and communities across the nation continue to develop "close to home" trails at an unprecedented rate. The American Discovery Trail is an outgrowth of this intense interest in trails. The ADT links 6 of the 8 National Scenic Trails (including 300 miles of the North Country Trail as if follows the Buckeye Trail through southern Ohio), 10 of the 11 National Historic Trails, as well as many regional and local trail systems. The ADT passes through or near 20 units of the National Park Service and 16 National Forests. But, it also passes through seven major metropolitan areas and many smaller communities. 路 The American Hiking Society originally planned to seek National Scenic Trail status for the ADT. After taking a close look at the ADT as it had been developed and talking to many folks in the long-distance trails community, including the North Country Trail, we decided that the ADT was not a scenic trail as defined by the National Trails System act. Therefore, AHS is proposing that a new category of national long-distance trail be created under the National Trails System Act, that will give equal recognition to the significance of the urban and metropolitan trails that have developed in the past 25 years, and offer encouragement for the development of other extended trails such as the ADT (others are already being developed). This new category would recognize that the experience of using and enjoying trails that are close to home is equally as important as that of remote wilderness trails. It would provide the opportunity to link scenic and historic trails to urban and metropolitan trails forming a truly nationwide system of connected trails. Your readers can inform themselves about the ADT by obtaining a copy of the ADT Explorer's Guide ($14. 95 +$3.00 shipping) from AHS at 703-255-9304, writing to the NPS Study Team for a copy of the ADT feasibility study (NPS DSC-TCE, PO Box 25287, Denver, CO 80225-0287) or by calling me at 1-800-851-3442. Reese F. Lukei, Jr., ADT National Coordinator

June-July 1995

AHS names new chief The American Hiking Society has named David Lillard as its new president. Having served as acting president since October, 1994, Lillard was appointed president by the AHS Board April 8. Since 1991, Lillard has served as national director of AHS's National Trails Day program, the program designed to build partnerships among trail organization, public land managing agencies and outdoor recreation businesses. In 1993, he became Vice President of Communications at AHS and assumed editorial duties of ''American Hiker" magazine. Under his editorial direction American Hiker has focused on the work of grassroots organizations that establish and preserve trails and greenways. His experience with grassroots groups drives a philosophy that the most important task of a national trail organization is to strengthen local support for trails development and protection. ''I would like to see AHS become a better service and resource provider for our affiliate clubs," said Lillard. ''Sure, we want to be more effective on Capitol Hill, but we really need to help trail organizations in their work - they're the ones who are building and protecting trails, after all."

NORTH STAR BULLETIN BOARD NOW ON LINE! The NCTA, in cooperation with the Astronomical Societies of Lenawee and Hillsdale Country, Michigan, is experimentallyoperating the "NORTH STAR" Bulletin Board Service. You do not need Internet or service provider capability; it is not used. You dial NORTH STAR BBS directly at (517) 547-5106, with your computer modem set for N-8-1 (No parity, eight bits, 1 stop bit). Speeds to 14400 BPS are supported. For the moment, the board will only operate from 5 PM to 1 AM Eastern time. If you haven't used an electronic BBS before, the software will lead you through the log-on procedure. You will want to read -- and possibly save with a capture file the Bulletin, "How to use this BBS". The main NCT A Message area is Message Area #4. Items for the newsletter, electronic messages, and other items may be left here, or uploaded as a file. If you have something interesting, please pass it along. Files, including recent "North Stars", "Following the NCNST", reprints of some other interesting "North Star" articles and the only known NCT computer program are in File Areas 6, 7, 8, and 9. No one knows what a trail organization's bulletin board is supposed to do or look like; you will have to help us invent it as we go along! If you have questions or problems, feel free to call me in the evening at (517) 54 7- 7402. - Wes Boyd

NORTH STAR:

The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

Spring has sprung, or so the saying goes. Winter has melted away and a lot of the water has flowed under the NCT bridges. A lot of work has begun on various parts of the trail. Plans for great activity are underway in all seven states. If you're not part ofit then there's still time to get involved. If you don't know who to call about anything, call our office and Pat Allen, our Executive Director, can help you get in contact with local folks in your area. National Trails Day will be over by the time you read this. It is almost upon us by the time I write this column. Events are happening all over the trail. Mellen, WISConsinis having an event this year on the trail. Two hikes are planned, one in the Chequamegon National Forest and the other at Copper Falls State Park. Thanks to all of the folks in Wisconsin for making this a great day. Our Chapters have also been active with National Trails Day events in the Manistee Forest, Traverse City, and the Upper Peninsula. The Chapter in traverse City is participating in a special event with a number opf other trails in the area. They are featuring speakers from Washington, D.C.I Tom Ross from the National Park Service and Senat.or Carl Levin will be on hand with other to celebrate the day. Great planning, grand Traverse! let's not leave out the affiliates, either. The Finger Lakes Trail Conferece and the Buckeye Trail Association are also having various events. It has been a very successful event this year. If you would like to help next year just let one of our Chapter/Affiliate Presidents know or drop us a line at the NCTA office. It sure is nice to say that we have an office now. It has become a veey busy place since we opened a couple of months ago. We now have a receptionist who is there part time, and her name is Carol Foerch. Sometimes you may find our lines busy due to the high volume of telephone traffic this year so leave us a message and we can get back to you. We will be engaging a local college intern at the office this summer to help Carol and Pat with the increasing volume of mail and phone calls. We also expect to have our first Backcountey Trail Ranger this summer in the Manistee National Forest. We are still negotiating with several candidates. Our Ranger (officially called a Resource Assistant) will be paid from a grant we received from R.E.I. this year for that purpose. The AYH Hostel operation has been closed and our staff person will be based in the Hostel building for the summer. We are also hiring a Recreational Planner who will work in the Madison NSP office to work on County planning in several states. In our next issue we will introduce all of these people to you with a short biographical sketch. In all cases, these staff folks and the office are paid from grants or Cooperative Agrement

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funds, not from your membership dues. In speaking of finances, our income this year will be inexces.sof$130,000. Yes, that's right. Over80%ofour income comes from grants and government funding. Most of the funds are for Cost Share Projects, not only ours but those of the Michigan DNR. the Ohio Historical Society, Finger Lakes Trail Conference and Iron County, Wisconsin. We are helping a lot of other groups build the trail. A lot of trail will be built this year with these funds. These funds come from multiple sources as a direct result of the effort of eveey trail worker and volunteer associated with the National Trail System. We reported to Congress this year that over 301,000 volunteer hours were given this past year to the National Trails. This was valued at $3,300,000 t.oward completion of these trails. Pretty impressive, isn't it? In addition, it was supported by $2,444,904 in private sect.or contributions. Your dues and donations were part of that figure. Right, your $20 in dues helped make that $2 million. These impressive figures are important to let federal legislators know how important it is to fund these trails. With these figures in havd we have asked Congress this year for $3,885,000 for the National Trail System. This may seem like a lot but when you balance that against the 35,000 miles of trail in the National System is comes down to $111 per mile of trail. Some trails will see little of that spent on them. Interpretive centers, major bridges, and land acquisition all carve large chunks out of those funds. Our trail sees a good portion of those funds due in part to the effort of your Board of Directors and their efforts to inform our. legislators concerning the importance of our trail. If you could spare a few minutes to write a letter or make a phone call in support of the National Trail System it would go a long way to splicing the sections t.ogether into one cohesive linear parkway. If you can't find the time to work on a trail crew there are lots of other ways you can contribute to this matching effort. Also speaking of finances, the NCTA Board of Directors has approved the establishment of a land trust fund to acquire trail corridor. Due to donations from many members and the American Hiking Society we are starting with a balance of$2982. Donations can be made to this fund and are tax deductible. Drop us a line at our office for information or add a few dollars to your membership check when you renew this year. Our annual NCTA Conference, "Empire 95" is coming August 18-21. Don't miss it. There will be lots of workshops tours and hikes in the center of New York State. There's lots more to tell, but I just bumped into the bottom of the available space for this issue so I'll keep the rest for later. Happy Trails!

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NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

June..July 1995

NCTABoardsets up Land Trust Fund The North Country Trail .Association had a busy and productive meeting May 20 at the Courtyard Inn in Detrcit.the site of several recent board meetings. Perhaps the item of greatest importance at the meeting was the setting up of an operating plan for the previously approved North Country Trail Land Trust Fund. The action sets up operating procedures for receiving and administering gifts, devises, and bequests for the fund. Gaylord Yost, Doug Welker and Gene Elzinga were named to the Gifts Committee on an interim basis, with their first task being to workout the details on the proposed donation of the Peter Wolfe House near Ontanagon, MI. However, this wasn't the only item on a busy day. National Park Service representative Bill Menke was unable to be at the meeting, but filed a written report to

Wisconsin Report by Gaylord Yost I have been in touch with the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation regarding a joint membership conference in 1996. There has been a positive response and I am making preliminary contacts for a location that will serve members from both organizations and allow them to hike sections of both National Scenic Trails. This means the conference will be sited somewhere in the northern part of the state, hopefully halfway between both trails. We will be developing this proposal further. After final approval, committees will be formed to work on the agenda and developing the conference further. Several North Country Trail work/play weekend have been schedule for summer and fall. The first, the weekend of July 29, will be in the vicinity ofHayward on the Chequamegon National Forest. The second is scheduled for the weekend of October 7 and is scheduled for the Washburn Ranger District of the Chequamegon National Forest. The Hayward project is to retoute 1/4 mile of trail and install puncheon, corduroy and fabric fills on the routed section. The Washburn project will be installing puncheon crossings over wet areas. This section of trail also will be maintained during the project. Volunteers will camp at nearby Forest Service campgrounds while on the weekend projects. I have now accumulated over 130 names of individuals within the state who are interested in the North Country Trail or are members of the Association. Pat Miller and I will be working with this group to form a Wisconsin Chapter of the NCTA. I think there is a chapter core group among these mailing list individuals and will pursue the Chapter formation with them in the months to come.

the board. Among the items discussed: • The Kent County Trail Plan is ready to be printed. • The Ohio Planning Process has been reenergized. One more meeting of the core team is planned before holding open houses. •Initial funding has been made to the NPS staff in the Hyde Park, NY field office to initiate a study of alternate routes for the east end of the trail. • Progress is continuing on organizing the changeover to the Arrowhead route in Minnesota. • The NPS continues with its concern on mountain bike issues, especially in the Manistee National Forest. There is some thought of modifying the Comprehensive Plan for the NCNST to bar mountain bikes, similar to policies on other National Scenic Trails. Responding to a request from the Manistee National Forest for input on a decision on whether to continue mountain bike use on the NCT, the Board voted to recommend to the Forest Service Study Group that it not be continued due to continuing problems with user conflicts and erosion problems. Executive Director Pat Allen also reported to the board about new personnel and interns hired by the NCTA, and reported about several recent grants to the organization. Allen also reported on the status ofboard elections: eight candidates for the board are running for six open seats, and possibly one or two currently filled seats may open up in the next few months. In other business, the Board also: • Voted to hire an accounting firm to audit the NCTA books, as is required by several grants. • Set up a policy that chapters will not receive their quarterly membership fee sharing checks until quarterly financial statements have been received. • Make suggestions on new possible items to be stocked by the trail store. • Were informed that a publisher is being sought for the book written by Ed Talone about his hike along the North Country Trail last year. • Reviewed plans for the Annual Conference, to be held in New York in August, where the board will hold its next meeting. • Passed a resolution that receiving the newsletter is a benefit of membership, in order to meet certain postal regulations, and agreed to continue support of the North Star Bulletin Board on an experimental basis. • Discussed the authority of chapters and others to make various types of land agreements in the name of the .Association. • Approveda$1000membershipfeein thePartn:ership for the National Trails System. • Received a variety of other reports and items.

NORTH STAR:

The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

June-July 1995

Page 11

Thro-hiking the NCT Part 2: Michigan by Gordon Smith Editor's note: In the last NORTH STAR, we began this account of the 1994 thru-hike of the NCT, written by Gordon Smith about Ed Talone and Sue Lockwood's 1994 end to end hike of the NCT. It is much too long to put in one issue, so we're serializing it over the next several issues. When we left the hikers last issue, Talone had continued on alone through New York's Adirondack Mountains, while Smith and Lockwood returned to Missouri due to the need for Sue's hospitalization. Finishing the Adirondacks, Ed hiked Michigan's Manistee National Forest. -WB Ed then returned to northern Ohio, and still with backpack and no support van, headed south along a grassy and sometimes overgrown canal towpath paralleling Ohio's western border. Dilly-dallying some to connect again with Sue and I returning from our medical trip to Missouri, he spent several nights in airconditioned motels seeking relief from continued June heat in Ohio and protection from some severe storms accompanying the heat - and enjoying his favorite pastime: watching baseball. We all arrived at the planned meeting place - Yellow Springs, Ohio - within an hour of one another. After a few hours drive north, and an evening of conversation, we were ready, on the morning of July 6, to being hiking as a team once again, with North Dakota as our ultimate goal. Three momentous occurrences took place that first day we were all back together. From Napoleon we struck north leaving the blue-blazed Buckeye Trail for the last time. We would be on roads through most of the southern portion of the lower peninsula of Michigan. Hiking 17 miles that day, Sue noticed no pain in her legs - a circumstance which hadn't occurred in more than 15 years! It seemed that multiple blood transfusions during her medical sortie in Missouri had increased the oxygen supply to her muscles and suddenly hiking was truly effortless. The term "blood doping" had just taken on a whole new meaning! By noon of that first day back together (by our best calculations) Ed had surpassed the 2,000 mile mark on his sojourn for the summer. It was only the first week in

July and he had already hiked the length of a long distance trail- but he still had that much and more yet togo! Finally, on that first hot, muggy day back together, as the sun was setting, we crossed out of the state of Ohio for the last time, and set up out tent in Wolverine country- Michigan. This was home for Sue and I, as we were raised in Michigan. It was also home for Mac, Sue's Leader Dog who had been raised and trained here thirteen years ago, making him three years beyond the normal retirement age of working dogs, and, we were sure, thousands of miles ahead of most, too. The five-mile Baw Beese Trail from Osseo to Hillsdale turned out to be only a mile and a half of trail with the remainder on a park road. The M-99 bikeway was little more than a paved sidewalk along a much-too-busy state highway. Other than that, the next two days were spent walking along paved highways in our quest for Battle Creek and the "green way" which supposedly ran through it. We did enjoy the visit of a brother and sisterin-lawwith accompanying pizza, coke, and new T-shirts and conversation. A cold front arrived before we got to Battle Creek and ended the oppressive heat and humidity of several weeks. The "linear park" along the Battle Creek and Kalamazoo Rivers proved to be an exquisite trail experience with almost no sense of passing through an urban area, with the exception ofa couple of blocks in the downtown area that were a bit confusing. At Augusta, between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, we chose once again to leave the proposed NCT high potential corridor. Instead, we hiked the thirty-three mile Kal-Haven Bikeway along an abandoned rail line between Kalamazoo and South Haven. While adding fifty-six miles to our overall hike, we hoped it would give us an opportunity to hike along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. However, the Lake Michigan shoreline proved to be mostly private land and generally not even visible from the road. We were able to get down to the water's edge at one public beach and later walked along one short stretch of road along bluffs overlooking the great lake, including a washed-out area we had to scramble around. The lengthy road walk around the Grand Rapids suburbs to Rockford included generally too much traffic

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NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

and too little shade, interspersed with an occasional rustic road. A friend of mine from Grand Rapids did visit us along here providing a short respite in the monotony of highway walking. In Rockford we joined the abandoned Michigan Northern Rail Line for a seven-mile off-road hike to Cedar Springs. This rail trail is presently under development and will eventually link up with the present Kent County Bicycle Trail which begins in Byron Center and will provide a non-motorized north-south route through the entire Grand Rapids metropolitan area. Another day of road walking and we arrived at the marked trailhead of the Rogue River State Game Area. The first six miles of cut trail were a pleasant relief from days of road walking, though the first mile did show signs of abuse by prohibited ATV use. The last mile of the trail presented a problem - it didn't exist!! We had to cross-country to a road and walk around the northern perimeter of the game lands to where the trail was supposed to terminate. Sure enough, there was the blue-star logo signifying a certified segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail- but not a trace of treadway leading back through the field of stinging nettle immediately behind the trail emblem. It was only a matter of a day's hike from here to the Manistee National Forest and on to an unceremoniously marked trailhead for the White Cloud segment of the trail. From here, there was primarily cut trail for the next 120 miles. However, we only hiked about 20 miles of it, as this was the section of trail that Ed had hiked with friends while Sue and I were in Missouri in June. Though Sue and I were originally Michiganders and had, years before, hiked in many areas of the state we were surprised by the number and size of ferns we here, and these were only a hint of what was to come as we traveled north. In an hour and a half we drove five days worth of hiking ahead, to the area just west of Mesick. Here, my wife Linda joined us for a few weeks. She's not as much an outdoors a person as the rest ofus, but certainly bolstered my morale! A succession of country roads interspersed with Michigan Department of Natural Resources ''Pathways" led us through the mosquito-infested Fife Lake State Forest and to a southern branch of Michigan's famed Shore-to-Shore Riding-Hiking Trail, which crosses Michigan's lower peninsula. We followed the Shore-to-Shore Trail for about thirty miles through the Pere Marquette State Forest and into the Au Sable State Forest, then split away on a spur trail to the north, in the Mackinaw State Forest.A former fellow teacher of Sue's, and her husband joined us for a night at a Forest Service Campground providing some new conversation and, of course, improved diet! A road walk from here to just east of the Spring Brook Pathway led us once again to newly constructed trail. We enjoyed an evening with friends of Sue who lived near the trail, and enjoyed backyard hotdogs in a family setting. We passed Arden Johnson, the Michigan coordina-

saw

June-July 1995

tor of the NCT, who, with a single volunteer was painting blue blazes on the newest section of trail through a pine plantation just south of Petoskey. Eventually, the NCT route will lead through Petoskey and parallel the shoreline of Lake Michigan to Wilderness State Park near Mackinaw City. In the meantime, one must improvise. We chose a road walk to Alanson and then followed an abandoned rail grade, now a bicycle trail, to Mackinaw City. At Mackinaw City, we took a day to hike the connector trail into Wilderness State Park, west of town. The trail, marked by blue ribbons, appeared never to have been cleared; but as soon as we reached established trail within the State Park the trails were clear and enjoyable to follow. We hiked about two-thirds of the NCT route within Wilderness State Park, but the access trail at the southern boundary apparently had not been completed so we did not see that part of the park. Pedestrians are prohibited on the five-mile long Mackinaw Bridge which connects the two peninsulas of Michigan, so we took the ferry to historic Mackinac Island (our nation's second National Park, though now only a State Park) and hiked the eight-mile Perimeter Trail around the island. A friend of Sue's joined her and Ed, while Linda and I played tourists, and enjoyed the island from horse-drawn carriages. We then took another ferry to St. Ignace on Michigan's Upper Peninsula. We had already made plans to join some 70,000 others on the annual Labor Day "Big Mac" walk across the bridge - this is the only time pedestrians are allowed to walk the bridge. It would be a fitting finale to our NCT hike in Michigan and would allow us to say we had hiked every step of the way, an important concept for a thru-hiker. A block from the ferry dock we found the beginning of an abandoned rail grade which would lead us to the North Country Trail trailhead in the Hiawatha National Forest. Linda left here, returning to the comforts of a home in Alabama. We continued on, though I was noticeably lonelier. Once we were within the National Forest we were again on cut trail, though at times confusing with all of the junctions of snowmobile and cross-country ski trails, of which the NCT was one of many. We crossed Michigan's Upper Peninsula, south to north, passing Brevoort, East and Soldier Lakes (to name a few), and crossing the Carp, Pine, Biscuit and N aomikong Rivers in quick succession. The effects of Lake Superior were immediately noticeable as we crossed the divide between it and Lake Michigan to the south. Temperatures dropped measurably and lush, big blueberries appeared! Even Ed, who often compared things unfavorably with the magnificence "back east'' had to admit that these were the biggest, most plentiful blueberries he had ever seen and they continued for days and days! The fems here were gigantic, also, and we walked through waist high fields of them. Before leaving the eastern unit of the Hiawatha National Forest, we arrived at the shoreline of Lake Superior at Whitefish Bay. The wind was blowing, the

NORTH STAR:

The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

waves roaring, the surf pounding. It was an impressive introduction to the largest of the Great Lakes. There was no dispute about where to camp this night! It took all three of'us to set up the tent in Superior's wind, but our lullaby that night was the waves on a sandy beach. After leaving the eastern unit of the Hiawatha National Forest, we followed a state highway a short distance to the Tahquamenon River and then followed a state park trail to the falls for which the state park was named. The "claim to fame" ofTahquamenon Falls (there are really three major falls) is that they are second only to Niagara Falls in volume of water! It is easy to understand the volume of water that runs over Niagara Falls when you consider that the water of four of the five great lakes rolls over them. It is not as easy to understand where the water comes from to put Tahquamenon in the same category as Niagara! An evening walk between Lower and Upper Falls turned into a late night hike when insecure footing and too many roots made it difficult for a blind lady to negotiate gracefully. After leaving the state park, several unsuccessful forages on marked trail routes in the Superior State Forest was indicitive of what Michigan's upper peninsula had in store for us. Overgrown trails and inadequately markedjunctions with cross-country ski, snowmobile and motorcycle trails were two of the obstacles with which we had to content. We were disappointed each time we were forced to leave our intended route and find an alternate knowing that we were missing an area which may well be the established trail one day. We wound up walking mostly roads to the shore line of Lake Superior in the vicinity of Muskallonge Lake State Park. We followed the NCT route on trail from here, crossing the Blind Sucker River on logs. Beyond the river, we were following a long unused and unmaintained trail, and finally we abandoned the trail and dropped to the shoreline of the now-tranquil Lake Superior and followed it. At the City Campground in Grand Marais, we joined the shoreline trail once again, and felt the influence of the National Park Service as we headed into Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We passed Au Sable Falls and the impressive Au Sable dunes on immaculate trail; shared with day-hikers galore, Boy Scout troops and summer camp groups on five-day treks through the National La.keshore. While this area of Lake Superior is known for its rocks, the sand dunes here are equally impressive and our trail provided excellent access. Three days and 44 miles of impeccable Shoreline Trail later we were in Munising having passed the fabled rocks, listened to blaring tour-boat descriptions of shipwrecks, walked stretches of sandy beaches and hiked high atop bluffs overlooking Lake Superior. Five months had elapsed since the beginning of our trek down near Cincinnati and Ed had completed 2600 miles (perhaps a little more if you take our word for actual mileage), excluding wrong turns, backtracking and other non-progressing forages along the way. Still,

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unbelievably, we were only one day behind the projected schedule we had prepared the preceding winter. We knew that the Ottawa National Forest and Porcupine Mountain State Park lay ahead of us yet, and we had heard reports that they would be slow going. So, we were getting concerned with how slow Michigan's upper peninsula seemed to be going, but overall it appeared we were progressing vezy smoothly. From Munising we followed a signed NCT connector route along highways south past Wagner Falls Scenic Area to an unobtrusive trailhead in the western unit of the Hiawatha National Forest. After three hours of trying to follow treadway through overgrown ferns, five-year-old saplings and innumerable raspbeny patches, we abandoned the certified NCT route along an active rail line for the nearby state highway. Soon, we were trekking westward, accompanied by autos, trucks, and RVs on the "Great Circle Route", following the Lake Superior Shoreline, but this time with pavement under foot and the conveniences (and annoyances) of civilization along the way. We paused briefly at the village of Christmas for novelty pictures, and then went a ways down aside road in the Bay de Noc State Forest to set up camp for the night. By the time we reached Marquette and followed a bike path into town, we were mesmerized by the sound of vehicles whizzing by on the adjacent US High- 路 way. The floral displays along sidewalks and in front of buildings in this community were outstanding. We took a few hours in Marquette for a nostalgic look around the Northern Michigan University campus. Sue had attended Northern her first two years of college. She was surprised at how radically it had changed in thirty years. The US Olympic Center for Education, on the campus, was really impressive and totally changed the University's ''small college" atmosphere which had been its major attribute to Sue three decades earlier. Ed called the local trail coordinator for an update on trail conditions north of Marquette, where the NCT route will someday connect wilderness areas of the Escanaba State Forest with those of the Ottawa National Forest. Work on this link was progressing, but not completed, so we were forced to continue along our temporary paved route in lieu of bushwhacking in uncertain areas with inadequate maps and directions. We were disappointed that we would miss these wilderness areas, but on a through hike the time involved in searching out a route sometimes cannot be spared. We passed through the Finnish communities of Negaunee and Ishpeming, whose vezy names conjured up views of Scandinavia and Lapland from textbooks of long ago. We partook of the local flavor, enjoying pasties at every shop along the highway here. We left the bynow sickening traffic on US-41 near Humboldt for a rail trail from a lightly used countzy road to the trailhead in the Michigamme State Forest and once again joined the "official" NCT route. Across the road from the trailhead, we followed new and excellently constructed treadway through the Craig.

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NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

Lake State Park - a wilderness state park accessible only by one very rocky unimproved road. The trail markings continued west from Craig Lake, but we lacked information on what, if anything, the trail did between Teddy Lake, within the State Park, and the boundary of the Ottawa National Forest. We decided to play it safe, and returned once again to the highway. As always, it was disappointing to have to leave a route which we were sure would someday be the official rem te, but this was not the country or time of year we wanted to get lost. Near Covington, we turned north and joined a Wisconsin Power Company trail to the Sturgeon River and then followed a cut, but overgrown, trail through the Copper Country State Forest to a little-used but well-maintained trail in the Ottawa National Forest. We skirted the eastern and northern boundaries of the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness, crossed over a divide between the Sturgeon and Ontanagon River drainages and began undulating across the many branches of the latter, sometimes on suspension foot bridges, others on road bridges, and still others by fording. The many creeklets flowing into these branches were home to countless beavers, and walking across beaver dams quickly became almost second nature to us. Bog bridges placed across many of the swampy areas did little to keep our feet dry, but did help us to follow the trail. Near Victoria Reservoir. it was necessary to leave the trail and walk along the highway again to get around private property where a right of way hadn't yet been negotiated. A Sierra Club group was in the area to construct trail and we were informed by locals that a bridge had been built below the dam, but the trail itself was still in the process of being put "on the ground". We followed a one-lane dirt road which paralleled the route the trail would eventually take and finally rejoined the NCT route. The difference in trail maintenance between the Victoria and Bergland Districts of the Ottawa National Forest was immediately evident - the former having cleared the trail recently, while the latter apparently had not been done for at least a year or more. Still, the treadway was easily discernible and the blue plastic diamonds nailed to the trees assured us that we were on the correct trail. Stretches of relatively flat, soggy trail were interspersed with steep ups and downs as we progressed through the Trap Hills towards Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and the Lake Superior shoreline once again. The third week of August was upon us and frost had already teased the hardwoods through which we hiked, and individual limbs here and there, and some bushes, showed a burst of flagrant color - a hint of what was to come. It was an early reminder that winter was on its way, and we needed to keep pushing ifwe expected to beat it to North Dakota! A short stretch of Park road along the south boundary of the state park and then towards Summit Peak brought us to the trailhead for Lily Pond. The park is dotted with rental cabins accessible via one to three

June-July 1995

mile foot trails. Popular for this reason, as well as for day-hiking and backpacking, the trails were in excellent condition and well signed at every possible junction. From Lily pond we continued down the Carp River to the Lake Superior shoreline and paralleled it to the Presque Isle River and the most western unit of the State Park. The walk up the Presque Isle River rewarded the hikes with the gurgling sound and picturesque sight of a series of falls and rapids over which the river made its way to Lake Superior. Little did we realize at that time that this was just a hint of our next day's journey. It was a three-mile road walk from the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park South Boundary Road to the NCT route to Black River Harbor. A two-lane track led from there to the Black River and the most impressive falls, cascades and rapids of the entire trip. Perhaps lacking the volume of Tahquamenon and the height of Multnomah (in Oregon), the intricacies of them ultifaceted falls, the diversity of the rocks and the excellent viewing points constructed by the Ottawa National Forest made the five and a half mile trek along the Black River a memorable excursion. The most avid waterfalls fan would quickly put this cascading waterway near the top of any list of waterfalls areas visited. The five hundred plus wooden steps and miles of boardwalk here were truly worth it. This was definitely a highlight of our NCT sojourn. After twelve miles of paved road walk we crossed the unimpressive Ottawa River. After a month and twenty days, and about a thousand miles of roaming the length and breadth of the state of Michigan, we crossed into Wisconsin. Some additional road walking led us to trail in Copper Falls State Park at the edge of the Chequamegon National Forest. The trail in Copper Falls State Park proved to be totally unconnected with anything north of the park so we wound up doing a delightful seven-mile spur trail with several impressive falls on it- but not appreciated fully after the spectacular ones of the Black River. Two miles west of Mullen, WI, we reached a trailhead in the Chequamegon National Forest and commenced the sixty-mile National Forest Trail that was the "original" North Country Trail, and from which the long distance trail we were following took its name. It was here, in the Chequamegon National Forest, that we would surpass the three thouknd mile mark on our progressive data calculations, and we had no idea how many more miles on forays looking for lost trails, good food, missing gear, erroneously parked van and the myriad of other sorties that one inevitably makes in a five-month journey along a trail which isn't completed and lacks definitive guide books. Next issue: Racing Winter West. If you'd like to read the whole story and have access to a computer and modem, it's available on the NORTH ST AR BBS in File Area 7 as "THRUHIKE.ZIP." See Page 8 for details on the NORTH STAR BBS. - WB

Tile Finger Lakes Trail Conference is pleased to sponsor tile

North Country Trail Association National Conference "Empire '95" and

Finger Lakes Trail Conference "Late Summer Outing" August 18-21, 1995

!fR,! LAKES

witil special programs by Folksinger Tom Knight Appalachian Trail hiker Bill Ervvin & his dog Orient Steven M. Newman, the first person to walk around the world Enjoy an exciting weekend in the Finger Lakes Region of beautiful New York State. The following pages contain registration materials and programs for hikes, workshops, tours, and special events.

Saturday, August 19 7:30 pm

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-路-路

路-

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Sunday, August 20..7 :30 pm

Steven M. Newman, author of Worldwalk.

How to get to the Watson Homestead Conference Center for the NCTA National Conference "Empire '95" and FLTC "Late Summer Outing." New York State Route 1 7 extends across the southern tier of New York. From Route 17 (Southern Tier Expressway), take exit 42 between Campbell and Painted Post, NY. Head north 3 miles from the exit. Watch for signs. The nearest airport to the Conference Center is Elmira-Corning Regional Airport which is served by USAir. For transportation from the airport to the Conference Center call the FLTC Service Center at 716/288- 7191 at least two weeks before arrival.

Bill Irwin, author of Blind Courage, with his Seeing Eye庐 dog Orient.

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION. ~~ NATIONAL CONFERENCE ''EMPIRE '95" ~/ AND FINGER LAKES TRAIL CONFERENCE "LATE SUMMER OUTING" August 18-21, 1995 Watson Homestead Conference Center Coopers Plains, New York REGISTRATION (Due by August 5, 1995) (Please register for activities on other side) REGISTRATIONFEE: Number of persons__

@ $20.00

EMPIRE'95 PICNIC, CONFERENCECENTER:Friday, 8/18/95 _

persons @ $6.50

$ __

LODGINGAND MEALS, CONFERENCECENTER:(linen, blanket, pillow, towel, face cloth, soap provided):

Motel Style:

3 nights and 8 meals __

person(s) @ $145.00 per person (dbl. occup.) ....

Need a trail lunch? No. on 8/19? __ No. on 8/20? __ No. on 8/21? __ 2 nights and 5 meals __ person(s) @ $100.00 per person (dbl. occup.) .... $

(3.#meals 8119, 3 meals 8120, 2 meals 8/21)

(If 2 nights are 8118 & 8119, then 3 meals on 8119, 2 meals on 8120) (If 2 nights are 8119 & 8120, then dinner 8119, 3 meals 8120, breakfast 8121)

Need a trail lunch? No. on 8/19? __ No. on 8/20? __ Bunk Room: 3 nights and 8 meals __ person(s) @ $100.00 per person (4 max) . . . . . . . $

(3 meals 8119, 3 meals 8120, 2 meals 8121)

Need a trail lunch? No. on 8/19? __ No. on 8/20? __ No. on 8/21? __ 2 nights and 5 meals __ person(s)@ $67.00 per person (4 max) $

(If 2 nights are 8118 & 8119, then 3 meals on 8119 + 2 meals on 8/20) (If 2 nights are 8119 & 8120, then dinner 8119, 3 meals B/20, breakfast 8121)

Need a trail lunch? No. on 8/19? I would like to room with --------------'

No. on 8/20? __ who is registering separately.

MEALS ON AN INDIVIDUAL BASIS AT CONFERENCECENTERBY RESERVATIONONLY: Breakfast@ $4.50, Lunch@ $6.25, Dinner@ $8.50. Please specify number below. Circle "T" if you need a trail lunch Breakfast on 8/19 __ Lunch on 8/19 __ T_ Dinner on 8/19 __ Breakfast on 8/20 __ Lunch on 8/20 __ T_ Dinner on 8/20 __ Breakfast on 8/21 __ Lunch on 8/21 __ T_ Total individual meals ~ $

CAMPGROUND:Please arrange directly with Camp Bell Campground, P.O. Box 463, 8700 State Route 415, Campbell, NY 14821 (1-800-587-3301). TOTAL DUE:

$ __

REGISTRATIONFOR: All communications will be with PersonA. Name: First Last Address & phone number (Person A) Person A Person B Person C Person D Make check payable to FLTC,. Inc. Send this entire form and check for full payment to Joan Lilga, 100 Ayer Road, Williamsville, NY 14221 (7161632-1351). No refund after August 15, 1995.

REGISTRATION FOR HIKES, WORKSHOPS, AND TOURS Make choice by marking "X" in proper column. Select both 1st and 2nd choices.

Short hike Ht BA, t :00-5:00 pm Short hike Ht BB, t:00-5:00 pm Workshop Wt BA, t :00-2:30 pm Workshop Wt BB, t :00-2:30 pm

Workshop Wt BC, 2.:30-5:00 pm Workshop WtBD, 2:30-5:00 pm SATURDAY, AUGUST 19 Long hike Ht9A, 9:00 am-4:00 pm Long hike Ht 98, 9:00 am-4:00 pm Short hike Ht9C, 9:00 am-2:00 pm Short hike Ht9D, 9:00 am-2:00 pm Short hike Ht9ÂŁ, 9:,00 am-2:00 pm Workshop Wt 9A, 9:00 am-2:00 pm Workshop Wt 98, 2:30-4:00 pm Workshop Wt 9C, 9:30- t t :00 pm SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 Workshop W20A, t0:30 am-5:00 pm Workshop W208, t0:30 am-t2:t5

Workshop W20C, t 0: 30 am- t 2: t 5 pm Workshop W20D, t0:30 am- t 2: t 5 pm Short Hike H20A, 1:45-5:30 pm Short Hike H208, t :45-5:30 pm Tour T20A, t :45-5:30 pm Tour T208, t :45-5:30 pm Tour T20C, t :45-5:30 pm Tour T20D, t :45-5:30 pm MONDAY, AUGUST 21 Short hike H2 t A, 9:00 am- t :00 pm Short hike H2 t 8, 9:00 am- t :00

Trail lunches will be available for all hikes, tours, and workshops that extend through the lunch hour. Order on reverse side of this form. Trail lunches can be picked up during breakfast. OTHER IMPORT ANT INFORMATION The 24-hour emergency telephone number for Watson Homestead Conference Center-is 607 /962-0541 . The nearest airport to the Conference Center is Elmira-Corning Regional Airport which is served by USAir. For transportation from the airport to the Conference Center call the Fl TC Service Center at 716/288-7191 at least two weeks before arrival. Questions? Please call 716/288-7191.

Schedule

of. Activitie$ G

NCTA NATIONAL

CONFERENCE & FL TC ''LA TE SUMMER" OUTING

·FRIDAY. AUGUST 18. 1995

Ii.me. 12:00 pm-6:00 pm 1 :00 pm-5:00 pm 1 :00 pm-2:30 pm 2:30 pm-5:00 pm 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm 7:30 pm-9:00 pm

Comment Event Registration Short hikes Two choices available. See Hikes Proqrarn. Workshops Two choices available. See Workshops Program. Workshops · Two choices available. See Workshops Program. Empire '95 Picnic Reservation necessary. See Registration Form. Tom Knight, folk singer and musician. See Special Events Program.

SATURDAY.AUGUST19.1995

Ii.IM 8:00 am-5:00 pm 8:00 am-9:00 am · 9:00 am-4:00 pm 9:00 am-2:00 pm 9:00 am-2:00 pm 12:00 pm-1 :00 pm 2:30 pm-4:00 pm 4:30 pm-5:30 pm 5:30 pm-6:00 pm 6:00 pm-7:3o pm 7:30 pm-9:00 pm 9i30 pm-11 :00 pm

Comment ~ Registration Breakfast Reservation necessary. See Registration Form. Long hikes Two choices available. See Hikes Program. Short hikes Three choices available. See Hikes Program. Workshop One choice available. See Workshops Program. Lunch Reservation necessary. See Registration Form. Workshop One choice available. See Workshops Program. Plenary session See Special Events Program. Auction for NCTA See Special Events Program. Dinner Reservation necessary. See Registration Form. "The Kindness of Strangers" by Steven M. Newman, author of Worldwa/k. See Special Events Program. Workshop

See Workshops Program.

SUNDAY. AUGUST 20. 1995

IiIM 8:00 am-5:00 pm 8:00 am-9:00 am 9:00 am-10:15 am 10:30 am-5:00 pm 10:30 am-12: 15 pm 12:30 pm-1 :30 pm 1 :45 pm-5:30 pm 1 :45 pm-5:30 pm 6:00 pm- 7:30 pm 7:30 pm-9:00 pm

Comment Registration Breakfast · Reservation necessary. See Registration Form. NCTA Membership Meeting Workshop One choice available. See Workshops Program. · Workshops Three choices available. See Workshops Program. Lunch Reservation necessary. See Registration Form: Short hikes Two choices available. See Hikes Program. Self-guided tours. Four choices available. See Tours Program. Dinner Reservation necessary. See Registration Form. Bill Erwin, author of Blind Courage, with his Seeing Eye® dog Orient. See Special Events Program.

MONDAY. AUGUST 21. 1995 Event IiIM 8:00 am-9:00 am Breakfast 9:00 am-1 :00 pm Short hikes

Comment Reservation necessary. See Registration Form. Two choices available. See Hikes Program.

HIKES PROGRAM Times given are for departure from and return to Watson Homestead. Friday. August 18 1 :00-5:00 prri Hike H18A: Finger Lakes National Forest (NCT), 3.9 miles, modest hills. Forest, vineyards, and views of Seneca Lake. Visit Hector Falls. FLT map M-15, south Burnt Hill Road crossing to Satterly Hill Road, east to west. 1 :00-5:00 pm Hike H18B: Bath Hilltop Cruise (FLT), 3.2 miles, easy. Mostly level or down, through forest, with frequent panoramic viewpoints of intersecting glacially-scooped valleys. FLT map M-12, Barrett Road to Sandpit Road, north to south. Saturday. August 19 9:00 am-4:00 pm Hike H19A: Sugar Hill Walk (NCT), 7.5+ miles, easy, modest hills. Those in need of more exercise can add almost two miles of noteworthy climb at the beginning. Varying forests, ancient maple-lined lanes, an immense bed of trailing arbutus, and side loop to Sugar Hill Fire Tower. All forested now, but abundant evidence of extensive farm settlement in previous century. FLT map M-14, access points 1-3, west to east. 9:00 am-4:00 pm Hike H19B: Monterey's Revenge (NCT), 8.9 miles of serious hills. Shortest drive but hardest walk. All forested, with easy woods lane walk only for the first 1 Y:z miles, then multiple long ups and downs, with maximum change of over 600' in a mile or less... several times! NY hardwood forests at their best. FLT map M-13, access points 4-6, west to east. 9:00 am-2:00 pm Hike Hl 9C:. Bristol Hills Branch Trail (FLT), 13 to 13, level 4.5 miles or optional 5.3 miles with steep hill at beginning. Steep down at end. County route 13, main FLT (FLT map M-12) westward up wooded hill to south end of branch trail, then north through oak and hemlock forests and past lake down to CR 13 again (FLT map B3). 9:00 am-2:00 pm Hike H19D: Birdseye Hollow (NCT), 4.4 miles easy or down, plus optional 2.1 miles more at end. Old fields with great views, miles of varying forests, streams, a wildlife pond, old farmhouse foundations, old cemetery. FLT map M-12, east Longwell Road to map M-13, access point 2 (option 3), west to east, then south. Hike leader versed in local natural and human history. 9:00 am-2:00 pm Hike H19E: Watkins Glen Long (NCT), 6 miles, a little scrambly sometimes at beginning, but easy downhill cruise later through spectacular gorge in Watkins Glen State Park. FLT map M-14, access point 3 eastward then park trails down through gorge. Will require fairly fast walking to finish in time. Hike leader with plant and geology knowledge. Sunday. August 20 1 :45-5:30 pm Hike H20A: Mitchellsville Gorge Explore, 2.3 miles on FLT up gentle hill beside stunning gorge, under hemlocks and chestnut oaks, with optional routes partway up through stream gorge itself. Small detours for rock and water playtime for all. Well-informed leader for this trip through open geology book, complete with nifty plants. 1 :45-5:30 pm Hike H20B: Watkins Glen Short (NCT), 3 miles from access point 4 on FLT map M-14 down through world-famous go1ge on park trails after leaving FLT, west to east. Easy level, then down on rock steps, behind waterfalls. Monday. August 21 9:00 am-1 :00 pm Hike H21A: Queen Catherine and the Falls. Several short walks in Montour Falls to savor the Queen Catherine Marsh Trail's canalside birdwatching and Aunt Sara's Falls, internationally famous Che-Qua-GaFalls, and Havana Glen's twisting stream gorge and waterfall. No strenuous walks here in the valley bottom south of Seneca Lake, but the waters coming down off the hills make for great scenery. 9:00 am-1 :00 pm Hike H21B: Switzer Hill Ridge Walk (NCT), 3.8 miles, sharp down then a medium climb at the beginning, then long level ridge walk. Tall forests, with evidence of old hilltop homes. Hike led by tree weenie. Magnificent Yorski Oak at end. FLT map M-13, Goundry Hill Road east and north to access point 7.

WORKSHOPS PROGRAM Friday. August 18 1 :00-2:30 pm Workshop W18A: Organizing College Students for Trail Building and Maintenance-the Cornell Experience. Leaders Carol Theobald and Dan Tillemans, Cornell University Outdoor Education Program. Cornell University offers a very popular credit course for students interested in learning about building and maintenance of the NCT and FLT. Find out how it works. 1 :00-2:30 pm Workshop W188: Planning for a Long-Distance Hike. Leader Jim DeWan, Finger Lakes Trail End-toEnd Hiker #17. Jim is author of Go West Old Man: Forty-Five Days on the FLT. 2:30- 5:00 pm Workshop W1 SC: Obtaining Landowner Permission for Trails. Leaders Irene Szabo and Bob Emerson, Trail Sponsors, Finger Lakes Trail Conference. Irene and Bob will introduce you to the maze of county real estate records to help you find the owners in the first place, and discuss how to charm landowners into letting us play in their yards. 2:30-5:00 pm Workshop W18D: Producing Audio-Visual Programsfor and about Trails. Leader John Malcolm, Professor of Communications, Fredonia State College, New York. Learn modern techniques from an expert. Saturday. August 19 9:00 am-2:00 pm Workshop W19A: Chain Saw Use and Safety. Leader Joel Fiske, Forestry Consultant. Learn chainsaw skills and safety from a professional forester before clearing the trail. 2:30-4:00 pm Workshop W19B: Building Local and National Support for Trails. Leader Steve Elkinton, National Park Service. Steve is Program Leader for National Trails System Programming. He recently organized an excellent national conference in Washington, DC, on this topic. 9:30-11 :00 pm Workshop W19C: The Night Sky. Leader Wes Boyd, Editor, The North Star, Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association. Let's hope it's a clear night in New York. Sunday. August 20 10:30 am-5:00 pm Workshop W20A: Forestry Demonstration Tour. Leader Stan Martin, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Stan will lead a driving tour to roadside sites which show effects of forestry management practices. Short (1-3 mi) level walk follows to several more examples. 10:30 am-12:15 pm Workshop W20B: Poisonous Plants on the North Country Trail. Leader Mary Smith, Associate Professor of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University. Mary teaches a course on poisonous plants for veterinary students. 10:30 am-12:15 pm Workshop W20C: Use of Map and Compass. Leader Derek Blount, President of the North Country Trail Association. Learn the basics for finding your way. Supported by Brunton Compass. 10:30 am-12:15 pm Workshop W20D: Landowners, Liability, and Volunteers. Leader Bill Menke, National Park Service Administrator for the North Country Trail. Liability issues will emerge as the NCT crosses private property. Bill has researched and written about this topic for Pathways Across America, the newsletter for National Scenic and Historic Trails.

SPECIAL EVENTS PROGRAM Friday. August 18 7:30-9:00 pm Folk singer Tom Knight will present a concert of music savvy enough to get grown-ups as well as kids singing along. Some of Tom's themes are animals, food, and the environment. He is also a member of Peanut Butter & Jelly Puppeteers.Relax and sing along with your friends after your day of workshops, hiking, or traveling to the conference. A great program for kids and adults. Saturday. August 19 4:30-5:30 pm Plenary Session: The North Country Trail in Eastern New York. Karl Beardfrom the National Park Service will present a very informative program describing the meetings, planning sessions, and proposals for the route of the NCT in eastern NY. Will it be the Adirondacks or the Catskills? 5:30-6:00 pm Auction to benefit the NCTA Land Trust Fund. NCTA Executive Director Pat Allen will organizethe auction. Bid high on interestinq and useful items for the outdoors. Guess who will be the auctioneer. 7:30-9:00 pm "The Kindnessof Strangers" by Steven M. Newman, author of Worldwalk. Steven is listed in the Guiness Book of World Records for his remarkablefeat-he is the first person to walk around the world alone. It took him four years ( 1983-1987) to complete his 15,000-mile-long journey of five continents and 21 nations. This program will show, through several unusual human encounters on his world walk, that life is made of far more love than hatred. Steven's hometown is Bethel, Ohio. Sunday. August 20 7:30-9:00 pm Bill Erwin, author of Blind Courage, with his Seeing Eye速 dog Orient. Bill is the only blind person to have completed the 2, 168 mile Appalachian Trail. His trek was probably the single most publicized human endeavor in 1990 and an inspiring example of overcoming the odds. Bill will speak about his experienceson the AT. "This was one of the most fascinating true-life adventures that I have ever covered," said Al Dale, ABC News Correspondent.

TOURS PROGRAM These unique tours are "on your own." However, the FLTCwill gladly organizetour groups, arrange car pools, and provide informative brochures and maps to the tour sites. These tours will be on Sunday, August 20, from 1 :45 to 5:30 pm. Tour T20A: Corning Glass Center, Corning, NY. Discover all the beauty, wonder, and treasures of the magical world of glass. Tour the Corning Museum of Glass, the Hall of Science and Industry, the Steuben Glass Factory, and Corning Glass Center Shops. Admission $7 adults, $6 seniors, $5 youth. Tour T20B: Rockwell Museum, Corning, NY. Three amazingcollections await you in Corning's old City Hall, including the most comprehensiveexhibition of American Western art in the eastern U.S. See works of Albert Bierstadt, Thomas Moran, Joseph Henry Sharp, Frederic S. Remington, and C.M. Russell. The museum also features Carder Steuben glass and antique toys. Admission $4 adults, $3.60 seniors, students ages 6-17 $2.00. Tour T20C: Glenn H. Curtiss Museum, Hammondsport,NY. Mr. Curtiss was an early aviation pioneer. The museum houses early aircraft, engines, antiques, and dolls and focuses on local history of the Hammondsportarea. You can observe antique restoration in the restoration workshop. Admission charged. A group of 10 or more can get a guided tour for $3.00 per person. Tour T20D: National Soaring Museum, Big Flats, NY. This museum contains the largest collection of gliders in the world. Featured are combat gliders of World War II and the history and evolution of gliding. Admission charged. A group of 10 or more can get a guided tour for $2.00 per person.

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

June-July 1995

Page 15

National trail supportersmeet in Washington In early April, supporters of the 19 National Scenic and National Historic Trails came together in Washington at the National 4-H Conference Center for the Fourth National Conference on National Scenic and National Historic Trails. Participants included volunteers and paid staff from most of the national trails, and the National Park Service. The conference, sponsored largely by the Committee for the National Trails System, was held in Washington at least partly with the idea ofbeing able to lobby on Capitol Hill for the National Trails System. With the change in hands of the political leadership last fall, and the attendant discussion of budget cuts, it was made clear to the conference attendees that about the best that could be hoped for was to hold the line on the already modest amount of trail spending by the federal government. Most trail dollars spent by the National Park Service, and to a lesser extent by other agencies, are seed money to promote volunteerism, and the federal government sees an exceptional return for the dollar, so there was and is hope of holding the line for the time being. One of the highlights of the event came on Tuesday, when about 25 of the volunteer attendees of the conference went to Capitol Hill for a day oflobbying on behalf of the National Trails System. "What an interesting experience," reported Tom Reimers of the NCTA, one of six representatives of the organization attending the meeting. "I had never done anything like that before. I write a lot of letters to members of Congress supporting the environment, PBS, health issues and other matters of concern. But this was my first time walking the halls of Senate and House Office Buildings. Unfortunately, Congress was not in session during our visit. So, instead of speaking to Sen. Monyhian, Sen. Specter, Rep. Houghton and others I was assigned, I spoke with their legislative aides (some looked like they had just graduated from high school). The LA.s often know more about issues than do the members, so it was not wasted efforts. But, as expected, the aides knew little, if anything, about trails in general or the National Trails System." In all, staffs of about a hundred Senators and Congressmen received calls by the volunteer lobbyists. There was more to the meeting thanjust lobbying. There were a number of workshops on various aspects of trail interpretation and design, investigating trails

in the local area and as far away as Pennsylvania. Since Washington is the home of many national environmental groups whose interests touch that of the trails community, one of the more innovative things done at the conference was to hold a "trails fair" where trail representatives could meet with representatives of various organizations with interests in the Washington area. Much good contact was made in a short time. There was another purpose for the meeting: to discuss and set into motion the transition of the Committee for the National Trails System from an informal working group into a formal organization. Until recently, the operations of the Committee were handled on a part-time basis by Gary Werner of the Ice Age Trail, with some sponsorship from them and other trail groups, including NCTA. However, after a reorganization, the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation was unable to continue with its informal sponsorship. Considerable work was done on developing goals and objectives for the committee, as well as working out details of operations. However, much work remains to be done. One decision made was to change the name of the Committee to "Partnership for the National Trails System to more accuragely reflect how the group is cooperatively working on behalf of America's National Trails System. The NCTA had the largest delegation at the meeting of any of the 19 National Scenic and National Historic Trails. The representatives included NCTA President Derek Blount, Newsletter Editor Wes Boyd, Executive Director Pat Allen, Vice President Odell Bjerkness, Chet Fromm, Howard Beye and Tom Reimers, as well as the NPS's NCNSTspecialist, Bill Menke. The Madison NPS office also had Tom Gilbert, Dick Williams of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and Pam Schulyer of the Ice Age Trail. Many other National Scenic and National Historic Trails had representatives at the conference, from all over the country from Florida to Alaska -- the farthest distance traveled record easily being taken by Leo Rasmussen of the Iditarod NHT, who traveled to the conference from Nome, Alaska! The next National Conference of the National Scenic and National Historic Trails will be in Florida, at a location yet to be determined, hosted by the Florida Trail Association. It should prove to be another valuable experience for attendees.

Page 16

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

June-July 1995

Statement to Congress: Base FundingAppropriationsfor the nineteen National Scenic and National Historic Trails Editor's Note: OnApril4, 1995, Gary Werner, Chairman of the Committee for the National Trails System made this statement to the House of Representatives, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Interior. It reflects the level of participation by the federal government in the National Trails System. The actual Federal commitment is relatively small, but important as base funding. This is an important, perhaps pivotal statement, as the funding of the trails in the next few years will have much to do to determine their ultimate future. Mr. Chairman and members of the subcommittee: The Committee for the National Trails System appreciates the level ofsupportyou have given over the past several years, through base operating funds and earmarking of Challenge Cost Share funds, for the national scenic and national historic trails administered by the National Park Service. To continue the progress made possible by those funds and to provide proportional support for the trails administered by the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management,

the Committee requests that annual base operations funding be provided for each of the 19 national scenic and national historic trails for Fiscal Year 1996 through the following appropriations: •National Park Service $2.085 million for the 14 trails it administers and for coordination of the longdistance trails program by the Washington Park Service office. •USDA Forest Service $1.00 million for the four trails it administers and $200,000 for the portions of 5 other trails managed through agreements with the Park Service. (Editor's note: this has subsequently been increased to include $150,000 additional for NCT in recognition of 600 miles of trail the NFS administers, compared with 800 miles of AT. See below.) • Bureau of Land Management $150,000 for ad· ministration of the Iditarod National Historic Trail and $200,000 for the portions of seven other trails managed through agreements with the Park Service and USFS. We also ask that you continue to earmark approximately $600,000 of National Park Service Challenge Cost Share funds for the 14 national scenic and historic trails it administers. The level of funding and explicit recognition of the value of these trails that you have provided over the past several years has enabled the National Park Service to begin to direct significant essential resources to

each of the 14 trails it administers. To ensure that adequate resources continue to be available for all these trails, and to maintain the momentum that you have generated, we ask that you appropriate $2.085 million to the National Park Service for Fiscal Year 1996. Mindful of the extremely tight budgetary constraints of the Federal government, we are asking you to main-

tain the level of funding of the past several yeal"B rather than asking you to increase the funding to the level that is optimally needed for these trails. It is equally important that the national scenic and national historic trails administered or managed by the United States Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management receive similar budgetary recognition. Commensurate annual operations funding for these trails in the appropriations for these two agencies is essential. Recognizing the special responsibility for administering three national trails and one national historic trail, the Chief of the Forest Service recommended that $1 million be directed specifically for those trails in Fiscal Year 1995. Our committee thinks that this level of operations funding should be provided annually for these four trails and asks you to appropriate these funds specifically for the Continental Divide, Floridaand Pacific Crest National Scenic Trails and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail for FY 1996. Recognizing the management responsibility the Forest Service has for portions of 5 other trails, we ask you to appropriate $200,000 specifically for these trails. While the Bureau of Land Management has administrative authority for just the Iditarod National Historic Trail, it has on-the-ground management responsibility for hundreds of miles of seven of the trails administered by the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service. However, the Bureau of Land Management budget does not reflect this responsibility; the agency receives no funding specifically for these trails. We ask that you appropriate $150,000 for FY 1996 earmarked for administration of the lditarod National Historic Trail and $200,000 for management of the portions of the seven other trails under the care of the BLM.

The level of annual funding that we request is essential to support the public/private partnerships working to complete these trails. Only with this level of annual funding is there any hope of expanding the 19,000 miles of trail now open for public use into the full 38,000miles authorized by Congressin the National Trails System.

NORTH STAR:

The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

Public-spirited partnerships between private citizens and public agencies have been a hallmark of the National Trails System since its inception. These partnerships create the enduring strength of the Trails System and the trail communities that sustain it. They combine the local, grass-roots energy and responsiveness of volunteers with the responsible continuity of public agencies. They also provide a way to enlist private financial support for public projects, often resulting in a greater than equal match of funds. One of the strengths of these trail partnerships is the capacity to respond quickly to opportunities and take advantage of local resources that may become available on short notice. Authority contained in Section 7(h) of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241) enables the responsible federal agencies to make _ full use of these opportunities and ensure most effective use of public and private funds by establishing longterm partnerships with private support organizations. These trail partnerships are models to be emulated throughout the National Park System. The commitment of the private trail organizations toward the success of these partnerships as the means for making these trails grows even as Congress' support for the trails has grown. As in previous years, in 1994

the trail organizations channeled over 301,000 hours of documented volunteer labor valued at more than $3,300,000toward completion of the national scenic and national historic trails. In addition the various trail organizations also directly applied private sector contributions of $2,444,907to benefit the trails. Additional ink.ind and uncounted monetary contributions from thousands of volunteers and cooperating organizations would likely double this amount. Many state and local governments have made equally substantial annual contributions to support the national scenic and historic trails. Several states are equal partners with the Federal agencies in the management of these trails and a number of states make annual financial contributions to managing these trails that are several times greater than the funds appropriated by Congress. Examples of the commitment of states to these national trails include: - 527 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail open for public use are managed by state or local agencies in all seven states through which the trail passes. These agencies annually spend at least $158,000 on trail maintenance an improvements. The State of Ohio alone manages 190 miles of the NCNST; - the State of Florida has spent or has committed to spend $7,919,485 to protect more than 225 miles of corridor for the Florida National Scenic Trail; - the State of Wisconsin manages more than 130 miles of the completed Ice Age National Scenic Trail spending more than $65,000 annually for trail maintenance and improvements. Wisconsin has also committed $5 million of Stewardship Program funds over the course of 10 years to help purchase a scenic corridor for the Ice Age Trail. These funds are provided on a 1:1 matching basis, thus they will ultimately result in $10

June-July 1995

Page 17

million of land protected for the national scenic trail; - state and local agencies in Colorado, New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri protect and administer important sites along the Santa Fe National Historic Trail committing over 1300 staff hours annually and $260,000 to maintain the historical resources of this national trail; The National Park Service Challenge Cost Share funds have significantly increased the activity along the trails. In FY 1995 the $635,212 provided by Congress will fund 85 projects throughout the country With a total value of$1,665,129. The $1,029,917 provided by trail organizations and state and local government agencies to support these projects represents a 162% match to the Federal investment. Although they are not as completely documents as the National Park Service supported projects, a similar number of Challenge Cost Share projects sponsored by the Forest Service will be completed along the national scenic and historic trails this year. The Forest Service has been able to match Federal dollars by as much as 3:1 to complete trail construction and maintenance projects throughout the country. However, even this level of activity does not complete all the potential projects along the trails. For every project funded there is another awaiting funding. The Challenge Cost Share approach is one of the most effective and efficient ways for the Federal agencies to accomplish a wide array of projects for public benefit while also sustaining partnerships that involve countless private citizens in doing public service work. A perhaps unintended, but equally important consequence of these partnerships fostered by Federal funds, is the growth of communities of citizens with shared interests all across the country. There is no way to put a dollar value on the many ways the social fabric that ties this nation together is nurtured by these many communities of volunteers working on trail projects across the land. The Challenge Cost Share programs should be funded as generously as poesible

as a wise investment of public money that will generate public benefits many times greater than the appropriation made. Directing a portion of those funds specifically toward the national scenic and historic trails will continue the steady progress underway to make them fully available for public enjoyment. While emphasizing the contributions of private organizations and state and local governments to the trail partnerships it would be a mistake to overlook the essential role the federal agencies play in these partnerships. The continuity, coordination and guidance provided by the Federal trail managers, especially for the trails that span a number of states, and invaluable contributions to the trailmaking efforts. 'lbe presence offulltime Federal managers for these trails, like park superintendents or forest supervisors, provides a validation of the national significance of these resources that only agents of the Federal government can provide. This Federal presence draws both local governmental and private contributions toward making trails that, while they provide local benefits to many comm unities,

Page 18

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

are singularly special in their regional scope and national stature. Two examples of the critical catalytic role played by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service in forging these trails are currently underway in the Rocky Mountain states. To facilitate administration of the fo~r continent-spanning historic trails that served as the ''highways" for American settlement of the West, the National Park Service has recently opened a National Historic Trails Office in Salt Lake City, Utah. Using some of the additional funds you provided in the FY 1995 appropriation the Park Service has consolidated the administration of the Oregon, California, Mormon Pioneer and Pony Express National Historic Trails into an office to be shared with the Bureau of Land Management staff that guides the management of much of the public land these trails cross. This arrangement and location will facilitate inter-agency cooperative and coordinated management of these trails and easier communication with the partner trail organizations supporting these trails. With similar initiative the U.S. Forest Service, through the National Forest Foundation, has begun to develop a significant "grassroots" volunteer and corporate funding support for the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. While much of this trail is on public land, like the Appalachian and Pacific Crest National Scenic Trails, it does not yet have the strong private support in the partnership to sustain it that these other two long-established trails have. The National Forest Foundation is providing and supporting staff to present the story of this trail to potential supporters throughout the Rocky Mountain states. The first major conference promoting the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail is scheduled for the end of April. Adequate annual Federal funding is crucial to sustaining the public/private partnerships that are steadily transforming the national scenic and national historic trails from lines on maps and plans into a grand part of our national heritage for all Americans to enjoy. Our private organizations and their many volunteers, and many state and local governments are committed to making our fair contribution to the trailmaking effort. We ask you to keep faith with us by maintaining the strength of the Federal contribution to our trail partnerships.

Your support

is needed! by Gary Werner:

June-July 1995

Editor's note: On May 4, Werner wrote to Congressman Regula, expanding and revising the remarks made before the committee. Part of his revisions included requests of $7 5,000 in funding to the Forest Seroice Trail Construction Accounts to each of these four trails: The Continental Divide, Florida and Pacific Crest National Scenic Trails, and the Nez Perce National Historic Trail. Also requested was a total of $900,000 in funding the Recreation Operation and Maintenance Accounts of the above trails, plus $200,000 for the Appalachian NST. In addition, Werner wrote: "In consulting with knowledgeable trail leaders and managers about the realistic funding needs for the trails I discovered that the U.S. Forest Service has responsibility for a considerable portion of the completed North Country National Scenic Trail, that is not reflected in the funding requested above. Nearly 600 miles of the North Country Trail are open for public use are located on national forest land and maintained by the Forest Service. This is a major portion of the existing North Country Trail and compares to the 838 miles of the Appalachian Trail managed by the Forest Service for which $200,000 of maintenance funds are needed. To properly maintain the sections of the North Country National Scenic Trail managed by the Forest Service an additional $150,000 should be appropriated in the Recreation Operation and Maintenance Account. With this correction I ask that a total of $1.35 million be appropriated specifically for these six national scenic and historic trails administered or managed by the U.S. Forest Service rather than the $1.2 million requested in my testimony. "Direct allocation of these fund for these trails by Congress is appropriate to give due recognition of their special national significance and to assure that the money is applied directly to these trails at the administrative levels where it can provide most benefit to the public. Direct allocation will also facilitate better accounting of the use of these funds and, if continued annually, will help foster the long term partnerships that ultimately save the government tremendous sums of money. Steady direct funding will enable the trail partners to plan projects, using Challenge Cost Share authority, that can draw heavily on local community resources to multiply the value of Federal dollars appropriated by several times."

I understand that the Subcommittee on Interior will be marking up the Interior Department and Forest Service Appropriations Bill for Fiscal 1996 in early June. H is

important that you send letters NOWto Congressman Regula and to other members of the Subcommittee supporting this request I have made for your trails. In my discussion, I stressed the need to earmark this level of funding as the base minimum necessary for continuing progress on these trails for two reasons: First, it is important that Congress understand the funding needed to build and maintain these trails which it has designated as the most significant in the Country. Second, it is equally important that the Forest Service budget explicitly recognizes the money needed to support these premier trails. Under the current broad functional category budgeting practiced by the Forest Service there is no explicit recognition of these trails; funds expended for them are included with the funds for all other trails, campground, picnic areas, and other recreational facilities.

Please send letters to Congress stressing the funding neededfor your trail, and the contributions your organization is already making to support your trail.

NORTH STAR:

The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

June-July 1995

Page 19

MAJOR EOlHPMENX-- each in its own stuff sack

Run-packing byJoeDabes (Editor's note= I thought I was doing good carrying 31 lbs. for a week on Isle Royale a few years ago, while seeing people carrying 60 or 70 or even 80 pound packs. Joe goes a lot farther when it comes to light-weight. This list has been kicking around for a while; I think I first saw it the last time we had a national meeting in New York, in 1988. But, it's been suggested that I run it again. The original version of this list included prices, which I've deleted since they're pretty dated. -- WB) Cali the pleasures of trail running be combined with the challenge of survival in the woods? Can you backpack what is needed to live comfortably in the outdoors for several days, yet keep the weight low enough (12to19 pounds) forcomfortablerunning?With the development of high tech materials such as GoreTex and polyproplyene fabrics, the answer is yes! Enter the new sport of run-packing. For thirty years I've enjoyed backpacking. For the last fifteen years I've been running. Seven years ago I wondered if these two sports could be combined -- could the 40 to 50 pounds that backpackers often carry be cut to a small enough weight that running is possible? After researching camping stores and mail order catalogues, I found that one could live in comfort in the woods with as little as 11 pounds of equipment. With two to three days food and a quart of water this increases to sixteen to nineteen pounds, still light enough to carry in a small day pack and a fanny pack. With the equipment listed below I've traveled on foot over 1000 miles, averaging 20 to 25 miles a day. I usually run the first half of each day and walk the second half (and the steeper uphills). The equipment rides well with no jouncing during running. With this equipment I've traveled the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and the Finger Lakes Trail surprising hikers who couldn't believe what I was doing. During the summer months and with an occasional lean-to along the trail this equipment allow one to live in comfort in the woods. Carrying only two to three days food is not a serious limitation since you can travel sixty to one hundred miles before restocking. I use foods that can be purchased at any grocery store and plan trips to reach either a village or a cache every several days. A list of equipment follows. Substitutes of comparable weights can be found by studying mail order camping supply catalogs.

Down Sleeping bag (Down is essential as it compresses much more than synthetics -- enclose in stuff sack and small garbage bags to keep safe from moisture and sweat. North Face Blue Kazoo, 2 lb, 0 oz Gore-Tex Bivy Sack w/netting, add grommets, nylon strings to hold hood off face. Early Winters 1 lb, 0 oz Coated nylon tarp 6ft x 8 ft w/6 nylon strings attached -- used as ground cloth or rain fly 10 oz Air mattress short light nylon - L.L. Bean 8 oz Polypro underwear tops and bottoms 9 oz Gamex Running Suit used as rain/wind gear; bugs can't bite through it - Sports Europa, Miami 10 oz

PACKS Day pack - REI - 1450 cu in w/padded shoulder straps and waistbelt 12 oz Cordura fanny pack - REI - 450 cu. in (day pack should rest on filled fanny pack, putting most ofload on waist Soz FOOD GEAB Most food and food gear in a stuff sack

Aluminum pot with lid - 2 qt- 4.5 in. diam. x 6 in. deep (keep in plastic bag, don't need to wash outside) 7 oz Sterno two 7-oz cans w/piggyback stove (Sterno found in hardware and general stores during trip; though slow to cook, any other backpack stove is too heavy for running. Wood is used for cooking when possible 14 oz Windscreen 6" x 19" - make from heavy aluminum foil and collapse into accordian shape for carrying 1 oz Folding knife 1 oz Lexan spoon 1 oz Plastic measuring cup 1 oz GI can opener attach to cord on food stuff sack 0 oz N algene straight jar for margarine 2 oz. size 1 oz Nalgene widemouth bottle for water, 1 qt. 4 oz ~rnamp~m~m loz CLOTHING other than noted in major equipment Running shorts light weight nylon 3 oz T-shirt 4oz Socks 2 pr., light orion (not the short ones unless you like scratched ankles) 3 oz Wash Cloth used as a towel 2 oz In addition to the above carried clothing, I normally wear running shorts, t-shirt, baseball cap, socks, a pair of running shoes with a good waftle tread, and a watch

NECESSITYIXEMS

Carried in a see-through bag Repellant REI jungle juice (95% DEET) 2 oz Fire fiy fiashlights - two 2 oz Shampoo used as a universal soap 3 oz Toothpaste 1.25 oz tube 1 oz Sawed-off toothbrush (handle shortened) 1 oz Dental fioss 0 oz Scrub pad 0 oz Matches in plastic baggie 1 oz Iodine water treatment tablets treat all surface water -- Giardia may be carried by all animals 1 oz Compass ~ 1 oz Candle cut-off 路 1 oz

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NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

Sunscreen Medicines aspirings, antihistamines, et.c) Fire starter was impregnated paper sticks) Safety pins Kleenix tissues Nylon twine 25-ft - important in bear country Needle & thread Maps edges & unnecessary areas trimmed off Band-afds & bandages Pen & pad for trip notes Some ''light" reading Money & credit card

2 oz 1 oz 1 oz 0 oz 2 oz 1 oz 0 oz 1 oz 1 oz 1 oz 1 oz 1 oz

FOOD These typical food items are removed from boxes and placed, if necessary, in baggies. Cut out directions and tape to bags. Most of these items will fit in food stuff sack. Insiant coffee & creamer in baggy 2oz Dried milk 3oz 8teabags 1 oz .. 4.oz S packages instant oatmeal Tang breakfast drink 2 packages Cream of Wheat 2oz 5 granola bars 5oz PeanutM&Ms 6oz Dried mixed fniit or raisins 6oz Ram.en noodles 3oz Pepperoni stick 5oz Cheese 3oz Tuna helper 7 oz Tuna (tiny tin) 3oz Lipton noodle dinner 5oz Uncle Ben's rice pilaf '66z Lemonade mix 6oz Margarine (in margarine container) 2oz Water (in water container) 2 lb 0 oz

Sierra Club Service Trigs

New Trail Construction and Maintenance

3o~路

Joe Dabes is a marathon runner, former NCTA Board Member, and the first person to end-to-end the Finger Lakes Trail twice.

June-July 1995

路

Beginning in the mid-eighties, the Sierra Club under the leadership of the now deceased Vince Smith sponsored numerous outings to construct and maintain sections of the North Country Trail in both the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. Many individuals have helped to maintain this tradition and continue his efforts to construct new trail. This year, the Sierra Club will again sponsor both weekend and weeklong trips in different parts of the state. In May, the club put some finishing touches on parts of the trail recently constructed in Kalkaska and Antrim counties. In July, they will work on new trail in the Wilderness State Park near Wycamp Lake in Emmet County. Again, two weeks will be devoted to continue the construction of new trail near Old Victoria in Ontonagon County, under the able leadership of Gene Elzinga. Any able bodied person may participate in these trips for a day or the whole week by contacting the leader of the trips. The cost to individuals is $10 to $15 dollars a day, mainly for food and camping expenses. The schedule of remaining trips for this year: July 7-16: Wycamp Lake in Emmet County to construct new trail south of Wilderness State Park. Choose a weekend or as much of the week as you like. Contact Ralph Powell (l-313-971-9013)or Ron Killebrew (1-313-429-0671). August 13-26: Old Victoria, to work on trail construction in Ontanagon County near Ottawa National Forest. Participantscanstayin the reconstructed cabin or camp nearby and spend either a day or up to two weeks in the area. Contact Gene Elzinga, 12 Middle Island, Marquette, MI 49885 (1-906-255-1704).

New volunteer opportunity: revising maps for the USGS

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) Volunteer for Science Program is pleased t.o announced expanded volunteer opportunities. The USGS is the Federal Government's principal civilian mapmaking agency, the primary source of its data on the quality and quantity of the nation's water resources, and the nation's primary provider of earthscience information on natural hazards, the environment, and mineral and energy resources. Since 1986, over 6000 individuals of all ages and walks of life have shared in some exciting research and analysis, technical development, information updates, and administrative tasks that are essential to the USGS mission. USGS Earth Science Corps (ESC) volunteers, either individuals or groups, annotate USGS maps of

areas at or near their homes with information that will aid in map revision. The areas usually concide with one or more of the USGS primary series topographic maps, which number over 5400 in the conterminous United States, alone. ESC volunteers also may be invited to participate in project that provide Federal Agencies with other types of earth science data. The ESC has a toll free telephone number, 1800-254-8040, a fax number of (703) 648-6265, and an internet address of eccorps@usgs.gov. Another program enables volunteers to earn AmeriCorps eduation awards. Information and an annual guide listing over 100 different volunteer opportunities are available by writing to Volunteer for Scienoo, USGS, 601 National Center; sending an internet message to volnteer@usgs.gov; or call (703) 648-7 440.

NORTH STAR:

The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

June-July 1995

Page21 d

Student Conservation Association workshop:

Build trail for the long term by Bill Menke National Park Service Along with twelve other NCTA or NCNST related individuals, Tom Gilbert and I were privileged to participated in the May 5-10 Student Conservation Association (SCA) Work Skills Program held near Rib Lake, W1SC0nsin. In addition to us North Country people, there were twenty participants from the Ice Age NST who took part in the course. SCA is a non-profit organization with headquarters in Seattle, Washington. They were initially formed to identify and provide conservation related service projects for college student. Today, they have three major components, an intern program where they place interns with an agency or organization (Pat Allen has obtained interns for the summer of '95); a high school trail program where they place a trail crew and a trained supervisor in a park or forest for most of the summer, and the Work Skills Program. In its eleven year history, SCA's Work Skills Program has come to be recognized as a national premier training program for traditional work skills, conservation lore, and the techniques of volunteer management. The program blends the best of traditional rustic skills with effective contemporary land management techniques to provide participants with new abilities and solutions for addressing the resource issues of agencies and conservation organizations. SCA provides this training to many agencies including the National Park Service and USDA Forest Service, and specializes in teaching trail construction and management techniques and the associated traditional skills that are required when working in Wilderness areas. What is a typical SCA Work Skills session like? Well, first of all, if you ever get the opportunity to attend one of these sessions, go prepared to work-even in the rain. A session is designed to teach trail management techniques through on-the-ground work that accomplishes something for the host site. Speaking from experience, your unused muscles will get tested from swinging a tool all day and you will learn if your rain gear is as good as you think it is. This year, we worked in a steady rain one entire day. At Rib Lake, each student could select to work at four of the five instructional stations that were offered. These five stations were: Rustic Timber Construction, Rock Construction and Rigging, Trail Survey and de-

sign, Trail Construction, and a Drainage (mud) Project. The 34 participants were divided into five smaller groups with each group rotating to a different one of the stations each day. All of the work stations were located on the Ice Age NST and accomplished real work that was needed to improve the trail. The Timber Construction Crews built a solid stringer timber bridge, approximately 21 feet long, across a branch of the Yellow River within the Ice Age Semi-Primitive Area on the Chequamegon National Forest. Two large hardwoods were felled, cut to length to span the river, peeled, and hewed to make flat sides and walking surface. It was estimated that each of the two stringers weighed about a ton. They were moved the approximately 300 feet to the crossing site using a block and tackle with four people serving as horses and the other two or three people keeping log rollers under the stringers and guiding them along the route. The end result - a very massive log bridge that should last for many years. All of the rest of the projects occurred on Taylor County Forest lands along what is called the East Lake segment of the Ice Age Trail. The ''mud" station was located along an approximate 100 foot section of the trail that gradually sloped to an existing bridge across a small, clear stream. In this area, illegal ATVs had literally churned the trail into 6-10 inch deep mud soup. All of this soup was gradually moving toward the creek. For four long days, students wallowed in the mud as they worked to correct the situation. The solution chosen was to construct a "turnpike" section of trail. Logs were peeled and positioned to define the width of the trail tread and contain the granular fill material that was quarried and brought to the site in unique twowheeled carts that were designed by Steve Clark - a field coordinator forthe Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation for the northern part of the State. At the end of the

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NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

four days, the section was elevated and the tread was nicely crowned so that it would remain dry. We could now walk the trail without wading in the mud. Hopefully, the new turnpike is narrow enough to discourage theA'IVs from getting on it. The remaining three stations worked on another section of trail that needed to be relocated due to the fact that it was following a woods road. Here we learned many lessons. When the original trail was laid out, it went on the ground quickly - because the road was there. But, it was not only a non-certifiable segment because it was open to vehicles - it was a poor ''trail". Woods road typically go straight up and straight down hills because they are easier, quicker and cheaper to build than if they are properly located and designed in the first place by considering such factors as degree of slope and built to contour a hill. But a road (or a trail) built in this manner is very difficult to maintain and is short lived. It is next to impossible to prevent erosion when grades are between 20 and 30 percent and run straight up (or down) the face of the hill. Not only was the road (trail) uncomfortable to walk- it was eroding. The solution was to relocated the trail to a more suitable, scenic and sustainable location by utilizing sidehill construction. We find this scenario of wanting to get trail on the ground quickly occurring quite regularly along both the Ice Age and North Country NSTs. Using topo maps, compasses, and clinometers, the Survey and Design Crews located a route for the trail that turned out to be much more scenic than the old location and certainly more sustainable. The route gradually angled down a long hill, followed along a bench overlooking a wet area where marsh marigolds were just coming up and will offer hikers a splash of color a little later in the spring, gradually re-ascended the hill and then followed along a ridge overlooking East Lake - a veey pretty kettle lake. Eventually this new location reconnected with the old trail and all said, eliminated perhaps 4/10 mile of the old location. Not only did this turn out to be a prettier route, but it is now located in an area where the County Forester told us that timl>er cutting would not be done - so the trail is better protected. Besides learning how to locate the trail, we also learned how to stake the trail for the construction crew that would build it in subsequent days. Each day, the Trail Construction Crew would build trail on the location surveyed the previous day. Using mattocks, pulaskis, fire rakes, McLeods, loppers, and other hand tools, the crew gradually built new trail. All of it was full bench, side hill trail with back slopes in some places approaching three feet in height. Sidehill trail such as this, while taking longer to build, is the most sustainable kind of trail and should last for many, many years. While not criticizing the work of the dedicated volunteers who located the original trail - if it had been build using these techniques, it would not have needed to be relocated. In a relatively short period oftime(perhaps lOyears), the trail has been built twice rather than only once. The obvious question is-was it really cost effective to follow the woods road in the first

Juf1fhluly 1995

place? According to Tom Gilbert, who has seen more of the Ice Age Trail than I, 'Tlrls new trail is probably the highest quality segment anywhere along the Ice Age Trail." The new route crossed one area where the last glacier created a steep drainage filled with boulders. Here, the Rock and Rigging Crew build an approximately 50 feet long retaining wall to support the trail tread. The instructor for this station was from Baxter State Park, in Maine-within which is Mount Kat.ah.din, the north end of the Appala.chian路Trail. There, he is in charge of their trail crews and is considered to be an expert in the technique of "rigging". It was fascinating to learn how to rig. cables and use the GripHoist (we have previously purchased two of these for FLTC) to pick up and move boulders up to three feet in diameter down the slope some 50 or 75 feet to where the retaining wall was being built. As Lester, the instructor said, "Once you learn about rigging, you won't ever want to go back to trying to move these things by hand." If we ~<;lentify areas along our trail where there is a major p\.oject requiring the movement of rocks, logs, or other heavy materials, it may pay for us to purchase the rigging supplies and learn the techniques which will make thejobeasier. Again and again, we heard that we should take the time to locate and build the trail for the long haul similar to the work done by the CCC's. We are still profiting from the work they did in the 1930's and 40's. Likewise, our trail should be built so that it is still functional some 50 years from now. The trail should be built so that it requires minimal maintenance over the years. This means that it inust be properly located and designed with correct grades in the first place. It also means that we should use long lasting materials (rocks) whenever there is a choice and choose the correct trail structure for the site. A rock lined turnpike leading across a poorly drained area to a short bridge may be more effective than a longer puncheon bridge, for instance. Building a trail right means getting less trail on the ground in agivenamountoftime, but in the long run that is more efficient and cost effective. One of the other major lessons was to employ the simplest technique that will solve a problem. For instance: do something like draining a mud hole or wet area or putting a couple of stepping stones in it before going to the effort and expense of building a puncheon bridge or other structure. Test the simple solution. for a year or so to see if the trail firms up. If it does, you have saved labor and expense and haven't created a more complicated trail structure which will need recurring maintenance. In summary, there was universal agreement by all attending that the instructors training techniques, the training itself, the SCA philosophy, the opportunities to learn sound trail techniques - through work, and the sharingamongparticipant.swasoutstanding.NPSpaid the entire costs of the session except for transportation to the site. We hope to be able to repeat this type of training in future years and anticipate that the next location may be near the Ohio-Pennsylvania line.

NORTH STAR:

The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

June-July

Page23

1995

Trail dedicationin North Dakota June 23 The North Country Trail is now being developed in North Dakota and 59 miles have already been certified by the National Park Service in the state. To commemorate this accomplishment, and recognize the efforts of the various agencies and organizations involved with this project, the North Dakota Fish and Game Department is going to hold a formal dedication of the North Country Trail. This event is tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of June 23, 1995 at the Lonetree Wildlife Management Area near Harvey, ND. The North Dakota Fish and Game Department, together with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is inviting anyone to take part in this event. Most of the details have not been worked out yet, but in the meantime, you

NCTA fills recreational planning assistant post Plans for various segments of the North Country NSTshould be able to move ahead more rapidly, with the naming of Kimberly Blair as the Recreational Planning Assistant. As an NCTA employee, she will work in the Madison office of the National Park Service, in close contact with NPS representative Bill Menke on various trail planning projects in several states. She has a bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture from Ball State University, and has worked as a landscape architect technician at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Bayfield, Wisconsin., where she developed a comprehensive site plan for trails and other uses on Presque Isle. She also had worked for Applied Ecological Services in Brodhead, Wisconsin, where she worked in the restoration of prairies and wetlands. Among the projects that she will be working on for the NCTA in the NPS office will be trail development plans in eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, western WISCOnsin, and eastern New York, in cooperation with National Park Service officials as well as local units of government and groups.

NCTAgets grant for Wisconsin promotion The Environmental Committee of REI, of Madison Wisconsin, has awarded the NCTAa grantof$4,100 for it'sÂˇ Wisconsin Connections program. This program indudes several different items for promoting organizational membership and the trail in Wisconsin. The proposal from the NCTA was one of 76 received, totaling requests for $530,000. REI was able to support 17 groups around the nation working to protect "Our Great Outdoor Places.

may contact Scott Peterson, ND Fish and Game Department, RR2, Box 32, Harvey, ND 58341 (701) 3242211 for more information.

Development threatens Serpent Mound One of the most unique places along the North Country Trail is facing the threat of being ruined by surrounding development. The potential for an 1100 acre lake, including a development of2500 homes, surrounding three sides of Serpent Mound in Ohio is causingplentyof controversy. Located near Peebles, Ohio, with the North Country Trail passing through it, Serpent Mount is probably the best known prehistoric mound in the United States -- and for good reason. The quarter-mile-long earthen embankment resembling a writhing snake with an egg in its mount is certainly the largest and finest serpent effigy in North America. Created between 800 BC and AD 100 of stone and yellow clay, whe who and the why of this unusal creation remain essentially mysteries. Speculation centers on the role of snakes in the religious beliefs and mythology of ancient peoples. To many cultures, in all parts of the world, a snake represented eternity because of its ability to shed its skin annually in an apparent renewal of life. Perhaps the earthen efficy is a celebration of immortality. Sadly, this unique ancient treasure is threatened by modern plans for residential development. It was included on the 1993 list of the 11 most endangered historic places in the United States by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The irony is that the great Serpent Mound was one of the first American archaeological conservation projects. For more information about Serpent Mound, contact Serpent Mound State Memorial, 3850 State Rt. 73, Peebles, OH 45660; (513) 587-2796.

SWISS

ALPS

GRINDELWALD KANDERSTEG ZERMATT SAAS-FEE MURR EN GSTAAD LENK FLUELEN WENG EN ENGELBERG BETTMERALP LEUKERBAD RIGl-KALTBAD Moderate optlonal length DAY hiking along skyline trella. 7-2 week tours baaing at 15 mountain 3-4 atar hotela. All hikes guided by NCT member Cecil Dobbinâ&#x20AC;˘. For a free color brochure cell (2161 867-3771, or write to:

ALPINE ADVENTURE TRAILS TOURS, lac. 713 V Clllfllde AKRON, OH

The

D~. 44313

Hikers

swissairC Paradise

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NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

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rrEMS FOR THIS COLUMN m..L!§Lbe received before the deadline date given on Page 4 of this newsletter. We welcome listing activities of affiliated organizations, but we must be aware of them in sufficient time for publication.

NCTA August 1: Newsletter deadline. August 18-21, 1995: NCTA Second Annual Conference, Watson Homestead Conference Center, Coopers Plain, NewYork. For more information, Contact Howard Beye, Finger Lakes Trail Conference, 202 Colebourne Rd, Rochester NY 14609 (716) 288- 7191. September 15: Challenge Cost Share Projects due to NPS. For more information, contact Bill Menke, NPS, (608) 264-5610. October 1: Newsletter deadline. November 11: NCTA Board of Directors meeting.

Michigan June 10: Western Michigan Chapter Hike Green Lake Pathway, 14 mi NW of Clare. 8.5 mi, flat to slightly rolling, easy. Call Dave S., (616) 784-8975. June 13: Western Michigan Chapter, hike NCT in Newaygo County, Three Mile to Nine Mile. Call Dave T, (616) 281-8813. June 17: Western Michigan Chapter, Hike Muskegon State Park. 1 O mile hike, very photographic, various size sand dunes, moderately difficult hiking. Call Dave S., (616) 784-8975. Jln! 18-24: IWA tike in Maistee, Ml aea. Accomodations at Days Inn of Manistee, (616) 723-8385. July 1: Western Michigan Chapter, hike Allegan State Game Area. 1 O mile hike, photographic, trail winds around Swan Lake. Flat to rolling hills, easy hiking. Call Dave S., (616) 784-8975. July 8: Western Michigan Chapter, hike Hoffmaster State Park. 1 O mile hike, photographic. Trail follows a stream and Lake Michigan Shoreline. Rolling to hilly terrain, easy to moderate hiking. Call Dave S., (616) 784-8975. July 11. Western Michigan Chapter hike NCT in Lake County, Big Star Lake Rd., to Bowman Bridge. Call Dave T., (616) 281-8813. July 16-20. Western Michigan Chatper hike Pukawska National Park, Ontario. Very photographic. This will be a campout at the park. 40 miles of hiking trails with a beautiful waterfall. Call Dave S., (616) 784-8975. July 22: Western Michigan Chapter, hike Seidman Park in Grand Rapids. A nice leisurely day hike of 6 miles. Call Dave S., (616) 784-8975.

June-July 1995

July 29: Western Michigan Chapter hike Betsie River Pathway between Frankfurt and Thompsonville on M115. "". 10 mile hike, rolling.t&hilly terrain, easy to moderate hiking. Call Dave S., (616) 784-8975. August 1: Western Michigan Chapter meeting, 6:30 PM at the home of Alan Adsmond, 2386 O'Brian Rd., Grand Rapids, Ml. The earlier hour is so we can take a one mile hike on the A.T. (Alan's Trail). Call Alan (616) 453-3069 for directions. August 4: Grand Traverse Hiking Club Isle Royale trio. Eoch hiker is responsible fa making their own resavations to and from the island. For reservation information and rates contact the National Park Service at (906) 4820984. Please contact Dick Naperla at (616) 223- 7903for more details and rendevous time prior to making reservations. August 5: Western Michigan Chapter hike, Saugatuck Dunes State Park. 14 mile hike, photographic. Rolling to hilly terrain. Hiking easy. Trail leads out to Lake Michigan. Call Dave S., (616) 784-8975. August 8: Western Michigan Chapter, hike Lake County. Five Mile to Centerline. Call Dave T., (616) 281-8813. August 12-15: Western Michigan Ch."lpl:er, Canoe, camp and hike outing, Lake Leelanau. Call Jim and Gladys at (616) 677-1621 for more information. August 19: Western Michigan Chapter hike Cadillac Pathway. 11.3 miles of trail, flat to rolling with some hills. Hiking easy. Call Dave S., (616) 784-8975. August 26: Western Michigan Chapter, hike NCT, Pierce Road to High banks, 9 miles, photographic rolling terrain with some hills, easy hiking. Call Dave S., (616) 784-8975. Sept. 2: Western Michigan Chapter hike, Seidman Park, Grand Rapids, 6 mile hike, rolling to hilly terrain, easy to moderate difficulty. Call Dave S., (616) 7848975. Sept 12: Western Michigan Chapter hike in Newaygo County, 40th to Baseline. Call Dave T., (616) 281-8813. Sept. 13: Hike Sheep Ranch Pathway. Five miles flat to slightly rolling. Call Ruth, (616) 453-8622 or Ginny, )616) 689-6876.

New York June 17: Cayuga Trails Club Ado~-&Highway Cleanup session, 1 O AM to 12 Noon. Contact Harold Mills 0460} for information. June 19-24: Alley CatTrail Crew Work Week #1. Based at Letchworth State Park. Cre\N Leader Stephanie Spittal (716) 768-6495. June 24: Hike Across Steuben County #3. See above. June 25: Cayuga Trails Club Trail maintenance work session on the Connecticut Hill segment of the FLT. Meet at 1 :30 PM at Ithaca Plaza (Elmira Rd). Bring bow saw, loppers and clippers if you have them. Peter Harriott (273-6049) leader.

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NORTH STAR:

The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

July 1 : Finger Lakes Trail Runners sponsors Finger Lakes Trail Fifties, Virgil State Forest, 6:30 AM. Call (607) 387-6281 for information. July 16: Finger Lakes Trail Runners sponsors Forest Frolic Trail Runs, Virgin State Forest, 9 AM. Call (607) 2n-7816for information. July 22: Hike Across Steuben County #4. See above. July 29: FLTC President's Hike, Montery NY. Leader Rich Joki (607) 739-n98. August 13: Finger Lakes Trail Runners sponsor Virgil Mountain Madness Trail Run, Virgil State Forest, 8:30 AM. Call (607) 257-3592 for information. Sept. 3: Finger Lakes Trail Runners sponsor Monster Marathon and half marathon, Virgil State Forest, 7:00 AM. Call (607) 844-3872 for information.

North Dakota June 23: North Dakota Fish and Game Department will hold a trail dedication at Lonetree Wildlife Management Area, near Harvey, ND. For more information, contact Scott Peterson, ND Fish and Game Dept., RR2, Box 32, Harvey ND 58341 (701) 324-2211.

Pennsylvania

June-July 1995

Page25

Sept 30, Oct 1: BTA Work weekend, Lake Co. Metrq>ark. Contact Jim Sprague, (216) 884-4757 for information.

Wisconsin July 29-30. Work day on North Country Trail, Hayward area. Contact Gaylord Yost, WI Trail Coordinator, (414) 354-8987. August 18-22. NCTA Convention, Coopers Plain, NY. October 7-8: Work day on North COllltry Trail, Wac>hbum Area. Contact Gaylord Yost, WI Trail Coordinator, (414) 354-8987.

Other National Trail Events June 30-July 7. Appalachian Trail Conference Annual Meeting, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA. Contact: Sandy Marra, Potomac A.T. Club (703) 2420693. July 13-August 6: Oregon Trail Pageant, Abernathy Green, End of the Trail, Oregon City, OR. Contact: (503) 655-7965. July 30-August 2: 27th Annual Meeting of the Lewis and Calrk Trail Heritage Foundation, Charlottesville VA. Contact: Robert E. Gatten, Jr., (919) 334-5391.

Sept 8-10: Work session on NCT in area between Moraine State Park and Jennings EnvironmentalCenter. For information call Mark Eckler, (412) 588-6164.

Ohio June 24 & 25: BTA Work weekend, Clendening Lake. Contact Jim Sprague,( 216) 884-4757 for information. Sept. 10-16: BTA Work crew, tentative, Tar Hollow State Forest. Contact Jim Sprague, ( 216) 884-4757 for information.路

We've Moved! After many years of having a Post Office Box as our National Headquarters Address, we now have ano office which you can visit. We urge you to visit when you are in the area. Our office hours will be 9:00 AM to 1 :00 PM, Monday through Friday Please change your records to reflect tha address change and phone numbers below. It is very important to us that we continue to receive your mailings. Under postal regulations, only first class mail is automatically forwarded. New Address: NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION Funding for the office has been provided by the 3777 Sparks Dr., SE., Suite 105 National Park Service, and we are most grateful for Grand Rapids, Ml 49546 their assistance. It will allow us to make better use of Telehone: (616) 975-0831 office volunteers and to add an additional staff person. FAX(616)975-0957 We hope to respond promptly to your inquiries.

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NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

June-July 1995

North Country Trail Shop 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 information on the whole trail. Printed 1992. $5.95, ($4.00 wholesale 1 O 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 trail 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 $23.00, use order form. Sorry, no direct wholesale. GUIDE TO THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL -- CHIPPEWA NATIONAL FOREST by Rod MacRae. Discussionof 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 (1 o or more) $. 75 each. MICHIGAN MAPSETS developed by Arden Johnson. Maps to follow the NCNST in the Manistee, Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests, and the trail between St. Ignace and Munising, and northern lower peninsula. $4.00 per set; Binder with indicies, $2.50. Contact bookstore for information on ordering individual maps. THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL -- MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST by the Michigan Trailfinders. Offers a detailed description of the trail from the White Cloud trailhead 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 tokeshore Trail Gulde. 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 1994, this 56 page book by Pictured Rocks enthusiast Olive M. Anderson gives the reader revised maps and up-to-dote information about this Michigan section of the North Country Trail. $6.95 each; Wholesale (1 o or more) $5.25 each.

NORTH STAR:

The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association , June-July 1995

Page27

North Country Trail Shop Patches and Stickers NCTPatch $3.00 Volunteer Strip $1.50 State Strip $1.50 New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota Hike Distance Strips (must qualify) $1.25 5, l O, 15, 20, 25 or 35 miles hiked in one day NCTACoffee Mugs $6.95 Trail Supporter Pin (3/4" Clolsonne) $3.95

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PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT

ORDER FORM -- NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL SHOP North North North North North

Country Country Country Country Country

Trail Patch@ $3.00 each Trail State Segment Patch@ $1.50 each Trail Volunteer Strips@ $1.50 each Trail Coffee Mugs@ $6.95 each Trail Supporter Cloisonne pin @$3.95 each

North Country Trail T-Shlrt (circle size): Adult, S, M, L, XL XXL, l 00% cotton, It. blue only@ $9. 95 each

BOOKS copies of 'Following the North Country NaNonal Scenic Troll' $5.95 per copy ($4.00 per copy If ten or more) copies of 'The North Country Trail-- Manistee National Forest' $2.00 per copy. (no wholesale) copies

of 'Gulde to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore• $6.95 per copy. ($5.25 each If ten or more)

copies of 'Gulde to the North Country Trail-- Chippewa National Forest' $1.25 per copy ($.75 per copy If ten or more) copies of Michigan mapsets (check appropriate ones:) Lenawee Co. - Calhoun Co. Kalamazoo Co - SE Newaygo Co. SE Newaygo Co - NW Wexford O Wexford - Charlevolx Co. Charlevols Co. - Mackinac City St. Ignace - Marquette o Marquette - Ironwood $4.00 per set. Binder, $2.50 No wholesale

o O o

o o

copies of 'CerNfled SecNonsof the North Country Trail' (Check sestlons) Burr Oak - Sinking Spring $4.00 Allegheny NF & Cook Forest, $2.90 Wayne NF $1.50 Llllle Miami Scenic Park, $1.15 Miami and Erle Canal, $1.80 Manistee NF $3.50 Hiawatha NF E & Tahqua $2.70 Ottawa NF $2. l O Hie.NF W & Pict Rocks, $2.05 Chequamegon NF $1.80 Chippewa NF, $2.20 Sheyenne Grassland $1 .15 Complete set with binder, $23.00, shipping Included. No wholesale.

o o o o o o

Name

Address

City

State, Zip

Phone

Please enclose for shipping & hand6ng: $0.00 - $10.00 $2.00 $10.01 - $25.00 $3.00 $25.01 - $100.00 $4.00 Over $100.00 $5.00

Michiaan residents please Include 6% sales tax Make check/money order payable to: "North Country Trail Association• Send order to:

NCTA Trail Shop sm Sparks Dr., Suite 105 Grand Rapids Ml 49546

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NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

June-July 1995

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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. 3777 Sparks Dr. SE, Suite 105

Grand Rapids, Ml 49546 Membership Categorjes Basic Membership . Household (includes children under 18) Organizational. . Trail Leader . Pathfinder. , . Corporate · . Life . Life (with spouse) .

$ $ $ $

20.00 30.00 35.00 50.00 100.00 500.00 400.00 600.00

O Yes, I would like to further support the North Country Trail Association with my tax free contribution of $ . enclosed.

I wish to join the North Country Trail Association. Enclosed is$ for a _ membership. Name Address

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Phone '--~

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