North Star Vol. 16, No. 1 (1997) by NCTA Staff

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Caledonia,Ml49316

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Our New Address ts: NCTA,49MonroeCenter,Suite2008,GrandRapids,Ml,49503 NewPhone,(616)454-5506;FAX(616)454-7139

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NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the Nottn Country Trail Association, Jan-Mar 1997

Keyboard Trails

The deadline for the April-May issue of the Newsletter is April 1, 1997. Items received after that date cannot be assured of a place in the newsletter. Items received well before that date are much appreciated. The deadline for the June-July issue of the newsletter will be June 1, 1997.

One day, a few years ago, a great big guy by the name of Gene Markley walked into my southern Michigan newspaper office, looking for local support for a railtrail project he was working on just south of the Ohio border, called the Wabash Cannonball Trail. Little did he know that he was walking into one of the main communications nodes of a somewhat larger trail project, but he soon got the picture. See, there's never been a good answer about how the trail in Michigan is supposed to connect to the Buckeye Trail in Ohio. There are not a lot of obvious routes, and although the Wabash Cannonball Trail didn't go exactly perfectly for the needs of the North Country Trail, it seemed to hold possibilties. Still, at the time, the trail was having some difficulties, legal and otherwise -- the usual reversionary difficulties that seem to come up with. every. rail trail -- and there were some other questions. Anyway, Gene and I exchanged phone calls every now and then, just keeping each other abreast of what was going on, but inevitably, a couple of years went by, and I got curious about what had happened. So, one evening, I called him up, and discovered that a great deal had happened. The legal difficulties had been cleared up, and much had been accomplished. There being a dearth of other NCT activists in this particular neck of the woods, it seemed like there was nothing better I could do than to take another look at how this project could plug into the North Country Trail. So, I spent several enjoyable fall Saturdays driving around in northwest Ohio and southern Michigan, just seeing how things fit together, keeping Bill Menke-and Ohio Coordinator Jim Sprague posted on my ramblings. The answer is that the Wabash Cannonball Trail

Follow the electronic North Country Trail! The new NCTA Web site is: htlp"J~delphi.com'wasboydhcn Note the lack of the "www" common in many, if not most web site URLs.

plugs into the gap quite nicely, and it looks like it's going to be an addition to the North Country Trail. There's still work to be done; about half of it still needs tread way work, and several railroad bridges need to be decked, but the completed sections I've seen are excellent offroad rail trail in an area where any off-road trail is hard to come by. What's more, there appear to be good routes to connect up to it at each end, which offers even more potential. So, it looks like we'll have about 45 miles of trail to be added in the near future, and perhaps another 15 miles in the next few years, solving a long-standing routing question on the fly, and making a fine new addition to the trail. We'll do a story the Cannonball after things gel a little more. But, this little adventure got me to wondering: how many other potential additions to the North Country Trail are lurking out there, just waiting to be worked into the plan?Probably many; I've heard vague stories about a few, but don't know about much of the details. For example, there's supposed to be a rail-trail in southern Ohio that comes close to connecting Marietta and the Wayne National Forest to the Buckeye Trail -- but that's about all I know. Someone must know more than I do. I'll let you in on a secret no one knows it all. The staff of the National Park Service is spread thin, indeed, and the NCTA staff is thin, as well. They can't read people's minds. When something like this comes up, they have to be made aware of the potential. We cannot expect the Park Service or the NCTA staff to lead us; the people in the field, that know their own areas, are going to have to be the ones to do the leading, to be the eyes and ears.

Executive Director Bob Papp haS Leen looking at the organization's bylaws and the list.of officers and directors, and the other day, he pointed out to me that there's going to be some big changes coming in the officer and director ranks on the board this year -- possibly the biggest group of changes we've ever had, thanks to expiration of board and officer eligibility. Due to expiration of terms and one thing and another, it's possible that this time next year we may have a wholesale reorganization of our officers, with a minimum of four changes, and possibly as many as all five officer posts being changed. At a minumum, we will have a new president, two new vice-presidents and a new treasurer. Having served two consecutive terms, both President Derek Blount, VPAdministration Odell Bjerkness and Treasurer Arden Johnson will have filled out two terms in their office; in addition, Bjerkness and VP-Trails Gaylord Yost have reached the end of their board eligibility. Blount, Johnson and myself as Secretary have a year left on our board eligibility, which can be stretched to two years if we are elected to our current or other officer posts, but that would mean big changes again in two years. There's obviously going to be some shuffling going on, and some new faces on the board-- all the more reason why this year's board elections are more important for the organization than normal. In any case, it will mean big changes and new directions for the NCTA.

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

TOM GILBERT, head of the Madison office of the Park Service, which oversees the North Country Trail and two others, recently underwent quadruplebypass open heart surgery. Gilbert reported chest pains while out hiking inspecting North Country Trail sites in Ohio in October, and after consulting with his doctor and tests, the situation proved to be worse than expected. The open-heart surgery was successfully held in late November, and he's expected to be off work until late February. At the last report, his condition was improving at least as well as could be expected.

*** THE 1997 ANNUAL meeting will be in Ohio.jwith dates and location not yet' firmly set, with the Buckeye Trail Association being the hosts. A location hasn't been finalized, but the Vinton County, Ohio area has been mentioned as a possibility, most likely August 28-31. At this point, it looks like the 1998 meeting will be in the northern lower peninsula of Michigan, perhaps somewhere around Petoskey or Mackinaw City, and western Pennsylvania has sort of been penciled in for 1999.

*** THE NATIONAL PARK Service office in Madison is hard at work on a new trail brochure. The old brochure -- all 250,000 copies ofit -- is nearing the point of being out of stock, and it's hoped to have the new one available sometime this year. Bill Menke reports that there will be a number of changes coming in the new brochure, reflecting the changes to the trail over the past few years.

THE BUCKEYE TRAIL Association annual meeting will be held April 25-27, 1997 at Butler Springs Christian Assembly, Highland County, Ohio. For more information, contact Herb Hulls, 38450 CR46, Lower Salem, OH 45745 (614) 5852603.

*** THE FLTC SPRING meeting will be May 9-11 will be held at Cazenovia Lake. For more information, contact FLTC, PO Box 18048,Rochester, NY 146180048 or call (716) 288-7191.

*** YET ANOTHER multiple use issue has arisen: llamas on hiking trails. The board of the Superior Hiking Trail Association, (The SHT is prospectively a partoftheNCNSTinMinnesota's big "Arrowhead" relo) recently voted to ban llamas from the trail citing foreign contaminants (manure) and trail aesthetics.

*** BACKPACKING GROWS: The National Survey on Recre-

1997

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ation and Environment, commissioned by four federal agencies and the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, recently reported that the number ofbackpackers in the US increased 72.7% between 1982and 1995.Birdwatching, hiking and backpacking were the first, second and third fastest growing outdoor recreational activities.

*** SOMETHING NEW will be happening Feb. 8: the Winter Trails '97 outing at the NCTA Schoolhouse, White Cloud, Ml. Several outdoor manufacturer sales reps will be there, bringing snowshoes for participants to try out. There will be hikes, snowshoeing, a kids obstacle course and games, building show shelters. There also will be hot chocolate and cookies. Looks like a good way to get free of the winter indoor blues! For more information, contact Darlene at (616) 784-5050.

*** COVER PHOTO: FLTC members work on a new Adirondack Shelter along the Finger Lakes Trail.

Executive Director's report Trail head A fall walk though the Allegheny NF The Trek of '93 NCTA Annual Report Check out the NCTA trail shop Center Section 1996 Trail Status Report 21 North Country Ramblings 22 Backpack a Civil War hardtack 24 Lots of coming events 21

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NORTH ST AR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association,

Jan-Mar 1997

Nominees due for 1997 Board Election The Board of Directors of the North Country Trail Association includes 17 elected members with voting privileges and up to two non-voting Honorary appointees. An elected term on the Board lasts three years, and Board members may serve up to two consecutive terms. About one third of the Board seats come up for election each year. The deadline this year for submitting names of candidates who wish to run for election to the Board of Directors is April 1st. To serve on the Board, a person must be a member in good standing of the Association. He or she must also have a desire and willingness to forward the purposes of the Association, and be willing to serve as an officer and/ or on committees in his or her field of interest. Board members do not receive compensation, however NCTA currentlyoffersreimbursementfor travel to Board meetings. Naturally, we expect that all Board members will have a keen interest in the North Country Trail, will actively participate in fundraising, and will volunteer their time to further the goals of the Association. Board members should also expect to represent the NCTA at meetings of public agencies and other organizations in their area. For a member of the Board of Directors, a willingness to work on the trail itself is not nearly as important as a commitment to actively promote the trail and the efforts of the Association. By supporting the NCTp_ and providing direction to its volunteers and staff, Board members set examples and agendas for the future. As the NCTA continues to grow and take on new and challenging projects, the dedication and involvement of our Board members will more and more become key to our success. Experience in fund raising, broadranging contacts, a leadership background in a nonprofit or business setting, and the ability to engage and motivate others will be invaluable qualities for any Board member. Accounting skills would also be helpful. Admittedly, this is a tall order but so too is the North Country National Scenic Trail. If you plan to run for a seat on the Board, or know someone you think might make an excellent Board member, please let us know. Either write, call or e-mail Executive Director Bob Papp or President Derek Blount (see page 10 of the newsletter). Remember, the deadline is April l!

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Don't look now, but here comes 1997. I liked 1996 a lot and I know 111 miss it. It seems like 1996 was comfortable being in the middle of the i90s, but it's almost like the "7" in 1997 is pointing off somewhere else, like to the turn of the century. There it is, just around the bend. Get your computer clocks and databases fixed and your checks reprinted, because it will be here before you know it ... With the year 2000 barreling down on us like some runaway boulder on a mountainside, what can we possibly do to prepare? We have a few obvious options: 1) Unlike most cartoon characters faced with this problem, we could simply step out of the way and watch it pass us by. 2) We could get ourselves a boatload of dynamite and blast a great big hole in front of it so when it reaches us it drops into the hole and stops dead in its tracks. 3) We could get hold of a newfangled proton, photon, laser torpedo blaster ray gun and blast it into dust before it reaches us. Or, 4) We could build a great big curving ramp which would use the momentum of the boulder to send it sailing overhead in a spectacular and breathtaking flight path. The question is, "Which one do we choose?" I suspect thereis a reason why the first choice isnit very popular with cartoon characters. Theyire a lot smarter than they look. If you step out of the way of the future, itis true that it wonit hurt you when it passes. On the other hand, it will pass you by and youill be left standing in its dust. As a small but growing non-profit organization, itis important that we not let this happen to us. (You didnit think this column would be just about cartoon characters, did you?) Members, volunteers and staff of NCTA must look for the opportunitiesinherent in the challenges of the future, rather than fearing or avoiding those challenges altogether. Some turn of the century challenges are: technology, funding, advocacy, trail maintenance, user conflicts, corridor preservation, and putting our Land Trust to use. If we look away from these issues because they are challenging, that boulder will pass on by, roll down into the valley, go part way up the next hill, then turn around, come back and flatten us where we stand. The second choice doesnit seem very practical either. After all, "you can't stop progress," as they say. Even so, a boatload of dynamite could be fun. I donit see how we could put it to good use on the trail, though. Any suggestions? (Kids: Never, EVER use a boatload of dynamite without close adult supervision.... ) Blasting the future to smithereens has its appeal but I doubt we could get away with it. Still, if we

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

1997

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dropped the setting on our ray gun a few notches, we might be able to just break the boulder up into big chunks. That way we could study its composition and better understand how it might impact us. (One chunk across the forehead, another in the gut. Looks like that one's headed for our big toe, etc.) Two big chunks that are heading right for us are our twin goals of 2,000 certified miles by the year 2,000 and one member for every one mile of trail. Will we reach these goals in the 3-4 years left to us? Do we have a realistic chance? What happens if we donit make them? We did very well in 1996, but 32 miles a year won't cover the remaining 685 miles needed by the year 2,000, nor will 95 members a year cover the remaining 2,619 members needed to reach our goal. If we're serious about these goals, then we need to be strategizing now. I tis time to think big. We need your ideas and your help. I like best the fourth option for handling the boulder. Building a ramp would be a very elegant solution.

It would use the momentum of the boulder to our advantage. Plus, I'll bet the National Park Service would pledge Challenge Cost Share funds for the lumber. The only problem is, a ramp would send the future sailing out of our reach. Also, we'd probably get sued when it landed on someone's house down in the valley. The idea of using the momentum of the future to our advantage is a good one, though. It returns us to the idea of finding the opportunities inherent in the challenges before us. The North Country Trail Association is nothing more nor less than a group of people like you who believe fervently in the dream of the North Country National Scenic Trail. As we approach the turn of the century, we know that the solutions to meeting our goals will only be found in the ideas, support and assistance of our volunteers, staff and members. In other words, if you have any innovative thoughts on boulder management, be sure to let us know!

Winter finds many trails folk indoors snuggled close to a warm fire reading about someone else's adventures on a trail. Wake up folks! Winter is a great time to be outdoors on the trail. Live the adventures, don't just read about them. For those of us who have snow there is always cross country skiing or snow shoeing along the trail. If you are fortunate to have a dog sled and team then a quiet ride through the forest on a winters day is a great treat. If you don't have a team then one of our members is running excursions in Wisconsin for anyone who wishes to try dog sledding. You can get information about that through our office. For those of us who lack the snow it is still a good time to have a hike in the quiet winter woods and leave behind the hectic moments at work, school or home for the solitude of the trail. Soft soil trails now hardened by cold and moisture and covered by dead and dried leaves offer a different view to a familiar trail. Often trails that you thought were just pretty in summer are beautiful in winter. Tahquamenon Falls in Upper Michigan is like that. The tannin colored waters of the river in winter freeze leaving a frozen azure blue waterfall and icicles four feet in diameter and forty feet high. Cedar and spruce branches laden with snow create a fairy wonderland in the sparking sun along the trail while chickadees flit from tree to tree chirping at the intrusion .. On snow covered trails untracked by human kind you will often see the tracks of small creatures that live in the land under snow. Voles, mice and weasels often track across the trail. If you are fortunate you may find the pattern of the wings of an owl at the end of the vole tracks. Leaves blowing across the untracked snow leave their own trails as they bounce and float across the

silent landscape. You may notice the pink berries of wintergreen showing through the snow leaving a tiny morsel for our forest friends. As silent as the trail seems in winter you are not alone. Other activities go on in winter time that are often overlooked by fair weather trail users. Winter is a good time to haul the heavy materials back to a distant bridge or lean-to site. Trail work continues on sleds and toboggans in preparation for spring work crews. Trail survey work can be completed for other future planning of trail crews. Newly certified trails can be marked with official markers in winter leaving surprises for spring hikers. Interpretive signs can be designed and created. Trail mappers with GPS (Global Positioning Systems) gear trudge trails computer mapping the landscape without the tree leaves blocking line-of-sight connection to satellites. Later this data can be downloaded for computerized mapping activities. Other mapping continues on foot with topo maps in hand and a pencil to mark exact routes, campsites and water crossings. Planning continues on in spite of cold and nasty weather. Meetings with land owners, land managers and local government agencies continue unabated. New routes plotted out on maps for winter flagging and further investigation in spring. Spring, summer and fall activities are planned out by our local Chapters. As you can see, winter is not the dead time we often hear about when trails are mentioned. The NCTA doesn't hibernate. As the year turns to 1997, I would like to thank all of those members who gave gift memberships to their friends, who gave to the first annual fund drive, and gave their volunteer time to support the trail. Thanks again. Have an enjoyable winter time and happy trails!

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NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Jan-Mar 1997

by Lois Ludwig (Editor's note: The Allegheny National Forest is one of the more popular hikes on the trail. Last fall, Lois Ludwig walked the 95 miles of trail in the forest over a 7day period, to qualify for the Al,legheny Outdoor Club's patch for hiking all of the NCT there. This report is extracted from a letter forwarded to us by Brita Dorn). I hiked to New York on Saturday evening and signed the register. It was the only register I found anywhere on the trail. Actually, I guess it was really a Finger Lakes Trail register, not a NCT register. On Sunday, I met a total of 11 hikers. Three women had hiked from Willow Bay to Tracy Run on Saturday and were planning to hike back on Sunday. A group of six were hiking from Willow Bay to Sugar Bay over the weekend. The last two hikers I met were a couple who had been day hiking the trail over a period of time. They said I was the only person they had ever seen on the trail. The only hikers I saw the rest of the week were two men on Tuesday doing a loop hike with NCT and Minster Valley. I saw a few other people besides hikers. There was a large group of people with vans camping near PA59, not on the trail. At one point there were loggers cutting trees right beside the trail. None of the blazes was missing and they did not destroy the path. There were three couples camping in the shelter one mile below Muzette Road. They told me they had arrived just before midnight. It was now 10:30 AM and they already had a large pile of beer cans. I hope they took them along when they left. I mostly made a "leave no trace" camp in the woods a way from any popular spot in order to not be discovered by partiers or unscrupulous people. One exception to this rule was my camp beside Little Salmon Creek. The weather had been fantastically beautiful all week. The warm sunny days spent walking under a blue sky with golden leaves falling all around were delightful. On Friday when I arrived at Little Salmon Creek I noted that the bridge built in 1994 was breaking down. I just finished pitching my tent when it started to rain hard.

It rained from 4:00 PM to about 4:00 AM, and then continued on and off for the rest of Saturday. When I arose on Saturday morning the creek, which had not been much more than a trickle, was now a roaring stream. It was flowing over the bridge and large clumps of debris were piling up against the side. From Sunday through Friday I was able to cross all streams on stones or logs without getting into water over my boots. Several streams had bridges that appeared to be fairly new. At Chapel Fork there was a new bridge, but to get to it I had to go around a beaver dam. I had encountered another beaver dam earlier, but it did not flood the trail. After Friday night's rain I was in water over my boot tops, not only at streams, but also in several places on the trail. I understand that the paint blazes have been replaced by plastic markers. In several places the markers are scarce and I had to rely on faded or blacked out blazes until coming to another marker. Between Willow Bay and Sugar Bay I had to do a little searching in some spots before finding where the trail went. In a few years, when the blazes are completely gone, there could be a real problem here. Another problem area was just south of Dunham Siding. After leaving the long railroad grade, I started up the hill. Every blaze was blacked out and every plastic marker was ripped off the trees. I was nearly at the top when I decided to go back down to see if I had missed a relocation. Upon returning to the railroad gradeJ路eould路f.iia,no other route, so I went back up the hill. When I got to the top the markers were again intact. A little farther south where the trail winds through some pine forests the markers are scarce and there is no definite treadway. Again, a few places required some searching to find where the trail went. I don't know the reason for switching from painted blazes to plastic markers, but it seems to me that painted blazes are easier to maintain and better for the trees. The portion of trail maintained by the Allegheny Outdoor Club was definitely in the best conditon. I saw lots of deer, grouse, squirrels and chipmunks. I saw two kinds of owls and various woodpeckers in addition to juncos, chickadees, robins, blue jays, several types of finches, crows, and a wren. I met a porcupine who posed for me by making his quills stand up. I sat and watched him as he went about his business. I also had the opportunity to watch some of the deer before they ran away. I saw what I thought was bear dung. It was not recent. Once I thought I heard coyotes, but decided they sounded more like dogs. I was amazed at the amount of the Hunter's Shelter that had been eaten by porcupines. Both sides and a third of the back were gone. The roof was still intact. There were droppings on the floor, too large for mouse droppings. I assume they belonged to the critters who ate the shelter. All in all, the week was most enjoyable. At times, I felt like I was in heaven. Other times, I felt like a child playing hookey from school.shuffling through the pretty leaves in the bright sunshine brought to mind memories of carefree youth. I sang out loud with no one to hear me butGod. It was an excellent way to spend my vacation.

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

1997

By George Tresnak We never were gone for days before That March of '93 For' a test of the will and winter lore Of my seven dogs and me No two alike, my team diverse Lunged with joy and glee And scarcely heard my muffled curse As I sought the knot to free. <='"

...

Higher grew their chortling pitch The more that I exhorted. Stub then popped his harness hitch And our takeoff was aborted.

As we plowed and skirted, scaled and climbed Torward a downward slope Where by gravity newly primed, We decended at a break-neck lope.

With retied rope and newfound hope And shattering of the calm, We 1 urched ahead, me on the sled The snowhook in my palm

I thanked the Lord for the trees we missed As downward we inclined Until a windfelled limb we kissed And the dogs and I all whined.

Birch was in his finest form, Followed by Tip and Skeeter; But he slowed down as he got warm And finally resigned as leader.

The sled against the tree was stuck And the dogs would give no slack. With all my strength and a little luck I tried to pull them back.

Skeeter took the lead with ease, To the task she rose; But Bear began to huff and wheeze When snow to his guard hairs froze

At last the sled became dislodged And forward lunged the dogs. A few more limbs they smartly dodged As we slid over logs.

With pocket knife I deftly cut Those hairs that held the snow, Freeing that long-haired, brawling mutt So he could finally go.

The North Country Trail stayed thin and steep As we approached the night. All we did was dash and creep Till I saw a welcome sight.

For tracks or signs among the pines That maybe we were lost. I dropped the hook to check the lines And time the mistake had cost,

A sign proclaimed that we had reached The Wilderness Rainbow Lake. It warned of fines for those who breached The rules for comfort's sake

Then said, "come haw," and finally saw A signpost far ahead And, when we reached it, dropped my jaw For the sigh,t filled me with dread.

No motors were allowed therein, Nor camping on the trail. But I doubted any badge of tin Would brave the north wind's wail

There were logs and trees and deep, deep snow Upon a path untrekked For how long I did not know, Nor what to expect

To enter the forest at end of day, Dig out his ticket book And site me for blocking the unbroken way. I started, then, to look

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NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Jan-Mar 1997

For a place on the trail to set the hook. I was right, for nary a soul Showed up to even watch me cook Or share with us a bow1. After I'd picked a placid spot, And bedded down the team, Melted snow in my metal pot And sleepily watched it steam. For the dogs some savory mush I boiled Which they downed without delay, Showing how long and hard they'd toiled Then much in the very same way I devoured the delicate fare As the snow began to fall, Then entered my windproof sled-bag lair, To sleep till natureis call. At dawn I heard a din, Saying in a howling chorus, No one dog's voice the otheris twin, "Fix some deer broth for us." I touched the snow with my big toe And pulled my boots on quickly, And cooked their broth into a froth As my oatmeal bubbled thickly. All fed, I sped to load the sled And get the dogs in line To steadfastly forge ahead Beneath a sky benign. All but Smoke and Nina kept Their tuglines very tight. Smoke much rather would have slept, And age was Nina's plight. But it was no race, and I felt a trace Of pride as I watched them all run At at steady pace with a certain grace Beneath a rising sun. But the sun was a curse as the trail grew worse When we crossed the wilderness border, And my voice became terse as we slid in reverse Down a slope in amazing disorder With slush all about and no easy way out Of the maze in which we had floundered, I started to doubt (though my will remained stout Despite all the travails weid encountered) Whether ever we'd reach the dark Drummond Hills And whether we should even try. I wondered in the light of our numerous ills If now our defeat was nigh. The days solar beam so very extreme Had cause us much grief and delay

That I staked out the team and gave up my dream Of reaching Lake Owen that day. But the dogs, full of zest from their little rest, Complained that we should be going, So I finally guessed which detour was best And soon again they were towing. With the fading of light came the coldness of night And I knew it was no time to dally. I then saw the site from a cold windy height Of our next camp deep in the valley. The valleyis still air made cooking our fare A much simpler task by far. With the dogs curled up, I sipped from my cup And refilled my big thermos jar. With camp chores completed, I quickly retreated Into my sled bag to slumber Until I was greated by dog howls repeated Many times seven in number Echoes replied before the howls died, Insuring that I would awaken. As a sausage I fried, again they all cried, Thinking they must be forsaken. Their discontent grew tiIF f gave them their stew, And we were again on our way As big snowflakes flew and a stronger wind blew, Promising winter all day. I never guessed that our biggest test Would be those dark hills of Drummond. I later assessed that they took the best Effort we had ever summoned. With the hills now traversed, we'd seen all the worst And we felt like a million When what we saw first, in our hunger and thirst, Was the Owen Lake picnic pavilion. I got water to flow from a pump in the snow, And soon our thirsts were all sated. I staked dogs in a row, made the fireplace glow, And then cooked our suppers belated. With gear helter-skelter inside the big shelter, I zipped up my warm sleeping bag Knowing that soon, maybe even noon (Though the hours of morning might drag), My companionappealingto our camp would come wheeling In her truck with my dog box attached. Though our plan wasn't tested as she requested, With everything loaded and latched, We headed for home as I thought of a tome About this musher's endeavor; Or. maybe a poem, where I seem to roam On the North Country Trail forever.

•ASSOCIATION•

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... -·-·-·-·-- 49 Monroe Center, Suite 2008, Grand Rapids, Ml 49546 Phone (616) 454-5506 •FAX (616) 454-7139 • Email: NCTAssoc@aol.com WWW Site: http://people.delphi.com/wesboyd/ncnst.htm Editor: Wes Boyd, 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach, Ml 49253 STAFF

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Odel 8jeri<ness WernerVat. EnllyGr01J)r PatMiller GlemOster, GaylordYost

R1 , Box221 A, Ponsford,MN 56575 49MonroeCenter,Suite 100, Grand Rapids, Ml, 49503 65020lde York Rd., Parma Hts OH 44130 R1 Box36AWa.5hburnWI 78401iveSt, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 2925W. Bradley Rd., RiverHills WI 53209

WestCentral (Ml) Rep. At-largeRep. At-Large Rep. East Central (OH) Rep. WestCentral (Ml) Rep. At-Large Rep.

Derel<Ebrl Wes8<¥1 DavK:!Cornell EMcOOErro" Alden.Jomsoo John Leinen,Jr.

906N.Alexander,RoyalOakMl48067 14815RomeRoad, Manitou Beach Ml49253 514CordesRd.,Delton,Ml49046 1304HorizonDr., FairbomOH45324-5816 600Tennyson, Rcx:hesterHills,Ml48307 111 QuantCtSo,LakelandMN55043

FLT.Awiitee At-LargeRep. At-1...argeRep. At-1...argeRep. East Region Rep. f-kmraly.A.iµjntment

Howard Beye BillHeooo &&rlt-m:n Kathy Olstad HarmooStrong Joan H. Young

202ColebourneRd., RochesterNY 14609 423W. ParkStree~ MarquetteMl49855 11704lhAVEn.JeSoutl,ParkFalsWl54552 P.O.Box1017,BismarckND58502 76ShellwoodDr., RochesterNY 14618 861 W. US 10, Scottville, Ml 49454

(218)57-3858 (616)235-Znl (216)884.a?81 (715)373-373.5 {412)364-2864 (414)354-8987

w.12@ocia:m

G<rµost@ool.com

TERMSEXPIRINGIN1998 (810)548-1737 (517)547-7402 (616)62J.al59 (513)879-2068 (810)853-a2!r2 (612)430-1795

qtlrurt@ool.ccm westx¥J@~.cx:rn jarc128@cd.cx:rn $'asor@pr00g;.cx:rn

(716)288-7191 (!:n))22s-1 cm (715)~-2<161 (701)2504721 (716)58&3846 (616)757-2205

flt@axsnetccm

jlenen@mtn.org

TERMSEXPIRINGIN1999

kdslad@!J).usix.!P' jhy@carrilter.net

STA~TORS New York: 1-bward Beye(seeabove) j>ennsytvania:DonakJDom,starRoute, Box476, Sheffield, PA 16347 814-968-5759; Ohlo:JimSprague,4406MaPecrest, ParmaOH44129 {216)8844757;Michigan(Lower):ArdenJohnsoo(see above); Michigan(U.P.):GeneBzinga, 12 Mictlelsland, MarquetteMl49855 (006)2251704;Wisconsin:GaylordYost ( seeabove);Minnesota:Rod MacRae, 121 OW.22nd St, Minneapolis, MN 55405;North Dakota:Dale.Aahlm,RR1,E3ox10,0>b, ~.56744{218~ REGONAl.AFR.IATES NewYork:FrgerlakesTraiConfererce,POBox10048,RochesterNY14618-0048;0hio:Bt.ckeyeTraiAssocialioo,POE3ox254,Wor11irYiJbnOH~;Pems)'lvania: AYHPittsburg'IColJrd,5604Solway,#202, Pillsbl.o"ltiPA15217 QW'l'ERQiAR)

Headwaters:vacant:Chequamegon:KurtSchmitt.R2, Box326, Buttern~ WI 54514;Heritage: PeteBud:le,3803S. Brook Place, St Francis,Wl53235 (H)414769-0441tlCTHikers:GeneElzilga,12Mrl:lelsl<m,MarquetteMl40055 (006)225-1704;TraverseCity: Gregl..aw, 1953l..arcieRd.,T raverseCity,Ml49686Westem Michigan: 8dlVanZee7744ThornappleBayouDr.SE,GrandRapidsMl,49512

Year in Review CertifiedMiles During 1996, we added 32.2 certified miles to the trail. A few miles were also decertified, due to poor condition, but our total at the end of the year still ended upon impressive 1314.7. New Yorkcontinues to regulorlyopplyforond receive new certifications. Quite a few segments were also certified in the northern lowerpeninsulo of Michigan. Michigan's upper peninsula also added a couple of new segments and one new certified stretch was added in North Dakota near Fort Ransom State Park. Though we're still a long way from our goal of 2,000 miles certified by the year 2,000, we do have some good prospects coming up in '97. Our thanks go out to all the dedicated volunteers and agencies working to push us step by step closer to ourgoal!

Trail Projects Certifying new trail is only a small partofall the trail work being done. We also have literally countless volunteers working to maintain existing trail and create new facilities for the enjoyment of trail users. One of the special projects completed this year include a 75ft bridge across Carp River in Michigan's Wilderness State Pork. NCTAPresident Derek Blount spearheaded this project with the

assistance of prison work crews, friends and family, and the donation of support poles by Ameritech. In New York, two leon-to's were completed, one in Allegany State Pork and another named the Robert Treman Leon-to. Volunteers also used Challenge Cost Shore funds to improve the Bucktooth Run Bridge and complete some puncheon in wet areas. In Michigan's U.P., Porcupine Mountain State Pork helped redeck a large bridge along the trail. Gene Elzinga worked closely with Northern Michigan University to develop a prototype mop for trail in the area using computerized geographic information and positioning systems. He also coordinated the installation ofa bench on the trail in memory of Alfred E. Borsum. Memorial gifts for Mr. Borsum provided the funds to startNCTA'slondTrustin 1995. The new Chequamegon Chapter in Wisconsin held a work weekend to improve trail in Cooper Falls State Park with Challenge Cost Sha refunds.

Volunteers For the year ending Sept., 1996, an impressive 16,769 hours of volunteer service were reported. This is 10% above the hours recorded for the previous year. Even with these numbers, it's hard to say for sure how many volunteer hours really go toward the trail. (We know that a lot of people don't report their time.)

â&#x20AC;˘..... Year in Review(cont) Trail Planning Planning efforts were focused primarily in Ohio and Wisconsin this year. Kim Bair, our Recreational Planner, wrote on Environmental Assessment and coordinated the public review for Columbiana and Carroll Counties in Ohio. She then compiled the FinalTrailwoy Plan and on Implementation Package. A planning process was also started in northwest Wisconsin. Five planning team meetings identified six trail alternatives. Kim coordinated the first set of open houses and produced several maps for public presentation. By the end of the year, a favored route hod been identified. The next step will be to write the Environmental Assessmentforthe route. Kim also tackled o variety of other projects over the year, including: assisting with graphics and specifications development for the new NCNST Handbook for Trail Design Construction, and Maintenance; developing several mops; designing a new trailhead sign format; writing articles; and attending special training sessions.

Members An active push during 1996 to promote the trail and recruit new members resulted in strong membership growth for the year. We ended up with 619 paying memberships. This is on 18% increase over the number we hod on Jon. l of '96! lfwe toss in the nonpaying members on our one year introductory program, we hove a total of 707 memberships, or 34% morethon o yeorogo! More members translates into more awareness of the trail and more public support for our efforts. Thanks to all who are helping

usgettheword out about the North Country Trail and our Association. We're looking forward to continuing this trend in 1997!

Trail Shop Not to be outdone by membership growth, the Trail Shop turned in o record year for 1996. As you' II see elsewhere in the report, gross revenues for the Trail Shop totaled $4,354. This is a 109% increase over our1995figureof$2081! Âˇ We attribute this growth to new products, more upto-dote flyers for the Shop, and, most importantly, the outstanding support of our members. Also, thanks go out to our volunteer Trail Shop Manager, Ginny Wunsch, whose dedication and attention to detail keep the Shop running smoothly. Be sure to wotchforall the new products plonnedfor'97!

Staff and Interns Executive Director Pot Allen resigned at the beginning of the year and was replaced by Bob Popp. Through her many years of service as both o Boord and staff member, Pot built countless crucial partnerships and worked tirelessly to promote the NCNST. Luckily, she is still with us as on active memberofourfund Raising Committee. Two interns also joined us for the fall semester, Tiffany Wicks and Mike Boer. Tiffany's job was to promote the trail by writing and distributing press releases. Mike helped research and establish important wholesale chonnels forourTrail Shop. Meanwhile, Office Manager Claudia Day continued to keep our Grand Rapids office under control.

The North Country National Scenic Trail stretches over 4,000 miles through some of the most scenic backwoods, rural and suburban landscape in the country. Proceeds ·.from the Trail Shop benefit the North Country Trail Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to the ongoing development of the trail.

..._

•1 M aps 1il'al

.._

Michigan Map Sets

by Arden Johnson An excellent reference for the entire North Country Trail in Michigan. $4.00 per set

Certified Sections of the North Country Trail by Byron and Margaret Hutchins Detailed information and maps covering many of the longest and best off-road segments of the Trail. These are accurate route descriptions by experienced guide-book writers who have walked the sections with a measuring wheel. In easy to use looseleaf form. Whole set w/ binder $26.50 New:NCT in Michigan (153 pages) $17.00 Allegheny NF & Cook State Forest $ 4.00 Wayne National Forest $ 2.50 Burr Oak-Sinking Spring $ 5.50 Little Miami Scenic Park $ 3.00 Miami & Erie Canal $ 2.50 Manistee National Forest $ 4.00 New:Ml-37 to Doblesky Rd,Wilderness SP $ 5.50 Hiawatha NF east, Taquamenon SF $ 4.00 Pictured Rocks, Hiawatha NF west $ 3.00 Ottawa National Forest $ 4.00 Chequamegon National Forest $ 3.00 Chippewa National Forest $ 3.50 Sheyenne National Grassland $ 1.50

Ml-A) Ml-B) Ml-C) Ml-0) Ml-E) ,,, Ml-F)

SE Lenawee Co. to W. Calhoun Co. NE Kalamazoo Co.to SE Newaygo Co. SE Newaygo Co. to NW Wexford Co. NW Wexford Co. to SE Charlevoix Co. Charlevoix Co. to Mackinaw City St. Ignace to SE Marquette Co.

·" -, '(ijette area to

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ironwood

·~~~::;::~.!__ -~ /J\ """' -=---·-·' Finger Lakes Trail (New York) Map Sets These excellent looseleaf maps of the trail in NY are published by the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. $4. 00 per set NY-A) Covers PA border to Portageville NY-B) Covers Portageville to Watkins Glen NY-C) Covers Watkins Glen to NW of Cuyler

Buckeye Trail (Ohio) Section Maps These convenient and detailed maps cover the North Country Trail where it overlaps with the Buckeye Trail. They are published by the Buckeye Trail Association. $3.50 per map OH-A) OH-B) OH-C) OH-D) OH-E) OH-F) OH-G) OH-H)

Belle Valley: Morgan, Noble & Guernsey Co's OH-I) Old Man's Cave: Hocking,Ross&Vinton Co's Bowerston: Harrison, Carroll & Guernsey Co's OH-J) Scioto Trail: Ross & Pike Counties Ceasar Creek: Greene & Warren Counties OH-K) Sinking Spring: Adarns.Pike & Highland Co's Defiance: Defiance, Paulding, Putnam; Henry OH-L) St. Marys: Auglaize & Shelby Counties & Wood Counties OH-M)Stockport: Morgan, Perry & Athens Counties Delphos: Putnam, Allen & Auglaize Counties OH-N) Troy: Greene, Miami & Montgomery Counties Loveland: Clermont,Warren & Hamilton Cos OH-0) West Union: Adams & Brown Counties Massillon: Stark and Tuscarawas Counties OH-P) Williamsburg: Brown & Clermont Counties New Straitsville: Athens, Hocking, Morgan and Perry Counties

Books and GuldeS) Guide

l•!( l t 1\l P HCH, l\' -...1\t ·"-i:f""'lf t\1

,, HH

;\ ct 1 or

to 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 US10 to McCarthy Lake.

$2.95 Finger Lakes Trail Guidebooks N

Guide to the North Country Trail, Chippewa Nat'I Forest by Roderick MacRae Description of the route and trail log, east to west Won-Oerfullywritten _by a Chippewa Nat'I Forest expert. 12 pgs.

Published by the Finger Lakes Trail Conf., these helpful books cover various parts of the North Country Trail where it overlaps the FLT in western and central NY. FLT in Cortland County $5.95 FLT End-To-End Guide for Backpacker $2.50 FLT: Conservation Trail to Hornell $7.95 FLT in SteubenCo.(Hornell-S.Bradford) $6.95

Go West Old Man, Forty-Five Days on the Fl T by James E. DeWan DeWan's rendition of his 45-day end-to-end hike of New York's Finger Lakes Trail. Lovingly written by someone who really knows the trail. $6. 95

$1.25

SALE PRICE: $2.95!

NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW

;: ~ ;: ~

Trail Atlas of Michigan by Dennis R. Hansen Michigan trail enthusiasts don't get caught without this book! This atlas includes maps and descriptions for over 500 hiking, biking, skiing, and nature trails in Michigan. Search by location or types of use! $26.95

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f~r i1tfortnafle1t

Oft

Wholesale Priees (6 f 6)-454-5506

$6.95

by Wes Boyd, NCTA newsletter editor Full of information, this book directs readers to more in-depth resources on the trail. Although not really a guide-book, this is our most inclusive publication covering the whole North Country National Scenic Trail. 64 pgs.

by Art & Marge Miller Subtitled "A Traveler's· Guide to Our National Scenic and Historic Trails," this new book is the first to provide engaging descrip-tions and advice on all 19 trails in our National Trail System. 308 pgs. $19.95

11s

by Olive Anderson Pictured Rocks is a centerpiece of the North Country Trail - a rugged, unique coast on the Lake Superior shore. Maps are included in this revis-ed Lakeshore Trail Guide. 56 pgs.

Following the North Country National Scenic Trail

Trails Across America

f!all

Gulde to Pictured Rocks Nat'I Lakeshore

z ~

~ Dayhiker's

Handbook

Full of invaluable information and ideas for new hikers and great tips for seasoned trail users. Includes a great variety of how-tos, with humorous examples and helpful insider advice. 216 pp. $14.95

Backpacker's Handbook Extremely thorough and up-to-date guide covering the basics of backpacking. Includes information on the latest gear, cooking techniques, skills, and environmental hazards all with an emphasis on minimizing impact and enjoying the outdoors. This book is highly educational whether you are new to backpacking or and experienced "pro." $15. 95

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NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW NEW

NCTA Trail Building and Maintenance Manual by Thomas J. Reimers This very useful manual for trail volunteers provides: 1) guidelines for planning and construction of the North Country Trail, 2) guidelines for continued maintenance of the NCT, and 3) helpful suggestions regarding trail construction and maintenance. It covers rural and roaded natural, semi- "" primitive and primitive trail. 22 pgs.

$2.00

NCTA T··Shirt

$ 10.9$

Trail Supporter Pin 3/4" clolsonne

White cotton pre-shrunk - 3 color logo on front and 2 color trail map on back! Adult: S,M,L)L

$ 2.95

$11.95 for XXL

Trail Patch $ 3.00

lfNE T. -VOLUNTEER i Volunteer Patch

s 1.50

.. NCNSTMug With official trail emblem on both sides.

Hike Distance Patches

s 2.00

How far have you hiked in a single day on the NCNST? Available for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or 35 miles. Please specify mileage when ordering,

NCNST Postcard 40¢

~------------------Blue trail map

Order Form

Item Description

Qty.

Price Ea.

Total

Sh/oping and handling fees: $2® on orders $000 • $10®

1-----------------+---+-----+-----1 $1021.- $2522 1-----------------+---+-----+-----1

$300 on orders $4QQ on orders $252J.·$100QQ $5® on orders over $100QQ

Name:

------------

Address:

_________ , -Phone: ----------

----

MERCHANDISE TOTAL: NCTA Members deduct 10%: Michigan residents add 6% sales tax: Shipping/Handling: GRAND TOTAL:

• Make check or money order payable and send to: NqTA Trail Shop/ 49 Monroe Center, Suite 2008 /Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 •

·------------------------· :Me1nbe1tship Fo1t1n: D

YES! I want to support the North Country Trail Association. Enter my annual membership at the following level:

0 $

25 Individual

0 $ 35 Household

$ 50 Trail Leader

0 $100 Pathfinder

$ 45

Organization

0 $500 Corporation Lifetime Membershl 0$400 Individual 0

Our challenge for the year 2000 is to have 2,000 certified miles completed. Thanks to all our volunteers for a good year! (Wisconsin dropped a I ittle this time due to more accurate measurements of existing trail using a GPS unit.)

Would you like to be a Member-at-Large, or a Chapter Member (Please check one):

0 0 D D 0

Member-at-Large 0 SE Wisconsin Headwaters (MN) 0 Grand Traverse Gib Chequamegon (WI) D Western Michigan North Country Trail Hikers (Michigan UP)

STATE

North Dakota Minnesota Wisconsin Michigan Ohio Pennsylvania New York

I would like to further support the work of NCTA with my tax-deductible contribution of:

MILES CHANGE CERTIFIED SINCE OCT 1

Please make check payable and mail to:

60.5 81.0 66.5 569.5 277.4 119.3 140.5

0 0 4.4 5.6 0 0 2.9

DONE

13.9 21.6 42.9 65.1 39.6 66.3 27.0

NCfA • 49 Monroe Center Suite 2008 • Grcrd R(l)idS Ml 49503

Name:

Address:

City/ST/Zip+4: H-Phone:

_ W-Phone:

E-Mail: Skills to Volunteer:

_ _

•ASSOCIATION•

North Dakota* Minnesota* Wisconsin* Michigan Ohio Pennsylvania New York

------------------------

Our current membership goal is one member for every mile of trail planned. We did very well during the past three months, showing nearly a 10% jump in memberships! Wisconsin lept forward with new sponsored members coming in from Jim Burow and others. Meanwhile, new members from throughout the state continued Michigan's strong growth.

CURRENT MEMBERSHIPS North Dakota 9 41 Minnesota Wisconsin 41 Michigan 431 41 Ohio 39 Pennsylvania New York 41 66 Other States/Countries

STATE

CHANGE SINCE OCT 1 0 + 2 + 6 + 45 0 + 1

+ 3 + 8

TRAIL MILES IN STATE 435 375 155 875 700 180 520

MEMBERSHIPS TO GOAL 426 334 114 444 659 141 479

.. Chapter/ Affiliate Reports .. HeadwatersChapter Entire state of Minnesota

• • •

•

Revised a complete Minnesota slide show. Negotiated a non-motorized corridor through Paul Bunyan SF. Final approval of exact route is pending. Completed 5 miles in the Bod Medicine Section. A local homeowners association and several scout groups (including about 90 Nicaraguan scouts) were instrumental in this effort. Mounted two exhibits for Midwest Mountaineering Show. Also made several presentations to scout councils and leadership circles. Recruited two volunteers newsle ttereditors.

•

New Officers: Gregg Low, President RichordJelenek, V. Pres. Donna Dodd, Secretary Kathy Sable, Treasurer and Membership

Chequamegon Chapter

Western Michigan Chapter

Chequamegon Nat'/ Forest region of northern Wisconsin

West-cenfra I region of Michigan's Lower Peninsula

• •

•

• • •

Chapter created in June and Officers were elected. Twoworkdoysfortroil maintenance were held, one in June and one in August. Afew short hikes were heldthroughoutthesummer. Meeting plans were mode for 1997. Public Television program "Venture North" aired a segment featuring ourtrail.

• •

•

Heritage Chapter

Laid out and received State approval for new trail in Lowe I I State Go me Area. Hosted many well-attended hikes, work days and membership meetings Continued to maintain NCTA'sone room schoolhouse and negotiated a management pion to begin renting the facility again. Began plans to reroute the trail through the Howard Christensen Nature Center.

Northeast Wisconsin, with members also in SE Wisconsin

•

This new Chapter was formed in the fall and Officers were elected.

BuckeyeTrail Association Affiliate- Entire State of Ohio

•

North CountryTrail Hikers Michigan's Upper Peninsula

• •

•

Constructed about six miles of new trail (three miles in Alger County west of Laughing Whitefish River plus three miles to movetrailoffofcountyroad in Porcupine Mountains State Park). Raised about $3,000 and signed up about 20 new members by conducting hikes and work sessions on National Trails Doy and Labor Day Weekend. National Park Service Certified 4.5 miles of trail through Marquette and recognized on additional 1. 9 miles as a connector.

• • •

Finger Lakes Trail Conference Affiliate - Most of New York state

• •

Grand Traverse Hiking Club Treverse City region of Michigan's Lower Peninsula • • • • •

Clubmembershipisot90. Maintaining 14 sections of the North Country Trail. Also maintaining four local trail systems. Travelogues and educational materials highlight monthly meetings. Club membership designed/adopted a new club logo.

Most of our trail work this year focussed upgrading segments. This included a quarter mile in a very difficult area in Burr Oak, a relocation in Tor Hollow, upgrading the Peidmont segment, and also some new trail in Clendening . We hosted a hike for our members on the NCT in Pictured Rocks in August. Thisyeor'sAutumnRomblewosatBurrOakStotePork. Our membership remains at about 1,000 .

• • •

Membershipotrecordhighof923asofDec. 1. Maintaining over 800 miles of trail, of which 390 ore potentially certifiable and 140.5 ore certified. Two leon-to's replaced and one new one added. Sponsored two very successful, week long Alley Cot Trail Crews providing free lodging & meals. Organized seventh annual hiking series, a 70 mile, seven Saturday event. Over 150 registered. Two school buses shuttled hikers, who were divided into groups hiking at various speeds. Over 60 completed and received a patch during the recognition picnic.

.. Donors & Key Supporters .. Donations for 1996 totaled over $6,000! We thonk everyone who participated in the annual appeal or who sent a little extra along with a membership renewal or TrailShop order. Your support provides a considerable boost to our operations and trail projects. As an aside, we changed our record-keeping system in 1996. If anyone happened to slip through the cracks, please accept our sincere apologies. The support of all our members, donors and volunteers is greatly appreciated and carriesus ever closer to the goal of completing the NCNST.

Donors Pat and Mark Allen/Miller• Richard Almquist Albert and Patricia Althoff JcckAmelcr "

Ameritech" Daniel&Constance Arnold• Charles Axthelm JoyBarnitz Charles Benjamin Howard Beye • Jay and Joyce Billingsley Derek&Margaret Blount" Andrew Todd Borsum • Wes Boyd" Brian and Diana Brandley 2 SallyBrebner Kathy Brehm Betty Bruderly Cascade Desiqns " Marilyn J. Chadwick Lois Ann Cole David and Janet Cornell" Stella Crowe Patrick Delaney William De Vries Dennis Donat hen William Doubek Eddie Bauer, lnc " Donald Edwards Eugene&Jean Elzinga,Jr• Judith Esterline•

Exxon" Sheila A. Ferrari Virginia and Art Fish" Jay Fisher" Clarence Fredlund Pamela &Martin Gargaro 2 Tom and Janis Gilbert • Richard Groy " TedGrisez Harry Gubbins

Alan Guss Chris and Helen Heller" Howard Hintz John& Barbie Hipps/Smith" Ed&Melodee Honton/Kornacker James Hoogesteger Dan Hornbogen Jr. Keith& Katharine Homgren Herb and Susie Hulls Jansport, lnc." Arden Johnson" Martha Jones" BP America Matching Gift Plan• Peter and Paula Klima William and Ruth Kurtz" 2 Gordon Lachniet • 2 Nelson Leavitt John Leinen Jr. • Harlan Liljequist Jomes and Deno Mackey/Smith• RodMocRoe• Edith&JohnMaynord/ Allen• James McMillan 2 William & Donna Menke • Metz Farms, lnc." Glen and Maxine Moore Martin O'Toole Glenn Oster• Bob and Annette Popp" Mary Peterson Thomas Reimers• Robert Roleke Neil Sanders Marguerite Schubert" David Schutte • John& Patricia Shina berger Allen and Mary Shoup" Michael & Patsy Shumway 2 Edward Sidote Bill Snyder

Lewis Snyder James Sproque " Fred Stavely Harmon Strong Jenette Sweesy" Charles Thompson THOR·LO, lnc." ClintonTompt Ben Travis Gail Van Guilder" Vcsque " Robert Veenstra Werner Veit• Richard and Joan Wayman Babette & Gregg Welch/Seiple Doug&Marjory Welker/Johnston GaryWerner2 • Jim& Donna Wessel Walker Western Michigan Chopter" Stephen Willeumier Kevin Wilson John and Ruth Worst 2 Gaylord & Marlene Yost • Joan Young Cayford& Phyllis Younghans Dana& LisaZintek/Daiber2 • Donated more than once • Donated.$50ormore

Trail Leaders Frank Blumenthal, MD Norman Cox Marvin Deur Dennis Donathen Paul and Liz Forsberg Mordy and William Gast Alonzo Hannaford James and Mariah Hope David Kinnamon John Leinen, Jr. Joseph Raynor, Jr.

Amaryllis South Claire and David Stokes JanetteSweasy

Pathfinders Andrew Newcom WalterSrogi Werner Veit

Life Members Joseph Brennan Cecil and Joanne Dobbins Lon Dobson Donald Elzinga Eugene &Jean Elzinga, Jr Virginia and Art Fish Kenneth Geekier Wayne Gross Martha Hale Chris and Helen Holler Carolyn Sue Hammers Eric Helfrich John Hipps Byron&Margaret Hutchins Martha Jones Tom Labernik RoderickMacRae Eugene Majerowicz Glenn Oster Michael Reed Marguerite Schubert Barbara Smith Lucy Stopher

............ Treasurer's Report Notes on Fiscal Data

Income and Expense

Respectfully submitted by Arden C. Johnson, Treasurer

INCOME Administrative Cooperative Agreement Member Dues Trail Shop Grants Other Income Sub-Total Program Challenge Cost Shore Prag. Other Projects Sub-Total Chapters Total EXPENSES Administration Salaries Benefits ond FICA Membership Expense Printingand Publication Travel Expense Office Supplies TrailShop Expense Postage and Moiling Utilities Consultants Equipment Insurance Meetings and Training Association Membership Office Rent Misc. Expenses School House Operation Sub-Total Program Trail Construction Other Trail Expenses Sub-Total Chapters Total

Following is the Treosurer' s report offiscol activities of the North Country Trail Association for the year ending December 31, 1996. Doto forthe year 1995 ore included for comparison. Records ore kept on a cash basis, except for the bills to the Notional pork Service. These ore recorded as accounts receivable until paid, because of the several weeks interval between presentation and payment. Accounts payable include payroll taxes withheld and due to be deposited, plus accumulated rebates to local chapters. Other income in 1996 includes $4,210 in gifts received as port of the 15th onniversarycampaign. Meetings expense is offset in part by an accounts receivable of $1, 997, representing the amount due from Ice Age Park & Troil Foundation forthe annual meeting, yet to be paid. Restricted Funds include the following: LifeMemberSupportFund Land Trust Fund Emergency Maintenance Fund Exxon Grant

$4,685 7,313 5,772 1,000

Surplus and restricted funds are currently invested primarily in Certificates of Deposit earning about 6%. The Association's cash position improved substantially over the previous year's weakness, due in part to on increase in dues and partlyto 15th anniversary gift giving.

Balance Sheet ASSETS Cash and Equivalent Checking Account+ Cash Chapter Accounts Savings Account Sub-Total

-1995-

$14,998

2,147 4,427 10 566 $17,140

Accounts Receivable

$10,266

$16,567

Property Buildings Furniture Tools Equipment Sub-Total

$20,000 1,232 2,000 ____4..505 $27,737

$20,000 1,232 2,000 __A,105 $27,337

Other Assets Broker Account Certificates Sub-Total LIABILITIES Accounts Payable Accumulated Depreciation NETWORTH• •includes Restricted Funds of:

$ 7,216 5,398

----2.3M.

259

-1LJ25 $17 584 $70,585

-1.0M6.

$10 566 $71,610

1-2.,284 2,284

.$--153. $ 153

$63,276 $18,770

$69,012 $18,469

- I 996-

-1995-

77,272 13,329 4,354 2,800 9.52:4 $107,279

$ 78,761

7,562 1 000 s 8,562 S=--5,0.?.3 S 120,93.. $ 5..,387 6,025 263 6,1..5 3,705 2,088 2,869 4,170 4,597

$ 58,027 10,625 2,081 5,100

--2..il.ll 37,389 __Q

$ 37,389 $J Q_j_l $122,2 .. 1

34,021 2,600 460 7,11 B 3,845 1,187 1,28 .. 2,669 ...575

0 0

1,127 6, ..95 325 .. ,701 2,36 ..

1,309 2,227 1,896 3,811 6,526

$ 99,708

___ll,6.J $ 74,391

_Ml

7,562 2.107 $ 9,669 $ 4122 $113,499

30,657 1,021 $ 31,678

$112,002

Cash Flow BEGINNING BALANCE Cash and Checking Account Savings Accounts Chapter Accounts Total CASH INCOME NCTA Accounts Receivable Chapter Accounts Total FUNDS AVAILABLE CASH EXPENSE NCTA Accounts Parable Chapters Total FINAL BALANCE Cash and Checking Accounts Savings Accounts Chapter Accounts Total Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds

-1996s 2,1 ..7 10,566 4 427 $ 17,1 ..0

=-1995-

$ 25,504

68,271 71,776 --5Jl.2.;! llfW2. $162,279 $106,101 20,932 412.2. ~.J.L,13.1 $ 31,0 .. 7 $ 7,215 19,710 _ .. ,122 $ 31,047 18,770 s 12,277

9,097 10,000

~.ll.5 $ 23,312

72,123 2,071 $..9.9,698

si23,o• o $ 90,981

15,047 _ _54.933

$JJ),~?J

11,0 ..9 2,147 10,566 .. , ..27 s 17,140 18,469 IS 1,3291 $

NOR11iCOUNTRYNAT10NALSCENICTRAILCER11REDSEGMENTSasof12/J-WS Q~[tifi~g Tr5!]1

Segment

Man. Auth Length Date Cert

NEW YORK FLT-Cuyler Hill SF FLTC/DEC FLT-Taylor Valley SF FL TC/DEC FLTC/DEC FLT路Ta~lorValley SF FLT-Ba er Schoolhouse SF FL TC/DEC FLT-Hoxie Gorge SF FLTC/DEC FLT-Hoxie Gorge SF (SUNY) FLTC FLT-Tuller Hill F FLTC/DEC FLT-Tuller Hill SF FL TC/DEC FLT-James Kennedy SF FLTC/DEC FLT-James Kennedy SF FLTC/DEC FLT-James Kennedy SF FL TC/DEC FLT-Baldwin to Daisy Hollow Rds. FL TC/DEC FLT-Potato Hill SF FL TC/DEC FLT-Shindagen Hollow St. Forest FLTC/DEC FLT-Danby State Forest FL TC/DEC FLT-Robert H. Treman State Park FLTGCFR-P FLT-Robert H. Treman State Park FLTGCFR-P FLT-Connecticut Hill Wildlife Area FLTC/DEC FLT-Texas Hollow SF FL TC/DEC FLT-Finger Lakes Na!'I Forest FL TC/USDA FLT-Watkins Glen State Park FLTGCFR-P FLT-Sugar Hill State Forest FL TC/DEC FLT-Goundry Hill State Forest FL TC/DEC FL T-Goundry Hill State Forest FL TC/DEC FLT-Goundry Hill State Forest FL TC/DEC FLT-Birdseye Hollow State Forest FL TC/DEC FLT-Pvt. Land in Steuben Co. FLTC FLT-Burt Hill SF FLTC/DEC FLT-Bully Hill, Klipnocky SFs FLTC/DEC FLT-Bully Hill, Klipnocky SFs FL TC/DEC FLTC/DEC FLT-Rock Cith & Bucktooth SF FLT-Bucktoot SF FLTC/DEC B.TCCf'FH) ELT-Allegaoll Slil!!l Earls

Total - New York (390.1 usable)

6.4 2.8 4.7 2.4 0.6 1.0 0.5 3.5 0.9 0.4 1.0 6.5 2.0 5.5 8.1 3.5 .6 7.5 1.8 2.4 4.5 8.4 0.6 2.1 9.5 9.2 1.9 0.8 5.9 4.7 7.5 3.8

140.5

PENNSYLVANIA P.Jlegheny National Forest USDA/FS 86.8 Baker Trail - Clear Creek St. Forest DER-Forest 1.5 DER-Parks Baker Trail - Cook Forest St. Park 8.0 Jennings Environmental Ed. Ctr. DER-Parks 1.0 Moraine St. Pk. (Glacier Ridge Tr.) DER-Parks 12.8 McConnel's Mill Stale Park DER-Parks 1.6 DEB-Par.lss M!<CQDD!ll's Mill Stil!!l Earls L.2~

Tote/- Pennsylvania (165.15usable}

11/8/95 11/8/95 11/B/95 11/8/95 11/8/95 10/4/96 11/8/95 11/B/95 11/8/95 11/B/95 11/B/95 11/8/85 5/15/94 7/9/90 6/21/88 6/21/88 6/21/88 1/20/89 8/29/91 12/B/88 6/1/92 B/5194 B/5194 5/1/90 4/15/92 10/4/96 3/13195 8/1/95 8/1/95 6/1/92 6/1/92

8/2/83 8/2/83 8/2/83 8/2/83 8/2/83 8/2/83

119.3

OHIO Beaver Creek State Park DNA-Parks 6.3 B/2/83 BT-Tuscarawas CR82 lo CR109 BTA 5.3 8/2/83 BTA 6.0 BT-TR 213to TR288 8/2/83 BT-US22 lo Guernsey CR893 BTA 4.4 B/2/83 BT-Salt Fork State Park BTA/DNR 2.7 8/2/83 USOA/FS 5.2 6/17/94 Wayne NF - Poulton to Co. Line Wayne NF - CR 128 to SR 26 USDA/FS 31.3 12/23/92 BT-TR23 BTA 1.0 8/2/83 BT-TR232 to TR377 BTA 2.1 8/2/83 1.3 7/6/94 BT-Wayne NF USDA/FS BT-Burr Oak State Park BTA/DNR 9.3 8/2/83 BT-Jenkins Dam, to SR13 BTA 0.4 8/2/83 USDA/FS 2.9 BT-Wayne FN SR13 to boundry 8/2/83 BT-Athens CR92 lo Salem Rd. BTA 2.4 8/2/83 BT-Wayne National Forest USDA-FS 13.5 10/13/89 BT-Nunamaker Rd to Hunter Rd BTA 1.0 8/2/83 BT-TR44 to TR39 STA 2.0 8/2/83 BT-Lake Logan Rd to Murphy Rd. BTA 1.2 8/2/83 BTA 7.3 BT-Big Pine Rd to Ash Cave B/2/83 BTA/DNR 2.9 BT-Clark Rd - Clark Rd B/2/83 BT-Sugar Run to Buffalo CG BTA/DNR 8/2/83 5.1 BT-Musgrove Rd to US35 BTA/DNR 2.9 8/2/83 BT-Woods Hollow Rd.- Prussia Rd. BT A 2.6 8/2/83 BT-Davis Rd - Bell Rd (Pike SP) BTA/DNR 12.7 8/2/83 BT-Lapperell Rd to Bell Hollow Rd BTA/DNR 5.5 8/2/83 BT-Bell Hollow Rd - SR41 Pike SF BTA 1.5 8/2/83 BT-Fort Hill Stale Memorial BT A/OHS 4.1 8/2/83 Shawnee Trail (Shawnee SP/SF) DNA 14.5 8/2/83 BT-East Fork State Park BTA/DNR 7.9 8/2/83 Little Miami Scenic Park 44.8 DNA 8/2/83 Little Miami Park - Yellow Springs Greene Pks. 9.7 1/16/86 BT-Statler Rd. to Piqua Hist. Area BTA 6.3 8/2/83 BT-Miami and Erie Canal Trail BTA/DNR 42.0 8/2/83 BI-IDdlll2!lDdi!D!<!l Dam Slillll Eack BTAID~B I....Q ~

Total - Ohio (658.69 usable)

277.4

MICHIGAN Baw Beese Trail Hillsdale 4.0 7/14/92 M-99 Bikeway MOOT 5.0 8/2/83 Battle Creek Linear Parkway Battle Creek 8.2 7/26/95 Yankee Springs SRA DNA-Parks 2.5 1/18/95 Rogue River State Game Area DNA-Wildlife 7.0 11/8/85 Manistee NF - Croton - Spruce St USDA-FS 6.3 3/1/93 (2.0) ~connector) Manistee F - 40thSt-5 Mile Rd USDA-FS 66.6 4/25/89 (connector) (2.5) Manistee NF - 5 Ml Rd to RD Bdy USDA-FS 1.0 3/1/93 Manistee NF - RD Bdy-Riverside USDA-FS 10.3 1/5/95 Manistee NF - Udell - Pine Creek USDA-FS 7.2 1/5/95 Manistee NF - Chicago - Beers Rd. USDA-FS 21.6 7/6/88 Manistee NF - Beers Rd to bdy USDA-FS 2.3 1/5/95 P. M. SF Sec12 to No 16 Rd DNA-Forest 0. 8 10/20/94 P. M. SF Sec32 to 2-track DNA-Forest 0.8 10/20/94 P. M. SF Sec20 to No 8 Rd DNA-Forest 1 . 3 10/20/94 P. M. SF Sec 2 to Sec 1 DNA-Forest 1.3 7/25/96 Pere Marquette SF DNA-Forest 0.8 7/25/96 Pere Marquette SF DNA-Forest 2.3 7/25/96 P. M. SFOld 131 CG to Sec. 3 DNA-Forest 2.3 5/13/96 P. M. SF Sec. 3 to Sec 34 DNA-Forest 1.3 5/13/96 P. M. SF Sec. 33 DNA-Forest 1 . 3 1 0/20/94 Shore-to-Shore Riding-Hikin~ Trail DNA-Forest 23.4 8/2/83 PM & Mac. SF: Starv. Lk R -Sec29 DNA-Forest 2.5 10/20/94 Mackinaw SF - CA38 - Sec. 6 DNA-Forest 3.9 10/20/94 Mackinaw SF - 5 Lakes - Doerr Rd DNA-Forest 0.6 10/20/94 Jordan River Pathway DNA-Forest 12.3 8/2/83 Warner Creek Pathway DNA-Forest 2.4 8/2/83 Mackinaw SF - Sec. 10 - US 131 DNA-Forest 0.7 10/20/94 Mackinaw SF - CR48 - Sec. 21 DNA-Forest 4.6 10/20/94 Mackinaw SF - Springvale-Harmon DNA-Forest 4.9 7/25/96 Stinner land (Sec. 25-Sec 24) NCTA 0.4 7/26/95 Petoskey - Sec. 25 to Sec 24 Petoskey 1.1 10/5/95 Petoskey- Krause Dr to Brubaker Petoskey 0.6 10/5/95 NC Mich College NCM Coll. 1.7 5/1/96 Petoskey-Sheridan St to US 31 Petoskey 2.2 12/21/94 Wilderness SP S bdry to E. bdry DNA-Parks 10.8 11nt95 Mackinaw SF- SP B1JX to Sec.24 DNA-Forest 9.0 6/1/92 Hiawatha NF - FR31 to N Bdy USDA-FS 78.4 12/5/89 Tahquamenon Falls State Park DNA-Parks 21.5 5/16/89 Lake SuperiorSF - SP - Swam~ Lk DNA-Forest 7.2 8/2/83 Lake Superior SF Sec 13 to S DNA-Forest 19.7 8/2/83 Muskallonge Lake State Park ONA-Parks 1.5 5/16/89 Lake Superior SF-SP to H-58 ONA-Forest 19.3 8/2/83

connector

(0.9)

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore NPS

43.8 8/2/83 connector (4.8) Hiawatha NF - M-94-Buck Bay Cr USDA-FS 9.6 5/16/89 City of Marquette Marquette 1.3 2/15/96 connector (1.9) 3.1 Marquette 2/15/96 Ci~ of Marquette Litt e Presque Isle DNA-Forest 6.8 10/20/94 Ottawa NF-McCormick Wilderness USDA-FS 8. 1 10/20/94 Craig Lake State Park DNA-Parks 7.5 7/14/92 Ottawa NF Kenton, Onlanagon RDUSDA-FS 42.5 8/2/83 Ottawa NF Sec. 12 to S. Bdry Rd USDA-FS 29.6 8/2/83 Porcupine Mins SP DNA-Parks 17.5 5/24/93 Porcupine Mins SP DNA-Parks 4.0 10/4/96 Qttawa ~E ~B51fl IQ C~l:l!l[ eeals USDA-ES 11..8. B.L2L.8..a

Total- Michigan (581:7 usable)

569.5 (12.1)

WISCONSIN Copper Falls Slate Park DNA City ol Mellen Mellen Chequamegon National Forest USDA-FS 6allfield CQ!.!Dlll EQrnSI ~

4.4 1.5 60.0 _Ji

Total- Wisconsin (83.3 usable)

Chippewa National Forest lla~se

66.5

MINNESOTA USDA-FS

68.0 U,Q

QtIB Total-Minnesota (162.00usable} 81.0

NORTH DAKOTA Sheyenne National Grassland USDA-FS Sheyenne State Forest NDFS Fort Ransom State Park P&R Dept. Fort Ransom SP extension ~tRG~fPt. Lonetree WMA

25.0 1.0 1.5 1.0 32.Q

Total-North Dakota (109.5usable)

60.5

TOTAL CERTIFIED MILEAGE TOfAL SIGNED MILES

1314.7 1326.8

8/2183 6/15/94 B/2/83

6/22188

1Mfil 719/90 8/2183 11/B/85 4/11/96 194

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

1996 Trail Status Report

1997

Page21

2000 by 2000 Behind Schedule, but not impossible

While no one was looking last fall, an important milestone for the trail was passed, 1-iut in a manner so subtle that it was overlooked at first glance. For years, Michigan trail enthusiasts have been daunted by the large amount of trail to be constructed on public lands, especially state lands, in northern lower Michigan. But, when looking over reports of what had been constructed this year, all of a sudden, it was realized that the deed was done! In other words, except for two places where private land crossings still block trail on public lands, all the North Country Trail to be built on public lands in northern Michigan ... has been built -- on state lands in the northern lower peninsula, mostly through the ongoing efforts of Arden Johnson, with the help of Rich Siebert and many others. Where they haven't been able to put the trail off-road, they're working on marking it on-road. This means that there soon will be a continuously marked trail from some place west of Laughing Whitefish Falls in the Upper Peninsula to Croton Dam in the lower peninsula -- about 625 continuously marked trail miles. Ten years ago, this was hardly even a dream. Just going from memory, from north to south, there was the Lakeshore Trail, some trail in Lake Superior State Forest, partially completed trail in the Hiawatha National Forest, the Shore to Shore Trail in the Lower Peninsula, a less than half-complete route through the Manistee National Forest, and a few other patches here and there. Many people over ten years have been responsible for this, and a few of the names that come to mind are Arden and Rich, the late Vince Smith, Joe Hart in the Hiawatha NF, Derek Blount, Bill Menke (whorode herd on the trail in the northern Manistee as the Forest Service District Ranger there before going to work for the National Park Service), Ginny Wunsch, and a host of others. It's not been an easy or a simple project, but it's a step closer to completion. That's not the end of it, of couse; there's no such thing as a completed trail. Private land crossings will continue to be a priority for many years to come; much will have to be done in the way of upgrading, amenities,

I,,.,.,,.,.,,.,.

.--~~~--1~~~~--..""--~~~----l

,,.,.

and maintenance, and, if that's not enough, Vince and a few others once kicked around a possible route that would take the trail entirely off of the Shore-to-Shore Trail, avoiding the heavy horse use, and avoiding a 9mile roadwalk to boot, but the idea was put off as there were higher priorities around. The fact that the trail on public lands has been completed underscores the observation that we are rapidly running out of trail corridors to be developedon public land. From here on, trail development on private lands, or in cooperation with other projects, such as railtrail projects, is going to become increasingly more important as the trail continues to expand. It should be noted, though, that this isn't the only long continuously-marked trail section; much of the trail is marked in Ohio,a route that has about 750 of 850 miles marked, with several breaks (and much of it on roads and uncertifiable); a nearly 500-mile section exists in New York and Pennsylvania, and there are other sections marked for long distances, some of over a hundred miles. End to end marking isn't a pipe dream; it's well on the way to being a reality. Lookingat the chart above, it seems as if the goal of "2000 by 2000" is farther away than ever -- but it's still within reach. Several big projects are getting set to come to fruition. A little bird reports that a certification application is expected on the North Dakota Garrison Diversion Project trail in the next few months; many miles of the "Arrowhead Route" can be certified when the paperwork and politics get cleared away; there are several patches of trail in Michigan and Wisconsin that are nearing certification, as well as a new project in Ohio;it looks like many of the loose pieces in Pennsylvania may coalesce into a certifiable route most of the way across the state in the next year or two; and, finally, figuring out a route through the Adirondacks doesn't appear quite as hopeless as it has been for the past decade. And, one hears rumors of other things taking place here and there that will eventually lead to yet more new trail. It's easy to think that not much has happened in a decade. In fact, a great deal has happened, and more yet is getting ready to happen.

Page22

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Jan-Mar 1997

North Country Ramblings by Don Beattie My thoughts have been forming for several weeks, and then the arrival of the Oct.-Dec. North Star provided the final stimulus.

MountainBikes I was saddened by the recent decision of the U.S. Forest Service to allow bike use on 80 miles of the NCT in the Manistee NF. This is the first allowed use on any national forest section on any of the eight National Scenic Trails. I wrote a lengthy and impassioned letter favoring foot use only, but alas, it was the quantity of letters that counted, not the content. Last fall, I received notice from the Manistee NF that as of Nov. 17, 1995 the Forest Service's Manistee River Trail was closing to bike/horse use. Upon discovery of bike damage to water bars by cutting ruts around them, and other visible trail impact, the Forest Service closed "their trail" immediately with no public input. The foot bridge dedication ceremony on July 20th now creates a 20+ mile loop trail with the NCT. Now, bikes are only allowed on the NCT side. While the US Forest Service does have personnel to monitor trail use, even if it is to a limited extent, an area of more concern to the NCT is on Michigan State Forest lands. No personnel or funds will support any trail monitoring there. In particular, I have in mind sections in Emmet County: Chandler Hills to Petoskey to Mackinaw City. Other than a few loop X-Cski trails, the NCT is the only forest trail in the county, and bike use is becoming more popular as more sections are completed and discovered. I have friends there, active bikers, that have no interest in hiking. I am hesitant to even discuss the fact that the National Parks administration of the NCT opposes bike use on the trail when there are Michigan DNR tags posted stating the trail is a "nonmotorized"trail, also knowing there is no enforcement even if there were rules. With no established NCT policy decided before opening trail sections and bike use becoming well established, trying to enact and enforce changes later will only cause anger and resentment.

End-to-end trail marking As I read Tom Gilbertis excellent trail marking summary, my long-standing feelings on this issue re-

surfaced. I carefully read all of the "why" and "why nots". The list was quite complete, sounding very theoretical. Then Ed Talone's article with experience, history, and feelings e practical, big picture. My personal hiking experiences and feelings strongly support Ed's ideas and conclusions, and reduce most of the negative concerns to non-issues, or even pluses. During 1972-1975 I hiked the Bruce Trail across Ontario (Canada's longest continuous trail - 430 miles from Niagara to Tobermory). The trail, completed in 1967 for Canada's centennial year, is unique in the fact that the "optimum route" for the entire length is the Niagara Escarpment, a narrow, scenic and popular corridor. One similarity to the NCT routing is that after 30 years, the Bruce Trail crosses privately owned lands for more than 30% of the trail. From its start in 1967, 100% of the trail route was marked with one symbol only. The trail symbol and white blaze system was adopted from the Appalachian Trail. Had the trail not been marked continuously I may have only hiked a few miles of the more spectacular sections and never returned. As it was, I got hookedon the super sections, and just kept going, returning on many weekends and during summer vacations. Having a guide book that covered the entire route, including on-road sections, was also a significant factor in my continuing. When I finished the last step along the Bruce Trail at the John Muir historical marker (he lived and worked in Meaford for three years and hiked and botanized the Niagara Escarpment) I was filled with two feelings: one, a joy and feeling of accomplishment, recalling the first steps along the "red line on a map" when it looked like a million mile journey, and the other, an immense feeling of sadness that I was losing a close friend. I had become one with the trail. Because the Bruce Trail was continuously marked, every community along its entire route is aware and proud of the trail, and many became involved with the trail, contributing time, effort and money for its support. Also, some land owners, after being familiar with marked on-road sections of the trail, later became willing to allow right of way for the trail across their property. Also, hikers walking marked on-road trail sections are recognized and welcomed (cookies, meals, rides, water, encouragement, directions, area history) as opposedto sometimes being a "stranger to suspect" on unmarked NCT sections. It does not, however, seem to make much difference to dogs whether the hiker is following a marked or unmarked trail! The NCT needs to be in one piece. After we accept the complete and the incomplete parts, we gain a sense of wholeness. Then we can set about to improve the incomplete parts, to establish a feeling that the NCT is a reality: 1. It should be marked end to end. 2. Only one symbol (blue diamond) should be used for all trail sections whether on-road, off-road, certified or connector section. (How about tilting the double diamonds in the direction of trail change, making it easier to find the new direction and eliminating direction arrows sometimes seen?)

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Jan-Mar 1997

3. Any trail guide should contain every inch of the trail, end to end, no matter what its status.

Maps It was nice to see all eight National Scenic Trails, including the NCT, shown on the large US map (Federal lands in the Fifty States) in the Oct. '96 National Geographic.WhenI pick up Arden Johnson's Michigan Mapsets, I feel the NCT is a trail. It shows a connected trail from Ohio to Wisconsin. Even though much of the route south of Grand Rapids follows roads, it does provide a sense of continuity. This is the only state with such a guide. (Thanks, Arden! It has been immensely valuable') The best available maps live found to hike the NCT in lower Michigan, and now the eastern U.P. and Marquette County, are published by the Universal Map Co. (P.O. Box 15, Williamston, MI 48895). Borders Bookstore (Novi, Ml), carries the most complete map section I've ever seen, containing all of the Universal maps, all of the DeLorme state atlases and many other US and foreign maps. The Universal maps are in color, foldable, road map size useful for carrying in a pack or to navigate with while driving. They include the unimproved backroads as well as mile sections which live found useful to gauge distances while hiking. All you must do is colorin the NCT on the maps. I just wrote and asked the company to consider including the NCT on future editions, which would then be a goodaddition to the N.C. Trail Shop. I also wrote M.D.O.T.at Lansing to encourage them to add the NCT to the state maps. The new DeLorme Ohio atlas shows the entire Buckeye Trail, and much of it presently followsroads and passes through several cities. By the way, the Buckeye is 100% blazed!

Hiking Easter Sunday ended skiing at Boyne Highlands, indicating time to switch to hiking boots. With the last, nearby, off-road NCT sections now finished in Emmet County, I was anxious to try them. The trail from Wilderness State Park south to Wycamp Lake was passable, some snow, some bare trail, but the snow deepened to two feet near Levering Road. Heading north off Robinson Rd. found more knee-deep snow and led to a decision to wait for hiking, not slogging. After attending the Manistee NF bridge dedication ceremony July 10th, for the link connecting the NCT and Manistee River Trail into a 20+ mile loop,it seemed time to return to Emmet County. The Robinson/Van Road section was much easier now that the snow had finally melted! The section from Larks Lake Rd. to Robinson Road was a pretty section, including "regimented" red pine stands and open ampitheater mature maple forest, both favorites of mine. I was puzzled part way through, wondering why I wasn't enjoying it more, when I realized why. The year-old cut trail was somewhat soft sand and right down the center was an inch-

Page23

deep bike tire rut. To avoid twisting an ankle, each footstep had to be carefully planted, with little time to relax and enjoy the forest scenery. Near Robinson Road was a steep section where trail builders had carefully created switchbacks to prevent water erosion down the gully. Already, the bike track I had been followingcut off the switchbacks and headed straight down the gully. As soon as a few more bikes follow and scatter the remaining leaves and soil, a straight water route with accompanying erosion will result. Mountain Bike perspective (Pg. 9, Oct. '96 North Star): "Meeting mother nation through the eyes of dynamic motion called to the child in them." Another biker/hiker difference comes to my mind: a quick thrill now, vs. long-term enjoyment with sustainability (now and future). The inner child in all of us needs to play but it needs the guidance of the accompanying adult responsibility to make it a complete experience that not only we, but future generations can enjoy. It's called courtesy, responsibility, and sharing. Two weeks of early Octobering the Marquette area began on a remote dirt track leading to the Whitefish Bridge area and an unexpected ride with Gene Elzinga and Marty Leppanen and two vans of NMU students right to the NCT access point. Daily trail crews were working hard there to connect the bridge to Harvey. A new 1 1/2 mile section is near completion and the next section to Segan Rd. is tagged. The bushwhacking through maple thickets was rewarded by the discovery of a quiet, selcuded waterfall, though only presently a trickle. Crew encounters and rides the next two days aided my "alternate route" to Harvey. The Lake Superior walk with a hurricane north wind creating rain from the high-breaking waves reminded me of John Muir, climbing trees during storms to experience their power and sway in the wind. The NCT through the Elliott Donnelly Wilderness Tract, leading to the Little Garlic Falls, is a real gem. (The falls are the temporary end of the NCT which, with road connections, is now continuous from there to the Rogue River State Game Area north of Grand Rapids.) I dallied so long in the area that the shortening days and a poor decision found my day hike called on account of darkness while only halfway back, resulting in my first ever unplanned overnight on the NCT (or any trail, for that matter). The morning light wasn't soon enough to find my dropped and buried car keys, hike out and join the scheduled 8 AM NCT Hikers Saturday hike. The next several days I spent hiking the Craig Lake area. There, a new 3-mile section of the trail runs west, passing Teddy Lake and ending at Long Lake, a nice, pleasant spot to enjoy. my lunch with an inquisitive red squirrel on the needle covered ground under a large white pine. The next day was clear and sunny, a joyto be alive and out in all the gloriousfall colors, enjoying the trail from Craig Lake to Marion Bridge. (It's nice how the local names to things never appear on any signs or maps!)By the way, the road in to Craig Lake off M-28 from Nestoria was not exactly designed for car travel (rocks, dips, a stream, water holes). It is possible if you're very, very careful!

Page24

NORTH STAR: Tfye Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Jan-Mar 1997

October 10th, I had planned to return home, but my car headed west from Marquette leading to surprise and excitement as I topped the hill to find everything covered on a blanket of snow. A leisurely last day exploring NCT access roads, taking fall/winter pictures and gathering information. An accurate NCT route through the McCormick Track (the only one I've come across) is penciled in on the USGStopo maps on the trailhead info board provided by the Ottawa NF. I carefully made a copy on a section map for future use. Being wilderness status, no signs or markings are allowed along the trail there. Clayton Schooley,a 70+ year old nearby summer resident of the area and ex-DNR Forester walked by while I was there. At first I thought it was John Muir! He mentioned that with animal paths, old forest trails and open clearings, following the unmarked trail could be a challenge. Compass and map might help. The road to Dishno Lake and Wildcat Danyon to the NCT access are fairly good-- a relief after that Craig Lake road! The NCT west from the McCormick Tract runs about 2 1/2 miles into a big logging mess -- heavy machinery work-

ing on Saturdays. I believe that the trail from there to Marion Bridge is closed for a year while the area is logged. Thirty degree temps, fast falling leaves soggy from the melting snow and dwindling vacation time signaled the end to a goodtrip -- about 45 new NCT miles covered and plans already forming for next year's hiking. With only three trail gaps in the Marquette area, one east (Laughing Whitefish to Harvey, with present trail work there) and two west (Little Garlic Falls to Wildcat Canyon and Long Lake to Covington) the NCT in the UP is otherwise complete. It will take time and a lot of hard work to close those remaining gaps, but let's rejoice in all that's already accomplished (the glass is almost full!). The Marquette group certainly should be complimented for their past and ongoing intensive efforts to extend the trail there. They have some tough terrain and land problems, but it's some of the best hiking in the state. Well, the time is nearing to switch back to ski boots and stow the hiking boots for another season.

Backpack a Civil War hardtack by Wes Boyd For some time, I've wondered about how good Civil War style hardtack would be as a/ backpacking food. Essentially a hard flour cracker., they hold a lot of energy, and experience in the Civil War indicated that they have a good shelf life, pack well, and carry a fair amout of energy for the weight. Men lived for years on hardtack, coffee,and a little bacon. I won't say they lived well, but they survived. On the other hand, they're bland, and they didn't call them hardtack for nothing. However, the problem is, where do you find them? They're available through Civil War re-enactor suppliers, but they're expensive. As simple as they are I thought that there ought to be a recipe for them somewhere that would allow the backpacker to do them in their own kitchen. Then one night, while surfing the net and looking for something else, I found not one, but four recipes. The simpler ones seem pretty simple, and possibly more authentic (no one knows how an authentic hardtack really was made); the more complicated ones sound a little more edible. So, for the experimenter, here's four ways to make Civil War hardtack: - Recipes for hardtack vary from extremely simple / to more elaborate. The simplest is: 6 parts flour to 1 part

water, mix, knead, roll out thin, and bake until hard. From: Mike Wade. - For about 10 crackers (1 ration): 3 cups flour, 1 1/ 2 or so tsp baking soda, 1 1/2 tsp salt, water to form to a workable dough. Knead the dough. Crackers should be cut to about 3"x3"(although some contractors made eem 5x5, even 7x7). When you cut the dough, I have found that it should not "pull away" - if it does, it is still too wet.

With a nail, or similar object, punch about 16 holes in each cracker (4x4 pattern - although this was not the only way to do it). Put in oven at about 375F for about 50 minutes - this is what I find to work for me; different ovens may act differently. In any event, it should be brownish on the bottom. You're not "baking" cookies here, you are essentially trying to heat all the water out of the cracker. Take out and cool - they should get hard. "Evidence" indicates that hardtack was made with "selfrising" flour. If I recall right, however, no specifications have been found as to what the government actually called for. Some recipes call for oil, but I have found that it has no effect on the final product. In any event, experiment with kneading, etc., time to bake to get a final product which is a nice hard slab of flour. From: Dominic J. Dal Bello - Another recipe: 2 cups flour, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 2 tbsp. baking soda, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, salt to taste, water to consistency, mix up well, (dry ingredients first, then wet) roll out thin, bake at 450 degrees about 15 minutes, or to tooth-breaking quality. From: Jeff Zurschmeide. - We make it for our Living History programs. Here it is: 3 cups milk, 8 cups plain flour, 8 tablespoons shortening (Crisco),6 teaspoons brown sugar (optional), 3 teaspoons salt; mix, roll on floured board, to 1/2" thickness. Cut into 3" squares, punch holes 3 rolls of 3 with ice pick, Lightly grease baking pan, bake in oven 400 deg for 45 min or till golden brown, cool in open air. Don't store in plastic (no plastic in 1800's) because of moisture. This recipe is the same they used except the sugar, We have found that a gooddose of cinnamon, and not cooking it as long is good eatin', From: Merle Kirck

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Jan-Mar 1997

Page 25

Big Rapids. Contact Dave S., (616) 784-8975, or Mary P, (616) 773-6986.

ITEMS FOR THIS COLUMN mustbe received before the deadlinedategivenonPage4ofthisnewsletter. Wewelcome

listingactivitiesofaffiliatedorganizations, butwemustbeaware oftheminsufficienttirneforpublication.

NCTA February15:BoardofDirectorsmeeting, CourtyardInn, Romulus,Ml. April 1: Newsletter deadline April 1 : Nominations due for board election May 17: Board of Directors meeting, Romulus, Ml. June 1: Newsletter deadline June 1: Ballots due for board election August 1 : Newsletter deadline. August 28-31:Tentativedates for Annual Membershipmeeting in Ohio. Location, details TBA. October 1: Newsletter deadline. October 1: Deadlinefor 1998 Challenge Cost Share proposals and reporting VIP hours. November 8: Board of Directors meeting, Romulus, Ml.

Michigan Jan. 21: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml) General Meeting at Peter White Public Library, Marquette Jan. 24: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml) Full moon ski. Meet at Presque Isle gazebo at 8 P.M. John (906) 2283617. Jan 25: West Michigan Chapter skis Big M. Contact Dave S (616) 784-8975, or Mary P., (616) 773-6986. Jan. 25: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml) Echo Lake ski. Lunch in a warm trailer. Richard (906) 225-7934. Feb. 1: Mackinaw Mush, annual dog sled race on NCT at Mackinaw City, Ml. Contact Tun-Ora Outfitters, Box 357, Mackinac City Ml 49701 (616) 436-5243. Feb. 1: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml) McCormick chain of lakes ski trip. Join the Yellow Dog group. Optional breakfast at the Crosscut Cafe in Champion before trip. Richard (906) 226-7934 or Mike Davis (906) 228-8485. Feb. 1: West Michigan Chapter skis Hungerford Lake, near

Feb. 2: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml} Ground Hog Day at Au Train Hermitage. Two mile snowshoe. Lon (906) 942-7879. Feb 4: Western Michigan Chapter meeting, 7744 Thornapple Bayou Dr., Grand Rapids. Call Bill (616) 868-7251for directions and information. Feb.8: WinterTrails'97outing, NCTASchoolhouse, WMeCloud,Ml. Severaloutdoormanufacturersalesrepswillbethere,bringingsnowshoes forparticipantstotryout. Hikes, snowshoeing, kids obstaclecourseand games, buildingshowshelters.Hotchocolateandcookies. Formore information,contactDar1eneat(616)784-5050. Feb. 8: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml) Addis Lakes ski or snowshoe. Richard (906) 226-7934. Feb. 9: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml} Blueberry Ridge ski trip. Mary (906) 225-0833. Feb. 15: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml) Pictured Rocks ski trip. Gene (906) 225-1704. Feb. 15-23: Western Michigan Chapter Cross-Country Ski Trip, visiting several sites in the northern lower and upper peninsula. Contact Dave S. (616) 784-8975 or Mary P. (616) 773-6986. Feb. 17:North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml) Presidents Day Holiday. Craig Lake ski trip. Strenuous. Gene (906) 2251704. Feb. 22: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml) Ski from Munising to Grand Island and explore on Island. John (906) 228-3617. Mar. 1: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml} Ski on Nature Conservancy land to Laughing Whitefish Lake. Richard (906) 226-7934. Mar. 2: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml) Ski, snowshoe, sled, indoor-outdoor picnic on Betty Daly's land. Betty (906) 360-8518. Please call after 7 P.M. Mar. 8: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml) Ski or snowshoe on the Mulligan highlands. Strenuous. Seth (906) 486-9550. Mar.15: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml) Big Island Lake Wilderness area ski. Long trip. Richard (906) 226-7934. Mar. 21: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml) Equinox escape on Pictured Rocks escarpment. 3.5 mile snowshoe. Breakfast before 9 A.M. at Dogpatch restaurant in Munising. Lon (906) 942- 7879. Mar. 22: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml) McCormick wilderness ski or snowshoe off trail to 3 new lakes; Camp 2, DeadRiver Headwaters,LakeRaymond. Richard(906) 226-7934.

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NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Jan-Mar 1997

Dead River Headwaters, Lake Raymond. Richard (906) 2267934. Mar. 29: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette, Ml) Ski to Pinnacle Falls. Long. Gene (906) 225-1704. April 26-27: Trail work project in Lost Nations State Game area, HillsdaleCounty. ContactArden Johnson,600 Tennyson, Rochester Hills, Ml 48307 (810) 853-0292. May 3-4: Trail work project in Lost Nations State Game area, Hillsdale County. Contact Arden Johnson, (see above). May 10-11: Trail work project in Lost Nations State Game area, Hillsdale County. Contact Arden Johnson, (see above).

Minnesota

April 19: FLTC Wallace D. Wood founder's hike, about 9 miles in Letchworth State Park. Meet at Parade Grounds picnic pavilion at 10:00 AM. May 9-11: The FLTC Spring meeting will be May 9-11 at Cazenovia Lake. For more information, contact FLTC, PO Box 18048, Rochester NY 14618-0048 or call (716) 288-7191.

Ohio April 25-27: The Buckeye Trail Association annual meeting will be held at Butler Springs Christian Assembly, Highland County, Ohio. For more information, contact Herb Hulls, 38450 CR46, Lower Salem, OH 45745 (614) 585-2603, Early September: The Buckeye Trail Association is going to the Adirondack Mountains of New York 'tor a week of hiking. For information, contact Herb Hulls at (614) 585-2603.

April 26-28:Superior HikingTrail Association Annual meeting.

New York Feb. 3: In the interests of protecting the rights of landowners who allow the Finger Lakes Trail to cross their lands, the Finger Lakes Trail System will be closed on all private lands for 24 hours on Monday, Feb. 3.

Pennsylvania April 4-5: Keystone Trail Association Annual meeting.

Wisconsin January 29: Chequamegon Chapter planning meeting, Mellen, WI. For more information call George Tresnak, (715) 274-2401.

March 3: FLTC Board of Managers meeting, 9:30 AM, Cornell University, College of Veternary Medicine, Ithaca, NY. Trail Sponsors and Trail Committee meeting will follow.

March 12: Heritage Chapter 1997 Kickoff, location TBA. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-4166.

The Superior Peninsula

April 12: Chequamegon Chapter work days, location and time TBA. For more information call George Tresnak, (715) 274-2401.

Seasons in the.Upper Peninsula of Michigan by Lon L. Emerick, Ph.D. Join a long-time lover of the "U.P." as he explores abandoned gold mines and ghost towns. Saunter down old woods roads. Take a hike on the Bay de Noc - Grand Island pathway. Visit winter waterfalls and enjoy a pasty picnic on a remote hillside as spring arrives.

April 26: Chequamegon Chapter hike, location and time TBA. For more information call George Tresnak, (715) 274-2401. May 17-18: Heritage Chapter work days, location TBA. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-4166. June 7-8. Chequamegon Chapter National Trails Day Hike. For more information call George Tresnak, (715) 274-2401. June 7-8: Heritage Chapter National Trails Day event. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-4166. 21 22 H "t

SWISS KANDERSTEG ZERMATT MURREN LENK

"A thrilling love affair with the U.P.... many readers will end up putting it high on their gift list." -- Glen Sheppard, Northwoods Call Color photos, b/w drawings, 106 pp. $17.95 +$2.00 shipping. Order from: North Country, Dept NS 355 Heidtman Rd., Skandia Ml 49885

~~~~ALP RIGl-kALTENBAD GRINDELWALD SAAS-FEE GSTAAD FLUELEN ENGELBERG LEUKERBAD

t DE F

ALPS

Moderate optional length DAY hiking along skyline trails. 7 - 2 week tours basing at 15 mountain 3-4 star hotels. All hikes guided by NCT member Cecil Dobbins. For a free color brochure call (216) 867-3771 or write to路 ' ALPINE ADVENTURE TRAILS TOURS, Inc. 783V Cliffside Dr. Akron, OH 44313

The Hiker's Paradise

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Jan-Mar 1997 more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-4166.

Page27

more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-4166.

July 19-20: Heritage Chapter work days, segment F-H. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-4166. August 2-10: Heritage Chapter Campout and work days, Weber Lake. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 4254166. Sept. 5-7: Heritage Chapter membership meeting, location TBA. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-4166. Sept. 27: Chequameon Chapter Fall Hike. For more information call George Tresnak, (715) 274-2401. Oct. 18-19: Heritage Chapter work days, segment H-J. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-4166. Dec. 6: Heritage Chapter get-together, Milwaukee, WI. For

Other National Trail events March 1: Start of 25th Anniversary lditarod Trail Seid Dog Race, Achorange, Alaska. Contact: lditarod Trail Committee, 1-800-566-SLED. March 21-23: Florida Trail Association Annual Conference, Leesburg, FL. Contact: FTA Office, 1-800-343-1882. April 12-16, 1997:"ProtectingTrail Resources," Fifth National Conference on National Scenic and National Historic Trails, Orlando, FL. For information contact NCTA Office. August 1-8. 31st meeting of the AppalachianTrail Conference, Bethel, ME. Contact ATC, (304) 535-6068.

Tl'all

Dl'fel'a Donol'a:

Pat and Mark Allen/Miller * Howard Beye * BP America Matching Gift Plan * Marilyn J. Chadwick Jay Fisher* Tom and Janis Gilbert John and Barbie Hipps/Smith * Ed and Melodee Honton/Komacker

Martha Jones * Peter and Paula Klima James and Dena Mackey/Smith* Rod MacRae * Thomas Reimers * John and Patricia Shinaberger Edward Sidote Carpenter Snyder

Janette Sweasy * Ben Travis Dougand Marjory Welker/Johnston Gary and MelanieWerner/Lord* Jim and Donna Wessel Walker Stephen Willeumier John and Ruth Worst * donated $50 or more

New Metnbel'a: Minnesota Parksand Trails Council David Baar Robert and Nancy Benham Frank Blumenthal -Trail Leader John Brinda Robert Burpee John Burrows William Coffin Gene Cornelius Elizabeth and Van Coville/Dusenbery Brian Cox Sandra DeWolf Eric Doyle Carol Eggers Environmental Stewardship Coalition, Calvin College Bill and Sue Fales Nancy Franz Tom Garnett Chris Gladieux Richard Grau

Herb Grenbe Dan Haugen Linda Hebert Mark Hittle Meegan Holland Grace and Ronald Hutchinson Elden Johnson Andrea KeKam Cora Killinger Richard King Curtis Kyllonen Jan Lee Dave and Nancy Lightfoot Lois Ludwig Maurice Makram Phil and Delores Malpass Michelle Menke Lee Milner J Robert Muller Michigan Mountain Biking Association, NW Chapter Horseshoe Lake Camp

Pamela Northrup Gregory Rathje Frank Renberg Russell Roberts Chad Rowley Ginny Ruppe Tina Sehl Bill Snyder Andrew Toy Gerald Troupe Michael Vargo Lois and Wallace Waara Tiffany Wicks Nicole Willeuimier Dmitri Willeumier Ean Willeumier Stephen Willeumier Mathew and Suzanne Williams Cathy Wolfe C. Wood Felix and Anise Younger

We gratefully acknowledge the support of all our members and donors , who share with us the vision of the North Country National Scenic Trail!

~ Announeing the I 9 9 7 ~ MSMBSR RSeRUITMSNT eONTS-T! Jaeket with etnbltOlde..ed logo t2s Gift f!etfifleate at the Nf!TA TND ehop

GNnd Ptlae (I): Runnel's Up (5):

Hel"e1s th~_•eoop

Between January 1 and August 15,' 1997, NCTA will record the recruiter's name for each new paying member that joins. We'll print the current totals for leading recruiters in this space for the April, June and August newsletters. At the Annual Meeting, we'll announce the final results. You need not attend the Annual Meeting to receive your prize. Any member of NCTA can participate. If you get someone new to join, just ask them to write down your name as "sponsor" or "recruiter" and we'll be sure to give you credit. Good luck, and thanks for your help in getting the word out! Please call us if you need more forms or have any questions: 616-454-5506, or NCTAssoc@aol.com

•PONeORID MIMBIHHIP

DY UC OUTAT AN INTDODUMORY RATS!

DY UC OUT AT AN INTDODUMORY RATS!

Normally, membershipdues for the North Country Trail Association are $25 or more per year. However, any current member can "sponsor" a new member, like you.

Normally,membership dues for the North Country Trail Association are $25 or more per year. However, any current member can "sponsor" a new member, like you.

As a Sponsored Member, you enjoy all the benefits of regular membership but pay only an introductory rate of $15. After your first year, we'll send you a renewal notice reflecting our regular membership rates.

I spo nsor...