North Star Vol. 16, No. 5 (1997) by NCTA Staff

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December

One member

for every mile of trail

Current members 10 42 62 455 50 43 63 72

State North Dakota Minnesota Wisconsin Michigan Ohio Pennyslvania New York Other

Change since Aug 1 -1 -9°/o -2 -4°/o +3°/o +2 +14 +3°/o +2°/o +2 +10°/o +4 0 +8°/o +5

2000 miles certified State

Miles certified 60.5 81.0 71.0 573.9 287.5 119.3 152.8

North Dakota Minnesota Wisconsin Michigan Ohio Pennsylvania New York

The Superior

Trail in state 435 375 155 875 700 180 520

Members to goal 425 333 93 420 650 137 457

by the year 2000

Change since Jul 1 0 0 0 +2.8 0 0 0

o/o Done 13.9 21.6 46.1 65.9 41 .1 66.3 29.4

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1997

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail ,October-December

1997

Page3

k•• NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION NMh O.llPt• If MS.nuN If W..--. • Mkfl•11 • owa If ,_uyto.,,• If """'ll:llt:

49 Monroe Center, Suite 2008, Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 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 Email: wesboyd@delphi.com STAFF Executive Director: Bob Papp,49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B, Grand Rapids Ml 49503 (616) 454-5506 E-mail: NCTAssoc@aol.com Office Manager: Claudia Day, 49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B, Grand Rapids Ml 49503 (616) 454-5506 OFFICERS President: Werner Veit, 49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B Grand Rapids Ml 49503 (616) 235-2330 E-mail :wv12@aol.com Vice-President (Financial) David Cornell, 514 Cordes Rd., Delton, Ml 49046 (616) 623-8659 E-mail: janc128@aol.com Vice President( EastTrails): Derek Blount, 906 N. Alexander, Royal Oak Ml 48067 (248) 548-1737 E-mail: djblount@aol.com Vice-President (West Trails) John Leinen, Jr, 111 Quandt Ct. So., Lakeland MN 55043 (612) 436-1795 E-mail: jleinen@mfn.org Secretary Kathy Olstad, PO Box 1017, Bismarck ND 58502 (701) 250-4242, x3618 E-mail: kolstad@gp.usbr.gov Published five times annually in January, April, June, August and October by the North Country Trail Association, a private, non-profit 501 (c)3 organization as a benefit of membership in the organization. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the North Country Trail Association.

PRINTEDON RECYCLED PAPER WITH NATURAL SOY INK

hStar The Magazine of the North Country Trail Association

Features Taking it easy in the Manistee

Some people go out to hike a lot of miles. Others go out to see what's along the way, like Cora Killinger and her sister Connie Sehl in the Manistee National Forest this summer

The North CountryTrail's early years

The North Country Trail had a long and difficult prehistory before it started to become a reality. Tom Gilbert, currently of the National Park Service's Midwest Regional Trails Office in Madison, WI, is nearly the sole remaining link to the early years.

Gilbert receives Lifetime Achievement Award 23 After nurturing the trail for a quarter century, Tom Gilbert receives recognition from the North Country Trail Association by being the recipient of the Association's first Lifetime Achievement Award

1997 NCTAAnnual Conference

Though a low-key meeting, there was a lot of fun ·· and a lot got done ·· at the Ohio conference. Plan to attend next year in Michigan!

The Miami and ErieTrail: Delphos-St.Marys

An easy walk and lots of historic interest earmark this rarely-visited certified segment of the North Country Trail.

Regular Departments Keyboard Trails The View from Monroe Center Trailhead Capitol Trails Hiking Shorts North CountryTrail Shop Lots of c·oming events North Country Trainania

5 6 7 8 9 15 28 30

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NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December

1997

North Country Trail Directory路 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Terms Expiring in 1998 At-Large: Wes Boyd, 14815 RomeRoad,Manitou BeachMl 49253 (517) 547-7402, wesboyd@delphi.com At-Large: DavidCornell,514 CordesRd., Delton.Ml49046 (616) 623-8659, janc128@aol.com At-Large: John Leinen,Jr., 111 QuantCt So, Lakeland MN 55043 (612) 436-1795, jleinen@mtn.org East Central: ElwoodEnsor, 1304 HorizonDr.,Fairborn, OH 45324-5816 (513) 879-2068, ejensor@prodigy.com West Central: DerekBlount,906 N. Alexander,Royal Oak Ml 48067 (248) 548-1737, djblount@aol.com West Central: ArdenJohnson,600 Tennyson,RochesterHills, Ml 4830 (248) 853-0292 Terms Expiring in 1999 At-Large: Bill Herron,423W. ParkStreet.MarquetteMl 49855 (906) 225-1030 At-Large: SusanNelson,113 E Bayfield St, Box578, Washburn, WI 54891 (715) 373-2667, At-Large: KathyOlstad,PO Box 1017, Bismarck,ND 58502 (701) 250-4242,x3618, kolstad@gp.usbr.gov East Region: HarmonStrong, 76 ShellwoodDr., Rochester, NY 14618 (716) 586-3846 Anger Lakes Trail C.: HowardBeye,202 ColebourneRd., Rochester NY 14609 (716) 288-7191, fltc@axsnet.com Terms Expiring in 2000 At-Large: JoanYoung,861 West US 10, Scottville,Michigan 49454 (616) 757-2205,jhy@t-one.net At-Large: WernerVeit, 49 MonroeCenter,Ste200B, GrandRapids,MI 49503 (616) 235-2330, wv12@aol.com West Region: Tricia Ryan,232 Old NorthShoreRd, TwoHarbors,MN 55616 (218) 834-4342 West Region: PaulStone,834 W. BayfieldSt., Washburn,WI 54891 (715) 373-2664 Buckeye Trail Assoc: DanaZintek, 2369 SuncrestDr.CuyahogaFalls, Ohio 44221 (330) 928-8931 General Affiliate: GlennOster, 784 Olive St.,Pittsburgh,PA 15237 (412) 364-2864 Honorary Appt.: Pat Miller, Rt #1, Box36-A,Washburn, WI 54891 (715) 274-2346

EAST TERMINUS TRAIL CONFERENCE NY Coordinator: Central NY Chapter: Anger Lakes /rail Conf.: PA Coordinator: A YH Pittsburgh:

EAST CENTRAL TRAIL CONFERENCE Ohio Coordinator: Buckeye Trail Assoc: NW OH Rails to Trails Assoc: Ml (Lower) Coordinator: Chief Noonday Chapter: Western Ml Chapter: Grand Traverse Chapter:

(Ohio and Lower Peninsula Michigan)

(Upper Peninsula Michigan and Wisconsin)

GeneElzinga,12 Middle Island, MarquetteMl 49855 (906) 225-1704, im4trails@aol.com GeneElzinga,12 Middle Island, MarquetteMl 49855 (906) 225-1704, im4trails@aol.com GaylordYost, 2925 W BradleyRd, RiverHills WI 53217-2052 (414) 354-8987, GaylYost@aol.com Pete Budde,3803 S. BrookPlace, St.Francis, WI 53235 (414) 769-0441 Kurt Schmitt, 2121 S 87th St, West Allis, WI 53227-1719 (715) 769-3527 Peter Nordgren,1800GrandAvenue,Superior,WI 54880 (715) 394-8340

WEST TERMINUS TRAIL CONFERENCE MN Coordinator: Headwaters Chapter: Superior Hiking Trail Assoc.: Rovers Outing Club: Kekekabic Trail Club: ND Coordinator:

288-7191, fltc@axsnet.com 476-8483 586-3846 287-3382, Bob_Tait@nauticom.net 364-2864

Jim Sprague,4406 Maplecrest.Parma OH 44129 (216) 884-4757 DanaZintek, 2369 SuncrestDr.CuyahogaFalls,OH 44221 (330) 928-8931 GeneMarkley,PO Box234, DeltaOH 43515 (800) 951-4788 ArdenJohnson,600 Tennyson,Rochester Hills, Ml 48307 (248) 853-0292 LynnWaldron,8133 Norris Road, Delton,Ml 49046 (616) 623-5340 GladysHoogterp,0-703 LincolnNW,GrandRapids, Ml 49504 (616) 677-1621 GreggLaw, 1953 LardieRd., TraverseCity, Ml 49686 (616) 941-4964

WEST CENTRAL TRAIL CONFERENCE Ml (Upper) Coordinator: N.C. Trail Hikers Chapter: WI Coordinator: Heritage Chapter: Chequamegon Chapter: Brule-St. Croix Chapter:

(New York and Pennsylvania)

HowardBeye,202 ColebourneRd., RochesterNY 14609 (716) RandallBrune,101 Dorset Rd., Syracuse, NY 13210-3047 (315) HarmonStrong,76 ShellwoodDr., RochesterNY 14618 (716) BobTait, 277 S. DuffyRd., Butler, PA 16001 (412) GlennOster, 784 OliveSt., Pittsburgh,PA 15237 (412)

(Minnesota and North Dakota)

Rod MacRae,1210 W. 22nd St., Minneapolis, MN 55405 (612) 377-0130 Rod MacRae,1210 W. 22nd St., Minneapolis, MN 55405 (612) 377-0130 to be assigned to be assigned to be assigned vacant

National Park Service, North Country Trail Manager:

Bill Menke,NationalParkService,700 RayovacDr., #100, MadisonWI 53711, (608) 264-5610, bill_menke@nps.gov

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail ,October-December

Keyboard Trails by the Editor The deadline for the January-March issue of the North Star is January 1, 1998. Items received well before that date are much appreciated. The deadline for the AprilMay issue will be April 1, 1998.

Legend has it that the first germ of an idea for the Appalachian Trail came to Benton MacKaye in a treetop on Vermont's Stratton Mountian in 1900. It's a comfortable legend to live with, and it's ashame we don't have asimilar one. "Who first dreamed up the idea of the North Country Trail may be one of those things that's lost to history," Tom Gilbert of the National Park Service told the Annual Meeting of the Association in August; an adaptation of his speech is given in this issue, starting on page 19. The recorded history of the trail goes back to 1965, according to Tom, who has the records in his office. The earliest available record only indicates that it was a going idea at that time, but who had that original idea, or where, or when, seems to be lost in the trail's prehistory. Since the meeting, Tom and I have exchanged a few ideas and some speculation as to the origins of the North Country Trail. We're no closer to tracking down the truth, but some interesting ideas have emerged. For a long time, it was thought that the concept of the North Country National Scenic Trail had its genesis within the U.S. Forest Service, but Tom has come to have some doubts; he suspects that the original idea may have come from somewhere else, and the initial study was assigned to the Forest Service. However, this does not rule the Forest Service out, either; the name "North Country Trail" came out of Wisconsin's Chequamegon National Forest, and the name itself may have suggested an extension -- but to whom, we do not know. But, this could be a blind alley; the earliest documentation of the trail that Tom knows of calls it the "Northern Country Trail". It's all speculation, anyway. One of the forces that may have given birth to the idea probably came in the push of the Appalachian Trail Conference for federal recognition and protection of the trail. This was a long process, first started in 1945, but not gaining real force until the early '60s, and not a reality until 1968 with the passage of the National Trails System Act. For a long period, ATC struggled to make this a success, by reaching out to an ever-widening group oflegislators, and somewhere between the original concept of protecting the AT and the idea of a National Trails System, someone, perhaps in the ATC, per-

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1997

haps elsewhere, may have first suggested a long-distance trail in the Great Lakes states. There is speculation -- reinforced by a long-time Chequamegon staffer -- that the "someone" may have been former Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, or one of his staff, perhaps in the early '60s. Recently, Gaylord Yost specifically explored this question with Senator Nelson (a speaker at our 1996conference) but the Senator was unable to either confirm or deny whether the idea first came in his office. There are reasons to think so, as he was heavily involved in the fight for AT recognition, but there are internal reasons to doubt it, too. While records for the North Country Trail begin in 1965 with the Forest Service report made for the former Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, the ATC "Member Handbook" notes an earlier Bureau of Outdoor Recreation study of potential longdistance trails that was conducted in about 1962. The "Handbook"noted thatthe study gained "little positive attention", but it would be interesting to see a copy of it, just to see if there's mention of the North Country concept. Perhaps there's a clue there where the idea originated. In a way, I suppose it doesn't matter, but it's an interesting puzzle. Tom and I have agreed to continue to peck away at it when the opportunity arises, out of sheer curiosity. Somehow, I doubt that the original idea will prove to be a sudden vision in a treetop someplace, but probably a casual remark made over a coffeepot or in a conference room, a remark that may now be forgotten by all concerned. But, who knows?

* * * Glad you like it: In addition to several very positive comments received at the Annual Meeting in August, the newsletter remake brought several comments to my mailbox. Here are a few of them: "I just received my North Star! What a huge difference you've made with the new look. I love the color, both on the full color cover and trail shop section and the splashes throughout the newsletter. The larger text also makes it far easier to read, and I like the fact that you're including more people pictures. Congratulations!" --Amy O'Connor "Great work - best North Star ever. Can not believe the improvement." -- Dave Cornell "The new look of the NORTH STAR is very appealing and colorful. Just wanted to let you know you are doing a great job. The last issue was an exceptional read as well. Thanks for a wonderful magazine." -- J. Clay Kincaid "Belated congratulations with all the changes to the North Star. Clearly a LOT of work that really paid off -- looks fantastic -- attractive and inviting." -- Judy Clinebell

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NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail. October-December 1997

The view from Monroe Center by Executive Director Bob Papp The results of this year's membership recruitment contest are in! We'd been saying all along that we would end the contest in time to announce the results at our Conference in August. Unfortunately, most of the winners of the contest didn't make it to the Conference to receive their accolades. If you' 11 recall, the contest was to see who could recruit the most new members between January 1 and August 15 of this year. Here's how it turned out. The Grand Prize goes to Mary Kunzler-Larmann of our Central New York Chapter. Mary recruited eleven new members to help swell the ranks of this new and very active Chapter. This was an outstanding effort and helped lay the foundation for what will certainly become a strong body of trail advocates. Mary will be receiving a jacket with an embroidered logo in appreciation of her great efforts at promoting the trail and the Association. Five people landed in the runners up category, and will be receiving gift certificates for $25 worth of merchandise from the NCTA Trail Shop. The highest among these was former Board member Gaylord Yost, who signed up nine new members during the contest. As State Coordinator for Wisconsin, Gaylord has been instrumental in helping form our three new Chapters in his state. The end of the contest hasn't phased him either. New memberships continue to arrive at the office under Gaylord's active sponsorship. Next came Len Baron, Trail (and Volunteer) Coordinator for our Western Michigan Chapter. Len recruited seven new members to our largest Chapter. The Western Michigan Chapter now includes more than 150 NCTA members! Under Len's guidance this year, volunteers have been maintaining our schoolhouse and countless (almost) miles of trail, installing new singage in the Manistee National Forest, and building new trail in a local state game area. Close behind Len came Kathy Sabel, Membership Coordinator of, the Grand Traverse Hiking Club. Kathy recruited six new members to the Association. I wish I could say more about Kathy, but I've never met her! Grand Traverse is active in a lot of areas. If you "surf the web," I encourage you to visit their sharp web page, at http://www.traverse.com/people/ north/gthike.htm. Two NCTA Board members tied for the final spots on our "runners up" list, Derek Blount and David Cornell. Through his presidency and his long and dedicated service on the Board,

Derek's list of accomplishments on behalf of the trail and the Association are far too numerous to list here. However, I will mention that he is currently serving as our Chair for Legislative issues and that he often speaks to groups (and outfitters) to promote the trail. David Cornell is our new Vice President of Finance, and is also the President of yet another Michigan Chapter, the Chief Noonday Chapter. Since forming this past spring, members of the Chief Noonday Chapter have signed up more than ten miles of trail on private lands! This is a fantastic accomplishment and we're hoping they'll share some of their secrets with our other chapters soon (maybe a feature article next year in the magazine?). David is quick to point out, though, that this success was preceded by a year or two oflegwork building support by meeting with local groups and agencies. Lastly, although I disqualified us from the competition, I also wanted to mention the efforts of staff, including myself, Claudia Day, our office manager, and Bill Menke, our National Park Service Manager for the trail. Together, the three ofus recruited forty-one new members during the period of the contest. "Toot!" (That's the sound of us blowing our own horns.) I also would like to throw in my thanks to John Kincaid. Last year, before the contest started, John recruited more than FIFTY new members in about four months. He's working now on personally contacting these folks to encourage them to renew as regular NCTA members, since their sponsored memberships are already expiring. Although the contest for this year is over, the Sponsored Membership program is still running strong. This means all current NCTA members can continue to sign up an unlimited number of new members at the $15 introductory rate. You'll find the form on the inside back cover of this issue. We'll be happy to send you more if you need them. Also, we'll be running a bigger and better Membership Recruitment contest beginning January 1, 1998, so watch your January North Star for details. Through the efforts of our Chapters, Affiliates, and a lot of individuals, the Association is continuing to grow (and stretch). Since I started working as NCTA's executive director in March of last year, I've enjoyed watching our membership climb more than 50% to our highest level ever. This has been a great accomplishment and a lot of people deserve credit, but it's really just the tip of the iceberg. The North Country Trail deserves nothing less than an organization that is fully capable of supporting it at both the local and national levels. We've seen some excellent progress at the local levels and we're on our way to where we need to be nationally, but we still have along trail ahead. Thanks to everyone who's out there talking up the trail and the Association. Many people recruited a few or even just one new member and we very much appreciate your efforts as well. Spreading the word like this is the best way to ensure that the North Country National Scenic Trail will one day meet its exciting, full potential.

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail ,October-December

Trail Head by President Werner Veit I would like to use my first column as your President to introduce myself and share with you some of my goals and those of your officers for our Association. First off, let me admit up front that I'm neither a long distance hikernor a builder of quality trail bridges like Derek Blount, who preceded me in this job and who would be presiding yet in his splendid style were it not for the bylaws of our organization which limit the terms of our officers and directors. I haven't walked over 15 milesinaday, nor carried a heavy pack since encouraged to do so by an airborne infantry regiment 40 years ago. Moreover, if in those days I would have predicted that some day I would walk for fun, I would have let those Army shrinks have a serious go at me. Nevertheless, it happened that like all of you I became taken with the idea that the ideal pace is a walking pace and that I neitherneeded, nor wanted, toys with wheels to propel me through the countryside. Since back surgery many years ago, I haven't been able to carry, or perhaps willing, to carry much beyond water, my lunch, a change of clothes, camera, binoculars and field guides. That limits my distance, I know, to the miles between bed and breakfasts, to car-spotting dependence on friends orto day hikes. In fact a year ago, after my retirement from the daily newspaper business, I spent eight months writing about my once or twice weekly day hikes in a column called "The Mature Walker,"which ran in the eight daily newspapers published by Booth Newspapers Inc., in Michigan. In the process, I not only became acquainted with a lot of trail (and dodged my share of trail bikes and horses), I also came to the realization that recreational walkers and day hikers were a lot more common than the long-distance striders and end-to-enders admired and envied so extravagantly by sissy hikers like myself. That lesson will stand me in good stead as I take up my work on behalf of our organization. It will help me to keep in mind those of our members and would-be members who lack the time, or the strength, or the endurance of the hard core hikers who formed the backbone of the North Country Trail Association. This outlook will help, I believe, to achieve one of the most important goals the Association has set for itself in the next few years: growth of membership. We're doing extremely well. Our current rate of growth approaches 40 percent a year. Remember, though, that's from a small base, a base too small to be heard in this age of mass clamor directed at those who can influence our fate: the National Park Service, the Department of Interior, The U.S. Forest Service, the Department of Agriculture, Congress, sevenstatelegislaturesandsevenDepartrnentsofNaturalResources.

1997

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You can be sure that other organizations that lay claim to diminishing natural places in which to play (particularly those helped by the manufacturers of the vehicles that compete for space in our woods and on America's trails) make their influence felt by theirorganized numbers. The disappointment in the Huron Manistee National Forest in Michigan last year which opened 80 miles of the North Country Trail to mountain bikes without much in the way of real discussion, particularly from us who built much of the trail, is evidence enough of our need to grow, to organize and make our interests known. (This is not to say that I see myself as an enemy of mountain bikers. In fact, I hope to show how much we need their understanding and support. But that's a subject for another time). We also need money. Unfortunate, but there it is. The day is gone when we can rely on the National Park Service for much in the way of fund growth, but our "need growth" is accelerating. A good share of the trail possible on public land is built and more and more of the new stretches, particularly those needed to connect existing segments of trail, must be built on private land. Not all willing landowners necessarily will grant us easements for nothing. But even when we're beneficiaries of generous landowners, we still incur considerable expense in making such easements happen. And they will take more and more staff time. Staff time we don't have. Not all of you are aware, I am sure, that the total NCTA staff numbers two-and-a-half, the executive director at the national headquarters in Grand Rapids, MI., along with a part-time office manager, and a planner in Madison, WI. That's it. Period. I'm here to tell you that's thin and I have had a fair amount of experience with non-profit organizations, including two terms as Chairman of the Michigan Chapterof The Nature Conservancy. Even a cursory leafing through the North Star (and I know our members don't do cursory) shows how much is accomplished with those two-and-a-half staffers. But if we grow, and grow we must, we'll need more help and that costs money, money not just from dues but from contributions. Our members, new and old, are the best and right now almost the only source of financial support. Broadening that base of financial support is another important goal of our organization. We all hate to ask for money, but if we are to succeed in building a quality trail from one end of the country to its middle without unduly burdening our membership, we don't have much choice. We will have to raise money from businesses, from foundations, from friends of means. Still another aim of our Association in the coming year is to establish, and in some cases, reinforce, the upward relationship between our growing chapters (they now number nine) and affiliates (they stand at four and more are likely). The mission of the Association is to be of use to the chapters and the affiliates, not the other way round and we hope to demonstrate our commitment to that principle. Perhaps the most important tool to accomplish this effort is the establishment of the four Trail Conferences, the branches of our association dealing frequently and directly with the individu-

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NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December 1997

als and chapters actually out building and maintaining trail. A Board of Directors representing seven states does its best but the logistics alone make it impossible for the directors to have firsthand knowledge ofall the issues affecting a4,400-mile trail. The Trail Conferences, we hope, will be the instruments for just that: a direct link between those who do the work and those supposed to serve them. Partly to that end, I have a personal goal as well. To make a visit to each chapter and affiliate before my term of office ends. I learned at our annual conference in Southern Ohio in August how rewarding it is to meet other hikers. There isn't a dullard among us, or we wouldn't be out on the trail. So I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can. In the meantime, I'd love to hear from you. You can write me at Association headquarters (the address is on Page Three) or send me E-mail atwv 12@aol.com.I promise to respond, whether to consider a problem you want to bring to our attention, make a suggestion to improve our operations, or simply to say hello.

Capital Trails by Derek Blount As a new feature of North Star, this column will regularly appear to keep you updated on what your state and federal legislators are doing for and against issues involving trails. Our vigilance is only as good as our eyes and ears. Each NCTA member can act as those eyes and ears. It is very difficult to monitor the federal issues, let alone the state issues. This is where you can help. If you see an article in a paper or magazine that you think will affect our trail, please mail it to the NCTA office. You don't need to write a letter; just stuff it in an envelope and mail it to us. If you want to give us background on the issue as you see it, all the better. We have been monitoring and commenting on trail issues for several years now, and will continue to do so to protect the trail and its resources. You will find in this column that when we name a Senator or Representative we will designate them with their party and their state. For instance, Senator Frank Murkowski (R-AK) is a Republican from Alaska. When we name Congressional bills we will label them with the House (HR) or Senate (S) designations, name and the bill number. For example, S. 1069 is the Senate Bill designating the American Discovery Trail as the first National Discovery Trail in the National Trail System Act. Senator Murkowski, by the way, introduced it in July. Copies of the bills can be obtained through your local Senator's or Representative's office. If you ask for them there they will know that this is an important issue their constituants

care about. Copies are also available by calling the Senate Documents Room (202) 224- 7860 or the House Document Room (202) 225-3456. We will also include where to call, fax, e-mail or write about an issue. This is truly important. As we continue to grow we will also grow in strength to influence Congress to protect our National Trails System. The Appalachian Trail Conference with 35,000 members has tremendous influence in Congress. We can add to that with our membership. Perhaps one day in the not too distant future we may surpass the ATC in membership and strength. There are currently 20 National Scenic and Historic Trails in the National System. Some of the trails have only small trail groups supporting them, while others are like the ATC. Individually, we may not have the clout in Congress, but together we can make a difference. Nevertheless, it takes all ofus as trail supporters to make that happen. When you write to your Congressional folks, please use the following for addressing correspondence: To a Senator: The Honorable (their full name) United States Senate Washington DC 20510 To a Representative: The Honorable (their full name) United States House of Representatives Washington DC 20515 A few pointers to remember when writing to these special folks are as follows: 1. State your purpose in the first paragraph of the letter. If it pertains to a specific piece of legislation, then identify it with the number, e.g. House Bill HR9999. 2. Be courteous, to the point, and include key information, using examples to support your position. 3. Address only one issue in each letter, and if possible keep it to one page. 4. When writing to the Chairofa committee or the Speaker of the House, it is proper to address them as: Dear Mr. Chairman or Dear Madame Chairwoman: or Dear Mr. Speaker or Dear Madame Speaker. Many issues go before Congress with less than six letters to a Legislator's office. This always reminds me of the song, Alice's Restaurant. If one person writes about an issue they may think they're weird. If two write, they may think they're related or something. If three write, then it may be a group. But, if fifty write, it's a movement. Here's where we get their attention, If one hundred write it's a landslide. Two hundred is an avalanche. At a thousand they will beg us to stop. We're not there yet, but we will be. If you believe in the North Country National Scenic Trail, you'll be with us when they realize that this is a trail movement and not just another small, insignificant group. Till the next time, think good thoughts, and keep in touch!

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail ,October-December

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1997

Hiking Shorts Certification News Since the last newsletter, the National Park Service has certified 2.8 miles of North Country Trail, both in Michigan: â&#x20AC;˘ 1.0 miles in Pere Marquette State Forest. â&#x20AC;˘ 1.8 miles in Lake Superior State Forest. The action brings the total certified length of the NCNST to 1345.3 miles.

Ink on the web National Parks magazine had a nice piece on the North Country Trail Association Website in their JulyAugust issue. It was nice to see the trail get some recognition in this national magazine. You can visit the NCTA website, which gets about 800 hits per month, at http:// people.delphi. comlwesboydlncnst. htm.

Michigan DNRWire The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has a new e-mail subscriber list which provides press releases, the DNR calendar, and a month) y media resource sheet in the form of e-mail messages. The Michigan DNRWire e-mail subscriber list is available to anyone who has an e-mail address and wishes to subscribe. This service is restricted, which means that members can receive messages from the DNR, but cannot post messages to all members or send replies to the DNR via this list. To subscribe, send an email message tomajordomodnr@dnr.state.mi.us with this text in the body of the message: subscribe dnrwire (your e-mail address). To unsubscribe, e-mail the same place unsubscribe dnrwire (your e-mail address.) More information is available at the DNR'~ WWW home page at www.dnr.state.mius. \

NCTA welcomes new recreation planner We are happy to welcome Dirk Mason as our new recreation planner--filling the vacancy created when our first planner, Kim Bair, resigned last May. Dirk reported to the NPS Madison Trails Office, where he is stationed, on September 15. Holding degrees in Environmental Science and Geography (Carroll College, Waukesha, WI) and a Masters of Urban Planning (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) he comes to NCTA from Vail, Colorado where he was employed as a Town Planner. Dirk states "I was excited when I saw the position advertisement because the job combined my academic experiences and recreational interests. While my job in Vail has been extremely interesting, I am very enthusiastic about returning to Wisconsin and helping to complete this exciting trail project." An outdoor enthusiast, Dirk lists camping, canoeing, hiking, cycling, sailing,

skiing, tennis and golfing among his interests. While in Colorado Dirk focused his hiking adventures primarily on bagging the peaks of Colorado's 14'ers. His most recent adventure included bagging Colorado's highest peak, Mount Elbert at 14,433 feet.

Bob Tait is new Pennsylvania Coordinator Bob Tait of the Butler Outdoor Club is the new NCTA Coordinator for Pennsylvania. Tait, along with others, are working on projects to complete the trail across western Pennsylvania.The Butler Outdoor Club is planning on hosting the 1999 NCTA Annual Meeting. Many interesting things are starting to happen in Pennsylvania, and Bob is ready to move them along.

Call of the North records Minnesota progress Ginny Ruppe of Owatonna, MN, is the editor of Call of the North, the newsletter of the Headwaters chapter of the NCTA. Although only on it's second issue, the newsletter is clearly on its way to

being a great voice for the trail in Minnesota. To get on the mailing list, contact Ginny at 429 Hilltop Ave, Owatonna MN 55060, or give her a cal I at(507) 455-1098. She requests a$5.00 donation to help defray expenses.

Sierra Club helps with Bad Medicine Trail On the weekend of May 29, the Sierra Club spent time clearing the North Country Trail near Bad Medicine Lake in northwestern Minnesota. Four Sierra Club members were joined by four Headwaters Chapter members on the project, Ginny Ruppe reports. The oldest of the members was Al Mitton, 78, who also maintains 3 1/2 miles of the NCT in the

Chippewa National Forest near Remer, MN. Mitton's trail clearing trips last year included 18 in April and May, seven in June, 14 in July, 12 in August, and three in September. He's reportedly a good hand with a mower and a chainsaw. The Bad Medicine Trail, which runs west from Itasca State Park, is getting ready for NCT certification, Rod MacRae reports.

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NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December 1997

Hiking Shorts New NPS brochure available soon The Park Service thought the quarter of a million copies of the North Country Trail brochure they printed several years ago would last a long time -- and they did. But, the NPS office has been out of them for a while, and the old brochure needed updating, as several addresses, including the NCTA's, were out of date. Bill Menke reports that the new brochures should be available any day now. The NCTA office in Grand Rapids will have a supply.

Potomac Heritage Trail showing signs of life Since the passage of the National Trails System Act, progress on seven of the eight National Scenic Trails has been steady; only the Potomac Heritage Trail, in Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania has been the orphan. The supporting organization even gave up on the trail a few years ago. Now, things are looking up for the 270-mile proposed Potomac Heritage Trail. In April, a summit meeting was held in Woodbridge, Virginia, in order to focus their energies on the trail; over a hundred people attended. As a result of the meeting, a new coordinating committee has been formed, and work is moving ahead to identify trail opportunities. Scouting parties have gone out to see what the current situation is along the route. They've found that trails have been developed in some places, but others have housing developments and shopping centers built on the planned alignment -- however, it looks like the trail is moving ahead.

Members of the Chief Noonday Chapter of southwest Michigan study maps before heading out to locate new trail through Kellogg Forest at Augusta, Ml. On the left is Lynn Waldron; in the center, Dave Cornell, and on the right Jim McMellen.

Chief Noonday Chapter heads off road Under the guiding hand of president Dave Cornell, great progress has been made this summer by the Chief Noonday Chapter, which was just formed in May of 1997. This is an exciting time for the North Country Trail, as the new chapter lays out and builds new trail in the southwest Michigan area. To date, over one mile of new trail over

private property is on the ground. Chapter planners have landowner approval, and are moving ahead with layout and flagging of additional trail each week. The chapter has grown to 35 members, and invites new members to join. Call Dave Cornell at (616) 623-8659 or Bob Benham at (616) 671-5039 for more information.

NORTA wrapping up Swan Creek bridges The Northwest Ohio Rails to Trails Association, NCTA's newest affiliate, is nearly done with decking and railing of three bridges over Swan Creek, which the rail-trail crosses three times in five miles. "I'm getting to the point where I hate Swan Creek," one of the regular bridge workers commented. While the bridges could be crossed by walking carefully, decking and railing increases safety and ease of use, important on a suburban multi-use trail..

Completing these projects will mean the group is ready to apply for certification on six miles of trail in eastern Fulton County. The group hopes to be able to push on west with trail completion next year. NORTA is a busy group; they've recently been involved in a successful effort to raise $125,000 locally for the purchase of a railroad grade east of Toledo. While this grade won't be part of the NCT, it will be a part of the Ohio North Shore Rail-Trail project.

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail ,October-December

1997

Page 11

Hiking Shorts Dogsleds again allowed on Michigan snowmobile trails In September, Michigan DNR Director K.L. Cool rescinded an order regulating dogsleds on state-owned, groomed snowmobile trails. A DNR order from 1996 banned sled dogs on the trails unless they were part of a permitted event. After concerns were expressed by mushers, the order was suspended, and after a series of meetings with snowmobilers and mushers facilitated by the DNR, consensus was reached on a process for determining which sections of the state's groomed snowmobile trail system are compatible for the safe use by both snowmobilers and mushers. Trail users can expect to see new trail signage this season identifying trails that are not compatible for joint use. "This is exactly the kind of citizen involvement process we hope to use whenever user conflicts arise," said Cool. The successful resolution of this issue by bringing both parties to the table and enabling them to participate in managing the problem pays big dividends for both our resource users and for our resources."

Central New York Chapter reports good progress The Central New York Chapter of the North Country Trail Association has been making good progress on efforts to establish the Link Trail as a viable north-south connection between the Finger Lakes Trail and the Old Erie Canal State Park. On a conservative reporting basis, 230 hours of work were noted for the June-September period, with some 4 miles of trail already rough cleared. More work is scheduled this fall. The chapter has had excellent liaison with the New York Department of Environmental Conservation and Office of Parks, Rivers, and Historic Preservation. The latter organization has ownership of a major segment of the old Lehigh Valley RR railroad grade between Canastota and Cazenovia. The chapter is strongly supporting the concept of "progress via partnership of effort" with these agencies. One successful action to improve access to the north end of the Link Trail in the Canastota area has been taken, with additional efforts underway. Interaction with key landowners along the proposed route is under way and appears promising in several case~. The chapter's membership is now at 26. Membership Chair Anne Saltman reports several more in the consideration stage. -- Al Laiman

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December 1997

Page 12

Some hikers go out to put on a lot of miles. Others go

Taking it easy in the Manistee Cora Killinger, Connie Sehl, and Bear in the Manistee National Forest.

by Cora J. Killinger This summer, my sister Connie, her German Shepherd, Bear, and I started hiking the North Country Trail. We'd like to do the whole thing, but the trouble is that we hike only 5-8 miles a day and are of the age that we figure that at that rate we'd be dead before-~ finished. Actually, that wouldn't be a bad way to go, doing what we love to do. When my old hiking shirt wore out last summer, we buried it in the woods along the trail. My sister said, "We've got ~o think about this. What happens when your boots or your backpack wears out? That's a lot of digging with a little trowel." I should have told her what happens when I wearout! Since we live in Michigan, we're hiking the NCT in our state. We know the trail south of Croton is mostly road walking to the Michigan/Ohio border. We prefer the woods, so we planned to start out from Croton and head north on the NCT. We left on our trip on Friday, July 18, after my sister got out of work. It took three hours to drive to Croton, and we camped at a canoe rental campground. There's a dam and power station in the back, and a main road in front-not really a wilderness experience. The other people there were having a grand time playing music and drinking beer until l :30 AM. Our policy is to go to bed when it gets dark and get up when it gets light. Suffice it to say our schedules clashed a little! Saturday morning dawned, and we were anxious to get started. The journey of 875 miles ofNCT in Michigan begins with the first step and a heavy pack! It was a beautiful day, sunshine, breezy, about 75 or 80 degrees. The path meanders through woods and some moss covered jack pine forests. The sun rose in the sky, and we crossed a clear-cut area. It was hot, but there's a little shade, then more open, hot grassy areas. We came across some cactus in flower- the flat, picky kind that winters over. Surely this had to be a desert! Our pa~ks were heavy, loaded with a week's food and I

three quarts of water. The dog, Bear, carries her own food and water, and is leashed to Connie's belt when we're hiking. The heat got to all of us. Bear pulled on Connie for a while, then stopped to sniff but never in a shady spot, of course. Connie got grumpy with her and told her to get going, but not to pull. Later, when we stopped for lunch, Connie mentioned that she gets tired and ornery in the late afternoon. I kidded her about Exception No. 1: Open hot areas - and said I'd be glad to point out exception No. 2 when we got to it. The good natured kidding had begun. I knew she'd get me back; I just had to wait and see. It's all part of seeing yourself through other's eyes, the sandpaper of life that rubs off the rough edges. After our first day of hiking, our second night was spent at another campground. We would rather camp in the woods and we'd planned on camping at Cold Creek, but it was dried up. By the time we got to the campground we'd already hiked seven miles and the next lake for water was a couple miles away, so we stopped. The shower was great, but that's about all. The grass at our camp was worn to a frazzle. The place was a beehive of activity with all the sports and recreation known to man available to the 800 or so people that were there. We could hardly wait to get out of this "civilization" and into an environment where instead of the whirr of motors, there's just the breeze in the trees, the birds singing, and lots of soft leaves to put your tent up in. There was a beautiful full moon, but the people at the campground would never know what it was like to have it light the landscape because of all the electric lights. We decided the bathrooms are cleaner out in the woods. Out in the woods, we turn the dog loose and tie up the food, the opposite of the campground. We left the campground Sunday morning while most people were still sleeping, and had a couple of miles of road walking to do. The road passed over several creeks where we could've gotten water had we went on. One creek was way

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail ,October-December

down in a ravine, very pretty. We were hiking along 40th street, which has a very small shoulder to walk on. We were very glad when the trail turned back into the woods; those cars were too close for comfort. The next stretch of trail wound along the side of a hill overlooking a beautiful creek. Big ferns grew everywhere. We followed the creek for about a mile. We got to Twin wood Lake and took a break. From there, it wasn't far to ,M-37. We crossed the road and found ourselves in rolling hills . with tall trees. A large hawk spotted us and flew noiselessly through the woods. We reached our intended camp spot at 1 :00 PM and ate lunch, then found a spot to put up our tents in the vicinity of the side trail that leads to the roadside park. After we made camp, we went to the roadside park to get drinking water. It was a quarter mile away and we needed enough water for the three of us for supper, breakfast, and the hike on the following day. That much water weighs a lot, so we took an empty backpack to carry it back in. The water was good and cold, and was very refreshing to wash up in. When the mosquitoes came out, Connie pulled a 6x6' netting tent out of her pack. We sat inside, reading and writing until it was almost dark. It was cloudy and seemed moist and muggy like rain, so we put up a tarp for a kitchen area. This next part is very embarrassing and humbling for me, but it shows how easy it is to get lost in the woods. I had dug a hole in the woods beside a certain tree, within shouting distance of camp, so when I went to visit it before it got too dark, it was unusual to not walk right to it. The woods were a little foggy, and everything looked the same. I wandered around a little looking for it. Our canine companion was with me-she always goes with whomever leaves camp, and once we settle down she'll run back to camp. Then, if we take too long she'll come back and check on you. I was wandering around when I realized I couldn't see camp and I didn't even know for sure where it was. I stopped right there and did a "yoo-hoo" to my sister. When she answered, the dog took off in the wrong direction, but I soon realized it was the right direction and I was the one mixed up. I have a real hard time telling the direction of sound because one ear is almost deaf. We kept calling back and forth; at one point I was headed away from her and she hollered that I was getting fainter, so I turned back and soon I could see camp. Well, all that excitement got my adrenaline pumping and I was wide awake, so I sat up and watched as hundreds of fireflies lit up the woods. After a while, I crawled into my tent and went to sleep, content to be out in the woods. During the night it thundered and lightninged a lot and rained a little. Monday was still cloudy and we ate breakfast under our tarp where it was dry. We were done eating when we heard some more thunder, so we quickly tore down our tents and threw our packs together. We still had the tarp up, and there we huddled for the next 45 minutes while it thundered and poured rain. It got so black that I momentarily lost my green canteen

1997

Page 13

in the grass. When it let up, we packed our tarp, hoisted our packs and set off. Everything was wet: ferns, grass and tree drips. Connie remembered exception No. 2: Getting wet-but having laughed about it, we both made do and hiked on through tall pine plantations and oak and wintergreen forests. Bear was a real trooper in the wet conditions; she sloshed through a lot of wet ferns before she was willing to give up the lead. She was carrying a pack of about 18 pounds; ours are 40 to 55 pounds, depending on how much food and water we have . A wet tent, tarp and wet shoes and raingear all add to it, so by late afternoon we were real happy to see the sun come out. Just before we got to White River, we came to a pl~ce where there were some trail signs, and we took a picture of the three of us by using the delayed flash and setting the camera on top of my backpack. We got to the White River and found a place to set up our camp. We hung our wet things to dry lin the nice breeze that had come up. , We enjoyed the White River. There is a large iron bridge over it; we filtered our water from the river and had a beautiful moonlit night. After supper we were sitting in our little screen room on the ground and my back got tired, so I laid back on my foam mat and brought my knees in sort of a stretch that felt real good. Connie looked over at me and said, "What'd you do? Fall out of your chair?" Gotcha! The next day, Tuesday, we set off and soon encountered路 Rattlesnake Creek. The trail follows it for a while; it's a beautiful, shady area, with ferns and cedars lining the creek. We didn't have far to go. We camped at Second Cole Creek in an open, grassy area under some oak trees. We took baths out in the woods and washed our hair. A person gets so sweaty and dirty hiking in the hot, sticky weather that the cold water to wash in feels like a luxury. Second Cole Creek is pretty, with a nice sandy bottom and lots of ferns. There is a unique bridge there; it's made of roots of the surrounding trees. The open area where we camped had an old fire pit, so we made a little twig fire to entertain ourselves as it got dark. There's something special about sitting around a fire! We doused it real good with water from the creek before we went to bed. The next day, Wednesday, was another nice hiking day, with temperatures in the 60s to start out and in the 70s in the afternoon. We hiked through hilly areas of oaks and maples, tall trees that block out the sun reaching the forest floor, making for an open area under the trees. So far, we hadn't met any other backpackers; we had met one couple out day hiking on our first day. They only had one vehicle, so they had to hike the trail twice. They're doing the NCT in weekends. On our way to Croton on Friday, we'd dropped a food box at the old schoolhouse that used to be NCTA headquarters. They rent it out to hikers and groups now, and we rented it for that night and the next one. We got there at 3:00 PM; the first thing I did was take a shower and emerged a new person! I even washed out the clothes I was wearing and put them back on. At least they were clean, and what a way to cool off after a hot

Page 14

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December 1997

summer hike! The schoolhouse has cots, big tables to spread your stuff on and a stove with an oven. I mixed up a bread mix and baked it in the oven. Ginny Wunsch, the caretaker, was kind enough to take me back to Croton to get the car. Now, we could go to the laundromat and visit the Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary on Thursday, a no-hiking day. The school house is a neat place to stay, not only because of its history of being a school house and NCT headquarters with maps and pamphlets laying all over and on the walls, but because people kept stopping in asking information. Two people stopped and we gave them some information pamphlets. Two others asked to park their cars and one called on the phone, so we gave him the new headquarters phone number. We got our packs all repacked with fresh food and water and clean clothes. Then we looked over our maps for the Friday hike. We felt we ought to get a good start since we didn't have to break camp. But the next morning, I woke up feeling so nauseous that I couldn't eat. I had cramps and diarrhea, but after I got emptied out I figured we might as well hike. I mixed up 2 1/2 quarts of electrolyte solution, saving one quart of water for mixing with dehydrated food at mealtimes, and we set off. I didn't feel sick,just weak, so we hiked slower than our usual slow pace. Usually we hike for 112 or 3/4 hour then rest for 20 to 30 minutes. Well, this day, we hiked less and rested more. We crossed Mena Creek and went through some beautiful open woods. We hiked 8 miles and came to Bear Creek at about 5:00 PM. I was whipped. I set my pack against a tree, leaned against it and warmed up some dehydrated rice pudding and slowly ate it. I'd eaten only dates and bananas and drank my electrolytic solution, so I was hungry, but glad I could eat. As I sat there feeling a little strength seep back into my weary body it started to rain. I put up my tent right beside where I was sitting, threw in everything I needed including my food sack because I didn't feel like hanging it in a tree, covered up my backpack, climbed into the tent and promptly went to sleep. By morning I was feeling 0 Kand after eating breakfast I was my old self again. Saturday was hot and muggy. We had to rest longer to let the dog cool down. The woods we hiked through were pockmarked with marshes. We made it to Nichols Lake boat landing by I :00 PM. I dived in clothes and all and stayed there till I cooled down. Bear waded in, too, and cooled off. We ate our lunch under some nearby trees and sat around until 4:45 PM. It was just too hot to hike. Two other backpackers came while we sat there and we visited a while. They were using the NCT as part of their hike but were circling back to their car. We'd apparently spent the night in the same area about a quarter mile apart. The next lake was only about 1 1 /2 miles away so we thought we'd hike on to it and set up camp. We'd only hiked about 15 minutes and my sister was experiencing some health problems for which she's planning surgery, so we decided to just camp right there on the northwest side of

Nichols Lake. We were on a grassy bluff overlooking the lake in some tall trees. We could get water to filter from the lake. It was a good place to spend the night. The next day, we hiked back to Nichols Lake Campground and set up camp there. The campground manager took me back to the schoolhouse to get our car. We decided if my sister felt better we'd go on, and if not, we'd go home. It was so hot Sunday we were glad we weren't hiking; even laying still made you perspire. It rained Sunday night and turned rather chilly. 路 We didn't hike Monday, but Connie felt better, so plotted our next move. Vern, my husband, was to meet us on US-10 at Timber Creek Campground on Thursday with another food box so we needed to be there by then, too. We figured we'd drive north to Star Lake Road and hike from there, and be able to make it on time. Tuesday was one of those clear, crisp sunny days. It was good to be out hiking again; I was happy to be back in the woods. We took a break at a sandy-bottomed creek, and I took off my shoes and waded in the cold, spring-fed water. This is the life! We hiked on through jack pine and young white pine trees, and camped at Bowman Lake. We called it our slanted campground, because it's on the side of the hill. Bowman Lake is in a pothole with the surrounding hills rising up on all sides. It's hard to find a halfway level spot for your tent, or to sit while cooking your food. Everything slants toward the lake. But, what a lake - it's like a giant aquarium. Fish, water plants, and water lilies were in bloom. Wednesday we hiked on toward the Pere Marquette River. The woods were real hilly, but our trail skirted the ridges and wasn't hard. We saw lots of deer, at least we saw their white tails bounding off into the woods. We got to the Pere Marquette River about 1 :00 and camped by a bend in the river. After lunch we washed up and then read our books and wrote in our journals. We decided to check out the canoe parking access to see if they had a water source so we wouldn't have to filter river water. They did -- they had a flowing well. The next day, Thursday, we hiked on to Timber Creek. Vern and Andrea (a 7 year old miniature backpacker and granddaughter) were already there setting up camp. Vern was so glad to see us that after greeting me, he had to tum back to fixing the camper so he could get his composure back. He worries so about us, but he lets us go. I'd hike all summer if I could, and Connie would, too. But this year, we decided to stop at Timber Creek due to Connie not feeling well. Our original plan called for Vern to resupply us and we'd hike another week on to M-55, completing 105 miles. But we did about 60, and with Vern's help in spotting cars we did a day hike of a section of trail north of Nichols Lake. It was an interesting hike. We passed four lakes, each one prettier than the one before. It's such a pretty area. We'll come back here and take up where we left off. The challenge is out there waiting for us.

To be continued next summer ...

North Country \

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NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December

1997

Page 19

The North Country National Scenic Trail, was a concept, not a reality, for half of its recorded history. How it grew from one to the other is the story of

The North Country Trail's early years by Tom Gilbert Midwestern Regional Trails Office Adapted from a speech given at the Annual Meeting of The North Country Trail Association, Beverly, Ohio, August 23, 1997 President Johnson's "Natural Beauty Message" in 1965 first laid down the idea that we should be establishing a national system of trails that copied the Appalachian Trail in all parts of our nation. As a result of that message, the Secretary of the Interior was directed to undertake a national trails study. He assigned that to the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, the organization I started out working for back in 1972, seven years after that study. In March of 1965 they formed a steering committee to conduct that study. The steering committee consisted of four federal agencies: the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management in the Interior Department, and the Forest Service in the Department of Agriculture. This steering committee undertook to involve all other federal land managing agencies as well as state interests, in looking at the situation regarding trails in our country, to look at what might be done to carry out the intent of what President Johnson had said in his natural beauty message. As part of that process, federal agencies were directed to study potential trail routes similar to the Appalachian Trail that could be part of this national trails system. The report, "Forest Service Report for the Nationwide System of Trails Study", that the US Forest Service contributed to that National System of Trails study is dated September, 1965. Up until I went through some of the records, I thought that this report was the earliest publication that had a record of the concept of the North Country National Scenic Trail. It talks about "trunk trails", long-distance backbone trails. One of the trails covered in here was a proposal for what at that time was called the "Northern Country Trail," and there was a first-cut idea of what a logo might be for the trail. This is the first idea I can find of what a north country trail route might be. I find it fascinating. For instance, the route in Ohio goes right up through Columbus, Ohio, rather than through the western part of the state; it had a looping system in the eastern part of Michigan's upper peninsula, and other

very interesting ideas that are a little different. I said that I thought this was the earliest report that you could find with reference to the North Country Trail in it. In looking through the files again, I noticed that there was an earlier report. This is the report prepared by Region 9 of the US Forest Service, on the the feasibility of a "Northern Country Trunk Trail" for the steering committee of the nationwide system of trails study. This was the Milwaukee office's input on the North Country Trail to the steering committee. I thought that maybe this would tell where the idea began; what it told me is that the original idea may have been somewhere outside the Forest Service, even though the Forest Service still was the one that ran with the idea and developed it. It says on the first page of the study, "The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation was assigned to study the task of setting up a steering committee to conduct a trail study and prepare program reports. Specific assignments for the various studies were given to the agencies. The Forest Service was assigned, among others, the responsibility for the study of the Northern Country Trail as a potential trail." I deduce from this that the concept of the Northern Country Trail came from someone, and then was assigned to the Forest Service to evaluate and develop. The date on this is 1965; it doesn't tell the month but it's very obviously input and predates by several months this document. As a result of the Forest Service's evaluation of this trail, it carried over to the final report from the interior department on the nationwide system of trails study called 'Trails for America", published in 1966. This report set the stage for the legislation that occurred two years later, establishing the National Trails System. The North Country Trail in this report is very interesting, in that it goes right across Vermont into New Hampshire. When it gets up to northern Ohio, it turns due west and fol lows the Michigan-Indiana state line all the way over to Lake Michigan, and then goes all the way up the Lake Michigan shoreline right from the Indiana border all the way up to the Straits of Mackinac. What I've noticed from looking at the different routes from that point on is that each generation of routes keeps retreating more and more from the shoreline of Lake Michigan, until what we came up with as a result of public involvement sessions in I 980and 1981 in Michigan got completely away from Lake Michigan, with a side trai 1 over to

Page 20

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December 1997

the shoreline in part of the Manistee National Forest. One of the things that was happening at the same time was that a senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson, had started back in the '50s and early '60s to have a real interest in working to permanently and completely protect the Appalachian Trail, and was formulating legislation Eventually the idea came together that legislation ought to look at the idea of creating other trails, and not just protecting one. He thought these things ought to be available in other parts of the country, so eventually the work he "We 're not working just to was doing excreate any neighborhood trail, panded into we 're creating one of the great the idea of establishing an trails of our nation. " entire system of trails. This same concept came from the administration, and the President became very interested in introducing the piece of legislation proposing this national system. Senator Nelson finally stepped back and allowed the administration to put forth their bill. It was a cooperative effort in that way, and that bill was eventually introduced and eventually passed in other forms. That legislation was passed in 1966. It talked about National Scenic Trails as being something very special, something superlative, in our country. In the work that my office carries out, that is something that goes way back to this report, and is why Bill and I remind ourselves that we're not working just to create any neighborhood trail, we're creating one of the great trails of ournation. We keep that in our minds; not the back of our minds, but in the forward part all the time when we look at what we're doing: we're creating what will come to be the longest trail in America and should become one of the great trails. The legislation, in 1968, authorized the North Country Trail as one of fourteen routes to be studied as potential National Scenic Trails. The study for the trail got under way in 1971~ with the formation of a state and federal task force designed to carry out that study. The membership consisted of representatives of the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, the National Park Service, the Forest Service, and the Federal Highway Administration, and one representative of each of the eight states that the trail was envisioned to go through at that point - the seven we have today, plus Vermont, because the concept from the outset was that it would connect with the Appalachian Trail. In addition to the federal-state task force, each state was directed to set up its own subcommittee to guide the work and do evaluations of feasable routes in the various states. The federal-state task force organized its work across three regions of the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. There were teams in our Philadelphia office and our Denver office. The work was led by people in our Ann Arbor office. Bob Martin

is retired now, but he was in charge of overseeing all of the work during most of the period of the North Country Trail feasibility study. Before him there was another person by the name of David Schon ck, also recently retired from our Omaha, Nebraska office of the National Park Service. He was in Ann Arbor, and in early 1973, just after the study got launched, he did a switch in positions with the corresponding person in charge of resource studies in our Washington office, Bob Martin. That put Bob in charge of carrying out the rest of the work on the North Country Trail. I got drawn into that work in 1973, because I'd been hired in 1972 as the regional public information officer for the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation in their regional office in Ann Arbor, so that is my first appearance. One of the things they wanted to have when they got around to going out to public meetings with the first draft of what this route might be was a slide program. That's what drew me into this process. The route that was being considered at the time we did public meetings on the draft report for the North Country Trail comes off the Appalachian Trail down in the southern part of Vermont, and doesn't follow the Long Trail at all. It goes north to Crown Point before starting to tum west, where the authorized trail does today. It follows pretty much the same route that we have until we get to Michigan, where it made a swing down the White River in the Manistee National Forest, over to the Lake Michigan shoreline, and went up the Lake Michigan shoreline north of Manistee before cutting in and connecting with the Shore-to-Shore Riding-Hiking Trail. In Wisconsin, the route swung way up the Bayfield Peninsula to the Apostle Islands before coming back down to the route we have today. In North Dakota it stayed with the Sheyenne River, where today we drop down and follow part of the Garrison Di version Canal. It did not stop at the Missouri River, but continued way west along Lake Sakakawea before ending at Four Bears Monument. That's the route that is talked about in this slide program in 1973. That's what was put out to the public. The changes came about because of reaction and comment on that report. One of the things I remember about this slide program is that we did a real sophisticated job of it. It was recorded in the dinette of my apartment. We didn't use any fancy recording studios; we didn't have any money. It was definitely a homemade job, and we had to record it several times, because the lady upstairs, kept slamming her door, and we'd have to back up and record it over again because we had these door slamming noises in the tape. As a result of the public review process, there were some changes made to the route of the trail. The loop up the Bayfield Peninsula in Wisconsin dropped out. The loop in Michigan's upper peninsula, shown in a 197 4 internal report, before it was shown to the public, is gone. The route into the Appalachian Trail in Vermont has changed; it no longer drops to the south along the Hudson River valley into Vermont; but goes straight

NORTH STAR: The Magazineof the North Country Trail ,October-December 1997

across from Crown Point. It did not connect to the Long Trail at that point, because we had the concern from the Green Mountain Club that they did not want the North Country Trail to connect to the Appalachian Trail via the Long Trail. So, this. route went straight across the Long Trail, only intersecting the Appalachian Trail in Vermont close to the western New Hampshire border. The Vermont situation was a touchy one because of the concern of use levels on the Long Trail. That concern became so great that after the interagency review that included the state participation in the state-federal task force, in the final report, we find that Vermont is no longer part of the final proposal. There was a letter from the governor of Vermont, to the Secretary of the Interior, saying, "We don't want the trail in Vermont." We then deleted that from the proposal, and it became a seven-state proposal. One of the things that did remain in the feasbility study that was published in 1971, was that the trail, in North Dakota did extend beyond Garrison Dam over to the western end of Lake Sakakawea. After we went for the authorization of the trail, the North Dakota interests through the public involvement there recommended that we just stop once we reached the Missouri River. Part of the reason is the same reason that the Bayfield Peninsula dropped out during the final preparation of the feasability study. On the Bayfield Peninsula we were running through Indian reservations, and there was a lot of opposition. The feeling was that we should just drop that part out. The same was true through all the Indian reservations along the south shore of Lake Sakakawea. We have to find a way There was opposition in which all the partners from the tribal governments, and so we and stakeholders feel dropped that when we comfortable." did the Comprehensive Plan. I'm not trying to make a particular point, in saying that that is an issue that we will be dealing with as we look at the rerouting of the North Country Trail into the Arrowhead region of Minnesota, because up at the Grand Portage area we' re again dealing with an Indian reservation situation. The Superior Hiking Club have skirted that area because of that same issue. It doesn't mean that it will always be that way. To get through some of those types of places we have to find a way in which all the partners and stakeholders feel comfortable. Sometimes that's more challenging than in other areas. The road to authorization had a lot of hurdles. Our cartographer in the Ann Arboroffice of the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation drew up a cartoon, because at the time we were going forward with the feasability study we were running into a lot of difficulty, and we were wondering if this thing was acutally going to come out with a positive recommendation. What was represented at the eastern end is a big sign that says

Page 21

"Detour", and it's straddling the New York - Vermont state line, because it just wasn't going to go on across. Once you get on the trail, here's a guy sitting with a pelican on his shoulder and a leash with an alligator, sitting at Crown Point. This was Nathanial Green, the Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. He was from Florida, and he was sitting there pondering over this thing, because there were a lot of mixed feelings at the top, and it had the hurdle of getting by him before it could go forward. Then, every proposal had to go to the Office of Management and Budget, which is only concerned with cutting costs, so there were scissors there, ready to snip the trail off, cut it. But then, if it cleared OMB, it went to the Congress and the President, so the trail passed through the US Capitol, and if it got past that point, it went on to working together with federal, state and local and private, and off into the sunset of the Lewis and Clark Trail at the western end. There was a long, long trail awaiting, and it's still out there in front of us isn't it? We got through some of the hurdles, but there are other ones that came after the enactment by Congress. Some of them were internal in the National Park Service, when we didn't have a budget for the trail. At one point in 1983, they nearly eliminated all staff for the national trails operation in Omaha. We had a cutback, and all the people who were occupying unfunded positions were going to be sent to fill vacant park ranger jobs out in National Park areas. Bob Martin, my supervisor, was sent to Cuyahoga Valley, as Assistant Superintendent; my co-worker, Bob Faron, was sent to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore; another co-worker in the division, Bob Green, was sent to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore; and I was slotted to either go to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway or the Apostle Islands to be a park interpreter. At the last minute, they decided they were starting to get more mail about these trails, not only the North Country, but the Ice Age and the Lewis and Clark Trails, too. People were calling and asking what they could do, they wanted information, so it was decided that they'd better keep one person out of that division to answer the mail coming in the door. So, they kept me, for better or for worse. The final study report recommended that Congress authorize a "North Country Trail". Period. Not National Scenic Trail; just North Country Trail. There was the perception that because this trail went through a snowbelt area that there was a large enough outcry from snowmobilers wanting to have access to this that we were going to have to provide for that, and if we tried to push it through without their support, then it might be defeated in Congress. So, from on high in Washington, the Lake Central office in Ann Arbor was ordered to change the recommendation from a National Scenic Trail to a concept that would have Congress authorize the North Country Trail, but that it would have both National Scenic Trail and National Recreation Trail segments, the difference being that National Recreation Trails, by definition, could be open to

Page 22

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December 1997

motorized use to accomodate the snowmobiles. The one who I believe was imposing that was Steven Underhill, the Assistant Director. He was not in love with the concept of the North Country Trail that came out of the study process. The legislation that was forwarded to the Congress along with this report was a bill that authorized the North Country Trail with Scenic and Recreational components. It recommended that the Secretary of the Interior establish a National North Country Trail Council to guide and foster the development and management of the trail, and that coordination would not he carried out by a federal agency, as it has turned out to be the case. There were also state-level North Country Trail Councils established; Congress was also to fund and provide staffing for the national North Country Trail Council, and the trail would initially only consist of segments that lay within federal lands. Non-federal segments would be designated by the Secretary of the Interior by application. Essentially, that process was retained. The Ann Arbor office tried to protest this direction from the Washington office to change it from a scenic trail to a scenic and recreational trail. A briefing paper was prepared to request reconsideration of the proposal, and the points that were made were that the Secretary of Agriculture did not concur with the concept of designating segments of the North Country Trail as National Recreation Trails, and did not anticipate designating any of it on his lands as a National Recreation Trail. There was considerable opposition from ski touring organizations and citizens about permitting snowrnobiles on the North Country Trail; other federal agencies and states also registered opposition or concern. The Federal Highway Administration, which was on the steering committee task force, objected to the combination trail because it was never discussed by the federal-state task force nor put out to the public for review; it was put out at the end of the process by people in the Washington office. We recommendedthat we return to the concept of the North Country National Scenic Trail as determinedby the task force and presented to the public. We were overruled and told to make those changes, and that's the way that set of recommendations came out. In August and September of the same year, there was an attempt to correct this. The Ann Arbor office wrote a new piece of legislation that proposed the "North Country National Bicentennial Trail". Where were we? The year before the Bicentennial. Then, in March, 1976, the Secretary of the Interior transmitted another bill to the president, which he sent on to Congress, which simply authorized a "North Country National Trail". No scenic, no bicentennial, no recreation, no nothing, just North Country National Trail. The following year, we had a new administration, the Carter administration, and Bob Herbst, who was the head of the DNR in Minnesota, became the assistant secretary of the interior in the Carter Administration. Herbst was a big fan of the Appalachian Trail, and helped get authorized the big funding package that we' re just getting around to finishing up,

a hundred million dollars acquiring lands for the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. In 1977, he sent forward to the Congress a pure North Country National Scenic Trail authorization bill. Nothing happened. On March 6, 1978, Senator Abourzack of South Dakota introduced a bill which was essentially the one that Bob Herbst had sent forward the year before, Senate Bill 2661. Nothing happened in that congress; in the next congress, on January 29, 1979, Rep. Whitehurst, from Virginia, another non-trail state, introduced the legislation, as house bill 1307, and the companion bill, in the senate, was introduced March 15, 1979 SB 683, by Senator Cullinan of Maine - another non-trail state. At any rate, those bills finally got passed; on March 5, 1980. The Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, which did the study, was never intended to be a resource management agency. So, one of the questions that had to be answered whenever a trail was authorized or would be authorized was which secretary, Agriculture or Interior, would be assigned responsibility for overall administration of the trail, and would have the ultimate auhtority for insuring that the trail be established and maintained and protected. Since the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation was not a land manageing agency, those trails that ended up being assigned to "Whofirst dreamed up the the Secretary of the Interior for idea of the North Country overall adrninisTrail may be one of those tration had to go things that's lost to history. " to one of its land managing bureaus. That came down to two that were essentially in the land managing business; that would be the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. The Fish and Wildlife Service, which while being a land manager, has a much narrower scope and mission that really wouldn't allow being named to carry out the administrative process. So, the ultimate end of authorizing any of these trails was to end up giving it, at least within Interior, to the National Park Service. There are a lot of people who have contributed to this whole effort; many people in the organizations, and there's a lot of history. We really ought to try to put it together, and do a little bit more digging, and expand on what's in out archives. Who first dreamed up the idea of the North Country Trail may be one of those things that's lost to history, and that's sad to me, because on most trails, you have somebody, the Benton Mackayes, the Wallace Woods, that originally had the vision, and we don't know who that is. I almost wouldn't know where to start to even begin to inquire far enough back to find out where the North Country Trail idea that was assigned to the Forest Service came into being. Some of the people that do come to mind to start with aren't around any more. Somebody ought to get this all recorded before it's totally lost. Somebody out to jot down some notes. Someday, a history needs to be put together.

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail ,October-December

Page 23

1997

NCTA Awards Committe Chair Wes Boyd presents Tom Gilbert with the first Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Association, at the August, 1997 Annual Meeting in Beverly, Ohio. The award was presented in honor of the quarter century of service that Gilbert has given to the North Country National Scenic Trail.

NPS's Tom Gilbert presentedwith NCTA Lifetime Achievement Award The North Country Trail Association is pleased to present their first "Lifetime Achievement Award", created last year, to Tom Gilbert of the National Park Service Madison Office. Gilbert started with the former Bureau of Outdoor Recreation in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in I 972, and first worked on the development of the concept of the North Country Trail the following year. He's one of the few active remaining links to the pre-authorization days of the trail. When the Bureau of Outdoor Recreation was dissolved in 1980, he was transferred to the National Park Service in Omaha, Nebraska, where he continued working on trail issues on the North Country and Ice Age National Scenic Trails, and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, and continues the responsibility today, now from the Madison, Wisconsin Midwest Regional Trails Office. During that period, he's seen the trail grow from a paper concept to a legislative reality that starved for funds, whose only National Park Service administration came from the time he was able to divert from other projects, and into the stable, growing project it is today. He watched it grow from 340 miles ofusable trail to today's 1350 certified miles and perhaps 3000 usable miles. Much of the underpinnings of the growth was at his hand, and virtually all of it under his guidance. The trail would be much different than it is today without his guiding hand,

without his constant interest keeping the flame burning when enthusiasm was growing low. The award was the Association's way of saying that we we appreciate his dedicated service through the years. In accepting the award, he made the following comments to the audience at the Annual Meeting: "I want to thank you all very much. It's certianly an honor to be recognized for work which has been so enjoyable and a labor of Love that it has made it rather easy. I will say that all of this work on these trails that I've had the privlege of doing by far the greatest reward has been the association with the people and the agencies and the private organizations like the North Countrv Trail Association, Lewis and Clark, lee Age, and others. that's just absolutely wonderful. It makes co111i11g to the meetings and interacting such a joy and rewarding. The people that are part of these organizations and that dedicate so much time to this are a real wonderful caliber of people. You all are. My reward for this is the opportunity to get to know so many of you and work with you and appreciate the dedication that all of you have shown. because, without all of you, the Park Service, with an assignment like the North Country Trail, could not carry it out. And, by and large, we don't. You do. But, we 're glad to be a partner at the table, and I thank you so much [or the opportunity to work with you."

Page 24

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December 1997

Though on the low-key side, participants had a lot of fun at the

1997NCTA Annual Conference A late start on planning meant that the 1997 NCTA Annual Conference wasn't quite as elaborate as some of the meetings have been in recent years, but that didn't keep participants NEW OFFICERS: The North Country Trail Association has new hands at from having a great time, and much was acthe helm following the Annual Meeting at Hervidaa-H Camp in Beverly, Ohio, in August. Left to right are Kathy Olstad, Secretary, Werner Veit, complished. President, and Derek Blount, East Trail Vice-President (a one-year post). The site of the meeting was the rustic New West Trail Vice-President John Leinen and Financial Vice-President Hervida 4-H camp in a picturesque valley near David Cornell couldn't make it to the meeting. Marietta, Ohio. "The conference went very well," NCTA Executive Director Bob Papp commented." Attendance was at -New chapter charters for the Chief Noonday and Central about 50 people, which was a little lower than we had hoped, New York Chapters were approved. but everything else was great. The site was ideal and the food In addition, new officers were elected, as expiring board was good. Participants seemed to enjoy both the hikes and the terms or office tenures meant that several people had to rotate panel discussions and seminars. The evening activities also out of officer positions. In fact, of the five officers, four arc went well. Although the final numbers aren't in yet, I'm also new faces to the Executive Committee. Elected were: Presipleased to report that it looks like we'll have a net gain from the dent, Werner Veit of Grand Rapids, MI, relatively new to the NCTA, but a former Chairman of the Michigan Chapter of the event." Some of the places visited on the hikes were Burr Oak Nature Conservancy; Financial Vice-President David Cornell, State Park, the Ohio Power Company lands near Stockford, of Delton, MI, a retired lawyer; East Division Trails Vice and the Wayne National Forest. Those that didn't want to hike President (a one-year post) is outgoing president Derek Blount; had a chance to visit historic Marietta, and watch master West Divison Trails Vice President (also a one-year term) John Leinen of Lakeland, MN; and Secretary, Kathy Olstad of craftsmen blowing glass. But, the meat of the conference was the meetings, semiBismark, ND. nars, and training sessions. Some of these included training on Evening activities included the traditional conference trail maintenance, first aid, animal signs, backcountry skills, campfire, a computerized slide show on the western part of the edible plants, building bridges and boardwalks, working with trail, a presentation by Gary Werner of the Partnership for state and local governments, mechanized trailbuilding, atNational Scenic and National Historic Trails, the presentation tracting media attention, working with landowners, and findon the early history of the North Country Trail by Tom Gilbert ing funding sources for trail projects. (see page 19), the annual awards ceremony (see Page 11 ), and The key meeting was the NCTA Board of Directors the rollicking annual auction of donated items, led by Bob meeting, at which several items were settled: Papp, which raised over $1,000; the funds will be split â&#x20AC;˘A proposal to replace the organization's current constibetween the Buckeye and North Country Land Trusts. tution with a new "Articles oflncorporation" was approved, Make plans now to attend the 1998 North Country Trail and later approved at the general membership meeting. Annual Conference in northern Michigan, and keep an eye on â&#x20AC;˘ A proposed policy on end-to-end trail marking was theNorthStarfor an announcement of the date and time. We'll adopted. see you there!

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail ,October-December

Page25

1997

·~state Rd.

Sockey Rd.

( \

Piquad Rd.

,····-

·'

FruendRd ~

FORTY ACRE POND, north of St. Marys, was constructed as a feeder lake and a turning basin for the canal boats. The old towpath makes for a picturesque and easy walk here, on one of the best-maintained stretches of pathway in this section.

······--'\

~ ..... ~\.'

v-,

'·

West Union Rd.

An easy walk and lots of historic interest earmark this rarely-visited certified segment of the NCNST

The Miami and Erie Trail: Delphos to St. Marys, Ohio Bill Menke asked rhetorically in an article earlier this year, "Is the North Country Trail a historic trail?" There are places where the trail fairly drips with history, and one of them is the forty miles or so south from Delphos, Ohio, where the NCNST and the Buckeye Trail share the route with the Miami and Erie Trail, the old towpath of the Miami and Erie Canal. The canal, first under construction in the 1830s, operated until the early part of this century. There are many places between Toledo and Cincinnati where traces of the canal can be seen, but it's still most complete between Delphos and Lockington, and the Miami and Erie Canal Trail covers much of the distance between the two. Along the route are many historic structures, bridges, aquaducts, cuts, and, of course, the canal itself, a marvel of engineering for work entirely done with muscle power. Though the canal lands are a very narrow patch of public ownership, they provide a route for the trail where little other opportunity exists. The 40-mile Miami and Erie Canal Trail was the first state recreational trail to be designated under the Ohio Trails Act, and is administered by

c::N

* 1.0mile

the Ohio DNR, Division of Parks and Recreation. There are a few breaks from the canal towpath, \ ' where roads must be followed. The route is blueblazed throughout. Good - - j__ - ~··-_ - - - - - -Deep Cut Deep Cut Rd shoes and long pants are recommended, as much of this route is through tall grass. Drinking canal water is not recommended, even with treatment; carry insect repellant in summer. CAMPING: Campsites are a problem. Camping is not prohibited on state canal lands south of Delphos, but there are few suitable locations. "The openness of the trail makes camping difficult," Ed Talone wrote of this section on his 1994 thru-hike. MAPS AND OTHER INFORMATION:Buckeye Trail Delphos and St. Marys Section maps; also, the Hutchins Guide (all available from North Country Trail Store) covers the section froin Delphos south as far as Lake Loramie. The maps given here are probably sufficent for most users. '···,

Ir)

Page 26

DELPHOS, OH 45833 (Pop. 7314) LODGING: Arrow Motel, 718 5th St., (419) 692-0786. RESTAURANTS: Several. GROCERIES: Large, full-service grocery store. OTHER: Laundromat, bank, pharmacy, hardware, doctor, dentist, hospital. POINTS OF INTEREST: The Delphos Canal Commission, a private foundation, has raised the wreckage of the Marguerite, the last surviving canal boat, which dates from the I 850s. It has been restored and is on display near the canal.FOR MORE INFORMATION, contact Delphos Chamber of Commerce, 310 N. Main St. ( 4 I 9) 6951771.

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December 1997

SOUTH OF KOSSUTH, an aquaduct carries the canal and the trail over a creek, taking the opportunity to maintain the water level in the canal at an artifical waterfall.

0.0 [0.0] POHLMAN RD (TR136) CROSSING OF MIAMI AND ERIE CANAL TOWPATH From this point, the trail is certified for a distance of about 40 mi Jes, only about half of which will be discussed here. The Hutchins guidebook also picks up description at this point. The trail heads south along the towpath, and after a ways departs from the towpath for a short distance, and follows Canal Street through town, passing through a city park, where there are the remains of an old lock, and continues south facing back yards, passing a block from downtown. Shortly to the south, the remains of another old lock are passed, then, after crossing railroad tracks rejoins the original canal towpath. At Climo Street, a white-blazed side trail leads east to Waterworks Park, where there are toilets, water and picnic tables. Outside of town, the trail and the canal generally follow the county line between Allen and Van Wert Counties. The route continues south for another I .3 miles on the towpath until reaching State Rd. 3.0 [3.0] CROSS STATE RD. Between Delphos and SR8 I, the canal bed seems little more than a small drainage ditch. The paralleling SR66 is about 0.2 mi. to the east, and the canal route mostly goes south through open fields with little shade, mostly doing double duty as farm lanes along the edge of fields - a pleasant walk if the sun isn't beating down hard on a hot day; it does go though a few patches of woods to give relief, though. However, the trail tends to not be highly maintained, and much of it is through open farm fields with little shade or cover, especially so for the next few miles south of Delphos. After 0.9 mi, Landrek Road is crossed. Another mile and half and Bloomlock Rd. crosses. After another I. I miles, Zion Church Rd. crosses. After another 1.9 mi., SR 8 I is crossed. A paralleling路 road picks up at SR81, and continues alongside the towpath until reaching Bailey Rd., on the north edge of Spencerville.

SPENCERVILLE OH 45887: Restaurants, stores. According to Hutchins, the local police department occasionally allows hikers to camp in a lot the village owns on the north edge of the village. 10.0 [7 .O] CROSS BAILEY RD. For the canal enthusiast, the path south from here is probably the more interesting part of this walk, with many old structures, interesting hydrology and more sylvan walking than to the north. Again, the trail departs the towpath to follow a paralleling street through the village (Canal Street, again), past several foot bridges over the watered canal, and past the remains of a canal lock with a historical marker, and rejoins the towpath at Wiltshire Rd., on the south end of the village. The towpath continues south on the west side of the canal for another two miles with a county road paralleling, and SR66 paralleling but a ways back on the far side, before reaching Deep Cut Rd. A historic marker is located at an ODOT rest area off SR66, to the east and north of the Deep Cut Road bridge. At this point, the trail enters Auglaize County. Deep Cut is one of the more interesting relics of the canal along this part of the route, and is a National Historic Landmark. The cut was necessary, as there was no higher-level source of water that could have allowed for canal locks and less digging. Over 6,600 feet long and 50-60 feet deep, it was dug entirely with human and animal muscle power through a glacial moraine, with the laborers making 30 cents and a jigger of whiskey a day- the whiskey to ward off malaria, which was endemic in the area a century and a half ago, but which has entirely disappeared today. (This has historians, entomologists and epidemiologists puzzled - what happened to the malaria? It probably had something to do with the clearing of the land and a change in mosquito populations, but no one is quite sure.) The best view of the cut is from the rest area, where there are rest rooms, water, tables, and parking.

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail ,October-December

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1997

12.5 [2.5] CROSS DEEP CUT RD. Follow the towpath south on the west bank, next to a paralleling county road, crossing SR66 along the way, to a point just north of Kossuth where the trail is blocked by a fence and a land dispute; at this point, leave the towpath and follow the paralleling CR66A 0.9 mi to the church in the village at the junction of SR 197. KOSSUTH, OH 45887 (Pop. 61) No services available (except at the church on Sunday morning.) 14.5 [2.0] CROSS SR 197 The Buckeye Trail maps change from the Delphos to the St. Mary's section at this point. South of Kossuth, the towpath bends slightly to the WAS IT MURDER, OR SUICIDE? A boy checks out the historical southeast, and after 1.2 miles crosses Barber-Werner marker at "Bloody Bridge", relating the details of the 1854 incident. Rd. After about another mile, the path crosses a picturesque aquaduct over a small stream. Half a mile further at a bridge, there is a historical marker telling the story of a gruesome slaying on the site in 1854. 0.3 miles farther, the towpath crosses SR66. The canal bends back to the southwest, crossing Lock 14 Rd. after 1.4 miles, and passing Lock 14, a concrete structure built in 1907 to replace the original white oak lock. At one time there was a locktenders house, a sawmill, a blacksmith shop, a church, general store, and nearby homes at this lock. From this vicinity, the canal is used as a canoe route to a feeder canal south of St. Mary's, and on to Grand Lake. 2.2 miles farther, the towpath reaches Glynwood Rd. 20.3 [5.8] CROSS GLYNWOOD RD. Just south of the Glynwood Rd. crossing the canal broadens into 40-Acre Pond. This was a turnaround basin and feeder lake for the canal, used to keep water levels stable in the canal. Another pond, slightly to the south, was also created for canal use. The route, now on a dirt trail, swings to the southeast, then swings back to the southwest, and after 2.0 miles, gets into St. Marys and reaches US33, which is crossed under via a concrete aquaduct. ST. MARYS, OH 45885 (Pop. 8414) was once called Girtytown. LODGING: Grand Lake St. Marys Bed and Breakfast, 524 W. South St., ( 419) 394-1138. Two motels are also located on the west side of town. RESTAURANTS: Several. GROCERIES: Large, full-service supermarket. OTHER: Bank, laundromat, hardware, doctor, dentist, hospital. FEATURES OF INTEREST: The city of St. Marys is constructing a replica of a canalboat, which can be seen in the park behind the municipal building. NEARBY: Wapokeneta, OH, 12 miles east, is the boyhood home of Neil Armstrong, first man on the moon. There is an airand space museum there. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact St. Marys Chamber of Commerce, 301 E. Spring St. ( 419) 394-6202. 23.6 [3.0] CROSS UNDER US-33 The route continues south along the towpath, and generally follows the towpath through the city, although there are a couple of points where the route has to climb up from the towpath and follow sidewalks on city streets, the first at the Old St. Marys Cotton Mill. The route follows the street one block south, reaching SR66 downtown. The route from St. Marys to Lockington, including Grand Lake, the largest artifical lake ever constructed solely by muscle power, will be discussed in a future issue of the North Star.

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NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December 1997

CTA TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES ITEMS FOR THIS COLUMN must be received before the deadline date . We welcome listing activities of affiliated organizations, but we must be aware of them in sufficient time for publication. Some risks are inherent in any NCTA, chapter or affiliate activity. Each Association member, guest, or non-member participant agrees to accept personal responsibility for his or her safety and the safety of minors accompanying such persons. The Association cannot ensure the safety of any participant or hiker or activities. In participating in Association or Association-related activities, each such person agrees to hold harmless and free from blame the activity leaders and the Association, its officers, directors and members, for any accident, injury, or illness that might be sustained from participating in hikes or other Association activities.

NCTA November 8: Board of Directors meeting, Romulus, Ml.

Michigan October 11: North Country Trail Hikers Tour of Big Bay area. Special free guided trip offered by Jeff Teneyck. Reservations required by Oct 10. Richard (906) 226-7934. October 11: Western Michigan Chapter hikes on Manistee River Trail Seaton Creek to Red Bridge. Contact Dave S. (616) 784-8979 or Mary P. (616) 773-6986. October 12: North Country Trail Hikers Softies hike N of Marquette. Noon. Meet at Jacobetti Center. Shirley (906) 228-6666. October 13: North Country Trail Hikers Columbus Day hike on trails near Harlow Lake. Length TBA. Lynn (906) 9427879. October 18: North Country Trail Hikers AuTrain canoe. Gene (906) 225-1704. October 18: Western Michigan Chapter hikes #15 road to Baxter Bridge, 12 miles, moderate. Contact Dave S. (616) 784-8979 or Mary P. (616) 773-6986. October 21: North Country Trail Hikers Membership meeting. New member orientation. Note Location 1st United Methodist Church, corner of Ridge and Front. Gene (906) 225-1704. October 25: North Country Trail Hikers Pictured Rocks hike from Mosquito River to Chapel Rock. Russ Fure (906) 2267669. October 25: Western Michigan Chapter hikes Nordhouse Dunes Trail. 1 O miles, flat to hills. Contact Dave S. (616) 7848979 or Mary P. (616) 773-6986. October 25: North Country Trail Hikers join the Sierra Club

on monthly cleanup of Little Presque Isle tract. 1 O A.M. Optional hike after lunch. Dave or Judy (906) 228-9453. October 26: North Country Trail Hikers Wildcat canyon hike. Moderate length, but hilly. Russ Dees. (906) 225-5039. November 1: North Country Trail Hikers trail work. Gene (906) 225-1704. November 1: Western Michigan Chapter hikes Siedman Park, Grand Rapids (XC ski if enough snow) 6 miles, easy. Contact Dave S. (616) 784-8979 or Mary P. (616) 773-6986. November 8: North Country Trail Hikers trail work. Gene (906) 225-1704. November 8: Western Michigan Chapter hikes Pigeon Creek Park, Ottawa County (XC ski if enough snow). Contact Dave S. (616) 784-8979 or Mary P. (616) 773-6986. November 15: Western Michigan Chapter hikes Pine Valley Pathway, 8.2 mi flat to slightly rolling (XC ski if enough snow.) Contact Dave S. (616) 784-8979 or Mary P. (616) 773-6986. November 22: Western Michigan Chapter hikes Sheep Ranch Pathway (XC ski if enough snow). Contact Dave S. (616) 784-8979 or Mary P. (616) 773-6986. November 29: Western Michigan Chapter hikes Cadillac Pathway, 11.3 mi (XC ski if enough snow). Contact Dave S. (616) 784-8979 or Mary P. (616) 773-6986. December 2: Western Michigan Chapter Christmas Party 6:30 PM, German Village Restaurant, 4378 Lake Michigan Drive. Order from menu. Call Ruth (616) 453-8622.

Minnesota October, date TBA: Trail clearing project on Bad Medicine Section of NCT. Shared costs/work from base camp. Contact Paul Wright at (612) 423-5006. October 11: A 2.5 mile round trip hike overlooking the Sawmill Valley. Free and open to the public. Contact SHTA at (218) 834-2700.

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail ,October-December

1997

New York October 19: Cayuga Trails Club Walk, Look and Learn Hike #409 on and off the Finger Lakes Trail in Shindagin Hollow. Meet at 1 :30 PM at Caroline Elementary School. For more information, contact John Andersson (607) 898-3058.

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approximately 10.4 miles of moderate hiking. Questions, call Rich, 614-279-9492.

November 16: Cayuga Trails Club General Membership Meeting and Dish-to-pass supper. Ellis Hollow Community Center on Genung Rd., Ithaca. Social at 5:30, supper at 6:00. Contact Linda Loomis (716) 266-0715.

February 7, 10:00 a.m. BTA co-sponsored 18th Annual Winter Hike at Findley State Park. The entrance to the park is on Route 58, 2 miles south of Wellington in Lorain County. The hike is free and the public is invited. After the hike, State Park employees will provide lunch: bean soup, cornbread and hot drinks. For further information contact Findley State Park at 216-647-5749. This area code may change to 440 soon.

Ohio

February 14, NE Ohio BT. Valentine's Day - Hike with or without your sweetheart. Details to come.

October 18, 10:00 a.m. BTA Circuit Hike. Troy Section. Meet near Point 25. We will carpool to near Point 36 and hike back to near Point 25.Contact Dana Zintek for more information, 330-928-8931. October 19. BTA Circuit Hike. Troy Section. Meet at Point 5. We will carpool to same place as October 18 and hike back. Meet across the street from the entrance to the Air Force Base Museum. This hike is 10.2 miles with similar options for shorter mileage. Follow signs off Route 68. Contact Dana Zintek for more information, 330-928-8931. October 30-Nov. 2. BTA Work Party. Fort Hill State Park (Highland County). Relocate some steep and difficult portions of BT. Camp at Fort Hill State Park on SR 41 south of US 50. The chuck wagon will be there at $5 a day per person. To register for food call Bill Schultz, 614-882-7544, or Herb Hulls, 614-585-2603. November 8, 10:00 a.m. BTA Hike-A-Month. Fort Ancient Valley. Mike Shumway is leading this Hike-A-Month 7-mile loop hike in the scenic Ft. Ancient Valley along the Little Miami River on the Buckeye Trail. Meet at Point 24 on the Loveland Section map. Questions, call Mike, 937-434-5689. December 13, 9:00 p.m. BTA Hike-A-Month. Tecumsey Lake. Hike-A-Month hike in the New Straitsville Section from Point 19 to Point 25. This point-to-point hike will pass through Smoke Rise property and the Wayne National Forest for

Wisconsin Oct. 18-19: Tentative Heritage Chapter work days, segment H-J. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-5146. Dec. 6: Tentative Heritage Chapter get-together, Milwaukee, WI. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-5146.

Other National Trail events Oct. 10-12: Appalachian Trail Long Distance Hikers Association annual gathering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH. Contact Bob Rzewnicki (802) 297-4280 (eve.)

Wanted

NCTA Members - Join the BTA! The North Country Trail through Ohio follows the blue blazes of the Buckeye Trail. For just $15 a year, join The Buckeye Trail Association and experience all 1200 miles of the Buckeye Trail!

• HIKE regularly scheduled hikes throughout Ohio.

•ADOPT NCT-certified Buckeye Trail miles or other BT miles to maintain, or volunteer your time & expertise in a variety of other rewarding areas. "Follow the

•JOIN BTA Trail Crew work parties for expert training in trail building & maintenance.

•JOIN trail lovers of all ages & from all parts of Ohio!

Blue Blazes"

State or regional correspondents for North Star: the Magazine of the North Country Trail Association. Cover trail club activities, local events, trail updates, etc. No pay, except for the satisfaction of helping out, and maybe someday a "North Star Correspondent" patch. Some writing and photography skills needed, but you need not be a Hemingway or a Weston. E-mail capability preferred. Contact Wes Boyd, 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach, Ml 49253 (wesboyd@delphi.com).

Name Street City State

Zip

Phone Mail with your check for $15 to the BTA: (Organizations, $25) Buckeye Trail Association P.O.Box254 Worthington, OH 43085 http:llwww.ne-ohlo.net/btal

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December 1997

Page 30

Trainania Jeffrey Johnson'sGuide to Going Camping The author of this World Wide Web -found missive is British, but in spite of a few language differences, he's obviously been there and done that: Some useful terms and their definitions: CAMPSITE. A campsite can be defined as any area ofland in which one inch of sheep droppings covers solid, native bedrock. It will be noted that this piece of land need not necessarily be level. TENT. (i) A highly absorbent canvas or nylon structure, used principally to transport large quantities of rainwater from one campsite to the next. (ii) A textile form of origami, the object being to pack the tent into the smal 1 bag provided, without leaving any bits sticking out. This is extremely difficult and has been known to make grown men cry. FLYSHEET. The outer covering of a tent, so named because of its inherent aerodynamic qualities, demonstrated in anything above even the slightest breeze. TENTPEG .The tentpeg is designed to prevent the flysheet from doing so. They are specially manufactured with a view to being hammered into hard ground, and so their makers imbue them with all the awesome tensile strength of Play-Doh. MALLET. Tentpeg shape modification device. AWNING. (i) Additional bit for people who think that tents on theirown aren't complicated enough. ' (ii) Small porch area in front of tent, just big enough for two people sitting in deckchairs to shelter from the rain, or for all twelve members of the party to shelter sitting on the ground. But not both. (iii) Canvas covered area designed to be particularly attractive to all forms of insect life. (iv) Inspirational device, specifi-

cally with regard to the corruption of famous songs, i.e.'Awning has Broken', 'Touch Me In The Awning' etc. GROUNDSHEET. That part of the tent which comes directly into contact with the sheep doo, and is responsible for spreading that substance onto all other parts of the tent when rolled up. When the tent is 'pitched' (this literally means 'thrown', and is as straightforward a way of erecting a tent as any other I can think of) it is quite common to find that all the large stones in the campsite will crawl beneath the groundsheet and huddle for warmth directly under your sleeping body. GUYROPE. A tent's self-defence mechanism. Used at ankle height it can be used to trip invaders into the campfire; higher up it makes an excellent garrotting wire. CAMPING STOVE. "Hang on a minute, I think its gone ou ... that's hot!" Camping stoves come in two main types. The first is the common blue camping gas cylinder, otherwise known as the 'If You Think I'm Standing Still While You Balance That Pan Of Spuds On My Head You've Got Another Think Coming Matey' model. The second is the rather expensive and exclusive methylated spirit burning Trangia stove, or the 'I'm Going To Leak Meths All Over Your Sleeping Bag'. They have one main feature in common. They're both evil. Camping tip number one: Find the local fish and chip shop. POTS, PANS AND CUTLERY. Don't take any, you'll only lose them. Borrow other people's. Watch out especially for the teaspoons, they follow the tin of coffee around and sometimes stay out all night doing whatever it is that free spirited teaspoons like to do most. No matter how hard you try, a blade of grass will always get into the water that you're boiling for coffee. Put some grass in yourself to spoil its fun. When

the drink's ready, put an old sock over the cup and drink through that to stop yourself from getting a mouthful of grass. SLEEPING BAG. Your sleeping bag is your best friend. Look after him, and he'll look after you. Whatever you do, don't leave your tent flap open during a rainy night, allowing your sleeping bag to get wet through, or people will take the micky out of you to an alarming degree. Nipping into your tent out of the wind to light a cigarette is not a good idea if your sleeping bag has recently been soaked with meths from your camping stove. CAMPFIRE. The campfire is a special outdoor smoke emitting device. In controlled laboratory tests, it was proved conclusively, that the smoke from a campfire will always drift in the direction of the greatest concentration of campers, or failing that, in the direction of anybody who's having a coughing fit already. MINIBUS. Camping equipment and personal effects randomiser. If loaded by professionals, a well packed minibus can produce the same effect on your belongings as throwing them into a turbocharged cement mixer. HIKING BOOTS. There have been more words written on the subject of hiking boots than on any other item of outdoor hiking footwear. The most important thing to remember when choosing a pair of hiking boots is that you've got to be able to wear then more than just your one energetic weekend in the year. Pick something that you're willing to be seen wearing down at the pub. Colour co-ordinate then with other articles of your clothing. Finally, don't get carried away and pick a pair with soles like the treads of a Churchill tank or they'll tear holes in your carpet when you wear them around the house.

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail ,October-December

1997

Pa e 31

Trail Supporters Contributions, Special Renewals and New Members for July 21, 1997 through September 23, 1997

Donors:

Organizations:

Robert and Elizabeth Cutler Paul R Forsberg Natalie C Maki Joseph and Barbara Marconi Robert Roleke Neil J Sanders David M Schutte Duaine E Stueck Gaylord Yost

Buckeye Trail Association Michigan Trails Girl Scout Council Turkey's Cafe and Pizzeria USDA Forest Service, Baldwin, Michigan USDA Forest Service, Manistee, Michigan USDA Forest Service, Walker, Minnesota

Pathfinders: Michigan Mountain Bike Association William and Donna Menke Walter Srogi Werner Veit

Trail Leaders: Norman Cox Paul and Liz Forsberg James and Mariah Hope Bob and Annette Papp

Russell and Judy Dees James and Maureen Doull Steve and Sheryl Drenth Steve Duddles Joan Duncan Peter Edmunds Peter Farner Michael Fay Marilyn Fitzgerald George and Jan Goosen Robert Gould John Gregory Dorian Grilley Paul Haan Jack and Elizabeth Hailman Debbie Harding Stan Harold Jack and Cindy Hendon Lydia Hoff Willian Host Cynthia Hutchinson David Hutchinson Linda Jennette Jennette Family Yim Klingler Bill Knox Kay Kravcisin John and Lisa LaTarte

New Members: David Adams Jill and Dan Baes Mathew Baltzell Bernice and Alphonse Baron George and Jan Baron Mark Battey James Berkelman Stephanie Black Susanne Breskin John Bry Jack and Elaine Buege Richard Burchett Clarice Burns

John Lepisto Rodney Martin Victoria McGowam Morghea and Ira McPhaic/Halberstadt Greg and Mary Mitton Donald Mong Joseph Moyzis Steve and Pam Nation Bruce Nelson Kathy and Len Peters Gail Poterack Mark Putvin Sandra Randall Jim Ritchie Mark Schauer Jan and Don Schultz Tim Shaw Louise Sis Robert Smedes Joseph Smith Scott Springstead Duaine Stueck Bob Tait Bill Turgeon Susan VanMaarseveen Rob and Chris Yuill Richard Zalewski

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

$15

INTRODUCTORY

KATE!

Do you know someone who you thin~ might like to be a new member? i

Our Sponsored Membership Program allows current I Sponsored by: NCTA members to sign up new members at an introductory ~ rate of just $15. To qualify, Sponsored Members must be Name(s) of New Member(s) new to NCTA, or not have been members for at least two years. The $15 rate is good only for the first year of Address: membership. To use the program, just fill in your name. City, State Zip: Then, give the form to your friend to complete the shaded areas. Feel free to make as many copies as you need! Phone:

Please choose your affiliation (check one): o Member of a specific chapter: _ D Member of my closest local chapter (if one exists) D Member-at-Large (not affiliated with any Chapter)

e-mail I would like to volunteer the following skills (optional).·

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS! To begin your membership, please complete this form and send it with your $15 payment to: o.r:t

y_nt

Trail Association • 49 Monroe Center NW, Suite 2008 • Grand Rapids, Ml 49503

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NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December

1997

Majorfunding has been provided this year by the following corporate and agency sponsors:

Quality Outdoor Gear and Clothing Since 1938

eritech Environmental supportcenter

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COMPANY'

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 47 Caledonia, Ml 49316 North Country Trail Association 49 Monroe Center, Suite 2008 Grand Rapids, Ml 49546