North Star Vol. 19, No. 4 (2000) by NCTA Staff

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

October-December 2000

TRAIL SUPPORTERS Contributions and Special Renewals since our last issue of the North Star. Donations Jerry & Connie Allen Rob Alt Carole Anderson Marvin & Geraldine Anderson Fred Arney Len & JoAnne Baron Bob Beam Robert D Beckman Bob & Peg Beckwith Stephanie Black Richard D Boettner Rick & Debbie Bowling Michelle Box Dorothy Brown Ken Brown Philip & Suzane Brown Donald L Bussies Marlana Caldwell Patricia Carlin Ed & Nancy Chappel Thomas J & Beth A Conway Blair & Denise Dame Tom Dandridge & Lynn Martin Greg Davis Patrick M Delaney Vikki Derrigan Merton & Marie Dibble John Diephouse Mary A Dineen John & Beatrice Doody Kristen Doyle ExxonMobil Foundation Richard D Flinn Frank & Catherine Gerke Tom & Janis Gilbert Grand Rapids Foundation Ronald Hand Harbor Springs Cycling Club Audrey & Robert Harrold James R Hoogesteger Bernard J & Sheila M Jaworowski

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Jan E Jefferson Cindy Jones Hope Kerr Donald & Doris Kopfman Steve & Joan Ladosinsky Sarah Lavoie Paul K Leven Lionel & Cynthia Loza Susan Lund & Harry Frank Kenneth & Margaret Lusher R J & Nancy Jo Lyons Beverly McBrien Julia S Mcilvaine Nick & Lianne Mehmed Elizabeth Miller Geraldine M Nault Adam Niemur Timothy J O'Rourke Atley N Oswald Thomas W Owen & Pamela R Poley Todd & Connie Pease Thomas & Diane Piquet Harold A & Helen L Poole Kyle Rasikas Robert K Ruble Neil J Sanders Marjorie J Sellers Striders, Inc Christopher M & Nancy Sundberg Rolf R Swanson Larry & Marsi Swinkey William Syverson Top of Michigan Trails Council Audre Waller John Waller Idelle Winkler John & Christine Ziomkowski

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

Memberships Businesses Big Prairie Builders, Inc Bill Prall Touring Gear Harbor Springs Cycling Club Organizations Barnes Co Wildlife Federation Buckeye Trail Association Finger Lakes Trail Conference John S Hogg Kent County Park Commission Michigan Mountain Bike Association New York New Jersey Trail Conference Northwestern Ohio Rails to Trails Assn University YMCA USDA Forest Service, Baldwin USDA Forest Service, Manistee Valley City North Dakota Convention I Visitors Bureau WK Kellogg Experimental Forest

Pathfinders ($100 dues) David E Adams LeRoy Bliven Jan Carpenter Len Cavens James Chambers James & Maureen Doull Richard D Flinn Mardy & William Gast Ray Guerrier Ruth Howell Doug Kee Tracey Kubitz Dale Lack John & Pat Leinen Edwin F Liddle Christopher & Margo Light Ray Miller Larry Mulder Linnea J Newman & Tony Malikowski Cader Olive Peter S & Susan E Ordway Bob & Annette Papp Raymond & Elaine Papp J Robert Routt George Schaub Michael Schuler Betty Tableman David Tattan Turkey's Cafe David E Younger Trail Leaders ($50 dues) Kirsten Anderson Roger & Patricia Ashley Thomas & Patricia Backe R Alan Baker Jane Balcer Robert Beck Terrance Beuthling Mark Bissell George Blaske Richard D Bliley

Derek & Margaret Blount John & Heather Calappi Jim Cockels Dennis Collison Anthony Cook Brad W Cotton Claire L Dedow Otwell Derr John Diephouse Stewart DeWitt Dinger Ron & Jane Dziurda Randal Eshuis Jennifer Farnsworth Richard G Ferguson Don Flyckt Bettina Frisse William & Joanne Gerke Tom & Janis Gilbert Preston M Givens Larry Goldstein Donald B Gore Peter B Gradoni Gerardo L Guevara Dennis R Hansen John & Patricia Hollowell James & Mariah Hope David A Hutchinson Hans P Kappus Louis Kasischke Shawn Kelly Robert C Kirkland Kenneth Konop Tammy Krueger Ronald Kulak John Lindholm Dency Lippert Matthew Lockhart James & Nancy Ludlow Mary Lyman William H Lynch Richard Maatman Susan D Mabee David Mack Natalie C Maki

Guyer & Kimberly McCracken Michelle McGinn Hugh Melling & Denise Simon James Mihalik William Moore John & Teri Olbrot & Family Glenn Bing Olbum David Oppenheim Martin P O'Toole John & Tory Parlin Thomas Pflueger Steve Phillos Gayle Poertner Mary Ellen Powers Joseph E Raynor Richard C Reed Margaret Reek Rick Richardson Christina Rizzo David Robinson Craig & Janet Robinson Paul Rudolph Judy Schnebly David M Schutte Mike Schwemin Stephen B Selden C Dennis Shepard Michael Shores Mike Stasik Michael Trinko Eleanore Troxel B G Vanderpol Michael M VanRyzin Martin J Voss John S Wallace Paul & Ann Warren Doug Welker Robert & Janice Wester John Wiener Idelle Winkler Dewey & Kay Wobma Rodger & Denise Wolf David Young Dan Zbrozek

In addition, we welcome 427 new members to the North Country Trail Association who have joined since our last issue of the North Star.

October-December

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

2000

CONTENTS BOB PAPP

Executive Director

MARGIE KINDEL Project Manager

TIFFANY HALFMANN GIS Coordinator

Bill Menke page 5

GLORY MEYER

Public Services Coordinator

HEIDI DAANE Office Manager

Joan Young page 8

s Forest Service a Good Steward Complaints tum out to be unfounded, Bill Menke and Bob Tait Report from Pennsylvania.

BETH FORD Bookkeeper

WERNER VEIT

a North Country Cache The beginning of Joan Young's odyssey along the North Country National Scenic Trail.

Acting Editor

JOAN YOUNG

Contributing Editor

ROGER MEYER

Contributing Editor

OFFICERS Werner Veit President

49 Monroe Center Suite 200B Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (616) 454-5506 wv12@aol.com

Cover Story: Celebrating a National Millennium Trail Our members make new friends walking across the Straits of Mackinac Bridge.

Board Will Consider New Trail Council Plan Chapter Presidents, State Coordinators, Trail Council Chairs propose roles for state leaders.

David Cornell

Departments

Vice President-Financial 514 Cordes Road Delton, MI 49046 (616) 623-8659 janc128@aol.com

Pat Miller

Vice President-Trails (West) 15737 65th Avenue Milaca, MN 56353 (320) 933-5643

Howard Beye Vice President-Trails (East) 202 Colebourne Road Rochester, NY 14609 (716) 288-7191 fltc@axsnet.com

•ASSOCIATION• North Dakota e Minnesota x Wisconsin* Michigan Ohio e Pennsylvania e New York

49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Phone: (616) 454-5506 FAX: (616) 454-7139 E-mail: NCTAssoc@aol.com Internet: www.northcountrytrail.org

Trailhead Newsletter Excerpts Directory Public Affairs Hiking Shorts Chapters in Action Heart and Sole Who's New 24 Trail Shop 29 Director's Report 30 Letters 31 Our Special Friends 4 11 12 14 15 18 20 23

Joan Young Secretary

861 West US 10 Scottville, MI 49454 (616) 757-2205 jhy@t-one.net

Published four times annually by the North Country Trail Association, a private, nonprofit 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. Distribution of this issue is 2600 copies.

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North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

October-December 2000

Communicating Across 7 States: The Vision for the Nortlt Star Naturally, we1l keep the old favorites like Heart and Sole and Hiking Shorts, we'll continue to ask For better or worse-but, hopeBill Menke for the National Park fully, for not long-your President Service perspective and carry Bob is also going to be the editor of The Papp's Director's Report and we1l North Star and I hope you will join make sure we still have those great me as we communicate with one personal hiking stories that have another. That's the mission and the made the magazine such a joyous purpose of this magazine, to comexperience for many of us, partimunicate with one another across cularly me who doesn't get out on seven states and thousands of miles the trail very often these days, at By Werner Veit of hiking trail. least not as much as I wish. I'm President, NCTA sure you'll particularly enjoy the 路 As you probably read in the last quarter million households could series of essays starting this issue issue, Wes Boyd, who did a hardly wait to read what I and my by Joan Young, (who has hiked as splendid job before me, decided colleagues thought important. Now he had to call it quits and we had that I have reached my dotage and much of the trail as anyone) and shares not just her experiences but to find a new editor. There were, understand that our readers are we believed, lots of good volunteer better judges of what's important, her spirituality with us. candidates, but, as it turned out, let's work together to create an Joan is one of our busiest for various reasons having to do NCTAers: Secretary of the Board of atmosphere where we talk with with job or location or moving Directors, founder and President of instead of at each other. away from our member states, our Spirit of the Woods Chapter, none could take over. Editor of Heart and Sole, leader of ... Let's work together hikes and work parties and our Because I've done this kind of Webmaster. If you haven't work before-I edited a large, to create an atmosphere newest checked out our site lately, see metropolitan newspaperfor 30 years what she's done in the severalweeks until I became a meeter of larger where we talk with she's been at it. payrolls-I am stepping in until we can find a more permanent editor. instead of at each other. One of the most important I don't really need the practice and additions to the web site is the Trail my priorities for the North Country Shop, that list of hiking merchanTrail Association in my final year So you'll find some new features dise available for sale. Until now, as President are somewhatdifferent. in The North Star, like the Last the descriptions were only in The My chief goal is to help our Word in the back which will print North Star. Under the new system, association to a more secure your opinions, gripes, likes and you will be able to shop directly financial footing before my last dislikes. Communicate by letter or from our web site term expires next August. e-mail. Doesn't matter how; just do using a credit card, it. Our e-mail address is or to print out the Not that I'm not having fun. form and send NCTAssoc@aol.com Writing, reading copy, selecting us a check. photographs, laying out pages, Another new item is a roundup A reminder: recalls my happy twentyhood from the chapter newsletters. They1l our URL is when I naively imagined that a help you get a feel of what your neighbors are up to. www.northcountrytrail.org

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October-December

2000

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

Good NeV1s: Forest Service Excellent NCT SteV1ard in the Allegheny Forest By Bill Menke

Periodically, we receive reports that the U.S. Forest Serviceis doing or allowing something to adversely affect the 95 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail that has been certified for many years in the Allegheny National Forest. Because we continue to believe that that the Forest Service (FS) is a good, professionalresourcemanager, we generallytake these reports with a grain of salt. However, several recent reports were adamant that the trail was being destroyed-by logging, oil and gas extraction, and a FS proposal to follow the NCT with heavy equipment to correct deteriorating toilet facilities in a couple of remote campgrounds. These reports prompted us to contact John Romanowski (the FS Regional Office person responsible for specially designated areas including the NCT) to propose a joint visit to the forest so that we could see and discuss these issues first hand. John, the NCTA's State Coordinator, Bob Tait, and I visited the forest in August to look at the sites and issues first hand. Our conclusion: The Allegheny National Forest is most definitely exercising its authority, within legal limits, to protect the North County Trail and is more sensitive than most to the needs of the trail. The following is a report on each of the issues.

The Service is most definitely exercising its ~ authority ... and is more sensitive than most to the ~ needs of the North Country National Scenic Trail.

--=····_ . ""x,_-_,)-''· -~._-·

L__,.."""·," c ".·-· .. ~:%""',_, _ ,~.

Bill Menke is the National Park Service's Manager of the North Country National Scenic Trail.

Timber Sales Recent reports and Internet references allege that the trail is "being clearcut", and "trashed with logging slash." These allegations are simply not true. We visited all harvest units that are in even close proximity to the NCT. In all instances, the FS is following the mitigated prescriptions shown in the Environmental Assessments (EA) for the projects. In fact, the timber sale crew has marked the stands even more restrictively than required in the EAs. Sale prescriptions have been very sensitively implemented. Thinning and shelterwood cutting near the trail is very light. The forest requires that a landscape architect provide recommendations for modifying the cutting on all units that are near the NCT. Routinely, the harvesting prescriptions are modified to retain a full canopy of trees over the trail. They also require special slash cleanup and removal to enhance views. In

the Allegheny, the NCT is listed as: a Sensitivity Level 1 corridor-the' most restrictive level. ' Thinking back on my 1999 hike' through the forest, I could recall i only a couple of areas where any ! timber stand manipulation had taken place-including areas that" had been thinned to present a more park-like appearance. As a profes-. sional forester I am often more · observant than most of the hikinq. public in terms of recognizing vegetative manipulation. During ·, our recent visit, we saw areas where stand manipulation had taken place. that I had not noticed during my : hike because the treatments were ~ so well designed, or screened, or ·~ removed from the trail that they simply are not obvious. The sale that may have prompted 1 the current erroneous reports is the , MinisterCreek Sale, which prompted i claims of widespread clearcutting :; along the trail. This is simply not ) true. There is one clearcut of probably less than 2 acres, visible; [ from the trail and it was specifically: suggested by and designed by the :> landscape architect as a way to ~ open up a temporary view of a little . natural depression (bowl) and · providea break in the trait's "tunnel ·I. of trees." Even this small clearcut is set back 50 feet or so from the NCT with only a couple of small 'i alleys opened to allow views into J the opening. A recent wind toppled 1 a half-dozen trees from the inter- ,' vening strip into the trail but the FS will be cleaning these up soon. (Continued on page 6) ·::;

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North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

Allegheny

October-December 2000

(Continued from Page 5)

Oil and Gas Field Development In the Little Salmon Creek area, mineral owners have recently expanded an existing oil and gas field which has moved southwest and now straddles the Trail. Wells are placed on a 700-foot grid and the resulting roads connectingthem have wiped out the NCT in a couple ~ of locations. In other areas all of di this intense developmentis in view j of the trail. "-John Romanowski of the Forest Service (in the stream bed), Bill Menke, of the Pa~k Service, Unfortunate, yes, but it cannot and Julie Moyer, of the Forest Service, on one of the bridges in the Allegheny National Forest. be helped. The FS owns only the property. By law, the FS must grant The FS will construct the new surface of the land, not the mineral access. The FS's only tool is to work trail segments with a contracted rights below. Since the 1800's, with landowners to attempt to mini-excavator, a tracked vehicle Pennsylvania landowners devise access methods that minimize only 4-feet wide, equipped with a recognized the potential wealth damage to the trail. But the FS's backhoe type bucket to dig the residing in the minerals below the best efforts sometimes are not sidehill benches for the trail. We surface and retained the mineral enough. have heard good reports about this rights when they sold the surface. The NCT has been impacted equipment and we are anxious to In the earlier decades of this primarily in four places-ranging see the results. century, when .the United States from a few hundred feet to perhaps Campg:tound Rehab began purchasmg the cut-over, 3/10 of a mile. Now that all of the Access via the NCT worn out lan~s to form the access roads are in place, and the Before the large Allegheny Allegheny National Forest only the impacts of the new development Reservoir was created there were surface rights were availab~e for are better known, the Allegheny two small campgrounds (Hopewell purchase. Conseque11:tly, mmeral NF proposes to relocate the ~our and Handsome Lake) located along ownerscannot be de~ed reasonable impacted segments off-road mto roads east of the Allegheny River. access to extract then subsurface protected strips. (Continued on page 7)

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October-December

2000

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

Allegheny

(Continued from Page 6)

When the reservoir was flooded, .l these campgrounds became iso.' lated and only boaters and NCT hikers now use them. The nearest vehicle access is several miles to the east. Nevertheless, they are very popular (especially with the boaters) and the forest does not ., want to close them. During the course of the last 30 ~ years, the facilities have deterior- ; ated. A major problem is that the i vaults on a couple of the toilet Confidence markers in the Allegheny National Forest are great -as long as the porcupines buildings are leaking. For sanitation leave at least part of the sign untouched. This one's been chewed pretty well. and to protect the water in the Guard troop to ferry them to the because existing waterbars were :. reservoir, these must be repaired or site using large military equipment. improperly constructed and have replaced. The forest staff studied None provedfeasible. A backup plan become ineffective. Having the several solutions and settled on was proposed to "walk" (drive) the equipment on the NCT provides a installing sweet smelling toilets equipment to the site via the NCT, one-time opportunity to rework (SST) as the best alternative. SSTs the only feasible overland route. them. Halfway to the two campinclude sealed, concrete vaults to That prompted my initial worry and grounds, the old road fizzles out collect the waste which is then was one of the reasons for my visit. and the equipment will have to periodically pumped into a large As is often the case, reality looks follow a new, through-the-woods "bargelike" boat and hauled to a different on the ground than on a route-but it is removed from the roaded access point where it can brief written descriptionand a small NCT and really has no effect on it .. be transported to a safe disposal map. It turns out that perhaps half Summarizing the entire visit, all ~~ site. Getting the new vaults to of the NCT access route is on an three of us (John, Bob, and I) agreed .; the site and installing them is old, closed and nicely healed road, the Forest Service did not pull any;., the problem. wide enough to accommodate the punches, showed us everything we -' The forest has had past success equipment. While there will be wanted to see, demonstrated a high : with floating the concrete vau~ts temporary tracks, they will heal degree of professionalism, recog- '. and towing them to the shoreline quickly and work crew, equipped nized the importance of a National ... near other installation sites. There with hand tools, will smooth any Scenic Trail, and the kind of sen- 路 the vaults are pumped full of water visible evidence. There are a few sitivity that we can only wish were to keep them in place until a piece areas where the old road is soggy as evident throughout the trail. of heavy equipment can move them inland to the actual site and install them in a new hole. Now for the ~Jii~iilliMillii NCTA'sSchoolhouse makes an ideal heavy equipment. hostel for your hikes through lower Several alternatives to get the What's It For? Michigan. It includes a shower, cots, and a kitchenette. It's also a great heavy equipment (a backhoe and site for meetings or retreats! a small dozer) to Hopewell and 5 miles NW of White Cloud, Handsome Lake Campgroundswere Michigan, nestled in the southern Where Is It? region of the Huron-Manistee considered-including driving them National Forest. on the shoreline when the reservoir The Schoolhouse is maintained and Who Runs It? managed by volunteers from our was down, using a helicopter to own Western Michigan Chapter. ferry them to the site, hiring a Just call our office at 888-454-NCTA commercial barge all the way from Information: (6282) and ask for a copy of the Schoolhouse brochure! Pittsburgh, and getting a National n,

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North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

October-December 2000

North Editor's note: This collection of essays by Joan Young is the first installment of what will be a serial feature in upcoming issues of North Star. Young has been slowly collecting miles on the North Country Trail, with the hope of eventually hiking the entire trail. She has been documenting her quest with essays of varying lengths, one per hike. These writings will be featured chronologically, as they were written. The locations of the hikes will be noted since they do not progress in a linear way along the trail. Some hikes are long, some are

short. Each one has an individual character. This essay is something of an introduction to the project, and includes her first actual hike on the NCT. Young is well on her way towards her goal, with 1650 miles of the trail hiked. Future issues of North Star will continue the series under the title North Country Cache.

along these routes that cater to the needs of hikers, and these cache boxes are held until the weary and hungry hikers come down from the trail to claim their parcels. Supply boxes can also be left with friends, setting pre-arranged meeting locations for delivery during the hike. Theseboxes could all certainly be considered caches, but they are hardly hidden. Campersalso use the word cache to describe a bag of food, and other animal-attractive items, which is hung out of reach (hopefully) of claws and teeth. Bear resistant containers do not even need to be

_ac; C h e - k ash ' n. A pl ace w h ere stores, suppli es or provisions are hidden and preserved. ~~~p~~te~ilu;:a 路 '" ~ uring settlement of the North Americanwest, a cachewas traditionally buried. Essential items which were inconvenient to carry were stored in a deep hole for retrieval at a later time, perhaps on a return journey. The hole was filled and covered carefully so that its appearancewas indistinguishable from the original site. The origin of the word, from the Frenchcacher, to hide, was fully realized. Thieves and animals both needed to be Joan Young is not only an avid hiker but a prevented from finding the tireless participant in NCTA activities. She is Secretary of the Board of Directors, President provisions. Requirements and of the Spirit of the Woods Chapter, editor of language, however, evolve. Heart and Sole in this magazine and With a bank or ATM and webmaster of our internet site. convenience store in every town modern travelers would hardly extraordinaire, buried five-gallon consider making their way across pails of supplies at appropriate the country by burying supplies points, ahead of time, in order to that might be needed later. Long- complete his thru-hike of the length distance hikers however, seldom of the Grand Canyon.(The Man Who find towns in handy locations along Walked Through Time) In doing so, the route. Most would be fairly he very closelyfollowedthe example annoyed if they did, since part of of the pioneers. And the supplies the motivation to hike is usually were, in his case, hidden. to get away from such plastic conMany hikers of the Appalachian ventions. Thus there is sometimes Trail, and of the Pacific Crest Trail, a need to locate caches along a mail packages to themselves before route. Colin Fletcher, hiker beginning the trek. There are towns

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wants, but can't open the canister. "Hidden" in these cases refers only to restricted access. What has not changed is the fact that a cache is still a collection of essential items which are collected together and stored carefully for retrieval at a future date when they are needed. And from this core of meaning comes the title for this collection of essays. Each hike, no matter how short or long, seems to take on a character of its own. There is always some defining element which makes it different from every other walk. Thus each hike must be preserved, and cherished. That essence of each trek must be distilled and stored, to be recalled and savored again at some later time. Some trips are long and meaty, others are adventures-like spices.. Some may seem less exciting, but like clean, dry underwear retrieved at the midpoint of a trip, are extremely necessary for the wellbeing of the whole person. So this book is a cache of those essential memories of my hikes along the North Country National Scenic Trail, extracted and refined for enjoyment, a North Country Cache.

October-December

2000

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

unplanned jaunt and I had no compass,map, or anyone who knew what I was doing. Might as well Monotonegray streamed the road start off completely wrong... It was beneath the tires. Dreary straight late afternoon of an August day, road, dreary linear, semiconscious and whether I was really on the stream of harried motherhood. Drive trail or not, the appeal of sun to Cadillac.How long will it take? filtering through the trees to Guide my boys to adulthood. What highlight smooth asters' blue petals will I fix for dinner? Route M-55. did not fail to capture me. As I Whyis another summernearly gone? marched deeper into the woods, Plain brown sign: "North Country followingmore fire roads but never National Scenic Trail." Just time to seeing blazes, I realized that I was register the words in my mind and certainly not on the actual trail. note a parking area with an Emerging about four miles later information board as I sped by. on ScocelasRoad,near the northern "National Trail?"I thought, "here? boundary of my home county, Right in my own backyard? Where Mason County, the trail crossing does it go?" Now alert, I determined sign could be seen some yards down to stop and check it out on the the road, confirming that I was return trip. near, but not on, the trail. I I can no longer recall the goal of reluctantly turned around to retrace the trip to Cadillac, but the message my steps, needing to hurry back to of that simple, modest signboard the world of family responsibilities. forever changed my life. Later that My head again filled with questions, day I did indeed check the bulletin but they were no longer gray. "How board. With amazement I read that much of this national trail is in my this trail extends across the Eastern home county? Why haven't I ever United States, from CrownPoint, heard of it? Howlong would it take New York, to Lake Sakakawea,North to hike it?" Already my lifelong Dakota. The headquarters address dream to hike the AppalachianTrail given was White Cloud, Michigan; was morphing in response to the again, just a few miles from my call of the North Country. home. My head was spinning with possibilities and incredulity that I Wanderlust Autumn 1991 had never even heard of this trail. There has been a need this I copied the address, locked my car, autumn to be outside that is more and began a 4000-plus-mile trek. compelling than anything in recent The bulletin board indicated that memory. It has been like the sweet I should be looking for blazes and painful longing I used to feel painted on trees. But I was about as a child when I would kneel on to learn lesson number one about my bed at night, looking out the h~king a trail which has many window with my elbows propped different groups that maintain it; on the windowsill. I would stare at some sections are marked better the dark woods across the road, and than others. After searching the smell the damp leaves, and think woods all around the parking area, of all the lovely places there that and not finding any blazes, I set I knew, and all the really exquisite off down the fire road, thinking places that must yet be waiting to that this must surely be the way be explored. The tears would run to go. I needed to pay attention to down my face; I wanted, so much, what I was doing, since this was an

Introduction to the Trail August 1988

-~n Wanderlust has sprinkled Wonder Dust into my eyes and ears and brain. Wonder Dust has tickled. Go I must, into the wind and sun and rain. Wind's fey sweep has prickled urges deep; This restive spirit never tamed. Sun shaft bright has flickered. Dappled lights excise the crushing, brindled pain. Rain soft cries have trickled, gath'ring sighs to cascade,trembling:cleansinggain. Wonder Dust has quickened Wanderlust. Impatient voices call my name.

The Kernel 1 - September 8, 1991 Armed with maps and information from their headquarters, I now am aware of the basic facts concerning the North Country National Scenic Trail. The trail was commissionedby Congressin 1980, and the route is expected to cover over 3000 miles. From the eastern terminus at Crown Point, New York, the North Country Trail (NCT) lies in the Adirondacks,joining the established Finger Lakes Trail near Rome, New York. . It follows the FLT through the Fmger Lakes and Southern Tier to the Allegheny State Forest near Salamanca, New York. Dropping sou~h through the Allegheny National Forest and Cook Forest in Pennsylvania, the trail then curves west into Ohio. After a few miles (Continued on Page 10)

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North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

Keeping supplies away from hungry bears is another purpose of a cache.

(Continued from Page 9) the NCT joins the Buckeye Trail. This is the longest loop trail in the United States, and the North Country route sticks with it around the southern tip of Ohio and up the western edge of that state. After a jaunt along the route of the famous Wabash Cannonball Railroad, NCT hikers head north into Michigan. 路 Michigan boasts the most miles of NCT, over 1100 of them! The route angles northwest to enter the ManisteeNationalForest,where I became acquainted with the trail. North of this forest the Shore to Shore Horseback Trail takes the NCT back to the center of the state tt.where it must head north again to cross Big Mac, the MackinacBridge. Pictured Rocks and Lake Superior t National Lakeshoremiles lead west across the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the Porcupine Mountains. 路 Wisconsin boasts Chequamegon Forest (home of the original "North 'Country Trail"), and Minnesota paths continue through Forests with legendary names like Paul Bunyan, Chippewa, and Bad 'Medicine. The trail enters its western-most state, North Dakota, near Fargo. Sheyenne National Grassland, Lonetree Wildlife Area, and Lake Sakakawea define the prairie portions of the North .Country Trail. The distances are overwhelming.

Well, I can't hike it all at once anyway... After three years since finding it I finally have time to walk a few official miles of the NCT. Boys, like dreams, grow. The boys now need mothering less, the dreams more. My husband, Omer, has agreed to take me early in the morning into the Manistee National Forest at Hodenpyle Dam, and to pick me up at Dilling Road. This time I am prepared. I carry lunch, compass, maps, flower identification guide, sketch pad, sweatshirt and emergency gear in a day pack. The sounds of water pouring through the dam's floodgates and of some piece of heavy equipment fill my ears as I head across a field and into the woods searching for blazes. They are easily located, and the forest of tall pines quickly engulfs me, shutting out the "real" world. This section of the trail is well-marked and maintained. Soon the noise from the dam is left behind. In fact, when I stand still to quiet the sound of my footfalls, there are no sounds of human origin at all! This is a rare gift of the trail. During the summer months I had made several overnight or weekend campouts. Not one of these was free of anthropogenic noises. Heavy equipment backup beepers had awakened me on two mornings. The muffled pulse of distant traffic was almost impossible to escape, but was never in tune with the beating of my heart. Often,just as I thought I was free of the sound of motors a plane would roar across the sky. So, to stand quietly in the bracken and pines with only the soft swish of the breeze in my ears seems incredible. This gift swells in magnitude the longer I wait humbly and patiently to accept it. There is no feeling quite like this sense of being the lone human in the center of a circle of the natural world. I am that theoretically motionless molecule at the exact center of one turntable plane of the universe. Objects captured near me move slowly, hushed. Near sounds of the

October-December

2000

forest revolve dreamily around me. A late warblercalls; sparrowstwitter, senseless with this imposed hush in their busy schedules. A squirrel insistently argues with me to move further off and let her world turn faster again. Some small beast rattles the leaves beside the trail. Perhaps his tail is trapped in calm, close to the hub, while his feet scrabble to keep pace with the concentriccircle a body length away. A few late-season insects hum, shifting gears to pass from one spiral to the next. Farther away the world careens out-of-focus, too fast to see, beyond my comprehension or concern. Peace, an ownership of this one breath-space is the total of reality. Within the orbit defined by the acuity of my hearing, the world is tethered, Creation-fresh, forces counter-balanced at the escape-to-insanity velocity. This inner circle of tranquillity is the original Design, and I hold it tightly for another minute lest it whirl off into mad oblivion. Releasing the universe, I begin to step along the path once again. The charmed "silence" is broken but not completely dispelled; the tone of the day is set. The woods warms in the September sun to a dry and glorious midday. Cheese and crackers fill my stomach as the spell of the morning filled my soul. I sketch a lone flower, a toadflax. A short rest, and I walk briskly on down the trail. I am concerned a bit about time. It has been years since I really hiked a trail and I have no good sense of what my pace is. But I reach Dilling Road several hours before Omer is expected to arrive, so I am glad that I have also packed a book to read. The satisfaction of sixteen miles of beautiful trail is solid soulfood indeed, and the amorphous dream of renewing my love affair with hiking is beginning to crystallize around this tiny kernel into a plan. 16 miles this hike Marilla Trailhead to Dilling Rd. Manistee County, Michigan 16 miles total

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail Excerpts from Chapter Newsletters

October-December

2000

Reporting from the Trail 3 B

Sco:T troops partner with ~~ ~'._~~.s~~~ chapters -- ~,,_.,-,=路路~.,.-

;;;~

~~~.,,_... g \ Central New York: 1

Cazenovia Boy Troop 18's i Eagle Scout project ' ~valved ~uildin~an informational kiosk for the Ne~son SwampUi;uque Area and classic . puncheon bndges for wet areas. A spirited group led '""""=-,,,,_~ by NCTA advisor Pete Moreau completed the kiosk installation in late May and then turned to the bridges. wampum

li~!iT'.i~'i0'~-i~!-ldlscout ._

The crew does not perform routine maintenance, nor displace existing or future trail adopters who will still be responsible for maintenance on their assigned sections of trail. The trail crew will concentrate on new trail constru~tion, can be called upon to help with heavy maintenance projects, such as after a heavy wind storm and will provide leadership for selected projects. The core crew skilled in all aspects of trail ;,ork: location, layout and construction, will be fully equipped with handtools for up to 10 and a DR field mower, all kept in a movable trailer.

Chequarnegon Chapter:

There has been some brief discussion about a possible merger between the Chequamegon and Heritage Chaptersbut at the Spring meeting of the Great Lakes Council, Grand Traverse Hikers: it was reported that the proposal has been abandoned. The ChequaMax Anderson and his Troop 131 megon Chapter will continue to from Suttons Bay, MI, built a bridge, maintain the existing trail between established a tent site near it and Copper Falls State Park and the performed trail reroute work as part ChequamegonNational Forest'swest of Max's Eagle Scout project. His boundary and the Heritagechapter's advisor,HaroldGardner, was of great focus will be to put in new trail assistance in getting materials to west of the Casey Sag Road. the site. Troop 30, based at Trinity Lutheran Church in Traverse City built a bridge across an unnamed I creek on the NCT heading towards Rollways. Getting utility poles to the site was one strenuousjob. Mike Norton was the advisor.

Chief Noonday: The ChiefNoondayChapterlisted ambitious goals for the balance of the year 2000 in its newsletter. These are: Membership: Raise the total to 150 from 141 and double business memberships from five to 10; Marking: Blaze all the way from the Calhoun-Hillsdale County border to the Kent-Barry County border. Trailbuilding: Complete the Augusta-Battle Creek and the MiddlevilleState Game Area sections. Speakers Bureau: Establish a list of members willing to serve as speakers and keep it current.

Spirit of the Woods: Its newsletter included this descriptionof The Hikers Side Shuffl.e by Angie Addington:

Entertaining to watch fellow hikers ahead ofme: Occasionally a swift kick to the left, a branch goes flying; A sideswipe of a walking stick sends a fallen twig into the woods; Another shove, and an old rotten stump no longer threatens to trip . _ an unwary i::= trekker...

~===-~===~

,.;1;111;2~ Butler County _..;, Chapter:

Other Highlights: Brule/St. Croix: With the help of a ChallengeCost Share grant from the National Park Service,the Brule/St. Croix chapter is establishing an elite trail crew for new construction and special projects. It will likely consist of three or four permanent members supplemented by others who can participate in some but not all projects. Bill Menke and Bob Gould are the first two members.

As part of the Butler County centennial and the North Country Trail Millennium celebrations, the chapter staged a hike from Parker, PA, to McConnell'sMills.

Western Michigan: Besidesits usual many hikes and trail maintenance expeditions to the Upper Peninsula, the Western Michigan chapter hiked the Pentwater Pathway in August which ended with an evening of country music. The chapter also raised more than $500 toward its Schoolhouse Fund with a dinner earlier in the Summer.

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North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

October-December 2000

North Country National Scenic Trail Additional Contacts North Dakota Jon Lindgren, North Dakota State Coordinator 2001 North 7th St. Forgo, ND 58102-5075 (701) 231-8809 jlindgren@badlands.nodak

Minnesota John Leinen, West End Trail Council Chair MN State Coordinator 14205 St. Croix Trail North Stillwater, MN 55082-9587 (651) 433-4456 jleinen@mtn.org

Great Lakes (Upper Ml, WI) Pat Miller, Trail Council Chair 15737 Sixty-Fifth Ave. Milaca, MN 56353 (320) 983-5643 pkmiller@ecenet

Contact Information Chapters of the North Country Trail Association are like local trail clubs. They build and maintain the trail, host hikes and other events, and work to promote the trail and the Association in their areas. For information about local activities and volunteering, contact Chapter representatives. Partner organizations (we call them "Affiliates") are independent nonprofit organizations that are working to build and maintain certain sections of the trail. They also are good contacts. We encourage you to support their work by joining their organizations as well as the NCTA. Each state also has a State Trail Coordinator, whose job it is to coordinate the work of the Chapters and other partners in the state. Finally, all their representatives are grouped into "Trail Councils," to further coordinate their work, improvecommunicationand cooperation across the trail.

Sheyenne River Valley Chapter

Superior Hiking Trail Association

Lisa Engle, President P.O. Box 100 Cooperstown, ND 58425 (707) 797-3530

Partner Organization Nancy Odden, Exec. Dir. & Council Rep 731 7th Avenue Two Harbors, MN 55616 (21 8) 834-2700

Peter Wolfe Chapter Doug Welker, President and Acting State Trail Coordinator Upper Michigan Rt#l, Box 59A Pelkie, Ml 49958-9715 (906) 338-2680 dwelker@up.net

North Country Trail Hikers Jan Wester (906) 225-1295 Shirley LaBonte (906) 228-6666 Bettie Daly (906) 228-9018

Michigan (Lower Ml, OH) Lynn Waldron;:',-------------..:::::) Trail Council Chair Chief Noonday Council Rep. Lower Ml State Coordinator 8133 Norris Road Delton, Ml 49046 (616) 623-5340 lwaldron3@juno.com

Ohio Jim Sprague, Ohio State Coordinator 4406 Maplecrest Parma, OH 44134 (216) 884-4757

(Needs to be Assigned)

Pennsylvania Bob Tait, Pennsylvania State Coordinator 212 East Metzger Ave. Butler, PA 1 6001 (724) 287-3382 BobTait@zbzoom.net

Chequamegon Chapter

New York (Allegheny-PA, Adirondack-NY) Howard Beye, Trail Council Chair NY State Coordinator 202 Colebourne Rd. Rochester, NY l 4609 (716) 288-7191 fltc@axsnet.com

t.Page 12

Steve Frye, President---~ P.O. Box 172 Jefferson, WI 53549 (414) 593-2694 ryerok@idcnet.com

National Park Service Madison Trails Office Bill Menke, Manager North Country National Scenic Trail 700 Rayovac Drive, Suite l 00 Madison, WI 53711 (608) 441-5610 bill_menke@nps.gov

Tana Turonie, President Box 475 Mellen, WI 54546 (715) 274-2521 tturon ie@centuryinter. net

'Brule-St. Croix Chapter Peter Nordgren, President 11260 E. Timber Ridge Rd. Lake Nebagamon, WI 54849 (715) 394-8340 pnordg re@staff.uwsuper.edu

October-December 2000

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail North Country National Scenic Trail

Contact Information Harbor Springs Chapter

Western Michigan Chapter

Jerry Keeney, President 2385 Manitou Trail Harbor Spring, Ml 497 40 (231) 526-9597 keeney@freeway.net

Tom Learmont, President 1 0554 Colby Road Gowen, Ml 49326 (616) 984-5917 Len Baron, Council Rep. 10822 26th Avenue Grand Rapids, Ml 49544 (616) 677-3598

Tittabawassee Chapter Jerry Allen, President 1561 Bomanville Rd. Gladwin, Ml 48624 (517) 345-2677

Grand Traverse Hiking Club (Chapter) Richard Naperala, President 1086 Quaker Valley Drive Traverse City, Ml 49684 (231) 223-7903 Napper@alien.com

Spirit of the Woods Chapter Joan Young, President 861 West USl 0 Scottville, Ml 49454 (231) 757-2205 jhy@t-one.net

American Youth HostelsPittsburgh Council Partner Organization Bob Roth, Council Rep. 80 RoseleafRoad Pittsburgh, PA 15220 (4 12) 279-6219

Dan Landfried, President H.C.I. Box 176B, Leeper, PA 16233 (814) 744-9325 Donl@csonline.net

Chief Noonday Chapter Dave Cornell, President 51 4 Cordes Road Delton, Ml 49046 (616) 623-8659 janc 128@aol.com

Bow Beese Chapter Richard Saur, President P.O. Box 673 Hillsdale, Ml 49242 (517) 437-257 4

Frank Cetera, President 221 East Water Street Slippery Rock, PA 16057 (724) 735-1133 rockncta@mail.com

Great Trail Sandy Beaver Canal Chapter Brad Bosley, President 50900 Pancake-ClarksonRd. Negley, OH 44441 (330) 227-2432

Finger Lakes Trail Conference Partner Organization Harmon Strong, Council Rep. 7 6 Shellwood Drive Rochester, NY 146 1 8 Central New York Chapter (716) 586-3846 Al Larmann, President 7169 Forbes Road Canastota, NY 13032 (315) 697-3387 larmann@worldnet.att.net

on Rice,

Pittsburgh Chapter Bob Needham,

President

Wampum Chapter Richard Lutz,

Partner Organization

President

Gene Markley, Council Rep. P.O. Box 234,Delta, OH 43515 (800) 951-4788 140years@powersupply.net

Dana Zintek, Council Rep. 2369 Suncrest Drive Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 (330) 928-8931

Rt. 1 , Box 1 34 1 Wampum, PA 16157 (724) 652-81 85 lutznct1@lcix.net

President 111 Ash Stop Road EvansCity, PA 16033 (724) 538-8475 rice 1@nauticom.net

7 46 Jefferson Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15229 (412) 369-0777 bob needha m@traco.com

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North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

Setback in Funding for Planning To our surprise and that of our affiliate, the Superior Hiking Trail Association, the Legislative Commission on Minnesota Resources failed to recommend a proposal to fund a trail planning specialist that would have been employed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. At the joint annual meeting of the NCTA and the Superior Hiking Trail Association in Two Harbors, MN, last May, the SHTA and others were optimisticthat $200,000would eventually be appropriated to locate and secure a trail corridor from Duluth to Two Harbors for the Superior Hiking Trail and for a trail corridor for the North Country Trail from Ely to Grand Rapids, MN. The North CountryTrail originally was to head west from Jay Cooke State Park in Minnesota to the ChippewaNational Forest. The current plan is to tum the trail northeast to follow the Superior Hiking Trail to the Border Route Trail and then the Kekekabic Trail to Ely. Writing in The Ridgeline, the newsletter of the Superior Hiking Trail Association, Nancy Odden, its Executive Director, called on SHTA members to get in touch with their legislators, to tell them how important the trail is to all Minnesotans and said: "There is still a chance we could get legislative support to put this project back into the bill, but to do this we need your help." NCTA membersin Minnesotaneed to get involved as well by writing or calling their legislators. Those who need more information can call Nancy at (218) 834-2700. Page 14

October-December 2000

historic trails. ChairmanRegula also provided the necessary leadership to complete the protection of the Appalachian NST through Land and Water Conservation Fund appropriations." The NCTA's Derek Blount, Vice Derek Blount (left), an NCTA Director, presents a framed illustration of the National Trails System Chair of the Partnership, and to Rep. Ralph Regula (R-Ohio). Secretary Ross Marshall presented Regulawith a framed map Trail Group Honors Chairman of the National Trails System and a House Interior Chair chart of the official markers for 19 The Partnership for the National of the 20 national scenic and historic Trails System-which includes the trails. American Hiking Society North Country Trail Association- President MaryMargaret Sloan gave and the American Hiking Society Chairman Regula a walking staff. have recognized and publicly Appalachian Trail Conference thanked CongressmanRalph Regula Executive Director David Startzell (R- OH) for his leadership on behalf gave him a photograph depicting a of trails as Chair of the House hiker completing his trek of the Interior Appropriations Committee. Appalachian Trail on the summit of Bob Tait, Pennsylvania State Mount Katahdin. This memento was coordinator for the NCTA, Derek given to Chairman Regula in Blount, a member of the NCTA recognition of his leadership to Board and Bob Papp, our Executive provide enough Land & Water Director, joined leaders from 12 of Conservation Fund grants to comthe 20 national scenic and historic plete Federal acquisition of threattrails at the ceremony in Washened sections the AppalachianTrail. ington held to honor and thank In reply, Chairman Regula said: Chairman Regula for his support "I am very pleased to receive this for America's trails. recognitiort and I hope Americans Gary Werner, Executive Director will continue to value these trails of the Partnership,praised Chairman which have played such an imporRegula as an outspoken advocate tant part in our Nation's history." for trails and walking as a healthy He noted how enjoyable it is to way of enjoying the natural and work with a committee that shares cultural heritage of America. a bipartisan dedication to protecting Gary said: "During the past 5 American's natural and cultural years, Chairman Regula has led the heritage and ranking providing the Interior Committee to increase funding for the Appalachian Trail funding for the 15 national scenic as one of his proudest achievements and historic trails administered by in his long Congressional career. the National Park Service by $2 He also thanked the trail organmillion, to provide one third of Park ization leaders for their advocacy Service Challenge Cost Share on behalf of trails and encouraged Programfunds each year for projects them to continue to inform his to enhance these trails, and to direct colleagues about the importance of funding for the Forest Service and our National Trails System. Bureau of Land Management to --Gary Werner in Pathways Across administer five national scenic and America

October-December

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

2000

National Trails Endowment Accepting Applications for 2001 Millionsof Americansenjoy trails annually, yet many of our favorite trails are in a major state of disrepair due to a $200 million backlog of badly-needed trail maintenance. That's why the National Trails Endowment, the only privately funded national grants program, was founded in 1998-to help grassroots organizations, like the North Country Trail Associationand its chapters to save trail lands and to build and maintain foot paths. Since its inception, the Endowment has awardedmore than $9,000 to the national NCTA and to our Butler and BawBeesechapters. The National Trails Endowment annually awards a total of $40,000 that has been applied to projects such as: • Securing trail lands, including acquisition of trails and trail corridors,and the costs associated with acquiring conservation easements.

• Building and maintaining trails, including costs associated with on-the-ground work of trail construction and stewardship, as well as purchasing tools and materials. • Constituency building surrounding specific trail projects. You can help local clubs secure funds, volunteers, tools and materials for our Americantrails by supporting the National Trails Endowment now. For NCTA members, supporting the Endowment is an opportunity to help cherished trails besides our own. At the same time, those of our chapters who have a project they believe merits Endowmentfunding, should apply now. Becausethe NCTA is an Alliance member of the American Hiking Society, our Chapters get extra points on their applications. Applications are due by November 30, and awards will be announced in March 2001.

aunty, Wisconsin to close soon.

the recently appropriated onservation Funds as a Wisconsin Sen. Herb

V-e Obey;.

Field Grant Report

Attracting New Friends Each of the North Country Trail Association chapters may apply for field grants from the NCTA office for projects that require funding. The applications are screened by a committee of NCTA directors with wide geographical distribution. When the work is completed, the chapters submit a report of the results.The following is such a report fromthe Spirit of the Woods chapter. The Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the North Country Trail Association requested a Field Grant to aid in sponsoring a National Trails Day event. Our chapter seeks to provide a positive in the experience for participants, specifically targeting young people, and families. This year we planned an all- day event which included information, sales, free lunch, demonstrations, crafts for children,trail work opportunities and several hikes. One of the hikes concluded with a fl.oat trip on the Pere Marquette River. Hikerstraveled a combination of the NCT and other trails. There were 78 people who attended, and 24 of these were under 18 years of age. Several people traveled more than 100 miles to participate. We are attempting to attract people to the NCT by hosting a safe and affordable day in which they can experience a number of different opportunities and become more aware of the North Country Trail. Page 15

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

October-December 2000

Ed Chappel and his wife, Nancy from the Spirit of the Woods chapter; his daughter, Lianne Mehmed and her husband, Nick, plus their children, Nathan and Stephanie, are all members of the North Country Trail Association and turned out to volunteer their services Much of the funding for the celebration came from at the Millennium Day celebration. That's our executive director, Bob Papp, peeking out American Express. Its representative, Pat Small, from in back alongside (left to right) Ed, Nathan, Nancy, Stephanie, Lianne and Nick. told our group how proud she was to participate.

Page 16

October-December 2000

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

Crowds came early to line up for the school buses that would take them to the St. Ignace side and the start of the bridge walk.

Hundreds of Thousands Touched the NC Trail

National Guards, including this one smilingly enjoying her job, were present to help matters along and provide security along the route of the 5-mile march.

ur members turned out in force to help celebrate National Millennium Day on Labor Day at the Straits of Mackinac, the one day a year you're allowed to walk across the five-mile bridge linking Michigan's two peninsulas. More than 70 of our volunteers handed out bandanas to some of the estimated 75,000 who turned out for the bridge walk to let the visitors know they were walking on the North CountryNational Scenic Trail and to invite them to join our association.

Tundra Outfitters of Mackinaw City gracefully gave the NCTA space in its parking lot for the Associations trail shop and information booth, south of the bridge.

National Millenniwn Trail

NCTA Volunteers wore t-shirts that invited visitors to "ask me about the trail." The back in this picture is a famous one in the annals ยง of the North Star, it belongs to Bob Tait, our ,s Pennsylvania coordinator, who previously ~ contributed his back in a photograph of bridge- _g. building in Moraine State Park, PA. The front j view belongs to Annette Hollister-Papp. -

More than 1, 700 bandanas telling the trail story were handed out to bridge walkers by NCTA volunteers, most of them two-legged. But a few went to our more active friends, like this one, poised to cross the bridge.

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

October-December 2000

~P.~f.~ .. io.Ati!?.!! Brule/St. Croix

Vanguard Award Presented to Con~ressman David Obey Last year, Congressman David Obey and Senator Herb Kohl, both from Wisconsin, collaborated to secure $500,000 in federal Land and Water Conservation Funds to help protect our trail route in northern Wisconsin. The State of Wisconsin has since pledgedanother $500,000 to match these funds, marking an unprecedented new effort to permanently establish the North Country National ScenicTrail. In May of this year, the NCTA Boardof Directorsvoted to recognize this significant effort by Congressman Obey and Senator Kohl by recognizing each with a new award,

Rep. David Obey addresses members of the Brule/St. Croix chapter in Solon Springs, WI.

the NCTA Vanguardaward. In future years, we will use the Vanguard award to bring recognition to public seryants whos~ ~ark is of a similar caliber, establishing unparalleled hope and excitement for the future of the North Country Trail. On August 2, the Brule-St.Croix Chapter hosted a special award ceremo~y to present Congressm~n O~ey with the award. Our Executive Director,Bob Papp, made the pre-

Grand Traverse Hikers - Spirit of the Woods

Neighboring Chapters Take a Hike

sentation. In accepting the award Congressman Obey congratulated ' volunteers on their successes and also stressed the need for building much greater public awareness of the trail. He also encouraged us all to build stronger partnerships with other Representativesalong the trail route, to ensure that the North Country Trail continues to enjoy a bright future.

···········································································

Memorial Benefits NCTA

The North Country Trail Association ~· and our hiker friends and members ." " 11 ,i/ are the beneficiaries of several //J 1 generous gifts made in memory of RandallM. Heckman.The contributions honor the memoryof RandallHeckman, of Ada, MI, who died at the age of 44 in August. The North Country Trail passes near '• the family cottage near Baldwin where \~ Randall Heckman shared his love of the \\ outdoors with his family and friends. Th~ fun~ was created with the help of Adam Niemur, a fanuly friend and NCTA member and swelledby friends of Randall who sent contributions to the NCTA in lieu of flowers.

Bulletin Board Looks like members of the two chapters manage to tire out Hannah, the Johnson's Basset hound, taking her ease in the foreground. Still standing are (left to right) Barb Kersjes, a guest of Char Holly, and Vicki Kelly, both from Spirit of the Woods; and Marty Johnson, Grand Traverse Hikers, Frank Hayes, director of the Newcomers Hiking Club of Traverse City and Bob Johnson from Grand Traverse.

Page 18

Section Hiker, 44, seeking partner(s) or a group for a three-week hike in late April/ early May 2001 on the Appalachian Trail, starting at southern terminus on SpringerMountain, Georgia, heading northward. Contact Ken Fritsch, 54425 North Avenue, Macomb,MI 48041. (810) 749-9782.

October-December 2000

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

Tom Funke (back to camera), and (left to right) Dennis Randolph, Calhoun County Development Director; Charles Krammin, Annette Chapman, Dennis' assistant, and Lynn Waldron discuss the plan on the banks of the Kalamazoo River.

The North Country Trail will pass through this underpass

in Calhoun County, MI on its way to Ceresco.

Chief Noonday

Harbor Springs

Plans Underway for Next Sections of Trail in SouthwesternMichigan

Detailed Mae, Brochure for Top of Michigan

At the July meeting of the Chief later to be installed across the The Harbor Springs Chapter of Noonday Chapter, President Dave Battle Creek River. the North Country Trail Association Cornell appointed a committee Our next stop was Riverside Park has produced a wonderfully-detailed brochure and access map of its which was given the responsibility and the start of a tour to locate of marking the trail from the east 路where the trail could be routed. We section of the trail and placed it in side of Battle Creek, southeastward started at an underpass which the trail boxes at the trail head. The brochure, designed by through Calhoun County, toward trail will pass through and walked Melanie Chiodini as a volunteer Hillsdale County, ML The commit- Riverside Park and Bridge Park. We project, not only shows the route tee consisted of Lynn Waldron, then walked northward through of the trail from the Little Traverse Charles Krammin, Bob Benham and Kimball Pines Park. After crossing Wheelway in Petoskey to Mackinaw Tom Funke. East Michigan Avenue we entered City through Wilderness State Park We decided to start by meeting the Ott Preserve which covers a large but describes and locates each of with the Calhoun County Community 路 area and takes us almost to the 11 trailheads in great detail. Development Director Dennis certified portion of the North The support of a number of Randolph and his assistant Annette Country Trail that passes through businesses and individuals made Chapman to see what Calhoun Battle Creek. the project possible. They included County had in the planning for the Then it was back to Marshall besides Melanie: Jerry Keeney, east side of Battle Creek and beyond. where we were shown a layout of President of the chapter and his The meeting took place in their future planning to improve wife, Peggy; Andrew Fedus, Lee Marshall, MI at the headquarters of parks and greenways in Calhoun Milner, Dr. John Tanton, the the Calhoun County Road Commis- .county. Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area sion where planning was indeed in Our thanks to Dennis and Annette Community Foundation, Preston progress and in the exact area we for their hard work and a real eye- Feather Building Centers and Skip's were hoping to take the North opening day. I'm sure this is a great Petoskey Glass. Country Trail. start to a promising partnership The North Country Trail AssociAfter a short meeting to plan between Calhoun County and the ation headquarters in Grand Rapids the mornings activities, I we were 路North Country Trail. has a supply of the brochures for given a tour of the area where the -Robert Benham, Vice President and anyone who would like a copy. You restoration of an antique bridge . Treasurer, Chief Noonday Chapter. may call toll-free at {888) 454-NCTA to get one. was taking place. The bridge is Page 19

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

Welcome back to your armchair and this installment of Heart & Sole! Now that the summer season of trail work is winding down it's time to think about all that has been accomplished and some of the folks who helped to make it happen. The heart can be a symbol of caring, courage, boldness, endurance and more. This issue, it symbolizes relationships. Each of these volunteers has strong ties to the Trail with other members of his or her family. The strengthe~ing of relationships is reinforced with new experiences within the Trail Community. And the North Country Trail means enough to these people to keep them involved in working to. build, promote and protect the trazl. This is the "sole," the shoe-leather symbol for the w~rk requ~red to make a 4200-mile trazl a reality.

of spontaneous maintenance. But Norlin, like many local folk near Iron River wasn't really aware that the trail had joined the National Scenic Trail system. Just two years ago Bob was searching the internet for hiking trails and discovered the NCTA. He joined immediately and has a passion for extenffi?g th~ trail corridor through the W1sconsm woods. Anyone familiar with the Chequamegon will recognize "County Road K' as the end of the trail. Not any more! Norlin has been almost single-handedly building trail westward. He has nearly two miles of trail finished, and reports that as soon as he reaches a stretch which joins a county trail he only has to mow and there will suddenly BRULE-ST. CROIX CHAPTER be four new miles of trail instead About twenty-fiveyears ago BOB of two! After that, there are about NORLIN's dad retired at age 65. five miles to go and the new trail Twenty-five years ago, the North will connect with the western Country Trail was not a National section which is already under Scenic Trail. But it was the name construction. Will Wisconsinbe the of a trail through the Chequamegon first state completed? Semi-retired National Forest of Wisconsin. Bob's from a company which installs . dad would ski the five miles to the industrial wood-burning systems, trail eat his lunch and ski home. he finds many available hours for He kept trying to get Bob to join trail work, "and it's only fifteen him, but Bob hesitated ... "I didn't minutes away from home," he want to be out-skiied by a 65-year- commented with quiet satisfaction. old," he quipped. In just a !ew years Bob laments that it is often difficult the NCT had bequeathed its name to infect his Northwoods friends to the national trail and Bob was with his enthusiasm for the Trail. out on the path, often with a pair Many people tend to take it for of clippers in his pocket to do a bit granted, still assuming that the NCT is the responsibility of the Forest Service,and is a local trail. He hopes to educate people about the larger picture. One way he is ac~omplishing this is by hanging a laminated NCTA poster on the trail: Bob _reports that this has resulted in quite a few comments. We've also heard that "he's seen everywhere in his blue NCTA hat." With understated humor, Norlin calls trail work "better than sitting on the couch!" Hooray for staying off that couch, Bob! Bob Norlin

Page 20

October-December 2000

SPIRIT OF THE WOODS CHAPTER Twenty-five years from now ED CHAPPEL' s kids and grandkids may be telling a similar story of being coaxed to the Trail. Chappel retired

Ed Chappel

from Ford Motor Company where he was manager of the Dimensional Control Department of Engineering. Ed describes his years in the city as "giving up a part of my life." On retiring, he and his wife, Nan, headed for the Michigan woods. They discovered the NCT near their new home and then stopped at the Freesoil Trailhead in the Manistee National Forest."Let's go for a walk," he said. Within 100 yards he had seen a porcupine; "I was hooked right then," he admits. Just two weeks later his trail introduction was reinforced when he saw an article in the paper about forming

â&#x20AC;˘

October-December

2000

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

a new local chapter of the NCTA, and the first activity was a hike. The grandkids were visiting, and Ed was concerned that the hike might be too long for them so he and Nan took their own hike on the trail that same day. Those kids, of course, did fine! Next, Ed and Nan came to the chapter's start-up meeting, and he was quickly thrust into the role of Treasurer.When the chapter took on the daunting task of building a 600-foot boardwalk in their first year of existence, Ed was one of the mainstays of the Rapids it may be difficult to organizational and construction visualize the amount of activity crews. The project was completed which is packed into one small on time and Ed is pleased to have space. The National Office gives been able to put in many hours toward reaching that goal. He rather local chapters real "bang for the plaintively added, "But it's done." buck, " and Charis part of the team that makes it all happen. She'sbeen He and Nan are always eager to bring the family along. "When the volunteering at the office for as grandkids see stuff along the trail Âˇ long as Bob Papp has been Executive Director.This sequence is explained and get excited it brings tears to by the fact that she also assisted my eyes," he admits. "Trails are a Bob at the BlandfordNature Center tremendous way for young people to see nature." Ed was raised on a where he previously worked. When Bob came to the NCTA, Char said to farm, was a Boy Scout, and has always loved being outdoors. "Trails him, "Let me know if I can help." give us a way to get closerto nature, "Well, Bob never forgets something like that!" she assured me. Another and that's a way to get closer to staffer tells it this way, "When Bob God where He can share with us." Ed has a goal to hike all of the NCT was hired, one of his first calls was to Char." EveryMonday, so regularly in Michigan. He has dreams of forming mobile work teams to help that the staff checks the time by other chapters. He fills in wherever her arrival, Char comesin to prepare the week's deposits for the bank he is needed in his own chapter, and record the revenues. In the five and received the Volunteer of the Year award, 2000, for Spirit of the years she has been volunteering, the Association has grown Woods. Don't worry about the boardwalk being finished, Ed, we're from 4 to 21 chapters, so this task is an ever-increasingchallenge. sure there is more trail work for "I first learned about the Trail from you to do! my cousin, Ginny," Chandler NCTA HEADQUARTERS explained. That's Ginny Wunsch, a CHAR CHANDLER enjoys familiar name to all NCT old-timers! working with the people in the As the NCTA outgrew the Wunsch NCTA office and it's a good thing kitchen (remember those handshe does! If you've never visited written notes?) Ginny recruited the NCTA office in downtown Grand Char to answer the phone two days

a week. Amazingly, the current office space is not much larger than Ginny's kitchen, but houses seven workstations, multiple office machines, the Trail Shop and a constant hum of activity. The portion of this activity which is Char's domain is as necessarya piece of trail work as that done by the guys whose stories appear above. Char says the accounts are "more my line than slinging a hammer!" She is retired from working in AccountsReceivableat BignallMetal Supply. Char volunteers for several other organizations as well, including her church and the Blandford Nature Center. She is a dedicated member of the Audubon Society. She joined that group when it was first reactivated after WorldWar II in 1951, and is one of the few remaining charter members. Fulltime volunteer is a good description of Char and we appreciate her ability to tally those growingfigures as the Associationgrows in support of the North Country Trail.

We know there are lots of worthy volunteers whom we've not featUred here. You can nominate them! Contact me to find out how. Joan Young 861 w. us 10 Scottville, MI 49454 (231) 757-2205, jhy@t-one.net

Page 21

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

October-December 2000

NCTA Board Will Consider Trail Council Reorganization Some years ago the North Country Trail Association established a network of four regional trail councils to help our local chapters coordinate their work and to create a more localized entity to deal with trail issues and to make· recommendations to the national Board of Directors. After operating in this fashion, a number of the councils, who now cover two or more states each, found their multi-state responsibility unwieldy and also that their role needs tighter definition. To deal with these problems, a proposal to limit the scope of the council to a single state and to make a number of other operating changes is under consideration by the Board and will be voted on during the directors' Winter meeting in Milwaukee, December 2. After the subject was introduced at the annual meeting in Minnesota last May, chapter presidents, chairs of the current trail councils and state coordinators responded to a questionnaire soliciting their opinions on how the councils should be constituted, the geographic areas they should represent, the scope of their responsibilities, their relationship with the board of the NCTA and the respective roles of council chairs and state coordinators. The responses led to the latest proposal drafted by Werner Veit, President of the NCTA, and Bob Papp, Executive Director, and presented to the Board for study at the directors' fall meeting in Mackinaw City on September 3. Highlights of the proposal: • Each council will represent a single state except that the Lower Page 22

Chapter presidents, chairs of the current trail councils and state coordinators responded to a questionnaire soliciting their opinions on how the councils should be constituted, the geographic areas they should represent, the scope of their responsibilities, their relationship with the board of the NCTA and the respective roles of council chairs and state coordinators. . and Upper Peninsulas of Michigan may either have separate councils, or the Upper Peninsula may join with the Wisconsin Council, depending on the wishes of the individual chapters. • Each council will appoint a chair and a state coordinator who may or may not be the same person, depending on the wishes of the council and the individuals involved. General guidelines will be developed by a committee of the NCTA board to define the responsibilities of each post, but these guidelines will be broad enough to leave ample room to accommodate local skills, interests, needs and conditions. • Each council will nominate one of its members to serve on the national Board of Directors. That individual could be the state coordinator, council chair or any of the council members. The nominee would be subject to the regular Board election process. The current restriction preventing directors from serving on the national board for more than two consecutive terms would continue to apply.

• Each council will continue to be composed of one representative from each chapter and each affiliate and will be guaranteed one vote. Councils would be free to appoint other members such as agency representatives, key volunteers, or others who may contribute to the success of the council. Each council would determine, for itself, whether such additional council members are entitled to vote. • The current bylaws calling for the election of directors from the eastern states, the western states as well as at-large directors would be amended. The new Board would consist of the representatives from each council plus enough at-large directors to create a Board of 17 directors. A committee to draft the necessary changes in the national bylaws to accommodate these changes and also to draft guidelines for the responsibilities of the trail councils, council chairs and state coordinators was appointed at the September board meeting. The directors will vote on their proposals in December.

â&#x20AC;˘1

October-December 2000

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

1Wo Ne"" Directors Join NCTA Board Two new directors took their seats when the North Country Trail Association Board held its fall meeting in Mackinaw City during the Labor Day weekend.

Richard Harris, Ohio

They were Richard Harris, of Mayfield Village, Ohio, and Tony Rodriguez, of Syracuse, NY. Rich was elected to a three-year term in the Spring balloting and Tony was appointed in July by President Werner Veit to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Tom Reimers, of Ithaca, NY. He will fill out Tom's unexpired term and then, presumably, will run for his own, first three-year term in 2001. Rich was elected to one of three at-large positions decided in the Spring balloting with 342 votes. Joan Young and Werner Veit were re-elected to at-large seats with 346 and 342 votes respectively. Daryl Williamson, West Division director, was re-elected with 349 votes. The Allegheny-Adirondack Council seat again went to Howard Beye with 327 votes and the OHMI Trail Council Chair to Lynn Waldron with 330 votes. Heather Honerkamp, of Pennsylvania, and two Michigan members, Gladys Hoogterp and Arlen Matson received write-in votes. With the seating of Rich and Tony, and the rejoining of Howard

Beye, who was absent from the board for one year, the board again will have representation from Ohio and New York. Tim Cullenen, a director from Ohio, moved to New York to a new job which kept him too busy to participate in trail activities, and he declined to run for re-election. Rich Harris then was nominated. That assures representation on the Board from Ohio. Both Tony and Rich have long been active in trail work, particularly with two of our long-time affiliates, the Finger Lakes Trail Conference and the Buckeye Trail Association. Tony was born in Puerto Rico in 1937 and migrated to New York City

Tony Rodriguez, New

in 1946. He grew up in East Harlem and graduated from City University of New York. After a 28-year career with the New York State Department of Health in the Central New York Region, he retired in 1995 and devoted much of his time to his great love of hiking. Since 1996, he has hiked about 1,000 miles of the Appalachian trail and looks forward to completing the whole trail. He has hiked extensively throughout New York and has been an active volunteer in the Adirondack Mountains and in the Finger Lakes Trail system, as a

member of the Onondaga chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club. Most recently, he traveled to Costa Rica this year for extensive hiking through the rain forests and central mountain range there. Rich has been a member of the Buckeye Trail Association, an affiliate of the North Country Trail Association, for 3 2 years and supervisor of its 54-mile Burton Section for 10. He is responsible for recruiting, training and supervising the local supervisors who work with the volunteers who blaze and maintain the trail. Among his other duties are to liaise with local park districts and to negotiate for trail rights-of-way. He is currently serving on the Buckeye Trail Association's Board of Trustees where he is involved in program and policy decisions, planning and activation of the Association's new "local chapters" program. He has received the Association's "Star Performance" award for leadership and teamwork. Rich holds a PHd in organic chemistry from the University of Illinois and spent several years as a research chemist before entering the financial field as financial advisor and stockbroker. He retired from "paid employment" as he puts it, in 1990. Since then, he has been deeply involved not only in trail work but in lobbying for the Association, holding trail building workshops, organizing and leading hikes, serving as a volunteer tax advisor for seniors and working on exhibitions for visitors to the Great Lakes Science Center. He represented the NCTA Board and the Buckeye Trail Association at the National Trails Symposium in Redding, CA, in September.

Page 23

lap Sets

NEW TRAIL MAPS Printed in full color on durable paper these new maps come in a clear plastic bag to assure complete water protection. They have been carefully field checked for accuracy. Each map unfolds to a full 11" x 17". (T 401) Michigan Huron-Manistee National Forest: North Segment (T-402) Michigan Battle Creek to Chief Noonday Road (T-201) Pennsylvania McConnells Mill and Moraine State Parks (T-202) Allegheny National Forest North Section (T-203) Southern Allegheny National Forest and Cook Forest State Park

$5.00 $6.50 $8.00

HAlS (Clockwise from bottom) A. N.aturaJ <t:ofaredl "Ru.cket Mat'" (C208) $16.95 The North Country National Scenic Trail compass point design on a bucket hat in a tone on tone khaki color. Washed cotton, one size fits most .

·: :. .~~}J. :.:::.-~'!< ~

Bl. "Deni'mt Blue (api

(C203) ••••••••••• $15.95 "Pro-wash" cotton twill with extended bill, deep blue crown and bill (looks like denim), adjustable buckle on a leather strap.

Certified Sections of the orttl Country Tran by Byron and Margaret Hutchins Detailed informa---- '!<!~ tion and maps ~ highlighting the · ' longest and best .1 ~-.· ..1.' . off-road segments of the Trail. These are accurate route -descriptions by _ experienced guidebook writers who have walked the sections with a measuring wheel. In easy to use looseleaf form.

Yt'.

Penn~lvania1

NCT in Pennsylvania, 37pp (M201) $5.25 Ohio Wayne National Forest, 14pp (M301) ...... $3.00 Burr Oak - Sinking Spring, 51pp (M302) .. $7.00 Sinking Spring to Milford, 38pp (M303) $5.50 Little Miami Scenic Park, 19pp (M304) $3.00 Miami & Erie Canal, 14pp (M305) $3.00

Michi!la

NCT m Lower Michigan, 66pp (M401) NCT in Upper Michigan, BBpp (M402)

T-Shirts

Pre-shrunk cotton "Beefy-T". Threecolor NCTA logo on front and two-color trail map on back. Slogan on back reads "Going the Distance on the North Country National Scenic Trail" and includes the seven state· map of the trail. (color: natural) S, M, L, XL: $11.95 (color: natural) XXL: $12.95

(C207) •••••••

$14.95

Trail emblem design. Low profile washed cotton, unconstructed. Light Khaki crown with washed navy bill. Adjustable buckle on fabric strap.

E. Rnyam Mesh-Back(api (C201)

•••••••• $10.95 Mesh back, cotton twill front, royal blue, plastic snap strap.

Sage NCNST

T-shirt

'J~Shirt(C101)

(c-103)

North Country National Scenic Trail - Just

Beyond Your Backdoor. It's made of heavyweight, 100% cotton, color sage, and features a front design in brick red, forest green, and ivory. The trail line on the map is actually a list of all seven state · names. (color: sage)

Was -

S, M, L, XL:~

XXL:~

Now S, L, XL: $8.25 XXL: $8.95

Trail Cirew

1-smrt

Wis.ctonsin

Page 24

D. l!.ig,ht Khaki/N'avy(api

NrtTA

$12.00 $12.50

Chequamegon N.F. and Brule River S.F., 19pp (M501) $3.50 M~nnesota, Chippewa National Forest, Itasca S.P., 24pp (M601) $4.00 N'orth Daltota1 NCT in North Dakota 15pp (M701) ......... $5.00

(. M'.oS5i Gre:e: (api (C206) ••••••••••••••• $14.95 Embroidered association logo. Low profile distressed washed cotton twill. Constructed with soft lining. Adjustable buckle on fabric strap.

Front Design

Back Design

(c102)

A TRAIL CREW shirt for volunteers! Tan 50/50 blend. Two color design on front with map and a "fired up" volunteer. (color: tan)

M, L, XL: $8.95

XXL: $9.95

--rr.·..:!I:"'" •.:"- ...

~~~~~~:.~~.

Michigan Map Sets by Arden Johnson An excellent reference for the entire North Country Trailin Michigan. Includes all off-road segments and suggests on-road routes where the trail is incomplete. Also provides good general information about access points, terrain, markers, camping and water, etc. $4.00 per set

BuckeyeTrail (Ohio) Section Maps

(M411) (M412) (M413) (M414) (M415) (M416) (M417)

Canvas Tote Bag

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

(P124) Light blue silk screen pattern of trees with NCT blue blaze. 17" x 141/2" with bottom gusset. Webbed hand carrying straps. Great for groceries or books. $ 7 .50 ...__......,

Minnes : ·

These convenient and detailed maps oid . to the cover the North Country Trail where North untry Tra1 ewa it overlaps with the Buckeye Trail. Nation l Forest they are published by the Buckeye by Roderi5k MacRae ( 611) Trail Association. Each map $3.50 Descriptiin of the r ute and trail Belle Valley (M311) Morgan, Noble and log, east o west. W nderfully Guernsey Counties Bowerston (M312) Harrison, Ca!JJ)H and written b a Chippew National ,.....--.,----,.,.,._ Guernsg.y{oun~res Forest ex 12 a es $1.25 Caesar Creek (M 11')Jreen/and Warr.en Counties Defian e

(M314)

Delph s

(M315)

Lovela d

(M316)

Massil n (M317) New S raitsville (M318)

Scioto Trail Sinking Spring St. Marys Stockport

(M322) (M323)

Troy

(M324)

West Union Williamsburg

(M325) (M326)

Defiance, Paull'ng, Putnam, Henry and Woo Counties Putnam, Allen nd Auglaize Coun ,·es Clermont, Warren and Hamilton Co~nties Stark and T~carawas Counties AthenyHocking, Morgan, PerfY_founties Hotlting, Ross and v·nton Counties oss and Pike Counties Adams, Pike and Highland Counties Auglaize and Shelby Counties Morgan, Perry and Athens Counties Greene, Miami and Montgomery Counties Adams and Brown Counties Brown and Clermont Counties

North Country !National Scen'ic T1rail Mug (P103) NEW plastic trail mug tapered to fit in cup holder $5.00

Hiking Stick Medallions Add the NCNST insignia to your hiking stick. Brass Hiking Stick Medallionon left (P104) $4.00 Silver, painted in color Hiking Stick Medallionon right (P105) $4.00

Pins

The Trail Emblem cloisonne pin is 7/s" and features the updated North Country triangle design. The National Millennium Trail pin is Y2" x 11/4" in vivid red, white and blue with a gold metallic border $3.00 ea.

Trail Emblem (P102) Millennium (P2000)

NCTA lirail Building Volunteer Patch (P121) 1" x 31/2'' State Patches 2" x 2" New York (P126), Pennsylvania (P127), Ohio (P12s), Michigan Minnesota (P131), North Dakota (P132) Round Patch (P122) 3" North Country Trail Association Patch of Trail Emblem 31/2'' bottom measure North Country Trail emblem triangle design (P125)

$1.50 ea. (P129),

Wisconsin

(P130),

$2.00 ea.

$3.00 ea. $3.50 ea.

and Maintenance !Manual by Thomas Reimers (L101) This great manual for volunteers provides helpful guidelines and suggestions for planning, construction and continued maintenance of the North Country Trail. It covers rural and roaded natural, semi-primitive and primitive trail. 22pp $2.00

Page 25

Buck Wilder's Hiking & Camping Guide

Hiking! By Philip Farronti and Cecilia Leyva

A truly fresh look at hildng. Read about: philosophy of hiking, stress management, One whole lot of fun! Buck Wilder and his pal Rascalthe Raccoonshare creativity and hiking, and trail romance. Also, explore today's issues through their considerable wisdom and wit. hiking: strengthening family ties, Wonderfulcolorillustrations are filled improving communication, a healthy with humor and countless tips and lifestyle for kids, an inexpensive pastime trivia. Though at first glance this and providing seniors with a natural looks like a book for kids, adults also prescription for health. A new twist for find this guide irresistible and anyone who currently enjoys hiking and informative. 64pp, (L103) $12.95 for those who are thinking about starting out. 245pp, (L106) $14.95 Long Distance Hiking By Roland Mueser Dayhiker's Handbook By J. Long & M. Hodgson By

Tim Smith and Mark Herrick

Lessons from the Appalachian Trail.

Blending sage advice with personal experiences and anecdotes, this unusually thoughtful, highly readable account of long-distance trekking on the AT. Mueser draws upon extensive interviews to examine unorthodox yet relevant topics. He covers all the questions providing the basis for planningyour ownlong-distance hike. 180pp, (L111) $16.95

Lipsmackin' Backpackin'.

Comprehensiveguide for beginning wanderers and those exploring new country. Choosingproper clothing, selecting footware and raingear, using a map and compass, predicting hike difficulty, when to tum around, managing food and water, weather lore, walking techniques, traveling with kids, first aid, and more. Many short features, fun tips and anecdotes. 216pp, (L107) $14.95

The Country Doctor, Alive and Well

By Tim and Christine Connors Tired of gorp,

cereal bars, and jerky? Would you like to dine on spaghetti, chicken salad, and cheesecake in the backcountry? Here is a guide to satisfying, sumptuous dining on the trail. You no longer have to sacrifice nutrition for taste. A new kind of outdoor cookbook, this all-in-one guide is filled with trail-tested recipes providing athome preparation directions, trailside cooking instructions, and nutritional information. 232pp, (L118) $15.95

Trail Atlas of Michigan By Dennis R. Hansen Michigan trail

enthusiasts, don't get caught without this atlas! 2nd Edition includes maps and descriptions for over 600 hiking, biking, skiing, and nature trails in Michigan. Search by location or types of use. 581pp, (L102) $29.95

Page 26

Porcupine Mountains

By John G. Hipps, M.D. Stories recount

By Jim DuFresne. This

the full spectrum of humankind's experiences. Sometimes informative andeducational, frequently humorous, often whimsical, the stories will entertain and charm you with their simple philosophy, wisdom and wit. Includes advice on home remedies, herbal and alternative medicine that promotes the common sense caring of one's self. 363pp, (L115) $19.95

detailed guidebook provides backpackers, hikers, campers, and skiers with all the information they need to plan a trip to the tranquil Porkies in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Includes history, wildlife in the park, fishing opportunities, cabins and shelters, camping areas, family day hikes with complete information on trails, access points, waterfalls and backcountry treks. 160pp, (L108) $11.95

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

' 50 Hikes in Michigan

An Illustrated Guide NATIONAL LAKt:sttrnu; by Olive Anderson. A GUIDE The centerpiece of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a rugged, beautiful, and unique coast on the Lake Superior Shore. This revised guidebook includes maps, and excellent descriptions of the many recreational opportunities available at Pictured Rocks. 56pp, (L110) $6.95 rrcruaeo Roms

By Jim DuFresne

From one of Michigan's leading outdoor writers comes this comprehensive guide to the best trails in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Each hike write-up contains all the basic information you need: access, parking, trail distance and difficulty, hiking time, contour map, and explicit trail directions. Formerly titled 50 Hikes in Lower Michigan. 252pp, (L109) $15.00

Woman's Guide to Backpacking By Adrienne Hall You'llfind the knowledge and skills you need to become a self-sufficient backpacker. Yes, you can light a camp stove... set up a tent by yourself ... take your kids with you and keep them entertained ... survive (and even learn to love) a week in the woods without hot showers! Hall'sfresh perspective and up-to-date presentation of techniques and equipment provide all the tools you need to become a confident, comfortable, capable backpacker! 160pp, (L113) $14.95 .

Trail Shop Order Form

Following the NCT

Great Wisconsin Walks

By Wes Boyd Third Edition of Following the North Country National Scenic Trail. A Classic! Includes general descriptions of the Trail and efforts to build it in each of our seven states. This new edition also includes appendices on through-hiking the NCT and the history of the Trail and the Association. 96pp, (L112) $4.95

cOUNTJ?_y

~~ ~

./>..

,A. -1>

~~~

•ASSOCIATION•

NAME (Please Print)

By Wm. Chad· McGrath Experience the serenity of a stately birch forest, the rush of a river in spring and the excitement of an urban amble as you discover Wisconsin's finest walking trails, In this book, Chad McGrath guides you to some of the state's most beautiful and interesting paths. Whether you are in search of a long, healthful hike in the woods or a short, casual stroll in the city. Great Wisconsin Walks will help you plan your rou~e. 160pp, (L116) $16.95

Great Minnesota Walks By Wm. Chad McGrath Follow in

ADDRESS

C1lY

Daytime Phone:

(In case we have questions about your order.)

Area Code

I - ~I~~I - I

D Check or moneY. order enclosed (Made payable to 'NCTA") D Please charge my credit card

STATE

the footsteps of the early voyagers, ramble beside river rapids, trek through tall trees, and savor a scenic overlook as you discover some of Minnesota'sfinest walking trails. In this book, Chad McGrath guides you to some of the state's most beautiful and interesting paths. 168pp, (L117) $16.95

ZIP

I J

Extension

Merchandise Total: NCTA Members Deduct 10%: -

[ZJ[llJ

Subtotal After Discount:

Expiration

Date

Commemorative Bridge Walle 2000 t-shirt. Get it now while supplies last. Beautiful photo of the Mackinac bridge with seven state map of trail.

+ 1------1 S, M, L Was $11.95 Shipping and Handling: + (See shipping info below) 1------1 Now $8.50 Membership Dues (If Included): + >---------<(P2001) MI Residents Add 6% Sales Tax:

Charge Card Number

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Signature

Reminder: We cannot process your order without a signature and the expiration date.

Shipping and Handling Charges Amount of Order S/H Charge up to $10.00 $2.50 $10.01 to $25.00 $3.50 $25.01 to $50.00 $5.00 $50.01 to $100 $6.50 Over $100 $8.50

GRAND TOTAL:

Please mail, fax or phone your order to: 49 Monroe Center NW, Suite 2008 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Toll free telephone: 888-454-NCTA (888-454-6282) If ordering by credit card you may fax your order to:

Too New to View! Special 2001

616-454-7139

Page 27

Your Help is Needed

1----~ ·· .. ··· ..

.···

....

The story of the North Country Trail has only .... begun to be written. It is ... being written by dedicated public officials."------l citizen volunteers, and private landowners .... captivated by the vision of the trail and the----" many experiences it will offer to those who follow it in quest of the North Country's scenic treasures. You can help write that story by becoming involved as a volunteer, joining in the effort to build, promote, and maintain sections of the trail. The North CountryTrail Associationwas formed in 1981 to organize and coordinate the massive volunteer effort necessary to establish and maintain segments across private lands, as well as assist public agencies in establishing segments on their lands. The association works closely with the National Park Service in promoting development and use of the trail. You can help establish, promote, and protect the North Country National Scenic Trailby joining or supporting the efforts of these organizations and other local groups working on the trail. Landownersalong the route of the trail can make a significant contribution by giving permission for the trail to cross their lands or by donating lands or easements for the trail. Financial contributions can help support and accelerate the activities associated with establishing and maintaining the trail. Donations of money, land, and easements may qualify as tax-deductible gifts.

MembershipForm If you are purchasing or renewing your membership please fill in the following information and add the amount to your Trail Shop Order Form if you are purchasing merchandise or send this form separately.

D $25 Regular D $35 NC Explorer

D $50 Trail Leader D $45 Organization

D $100 Pathfinder D $150 Business

Would you like to be a Chapter Member or At-Large? (There is no extra charge to be a member of a local Chapter.)

D Member

of a specific Chapter:

D Member of my closest

local Chapter (If one exists)

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Please mail, fax or phone your order to: 49 Monroe Center NW, Suite 2008 • Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Toll free telephone: 888-454-NCTA (888-454-6282) If ordering by credit card you may fax your order to:

616-454-7139 Page 28

October-December

2000

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

Director's Report This summer, two of our OurAccomplishments since the last issue of the North Star: Chapters invited me out to attend • Hired a full-time Cartographer/G.I.S. Coordinator, and signed on events they had planned. I don't a cartography intern for the fall semester. get to travel to visit with Chapters • Hosted a National Millennium Trail celebration that placed our as much as I'd like, so I really web site and toll-free number in the hands of 40,000 people. enjoyed these brief journeys. • Created an on-line Trail Shop at our web site and redesigned our My first trip was to a meeting series of patches and pins for trail hikers. hosted by our Sheyenne River • Developed a prototype topographic hiking map at 1:100,000 scale. Valley Chapter, in North Dakota. • Officiallyadopted charters for the Rock Chapter (PA) and the Bill Menke, our trail manager from Sheyenne River ValleyChapter (ND). the National Park Service also was • Recognized 13 volunteers for contributing over 400 hours each. there. Together, we talked with · • Welcomed403 new NCTA members. the group about the roles of the • Certified 20.2 new miles of the North Country Trail! National Park Service, the national NCTA, and our Chapters, and explored how we might be able to With a full-time cartographer help each other. now on staff, we also can start This was a great meeting, with producingspecialmaps for planning a solid mix of NCTA members and meetings or promotional handouts representatives from other North for Chapters. We're already working Dakota agencies and organizations. on prototype map handouts and I was very encouraged by the are continuing to produce new enthusiasm of this group, and am hiking maps that will benefit all excited about the new prospects our Chapters. for our westernmost state. Three years ago, developing Later in the summer, I visited hiking maps was ranked the highest with the Brule-St.Croix Chapter priority by Chapter presidents. I in northwestern Wisconsin. At this By Bob Papp have to say, though, that today our Executive Director event, I had the honor of presentvolunteers seem most eager for ing our Vanguard Award to Conassistancewith trail and land-related $15, this amounts to $3.75. If a gressman David Obey, recognizing Chapter sends out quarterly or bi- issues. This would include help with him for his help in securing monthly newsletters, this amount route planning, negotiating with $500,000 in federal funds to covers printing and postage. land owners, managing easements protect trail corridor in the state. (Obviously, the more a memberpays and other legal necessities, as well For me, though, a highlight of in dues, the more the Chapter as recruiting and training this meeting was the hike that receives. For $100 Pathfinder volunteers. followed, during which I bounced members, $25 goes to the local As the NCTA continues to grow ideas around with Chapter mem- Chapter.) and become a more mature organbers and officers. I always am We also provide Field Grants to ization, we must develop much keenly interested in the thoughts Chapters in amounts of up to $750 greater technical expertise and of our volunteers on how the for trail work, special events, or resources to keep pace with the national organization can better other projects. growing needs of our volunteers. assist them. This hike got me Beyond financial assistance, we With our mapping program now thinking. well under way, we must set our also offer support services, For Currently, we help volunteers in instance, we manage the accounts sights to these higher goals, to keep various ways. To begin, Chapters reaching for the full potential of of most of our Chapters, paying receive 25% of the dues of their their bills, processingtheir revenues, our own organization, and of the NCTA members.For members paying and sending monthly financial trail itself. our lowest (introductory) rate of statements.

Page 29

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

October-December 2000

LETTERS On urban sprawl ... Dear Mr. Veit: I enjoyed your ... commentary on sprawl. It is a great concern to me. At times, I feel few others are really aware of the way development is literally robbing Michigan of its lifeblood. I disagree with you on one point. In your piece, you state, "Who can blame the family owning (the property) for selling out to a developer?" Well, I, for one, blame them. I, too, own land. I'm an avid hunter, and hence a conservationist. I subscribe to the land ethic of Aldo Leopold. I believe we have a moral and spiritual responsibility to remain good stewards to the ground entrusted to us, regardless of whether we inherit it, purchase it, find it, or steal it. These people who sell out to developers are simply manifesting the same greed that fuels the developers themselves. They know full well that once they sell their land, they are condemning it to destruction. Thousands of years of natural beauty and sustenance, all gone with a pen stroke and a hand shake. That is a crime. Future generations will judge these people harshly. We are the wealthiest people to ever live. We should be using our good fortune to preserve and restore not pillage. The very standard of living we profess to enjoy depends upon it. Sincerely, TOM BASCH

More on sprawl ... Dear Mr. Veit: You recently commented on our "most serious environmental problem" in the NCTA newsletter. "The consensus" according to your essay, "with nary a murmur of

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dissent was urban sprawl and its companions: ineffective zoning laws, rampant expansion, hell-bent for leather development without concern for the cost of infrastructure, the resultant need for highways, sewage disposal, water distribution, school facilities." Another "companion" of urban sprawl; no, its soulmate, was conspicuous by its absence in your essay. All studies on urban sprawl look to demographics. People are still the multiplier. We cannot lift ourselves out of the equation. When Paul Ehrlich sounded the population alarm in 1968 with his Population Bomb, we responded to the call. Population was the big issue on Earth Day 1970. In the early 1960s, for every two parents in the United States, there were 3.5 births. By 1976, our fertility rate plummeted from 3.5 to 1.7! And for every year since 19 7 6, we have remained at or below "replacement level" fertility. In other words, our children will not fill our shoes. With fewer children, there should be less urban sprawl, less competition for land, and more opportunities to "preserve some of the green left- the green where," as you respectfully observe, "we walk and rejoice in our world and glory of being alive." If our fertility rates have been below replacement level for about one-quarter century, then why are the 276 million U.S. residents projected to exceed 500 million by the year 2050? Why will the problems you discuss become twice as bad in a mere 50 years? There's only one answer. And you are not alone in overlooking it. By accident or design, we seemingly choose to not discuss it.

But it's time. It's time for the nation to discuss the effect of immigration in a rational, knowledgeable forum. Your column could be a good start. If you are interested in addressing the root cause of urban sprawl, then please include immigration in your future essays on the loss of open space. Sincerely, JOHN F. ROHE

From a deserving member Dear Bob (Papp): - What a really great surprise, after being out-of-town for some time, to arrive home and find the package from the NCTA containing a Distinguished Service Award plaque. I was truly touched and will display it proudly in my Office. Being one of MANY members who struggled in the early years with the numerous challenges and frustrations of getting the Association under way, keeping it focused and growing, I can say that it's with great interest and joy that I've watched the Organization, and the trail grow in recent years. With so much good leadership these days, good ideas, so many wonderful volunteers and a few good breaks along the way, it has really forged ahead. The North Country Trail Association is proving that a good concept CAN become a great reality! For whatever minuscule part I may have played in the Association's progress, I am proud to be a part of the North Country Trail Association. Thank you for the vote of appreciation. Most sincerely, MARTHA K. JONES

October-December

2000

North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail

Law Offices of Barry S. Cohen N9661 Willow Rd. Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 (920) 565-4225

AGR International

MIDWEST MOUNTAINEERING

Bill Prall Touring Gear

Monroeville,

PA (412) 380-4012

Erie, PA (814) 866-7600

108 E. Third St.• (231) 526-7152 Harbor Springs, Ml 49740

Prairieville Family Inn

/L~lt ~

Stores in: Pittsburgh, PA (412) 364-8078. (412) 835-0315

10484 S. Norris Rd. • Prairieville, Ml (616) 623-6150 (A favorite of the Chief Noonday Trail Crew!)

• Ad'ITen..~e

311 W. Kilgore • Portage, Ml 49002 • 616-381-7700 Downhill & XC Skiing• Snowboards• Backpacking• Camping Kayaks• Canoes • lnline Skates •Technical Outerwear Boy seuuts> Adventure & Travel Wear for Men & Womern

Mar:r.~~~u9c~iH! Kalamazoo, Ml 49004 (616) 382-2561

I~aI.~,~

Butler County Chamber of Commerce 281 S. Main Street » Butler, PA 16003 (724) 283-2222

Harbor Springs Cycling Club P.O. Box 364 <Harbor Springs, Ml 49740

B 0 AR D North Country Trail Association Board of Directors

At-Large 514 Cordes Road Delton, MI 49046 (616) 623-8659 janc128@aol.com

At-Large 753 Davenport St. Rhinelander, WI 54501 (715) 362-0616 dsrnlucas@newnorth.net

Bob Tait

Amy Clark

At-Large 212 E. Metzger Ave. Butler, PA 16001 (724) 287-3382 BobTait@zbzoorn.net

At-Large 1646 Capitol Way, Apt. 101 Bismarck, ND 58501 (701) 223-8659 aclark@state.nd.us

(Teambui!din.g and Recreational Services)

Mary Lucas

Joan Young

David Cornell

Derek Blount At-Large 906 N. Alexander Royal Oak, MI 48067 (248) 548-1737 djblount@aol.com

Anthony (Tony) Rodriquez East Division 127 Manor Drive Syracuse, NY 13214 (315) 446-3586

Allegheny-Adirondack Trail Council Chair 202 Colebourne Rd. Rochester, NY 14609 (716) 288-7191 fltc@axsnet.com

Gaylord Yost

Helen Coyne

West Division 2925 W. Bradley Rd. River Hills, WI 53217-2052 (414) 354-8987 gaylyost@aol.com

Howard Beye

East Division 212 Willow Circle Cranberry Township, PA 16066-4572 (724) 776-0678 hcoyne@zbzoorn.net

10730 West Janesville Rd. Hales Corners, WI 53130 (414) 425-6888

TRecs Inc.

Terms Expiring in 2002

Pat Miller

Werner Veit

225 East Wisconsin Ave. Oconomowoc, WI 53066 (414) 567-6847

At-Large 49 Monroe Center, Ste. 200B Grand Rapids, MI 49503 (888) 454-NCTA wv12@aol.com

Terms Expiring in 2001

Great Lakes Trail Council Chair 15737 65th Avenue Milaca, MN 56353 (320) 983-5643 pkrniller@ecenet.com

Ter1!1s Expiring m 2003

At-Large 861 West US 10 Scottville, MI 49454 (231) 757-2205 jhy@t-one.net

Richard Harris At-Large 974 SOM Center Road Mayfield, OH 44143 (440) 449-7467 richhohi@cris.com

Lynn Waldron Ohio-Michigan Trail Council Chair 8133 Norris Road Delton, MI 49046 (616) 623-5340 lwaldron3@juno. corn

John Leinen West End Trail Council Chair 14205 St. Croix Trail North Stillwater, MN 55082-9587 (651) 433-4456 jleinen@rntn.org

Daryl Williamson West Division 5901 Tirnberglade Drive Bloomington, MN 55438 (612) 835-2186

Backpacking Canoeing Rock Climbing

P.O. Box 1478 Pottage, MI 49081 (616) 327-5379 Customized corporate teambuilding and team management programs.

Winter Trips for Families or Large Groups Weekend & Extended

T/uutk YoUt NCTA Business Members! Our business members contribute annual dues of $150 to the NCTA. In addition to supporting a worthy cause, our business members enjoy benefits including a reduced rate on ads in the North Star, and regular placement of a business logo and contact information both here and within our web site.

Thank: YoUt NCT Patrons: Walter M. Srogi and Robert J. Schwartz NCT Patrons are individuals or households that generously

contribute $250 or more each year in membership dues.

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rth, Star

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PAID Grand Rapids, MI Permit 340

North Country Trail Association 49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B Grand Rapids, MI 49503

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