North Star: The Ma azine of the North Countr Trail
Januar - March 2001
EVERY WEEK IN Ann Arbor News, Bay City Times, Flint Journal, Grand Rapids Press, Jackson Citizen Patriot, Kalamazoo Gazette, Muskegon Chronicle, Saginaw News gh fall, Bo~th s' weekly Venture ction covers the best day hikes and overnight backpacking trips in Mi 路 an. From child-friendly no alks to the most rugged trails on Isle Royale, Ven Outdoors is your for information.
ta lifetime trekking across higan and is the author of more than a dozen guidebooks including 50 Hikes in Michigan and Michigan's Best
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Y!c楼Hikes with Children. So lace up your boots and plore your adventurous side with Venture Outdoors-every z;.,eek i~ the eight Booth Newspapers.
lihe 1Bay Gty l/"imes Tihe f1irit Joumdl lhe Grand Rapids Press f!he Jadksa'n Citizer. Pottio: 1'he 'Ko!amazoo 'Gazette vhe Muskegtiln Chraniole "ffihe 'St1ginaw News
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January - March 2001
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
Table of Contents
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•ASSOCIATION•
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~YEARS • 1981 ""> 2001
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49 Monroe Center NW Suite 200B Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (888) 454-NCTA (6282)
&
Fax:
(616) 454-7139 E-Mail: NCTAssoc@aol.com Web Site: northcountrytrail.org Bob Papp Executive Director Margie Kindel Project Manager Tiffany Halfrnan GIS Coordinator Glory Meyer Public Serviced Coordinator
North Star Werner Veit Acting Editor Joan Young Contributing Editor Roger Meyer Contributing Editor Jann Bidwell EJitoriaL A.1.Jutant Virginia Wanty EJitoriaL A.1.Jutant
Officers Werner Veit Pruldent (888) 454-NCTA (6282) WV12@aol.com David Cornell Vice President, Financial Onestep@viaccess.net Howard Beye Vice PrulJent, Ea.Jt (716) 288-7191 fltc@axsnet.com Joan Young Secretary (616) 757-2205
From
Humble Beginnings, a Growing and Vibrant Association
-Page 34
6
Logging's Aftermath and the Need For Special Trail Agreements
10
Adventurous Trail Construction in Both Michigan Peninsulas
15
Directors Approve Expansion of Trail Councils, New Dues Plan
18
Cover Story: Association Honors Its Hard-Working, Busy Volunteers
22
Bill and Tom Scout Alternatives Along the Buckeye Trail in Ohio
Departments Trailhead 4 Hiking Shorts . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Who's New 16 Who's Who 20 Joan's Cache 24 Newsletters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Trailshop 29 Public Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Along the Way 34 Bob's Report 35 Last Word 37 Supporters 38
Published four times annually in January, April, July and October by the North Country Trail Association, a private, non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization for promotional purposes and as a benefit of membership in the organization. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the North Country Trail Organization.
Page 3
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
January - March 2001
Along ~lfizy SNOWENCRUSTED cattail! along Bowman Ledee in Michigan on the trail - From the new NCTA Calendar (Page LJ)
Along the way to building the longest continuous hiking trail in the country, we pass many milestones. Here are a few of the vital statistics that mark our progress. By recruiting new members, you help our organization grow. We give awards for lO, so, lOO and 250 members.
Probably the biggest measure of our success is what we call "certified miles" of the North Country Trail. Here are the totals for each state of the trail: Miles Certified
Change Since June Issue
Done
175.6
-0.9
37.0
Minnesota
90.0
0
24.0
Wisconsin
96.3
Our top recruiters since the June issue of the North Star:
2 1 1 3 2 4 15 7 3 4 1 1 1 1 5
Jerry Allen Len Baron Derek Blount Amy Clark Dave Cornell Al Larmann John Leinen Richard Naperala Richard Saur Bob Tait Barb VanDyken Werner Veit Doug Welker Gaylord Yost Joan Young
Almost all trail work is accomplished by our volunteers. Thanks go out to the volunteers shown below who reported the most hours since the June issue of the North Star:
248 Gene Elzinga 210 Robert Gould 229 Cora Killinger 218 Al Larmann 358 Tom Learmont 299 Richard Seibert 220 Rolf Swanson 537 Werner Veit Page 4
State North Dakota
O/o
+9.0
43.7
Michigan
586.8
+1.0
51.0
Ohio
300.5
-3.7
28.6
Pennsylvania
129.l
0
43.0
New York
252.7
0
40.4
TOTAL
1631.0
+5.4
39.1
Membership in the NCTAdemonstrates public support and funds all types of work to benefit the trail. Here's how we're doing in each state: Current Members Change Since June Issue State 54
+10
23%
Minnesota
167
+20
14%
Wisconsin
205
+18
10%
Michigan
1199
+85
8%
Ohio
214
+15
8%
Pennsylvania
295
+19
7%
New York
178
+19
12%
99
-1
-1%
2411
+185
8%
North Dakota
Other States TOTAL
January - March 2001
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
An InterestingYear Ahead for NCTA
0
ne of the interesting things about editing a quarterly magazine, unlike a daily newspaper, my old way of earning my daily bread-is that you're always living out of time.
crew and basic trail maintenance and construction.
ii........ head
As I lined up the plans and assigned, or began to think about writing, articles for the North Star, I'm welcoming my family to the snowy Lake Michigan shore for Thanksgiving. At the same time, when our members actually receive the North Star dated JanuaryMarch, Christmas and New Year's is already behind them. (This may be a good time as any to explain why there's such a discrepancy from one member to another on when the magazine is received. Delivery has more to do with the postmaster than it does when the North Star is actually printed. Since it is mailed third class to save postage, the U.S. Postal Service theoretically has up to 3 to 4 weeks to complete delivery. In actual fact, some members actually get the magazine the day after it is mailed; others may have to await a January thaw). Therefore, mentally, those of us putting out the North Star have to place ourselves several weeks ahead. That's particularly true of this issue when we're looking ahead to Trails Day, observed on the first Saturday in June (June 2) and our annual conference, a joint meeting with the Finger Lakes Trail Conference in August (see Page 18). Bob Tait, that dynamo of a Pennsylvania state coordinator, is determined that we're all going to celebrate the big event this year and had himself appointed national chairman of the event. Then he corralled Margie Kindel, our program director, into being co-chair to make sure headquarters gets involved. Be warned if you're a chapter President, or officer. Tait will be after you to schedule big events. He's making big plans for Pennsyl-
By Werner Veit vania: inviting the governor, scheduling hikes, canoe trips, a campout at the Davis Hollow Outdoor Center in Moraine State Park, bike rides, demonstrations and exhibits by Eastern Mountain Sports, whose Pennsylvania stores are business members of the NCTA, and dedications of new sections of the North Country National Scenic Trail. By the time the next issue rolls along in April, plans will be com plete for another big event in Pennsylvania this Spring: A crew leader and skills training workshop scheduled for April 22 through 28 at the same center in Moraine State Park. In cooperation with the American Hiking Society, the NCTA offers a one-week session to individuals interested in learning the fundamentals of leading a volunteer
The project is designed for land management agency field staff, volunteer coordinators, individuals who want to become crew leaders for AHS Volunteer Vacations projects, and especially for our members who would like to learn the skills needed to organize and more effectively lead their own volunteer crews. Ed Benson, an AHS member with an impressive resume, will lead the workshop. He has been a crew leader for six years and an instructor with Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC), and has participated in 40 VOC projects. The fee is $95 and includes registration, training materials, food and lodging or a campsite. For more information, contact Shirley Hearn at (301) 565-6704, ext. 206. There is one important element in the North Star that looks back, not ahead. It features the many volunteers who climbed past the 100 hour and 400 hour threshold in volunteer hours during 1999. It's these folks who make our impressive progress possible. If you get the chance, thank your fellow members for their wonderful work. And while you're in a thanking mood, don't forget the legislators who represent districts or states along the trail. On page 33, there's a list of the U.S. Representatives and Senators who were particularly helpful this year in securing funding for the National Park Service. I'm sure they'd appreciate a word of thanks.
Bo6 Tait ... u making 6ig plans for Penn.1yl1Jania: in1Jiting the g01Jern01; r:1cheduling hiku, canoe tripÂť, a campout at the Da1JU Hollow Outdoor Center in Moraine State Park, bike rUJu, demon.Jtratwn.J and exhwitr:1 6y Eastern Mountain Sports, whor:1e Pennsvluania stores are 6winer1.1 members of the NCTA, and dedicatwn.J of new sections of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Page 5
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
January - March 20Q1
Logging's Aftermath: Blazes Disappear, Slash Threatens to Cover the Treadway With a significant portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail subject to logging, much of the trail can simply evaporate because of disappearing blazes and logging debris left by unmindful contractors unless arrangements can be made with landowners to preserve our route. The North Country Trail Hikers, a chapter of the North Country Trail Association based in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where logging is a critical part of the economy, experienced both the dismay of losing a trail and the relief of measures to regain it last Fall. Gene Elzinga, who spent many years as UP coordinator and President of the North Country Trail Hikers before retiring from both jobs, is still very active as a trail manager and managed to work out arrangements with two large timber and mining companies that may prevent recurrence of similar problems in that area. At the same time both Gene and Bill Menke of the National Park Service suggest more formal agreements may be required across our seven states in the long run. The problem in the Upper Peninsula first became known when Richard 0. Smith, who maintains the section of trail in Marquette County from Wildcat Road to where the trail enters the McCormick Wilderness, described a segment of his section as follows: "The first part of the trail had been cleared and skidded to a width of 100 yards and a half a mile long. (Dave Forsberg and I) located a few marks on the south edge of the clearing and were able to locate and mark the trail to where it reentered the woods. We next came across a large clearcut area hundreds of yards square. Luckily, in the center of this mess was a lone sapling with a blaze on it from there we located another in the wood line. It took
Page 6
a
TV7.
... we came across a large clearcut hundred.:J of yard.:J .:Jquare .In the center of thi:J mesÂŤ Wad a lone dapling with a h!tu:e on itfrom there we located another in the wood Line. It took another three day.:J to regain a section .... " another three days to have a completed section .... " ... Then when we ran into a forester who said they would be logging still another section that includes the 6.nal segment of the trail before it enters the McCormick. That section took another two days of work to clear and remark. A little later Gene informed me that the area from the Dead River to the east also had been logged and the trail needed more work. That 2.5 mile section involved about 62 hours of work and seven trips (to recover). We did not 6.nd any lone saplings standing in a clearing this time. "Skidders had left l 1/2 foot ruts in the area of the trail and brush had been pushed into piles where the trail had been. Fanning the wood line looking for a blaze took us many hours. We also found that looking to the ground for a pushed over sapling was another way to find an occasional blaze. We had worked both ends of the trail and had come to places where it was impossible to locate any trail. It was only after getting GPS readings at both ends that I was able to get a bearing to the other segment. After following this bearing for a 100 yards, I found a downed sapling with a blaze and from there another blaze appeared ...
"There are several very scenic areas of this trail. There are also quite a few areas that are silent witness to the full impact of logging. I am fully aware that we are on someone else's land, but the owners do receive tax benefits for our use of the land and just a tiny bit of care to leave standing that lone sapling is so helpful. Section 11, that includes the very east part of my trail, hasn't been logged yet, but I'll check on that in the Spring." Gene Replies When Gene read the report, he replied: "There is very little we can do to change .. .logging practices. However, I will talk to the foresters from the companies involved to ask they inform us when logging is planned in the vicinity of the trail and to ask their contractors to at least leave enough of our blazes so we can find the trail afterwards and also not to pile slash on or run skidders along the trail ... "The possibility that the remainder of Section 11 may be logged is a concern. Hopefully, we can implement an arrangement before logging takes place. If they do plan logging there, I will ask permission to relocate the trail into an adjacent area which they have set aside as a Special Place where logging would not be done. This area contains old growth white and red pine and we would have preferred to locate the trail there, originally, except at that time, future logging was planned there. Let's hope they still have the Special Place policy.
Bill Menke Comments When Richard's note was forwarded to Bill at the National Park Service Office in Madison, he responded:
"It is very easy to understand Richard's frustrations. We can all also imagine the frustrations of a through hiker or a small family hik(Continued on page l)
January - March 2001
a •••
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
We need dome WeM
on how to manage the.Je trail .Jegment.1 for the immediate future. Thede .Jhou[J include public M weLL M the private land».
McCormick Tract
ing for the afternoon when they encounter such a situation. "Gene is correct ... we can't force private companies to do anything. But Gene's efforts to gain their cooperation are invaluable. I believe that the ultimate solution would be some kind of a formal easement (fee simple or scenic) to protect the trail. "In the meantime, getting the trail in the right location (Old Growth/ Special Place) where it is least likely to be impacted and working out written operating/trail protection procedures would help. At the very least, with mechanical tree harvesters, it is not at all difficult to clip the tree off above the blaze. I recently saw this done in a small clearcut in the Allegheny National Forest ...
Gene Concludes Gene's efforts subsequently did pay off with one of the companies and there are hopes for dealing with the other. After his meetings, he reported: "One of the companies do write into their contracts with loggers that they leave enough blazes so the trail route can be followed and to not leave slash on the trail, nor to run skidders along the trail if that can be avoided. A problem arose in two locations where the trail followed a grown-over logging road. The road has now been graded to over three times the original width to accommodate current logging trucks. This removed all the blazes which could be easily seen from the original trail. " ... In several areas ... the skidders had no choice but to run on the trail due to very wet conditions on alternatives. The logging adjacent to this road was a standard hardwood select cut with all trees over 18
inches removed and the canopy opened to allow better growth by removing defective trees. In these select cuts the trail route was much easier to find. "The situation with the other company is another story ... The original manager has retired and was replaced by a forester who was never told about the NCT and there was nothing in the contract with loggers alerting them to the trail or how it was to be treated. As a result the remaining markers are too few to follow and there was no effort to keep skidders or slash off the trail. "Furthermore, the area was apparently more heavily logged ... than the other property. I asked the forester about relocating to the Special Places parcel and he will get back to me on that and with information about immediate plans for logging in the area.
"In addition to Bill's recommendations, I believe we need some ideas on how to manage these trail segments for the immediate future. These should include public as well as the private lands. At the very least we could request that contracts with loggers include language on how the trail should be treated and we should probably reconfirm our interest in continuing to use the route by a yearly letter to each managrng agency.
" ... I'm pretty sure we are not the only chapter with this problem ... nor does it arise only on private land. We have similar problems on state and federal land. Therefore, I would discuss possible solutions with all our managing authorities. "For competitive reasons, private operators will not discuss long-range logging plans. But activities on federal and state lands are publicized so we should make sure we are on their mailing lists for public input on planned activities. Even then, it sometimes takes considerable effort to determine whether such activities will impact the trail. "The East Units of the Hiawatha National Forest are the only agency always to consider the NCT in its published notices. I think if we could get the NCT into the GIS data bases of all managing authorities it would remind them to keep us informed. "Both company foresters said they would be willing to include the trail in their data bases once we have the trail's location better defined. In fact, I have been contacted by another large forest company to provide GPS data for its segments." - Werner
Jieit
" ... Finally, in a note to Doug Welker, acting UP coordinator for the trail, and me, Gene summed up by saying: Page 7
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
January - March 2001
ra.s., Museum in Wisconsin New State Coordinator The Cable Natural History Museum in northwest Wisconsin is the North Country Trail Association's new trail coordinator for Wisconsin. Lisa Williamson will be the principal contact. Other .staff members, including Naturalist Brad Gingras will serve as backup. The museum staff succeeds Gaylord Yost, a member of the Board of the NCTA, who will be taking on wider duties with the Association. The Museum is an outstanding regional facility at the edge of the 900,000-acre Chequamegon Natural Forest, dedicated, according to its mission statement to: "promoting awareness and appreciation of nature; providing opportunities for natural history education and interpretation; and advocating stewardship, caretaking and concern for the environment."
• RANDALL BRUNE, a past president of the Central New York Chapter and one of the volunt~ers mentioned in our cover story, is recovering from heart by-pass surgery. . As of this writing Randall is recuperating at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Carl and Margot Dengel, 225 Long Meadow Drive, Syracuse, NY 13205. Current President Al Larmann reports that Randall greatly looks forward to resuming his trail steward and related outdoor activities this Spring.
• FIRST TRIAD meeting between representatives of the North Country Trail Association, the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service went so well, the group decided to make it a regular annual event. It was hosted by the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania. The next one ~ay be hosted by the Hiawatha National Page 8
Forest. Primary topics of the first one were standardized blazing, steps to move closer to the "Desired Future Condition" of the North Country Trail and measures to improve communications.
• DESPITE ONGOING efforts and expenditures by the U.S. Forest Service, there is still danger of fire along the Kekekabic and Border . Route trails in Minnesota, according to Judy Ness from the Superior . National Forest. Downed slash still provides plentiful fuel even ~ progress continues to clear the trails. The Forest Service has already spent $1 million to clear the trails-that's a cost of $6,800 per mile-damaged severely by the enormous wind storms in late May, early June, of 1999.
• OVER THE PAST several months, the State of New York has hired some 10 planners to complete unit management plans for Adirondack State Park. At one time the hope had been that the North Country Trail would traverse the Adirondacks through the "high peaks region." That idea "':as always resisted because of recreational pressures there. Two years ago, new routes to the south were proposed and thus opened the door to the acceptance of the North Country Trail in the park but progress was stymied for lack of unit management plans. With planning now underway, a route may be selected this year. The door is also open now for an affiliate agreement between the Adirondack Mountain Club and the North Country Trail Association.
• A REMINDER to volunteers: Please record all hours spent working on behalf of the trail,. "':heth~r out in the field or in administrative duties. The hours submitted directly affects funding available to the
North Country Trail Association. Volunteer hours may be submitted via our website and on-line submission for (www.northcountzytrail.org) or via the U.S. mail to headquarters, NCTA, 49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
• AN EASY WAY to support the North Country Trail Association is to buy your gear, books or other gifts from partner retailers on ou~ web site. They will donate a porhon of your payments to the _NCTA_ but only if you reach them via the links on our web site: www.northcountzytrail.org
• E-FORUM participants are already aware of most of the items listed above. If you're an e-mail user and volunteer you are welcome to join in, either as reader or contributor. The EForum is an initiative by the national office to share ideas, news and information with volunteers on a regular basis. Entries will be less than 100 words to keep things light and easy to skim through. To submit an item to the forum or just have your address added to the list, just send e-mail to NCTAssoc@aol.com and type "EForum" submission in the subject area. We can conduct the E-Forum because it doesn't cost anything but that also means that members without e-mail can't participate. Therefore, we will print a selection of items, that are not outdated, in the North Star and rely on those with e-mail to keep their friends not online informed.
January - March 2001
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
~P.t.~r.~ i.~ .A~t.i.9. ~ overlooking the ManiAee River u a great spot for Lunch near the Dell Road 路 terminus along the section of the North Country National Scenic Trail recon.:Jtructed 6y the Grand Traoerse Hiking Club.
Grand Traverse Hikers
Saga of 12 Bridges and a Sand Hole Blow By Arlen Curtis Matson Trail Director, GT Hiking Club
wet conditions and the steep designed trail in the ravines.
As the Fall colors blazed across the Manistee River valley, the Grand Traverse Hiking Club could celebrate completion of its ambitious project for the year 2000: the reconstruction of four rugged miles that required 12 bridges adjacent to the scenic and wild Manistee River.
That snowy April day followed my preliminary scouting, a site evaluation with the Michigan . Department of Resources, over whose land that section traverses, and submissions for a cost-sharing grant to the National Park Service and for a field grant to the North Country Trail Association.
It all began on a early April day when Bob Rudd and I made like mountain goats down a steep ravine towards Sand Creek. Tying yellow flagging as we went, we struggled against the brush and the steep incline. It took our lugged boots to keep us from sliding backward as snow flurries melted on our steaming jackets. The club had chosen the rerouting and reconstruction of four miles of the North County National Scenic Trail between Dell Road and the Townline terminus on the northeast corner of Wexford County near the border with Grand Traverse County in Michigan as its main project for the year. That section, along the meandering Manistee River, used to be the poorest part of the trail maintained by the GT Hikers because of perennially
Two owls hooted back and forth as we took a break at an old beaver flooding on the creek. "I think they're singing, 'Tie a Yellow Ribbon' round the old oak tree," jested Bob. All day long we slipped down ravines and waded streams as we marked sites for bridges with red ribbon and flagged reroutes up both sides of slippery clay banks until we finally came to the sand blow hole high on a horseshoe bend of the Manistee River. "How many bridges did you mark on the topographic map for construction?" Bob asked. "Let's see," I replied. I count 10, everything from 10 to 22-footers."
"How in the world," continued Bob as he looked down the steep sandy slope toward the river, "will we ever get them on site with no roads?" "Well, Bob," I said, "this river is famous for all the timber that floated its way to the sawmills at Manistee. I figure we can use the river like the lumberjacks used to only we'll use fishing boats with outboards to ferry everything up river. I don't want to be on the receiving end of a utility pole coming down stream." A month later, in early May, 14 members of the Grand Traverse Hiking Club and two groups from the Boy Scouts showed up with four boats and spent a whole Saturday ferrying materials to the banks of the various sites. It was a great sight: sunny skies, two floating utility poles behind each boat, decking in the middle and 2xl2's sticking awkwardly out from the bows. It looked like a circus, but it worked. Submerged obstacles made it an adventure never to be forgotten. After three trips, it was a done deal. Then we walked on the existing NCT across the sand blow hole. (Continued on page 10) Page 9
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
January - March 2001 Butler (PA)
New Bridges in Highlands The members of the Butler County Chapter installed 22 and 24-foot long bridges on its section of trail in western Pennsylvania. They were designed and built by Ronald L. Price, chapter President, at his home. Ron and Joe Smith also built and installed a 70-foot stepping-stone and a 104-foot wooden puncheon bridge in the Central Gamelands of Pennsylvania. If weather permits, the chapter will continue work in the Gamelands this month and in February and March.
North Country Trail Hikers
TWO MIYl1BERS of the Grand Traoersc Hiking Clu6, Stan Maltulci (left) and Bo6 RuJJ, are .Jetting the bench for the mini-Jeck at an ooerlook: of the Mani..Jtee River.
... Suhmerge'J obstacle禄 make it an adventure ... "Hey, Arlen. I think we should reroute the trail away from all this sand. 'Tm afraid," Bob said, "if we build a board walk here, it will become another disaster like the Highbank Rollways, a scar on the face of the North Country Trail." With that, Bob headed off into the woods to find a better way. About three months later, on August 22, we completed the "10th" bridge which actually turned out to be the twelfth, and by the ~iddle of September the reroutes and painting were finished. With a faithful crew of six, we tackled the last project: the sand blow hole. Working in teams of two, we brushed out the reroute and trailhead, laid out the stringers for a small deck, and nailed on the decking. While this was going on, the other two hikers laid down the sills for the boardwalk and spiked them into place. Page 10
We also placed two 4x4 posts on both sides of the trailhead clearly marking the trail, and one 4x6 post out at the entrance from the road with the impressive NCT shield sign. Later we installed a bench at the deck and painted the new reroute. What a perfect spot for lunch and a view of the Manistee River from the North Country National Scenic Trail. The grants to our club stimulated the undertaking of this major undertaking. When Home Depot, Cherryland Electric and Husqvarna were presented with details of our project, they jumped aboard and each also contributed significantly towards our project. When you have it in writing, it carries weight for others to come on board.
The North Country Trail Hikers have put together an inviting series of cross-, country skiing outings. Members of other chapters are welcome to participate by calling the leaders listed. Weekdays in January and February, the chapter has scheduled two to twoand-a-half hour outings. Contacts are Bea Anderson, (906) 226-2158and Gene Elzinga (906) 225-1704. Other January outings (all 906 area code): Jan. 13-Ski/Snowshoe, Kathy Peters, 225-0487; Jan. 15-NCLL outing, Lon Emerick, 942-7879, or e-mail. NCLL@nmu.edu; Jan. 20 Ski Middle Island, Sally Brebner, 226-8515; Jan. 27 Ski new Kawbawgamgroomed trails, Marti, 249-1679. February outings include: Feb. 10-Ski Valley Spur groom trails, Jan Webster, 225-1295; Feb. 12-NCLL outing, Lon Emerick, 942-7879,or e-mail, NCLL@ nmu.edu; Feb. 17 Ski or snowshoe around Hogsback, Bettie Daly, 228-9018.
Spirit of the Woods The Spirit of the Woods chapter has scheduled the following Winter outings: Jan. 13, 10 AM Hike, Ski or Snowshoe. Meet at Bowncer Lake trailhead; Feb. 9 and 10 Moonlight ski at Big M ski area followed by a winter campout. March 10-Resume hiking the North Country Trail (from 96th to 76th Street). For further information, consult the chap路 ter's web site, http:/www.northcountrytrail.org/spw, or call Joan Young, at (231) 757-2205/ contribute, e-mail her at danbidwell@worldnet.att.net)
Grand Traverse Hiking Club The Grand Traverse Hiking Club has elected the following officers: Rick Halbert, President; Dick Mallery, Vice President; Betsy Duede, Secretary, and Joe Meredith, Treasurer and Membership Chairman. Mike Schaeffer was named Advisor. The club has scheduled a snowshoe and cross country ski outing Feb. 11, followed by a potluck. For more information, call Dick Mallery at (231) 267-5074. (Compiled by Jann Bidwell. To contribute, email her at danbidwell@worldnet.att.net)
January - March 2001
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
Western Michigan
The Final Chapter: The Lost Trail Is Found and Well By Tom learmont Loyal readers of the North Star may recall the saga of the lost trail leading from Tahquamenon'Falls State Park and the efforts to reestablish it in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. There's now a conclusion, and a happy one. Chapter I (January-March 1999 issue) told the tale of two intrepid sisters from the now Tittabawassee Chapter, Cora Killinger and Connie Sehl, forced to bushwhack, with their German shepherd, "Bear," from the park to Bodi Lake because the North County trail had disappeared among downed trees and the residue oflogging. In their article for the North Star, they posed the question: "Looking for piece of trail to adopt?"
LOWER TAHQUAMENON FALLS providÂŤ a spectacular interlude after the work i.J done.
A dedicated group of NCTA members from the Western Michigan Chapter took on the challenge to find the lost trail and to reestablish it and thus began chapter II, reported on in the AugustSeptember 1999 edition of the North Star. The article, headed "Western Michigan Chapter to the Rescue!" reported on the many trial and tribulations experienced in trying to find the missing trail. It also announced the establishment of a temporary trail until a permanent one could be developed. Chapter III was also inaugurated in 1999 when considerable time was expended reviewing topographic and plat book maps in an effort to select a new route for the trail through this major swampland. A potential route was selected and with the assistance of Bill Menke of the National Park Service, a number GPS waypoints were identified along the proposed trail route.
TRAILBUILDERSon the project incluJed (<1tanding, left to right) Elaine Good<1peed, Ron WurJ, Mary Payne, Eric Gates, Carol ScherpenU<!e, Jim Hoogterp, Marte StycoJ, Davw StycoJ and Glady<! Hoogterp.Jim DaviÂŤ i.J Jeated and Tom Learmont, kneeling.
With these established way points and using our GPS instruments, representatives of the Michigan DNR together with Gene Elzinga, then Upper Peninsula trail coordinator, and I were able to bushwhack (Continued
on page 12) Page 11
North Star: The Ma azine of the North Countr
Trail
Januar - March 2001
"... we completed one of the most scenic sections .. " our way along the proposed route to determine its suitability as a permanent trail. We all agreed it would be a great scenic trail. Because about two thirds of the new trail would be on State land and the remainder on land owned by the Shelter Bay Lumber Co. it was necessary to obtain the approval of the State and Shelter Bay. A trail development proposal was prepared and submitted to the State of Michigan, which approved it. Then, Gene working with Shelter Bay, also obtained that company's approval. With these administrative actions accomplished it was time to build permanent trail! That happened this past year, during the last week of August 2000, when a serving outing was established with the Western Michigan Chapter of the North Country Trail Association and the Sierra Club to tackle the project. Twelve hard workers responded to the call and met at the Tahquamenon Falls State Park where we camped for the week as guest of the Park Manager.
EVERYONE WORE hilcing clotbe» when Jerry ALI.en and Connie Pausu» married on the North Country Trail:
Epilogue: Wedding on Trail By Roger Meyer Most hikers are familiar with "Trail Magic." In case you don't know what it is, Trail Magic is an event or a person that appears just when a hiker would benefit from it most.
For the next five days we all worked developing the new trail. Each morning, after breakfast, we packed our lunches and reported to the work site. Then about mid afternoon we returned to the campground to clean up and relax. Although this was a major work effort, we all enjoyed the outing. Everyone participated in the camp chores of cooking, clean-up and maintaining the campfire. Many attended the park evening nature programs, hiked the trails in the park and viewed the different waterfalls. Later in the week we all participated in a dinner at the local restaurant/brewery. Everyone who participated felt a real sense of accomplishment knowing we had just completed one of the most scenic sections of the North Country Traill I would like to thank everyone who assisted on this project for their efforts. Page 12
Jerry Allen and Connie Pausits were married on the North Country National Scenic Trail. As far as we can determine, this is the first wedding on the trail. ~ ~
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Jerry is the chapter president of the Tittabawassee Chapter of the NCTA. Connie is also member of the NCTA. They met in March 1999 at a chapter dinner meeting. Their friendship grew on a dayhike to Hoist Lakes the following month. Then Trail Magic appeared; Jerry and Connie decided to tie the knot. The ceremony took place on June 10, 2000 at the Land Slide Lookout on the Jordan River
Pathway. Everyone at the wedding, including the bride and groom and the minister, Reverend Tim Lambert of the Second Baptist Church in Gladwin, were in hiking clothes. Jerry and Connie wore matching shirts and shorts. All of the 40 guests hiked more than mile to the lookout from the nearest parking area. The newlyweds honeymooned on the Shore-to-Shore trail and now live in Gladwin. They are both dayhikers and the couple maintains 11 miles of the NCNST near Petoskey. Jerry says he's "happy as a pig in poop." Connie didn't try to add to Jerry's comment, but the smile on her face sent a similar message. Anyone know of another wedding on the trail or if a marriage is planned in the future?
January - March 2001
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
Directors Approve Council Expansion The Board of Directors of the North Country Trail Association approved a proposal to expand the trail council structure of the organization and the bylaw amendments needed to accommodate the changes at its Winter meeting in Milwaukee. The new structure generally follows the proposal described in the Fall issue of the North Star. The regional councils were abolished in favor of a separate council for each state except that Michigan was split along peninsula lines. The Lower Peninsula will be one council; the Upper Peninsula continues to join Wisconsin in the Great Lakes Council. Each of the Councils, made up of chapter and affiliate representatives and other members chosen by the councils themselves, will nominate one of its members to serve on the national Board of Directors. Their election must be ratified by a vote of the total membership during the annual mail ballot conducted by the Association. Besides the seven nominees from the Trail Council, the national board will also consist of at least 10 nor more than 12 directors elected at large.
New Dues Structure In other action, the directors also voted to approve changes in the Association dues structure that were first discussed at their Fall meeting. The new structure raises the introductory, sponsored rates, creates a sliding scale for other classes of membership and establishes a new rate for students and for members of affiliate organizations, like the Buckeye Trail Association, Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Superior Hiking Trail Association and others. The new, yearly rates, which went into effect Jan. 1, are as follows: • For Students and Mernbers of Affiliates $16 • Introductory, Sponsored Membership $18 • Regular Membership Starting at $30 • Trail Leader Starting at $50 • Pathfinder Starting at $100 • Patron Starting at $250
ATTENTION
VOLUNTEERS:
The North Country Trail needs your help. As a volunteer, you contribute invaluabletime to ~the NCT. Whether you work on the trail, le\d ~~.Mties, parti<:iJ?:'te in planning, produce a ne . .·~. d the wort<of others, you are the sole-of I~ fact;,ifvolunteer service is the b~ µ. public support for the trail.. However, if l9U aren't letting us know about the hours y · put in, you're weakening o lators, foundations, and f><!~ential sponsors to ask f their help. So please, repo your hours to us, if not f. your own recognition, the for the good of the trail its;l;f T€J submit your hours, visit www.northcountrytrail.org/volu or call us at 888-454-NCTA to
Goals for 2001 In his report to the Board, Bob Papp, executive director, outlined goals for the Association's headquarters for 2001. Some of the highlights: Increase Trail Shop revenues 20% by creating a "store front" trail shop, and by expanding sales through the web site and to wholesale vendors. • Secure corporate sponsorship of our 2002 Field Grant program. • Achievemembership growth of 10%. • Increase percentage of mapped trail from 5% to 15%. • Relocateour office functions to a larger, more effectiveheadquarters that is closer to the trail. • Recruit and train at least ten new office volunteers. • Increase total Field Grants awarded by 60%. • Work with the NPS to develop greater technical support for volunteers in the areas of private land crossings and trail planning and protection. • Improve education and communicationthrough the North Star and the Internet.
It's never too late for a collector's item like this! Copies of the NCTA's very first calendar remain to be had for just $8.50. To get yours, turn to the Trail Shop section of this North Star.
Page 13
North Star: The Ma azine of the North Countr
EDITOR'S NOTE: Although the bolioay.J are behind ll.f as you read thi.J, the ho/iJay season i.J at it.J height as I write ano gift-giving oeci.Jion.J .Jtill preoccupy many of U.J. However; the trio of volunteerv we feature in thi.J i.J.JuÂŁ have a wonoetful gift for all of tu. They offer a "1-2-5"present of great trail builoing, marking, ano maintaining. What more cout:J we, or the trail effort, want or need?
BRULE ST-CROIX CHAPTER Described as a "great personality, and man of many talents," PETER EDMUNDS loves to build trail. And his home in western Wisconsin places him at the center of a major opportunity to do just that. With crews working west from the Chequamegon National Forest, and east from Jay Cooke State Park, Wisconsin is making progress toward connecting its trail to Minnesota. The center portion of that effort is located near Solon Springs, where Peter lives and runs a business restoring log buildings, and creating twig furniture. He has always liked to hike, and has hiked on the Appalachian Trail and out west and was familiar with the National Trail System. So when he saw an ad about two years ago proposing a Chapter of the NCTA, he just had to check it out! Soon he discovered that the North Country Trail was only a couple of miles from his home. Subsequently, Peter and some other great volunteers have built about 20 miles of trail already. Peter assured me that's only a modest achievement, since there are 50 miles yet to build, and those will be the hardest yet as they crossing a muskeg. He suggests one solution: Page 14
Trail
Januar - March 2001
The 1,2,3 Volunteer Gift
PETEREDMUNDS,a buit:Jer ano maintainer of trail Supplying a big box of rubber boots at each end of the swamp where hikers take a pair at one end and leave it at the other. Do you suppose the National Park Service would certify the boots with connector decals? Peter has already shown his trail construction skills on a 200-foot boardwalk at J erseth Creek, in addition to soil treadway. He sees the trail as a real opportunity to see the natural environment from season to season. "We are too connected to asphalt and gravel," he laments. "Often, just 15 minutes from a highway it is quiet, and you only need a decent pair of shoes and some energy." In addition to trail construction Peter also maintains three miles of trail in Mott's Ravine. He particularly hopes that more people will learn about the trail. He would like to see a program developed to work with schools and take kids to the woods throughout the seasons. At this time of year, Peter is probably out skiing, but we know he'll be there again with his trail tools come spring. Thanks, Peter!
BUTLER CHAPTER RON RICE has been president of the Butler Chapter for less than a year, but he has big goals. He wants to inspire and enlist volunteers, and
he gets excited just talking about the North Country Trail! Recruited to the cause by Bob Tait, Ron traveled to the 1998 conference in Michigan. The summer before that, he through-hiked the Appalachian Trail (as "Chirping Turtle") and knew he wanted to be able to pay back the benefits he received from those who work on that famous trail. The NCT gave him an outlet for his enthusiasm. Bob says that Ron brings "new energy" to the trail effort. Ron values the fact that trails can be a means to preserve natural areas where people can walk "or they will be lost forever. They are paving the whole world," he laments. He wants to see the trail be truly "user friendly," so that those who find a trailhead would see signs telling them where they are and where they can hike. He describes himself as "big on blazing," trying to promote adequate marking so that people can follow the trail easily. This is so important to him that he has written a poem, which might be a mantra for the entire trail:
Blaze My Trail Friendly Blaze my trail f ri.enoly so that I won't get l.o.Jt In the oetaiM of finoing my way. I woulo rather be l.o.Jt in the beauty of nature, Ano in meoitating my troubleÂť away. Ron has built several bridges at his home, disassembled them and rebuild them on site along the trail. He has scouted out a number of new miles of trail in Pennsylvania State Game Lands. One unique solution for a treadway was to recycle a large pile of cement blocks discarded in the woods into a steppingstone pathway through a swampy area. He also helped build bridges
January - March 2001
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raphy." Trails allow people to do this, which will help them appreciate nature, and perhaps lead them to take better care of the earth. Back in the 1980's Rolf had belonged to the NCTA, but had little time to give to the trail since he had returned to school and also had family responsibilities. But he had not forgotten the call of the North Country. Now, very busy as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the State of Michigan, Rolf kept thinking that he would return to the NCTA when he retired. He was busy with projects of his own- building a house and a pond. But Doug Welker kept calling, and just as the Peter Wolfe chapter was beginning to build the Oren Krumm Shelter, Rolf found himself not in the middle of a personal project. "There I was, defenseless- with no excuse!" Rolf exclaimed. But he had a wonderful time working with people of all ages on this trail project.
RON RICE want» to dee the traiL truly wer-frienoLy. near McConnell's Mill, and has worked on a long stretch of puncheon. Rice is retired from Armco Steel in Butler where he worked in technical services, but it sounds like he's not at loose ends for projects to keep his retirement time occupied. Tait also reports "his enthusiasm is rubbing off on all the volunteers." We need more leaders like Ron!
PETER WOLFE CHAPTER "Just give me a pair of hand loppers and a Swede saw," says ROLF SWANSON, one of those rare and wonderful people whose favorite trail task is maintenance. And that word, "wonderful," keeps coming into our discussion of the NCT. Rolf especially likes to be able to move through a landscape, to see the "changes in timber type, and topog-
From then on he's been a regular on trail crews. 'Tve met some great people," Rolf continued, "those who are attuned to the earth. It's good to work together." He's also helped with design and building of boardwalks and a storage shed made of cull wood from a sawmill. Rolf is also a volunteer Wilderness Ranger in the Whisker Wilderness of the Nicolet National Forest. It was there that he discovered his love for trail maintenance, and asked to do some on the NCT. He says it takes about four hours to clean and blaze a mile of trail through the area they maintain where there is vigorous growth of young trees, but he says "it gives me time to really get to know the trail." He must know the trail really well; he's cleaned about 30 miles of it all by himself! Rolf also offers the solution to the puzzle of why trail people
~~
ROLF SWANSON ano Ma1jorie Jobnston alonq a puncheon they built. tend to be so unique. Well, at least people from the Peter Wolfe Chapter ... When Doug Welker is around, trail work builds character. "When I get old I want to be a character!" says Rolf. We are thankful for all the trail characters who bring their unique skills, humor and talents to the trail effort. And we know that those who volunteer for trail work usually do seem to have character, beyond the joke, in the deep and honest sense of the word. So this winter, as you rest after a winter outing, take a minute to thank a volunteer for the gift of trail: built, marked and cleaned for your enjoyment. Perhaps you too can take some time to become more involved with a local group of people who are working on the North Country Trail and do some gift-giving yourself.
If you know someone who should be nominated for this feature, contact me at 861 W US 10, Scottville, Ml 49454 or jhy@t-one.net. Page 15
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
January
- March 2001
Two New Staffers Join Headquarters By Roger Meyer Headquarters of the North Country Trail Association welcomed two new staffers during the year, a full-time cartographer and GIS specialist and part-time bookkeeper. Tiffany Halfmann, succeeded our first ever cartographer who returned to her native Canada, and Beth Ford, succeeded Joan Buenavista who got married and decided to drop one of her two jobs. There was another change late in the year. Office manager Heidi Daane, who also worked part-time like most of the office staff, left as the day drew near when she would bear twin daughters. Heidi has not yet been replaced. Glory Meyer, who had been our one-day a week public services manager and manager of the Trailshop, has been squeezing in another day until a replacement is hired sometime this month. Beth, our new accountant, was born in northern Ohio and came to Michigan to attend college. She enjoyed the state so much that she decided to stay, find a husband, and raise a family. All of which she did. Her family now consists of husband, Korky, a son, Zachary (6 years old), and a daughter, Megan (3 years old). She celebrates her 10th wedding anniversary next May. Beth has worked in accounting since 1986 and has held various accounting positions, mostly in small businesses in the service and retail industries. She graduated from Davenport College with an Associates' Degree in Accounting and plans to obtain a Bachelor's degree. Her hobbies include playing with and enjoying her kids, making improvements to their house and yard, working in her flower gardens, and reading good books. She volunteers at church and at her son's school. Her Page 16
ACCOUNTANT Beth Porofouno a career, lm<Jbano ano family when Jhe to Michigan. total volunteer time is about 7-10 hours per week. Beth says, "I enjoy working with the staff at NCTA and helping out the organization with its bookkeeping. I also enjoy the casual atmosphere and the good rapport that everyone has." Tiffany, our cartographer, was born and raised near Appleton, Wisconsin. During her teenage years, she worked as a caddie and then a greenskeeper at a local golf course. As a result of her caddying, she received a scholarship from the Western Golf Association to attend the University of WisconsinMadison as an Evans Scholar. At the University of Wisconsin, Tiffany majored in Landscape Architecture and Cartography &
mova)
Geographic Information Systems (GIS). She had an National Park Service internship in 1998 at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area in Wyoming and Montana and revitalized their GIS programs. She, then, returned to Madison to accept a position with the National Park Service Midwest Region GIS Technical Support Office. Her most recent project there was digitizing data and processing GPS data for the North Country Trail. Tiffany graduated in December 1999 with a BS-Natural Resources degree. In college, she was in the University Band and sailing club. She was very busy with other activities including volleyball, softball, basketball, hiking, biking, skiing, ultimate frisbee, racquetball, rock
January - March 2001
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
CARTOGRAPHER Tiffany Halfmann directd a growing map-making program for the North Country Trail
Association. climbing and in-line skating. She was the chairperson of the 1999 Evans Scholars Basketball-A-Thon, and also the 1999-2000 Graduate Resident Advisor at the Wisconsin Evans Scholar house. Tiffany says, "I am excited to be the NCT Cartographer and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead." Tiffany is directing the mapping effort. She's had some help- Carrie Czegus, a student at Grand Valley State University, worked on a 1:100,000 scale map in Wisconsin (Tiffany is now working on a second one). Carrie finished her internship last month. Dave Goodman, who commutes all the way from his highway department job in Lansing to volunteer in the NCTA office, is currently working on a fine detail map set (1:24,000 scale) of the southern portion of the Huron-Manistee National Forest in Michigan. It will be available later this month. Lucas Hill, an employee of a Grand Rapids engineering firm, started working in mid-December on a 1:100,000-scale map of the northern portion of the Huron-Manistee. More help is on the way. Interns from Grand Valley and Calvin College will participate in the pro-
The next map c1etc1 will c1bow Mani:ftee Forest, Nortb, two areas in MU:bigan'.1 Upper Peninsula and central Minnuota ... gram as the move to the new headquarters in Lowell is completed. The next mapping tasks in the immediate future are three new map sets: two of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and the central part of Minnesota. About 250 miles of the NCT are accurately mapped now, approximately 5 percent of the trail. All the maps are made in house with Tiffany leading the project. Our cartographers have used the ARCVIEW software program for their mapping effort and hope to acquire additional software, called ARCINFO this year. The terrain, usage, and local features determine the scale for any map set. A chart with a scale of 1:100,000 shows less detail and is usually used by long distance hikers. These maps costs less per mile to create and so, they can be produced cheaper and each one will cost about $3.50.
A scale of 1:24,000 is better for areas with lots of features like road crossings, side trails, and creeks. They are used more by dayhikers and will cost between $6 and $8 each. The basic maps are created from available digital images of USGS topographical maps. The location of the NCT on these maps is determined mostly from on-site surveys which use GPS positional data. But sometimes old trail indications and markers are used. When using a recreational receiver to collect data, the coordinates of spots along the trail are determined about every 500 feet and at every road-crossing, stream or other landmarks. Whenever necessary, volunteer hikers check for accuracy on the ground. The software program transfers the GPS trail coordinates to the digital image of the USGS maps and marks the trail on the map. Other features, such as parking lots and trailheads, are added to the image and then the maps are printed in-house. As each new map becomes available, it will be listed for sale on the Trail Shop pages. Page 17
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
Mark your Trail Meeting Calendar • Jan. 13-Wmter Trails, 10 locations around the U.S. Contact: www.americanhiking.org/events/winter • Feb. 15-National Conference on Outdoor Leadership, San Diego, CA. Contact: Jim Lustig (619) 594-7271, or www.wilderness.education.org • Feb. 17, 18 Winter Trails, Estes Park, CO; Contact: Dave Thomas (800) 443-7837. • March 4-7 Trails Advocacy Week, Washington, DC. Contact: Celina Montorfano (301) 565-6704, ext 205. • April 20-22 Buckeye Trail Association annual meeting, Hocking College, Nelsonville, Ohio. Contact: BTA, PO Box 254, Worthington, Ohio 43085. • April 22-28-Joint North Country Trail Association and American Hiking Society crew leader and skills training workshop, Davis Hollow Outdoor Center, Moraine State Park, PA. Contact: Shirley Hearn at (301) 565-6704, ext. 206, or VolVac@americanhiki.ng.org. • April 29-NCTA National Board of Directors, Spring meeting, Lowell, MI • May 4, 5, 6 Finger Lakes Trail Conference annual meeting, Seneca Lodge, Watkins State Park, NY • May 4,5 Superior Hiking Trail Association annual conference, Wolf Lake Environmental Learning Center, Tettegouche State Park, Silver Bay, MN. Contact: (218) 834-2700, or www.shta.org/ • May 18-20 Ohio Trails Expo, Hocking College, Nelsonville, Ohio. Contact: Contact: BTA, PO Box 254, Worthington, Ohio 43085. • June 2 National Trails Day • July 13-20 Biennial Appalachian Trails Conference, Shippensburg University, PA (Registration packet: hikethyra@aol.com
January - March 2001
On the Cover
Mike Shaeffer
Irene Szabo
Ginny Wanty
Doug Welker
• August 9-12 North Country Trail Association-Finger Lakes Trail Conference joint annual conference, Caznovia, NY. • August 17-21 The 7th Conference on
Janice Wester
Paula Wilbur
National Scenic and Historic Trails, Casper, WY; Contact: Partnership for the National Trail System (608) 249-7870, or NATTRAILS@aol.com
FQr·a cfQodfTif18e, .,_ark Your August Calendars+tfl -i,~we your place in New York's Greatest Little Trail Town Chittenango Falls are stilled by Winter's ice today but next Summer they will be among the scores of scenic destinations awaiting us at the North Country Trail Association 200 I Annual Conference. Ldokfor -;.fOmplete schedule with registration materials in our next issue of 1;!:\e. North Star but save those dates right now to so you won't t pting array of group hikes, self-guided walks, local historic I attractions, workshops, and excellent evening programs planned by our hosts, the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. With major help from the Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club and the Central New York Chapter of the NCT A, events will run from Thursday through all day Sunday. The official dates are Aug. 9 through 12 but come early and stay late to experience historic Old Erie Canal St~te Park or the spectacular scenery sho~lr;i; ~ff ':;!~ique natural areas, tumbling streams, waterfalls, distant views, and wonderfl:il, deep fores forward to seeing you! Page 18
Gordon Wilkes
January - March 2001
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JOAN YOUNG, Spirit of the Woodd chapter, who ha.:1 accumulated 800 hoard getd her 400-hour award from Bo6 Papp (uft) and awardÂť a certificate to fellow chapter member; Ed Chappel who ha.:1 204 hoard.
36 Members Honored for Their Service Those long-working volunteers who could attend the Millennium E0 Trail celebration at the Straits of .3 Mackinac last FaU received their awards for their service in person from Bob Papp, executive director, and board members of the North Country Trail Association. Many others were awarded at chapter TOM LEARMONT, Wutern Michigan, meetings. The 36 members who admire.; the dhirt he got along with the crossed the 100 and 400-hour 400-hour award. Tom ha.:1 accumulated thresholds in the year 2000 were: 581 hoard. At Large: Richard Pfeiffer (550 hours), Gahanna, 0 H; Mary Hamilton (445), Dover, OH, and Donald Mong (102), Shreve, OH. Brule St. Croix: Adey Oswald (11) Central New York Chapter: Al Larmann (1090); Randall Brune (434), Kathleen Eisele (401); Kathleen Disque (101) and Irene .,0\ Szabo (118). 0 cc Chief Noonday: Neil Juhl (635), }; s: La Verne BeBeau (201) and John a. ~0\ Rudnicki (112). Greater Pittsburgh: Dave Maxwell -&~ (163). JERRYALLEN haJ volunteered 200 Grand Traverse Hikers: Trina Ball hoard while working on the Tatibawassee (287), Rick Halbert (210), Fred Chapter '.J section of the trail. Sabel (108), and Mike Shaeffer Peter Wolfe: Doug Welker (122). (102). Spirit of the Woods: Joan Young Heritage: Robert Gould (532). (800), Ed Chappel (204). North Country Trail Hikers: Wampum: Richard Lutz (488). Denise Herron (609), Bernice Anderson (451) and Janice Webster (172).
BOB GOULD, Heritage chapter, ha.:1 reported 532 hoard.
RICHARD LUTZ, (uft) Wampum, receioeÂť hid certificatefrom Bob Tait, Penruyloania coordinator. Richard ha.:1 488 hours. Western Michigan: Tom Learmont (581), Char Chandler (565), Kathy Brehm (211), Gladys Hoogterp (119), Paula Wilbur (163), Ginny Wanty (105). Page 19
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
January - March 2001
January - March 2001
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
NCT Trail Councils January - March, 2001
!North Dakota ND State Coordinator Jon Lindgren (701)232-7868 jon_lindgren@ndsu.nodak.edu Sheyenne River Valley Chapter Lisa Engel (707)797-3530
WI State Coordinator Gaylord Yost (414)354-8987 gaylyost@aol.com
!Minnesota
Brule--St.CroixChapter Peter Nordgren (715)394-8340 pnordgre@staff.uwsuper. edu
MN State Coordinator John Leinen (651)433-4456 jleinen@mtn.org Headwaters Chapter John Leinen (651)433-4456 jleinen@mtn.org Kekekabic Trail Club Martin Kubik (651)426-0925 wtrails2@yahoo.com Rovers Outing Club Superior Hiking Trail Association SHTA Information (218)834-2700
Chapters of the North Contry 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 are independent nonprofit organizations that are working to build and maintain certain sections of the trail.
Page 20
Lowe.r Mic!liligam Lower Ml State Coordinator Lynn Waldron (616)623-5340,_.___...-r-"掳"路 lwaldron3@juno.com
Chequamegon Chapter Tana Turonie (715)274-2521 tturon ie@centuryinter.net
Harbor Springs Chapter JerryKeeney(231)526-9597 Keeney@freeway.net
Heritage Chapter Steve Frye (414)593-2694 ryerok@idcnet.com
Tittabawassee Chapter Jerry Allen (517)345-2677
Upper Ml State Coordinator Doug Welker (906)338-2680 dwelker@up.net Peter Wolfe Chapter Doug Welker (906)338-2680 dwelker@up.net North Country Trail Hikers Jan Wester (906)225-1295 Bettie Daly (906)228-9018 Denise Herron (906)225-1030 Great Lakes Trail Council Robert Norlin (715)372-5229 morlin@ironriver.baysat.net
Grand Traverse Hiking Club (Chapter) Rick Halbert (231)947-8485 rl h@traverse.com
New York PA State Coordinator Bob Tait (724)287-3382 BobTait@zbzoom.net
Spirit of the Woods Chapter Joan Young (231)757-2205 jhy@t-one.net Western Michigan Chapter Tom Learmont (616)984-5917 Chief Noonday Chapter Dave Cornell (616)623-8659 janc128@aol.com Baw Beese Chapter Richard Saur Chapter Information (517)437-2574
Ohio OH State Coordinator Jim Sprague (216)884-4757 Northwestern Ohio Rails-to-Trails Association Gene Markley (800)951-4788 140years@powersupply.net Buckeye Trail Association Garry Dill (937)834-2891 Great Trail Sandy Beaver Canal Chapter Brad Bosley (330)227-2432
www. northcountrytrail.org
NCTAssoc@aol.com 1-888-454-6282
Bill Menke, Manager (608)441-5610 bill_menke@nps.gov
Wampum Chapter Richard Lutz (724)652-8185 lutznct1@lcix.net Greater Pittsburgh Chapter Bob Needham (412)369-0777 bobneedham@traco.com
NY State Coordinator Howard Beye (716)288-7191 fltc@axsnet.com Finger Lakes Trail Conference Howard Beye (716)288-7191 fltc@axsnet.com Central New York Chapter Al Larmann (315)697-3387 larmann@worldnet.att.net
Rock Chapter Frank Cetera (724)735-1133 frcetera@hotmait.com Butler Chapter Ron Rice (724)538-8475 rice1@nauticom.net Clarion Chapter Carol Atwell (814)354-2778 atwell@mail.usachoice.net
Legend
-
.........
Chapters
-/
American Youth HostelsPittsburgh Council Bob Roth (412)279-6219 Page 21
'
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
January - March 2001
BILL MENKEfind" Downtown DaytonJ city<1cape an attractive prospect from the po<1<1wle route of the North Country Trail.
Dayton Area May Offer An Interesting Reroute The need to sort out trail routing opportunities in the Dayton, Ohio area has been in the back of our minds for years. On several occasions, while meeting with individuals from the Buckeye Trail Association and other agency representatives, the topic of the North Country Trail potentially following the route of the Buckeye Trail (BT) in this area has sometimes surfaced. But our plates were already full with planning issues and route changes in other areas and until recently we have just not taken the time to seriously take a look at the area.
QUIET, wooded areas also abound along the po<1<1wle route.
Further, when the North Country National Scenic Trail Comprehensive Plan for Use and Management was being prepared in the early 1980's, the highly urbanized DaytonFairborn area was purposely
By Bill Menke Manager, North Country National Scenic Trail Photographs by Bill Menke
avoided. The thinking was (and still is) that the North Country Trail should be kept in more minimally developed areas whenever possible. Today this thinking is embodied in our Desired Future Condition (DFC) statement for the trail-"the trail will be administered and managed as a path whose use is primarily for hiking and backpacking." We often find ourselves embellishing the DFC by adding the words "through rural and natural environments." Similar sentiments are expressed in NCTA's Vision for the North Country NST. (Continued on Next Page)
WATCHING racing <1heL/.J on the Great Miami River wou!J he a bonus for hiker<! along the po<1<1wle reroute.
Page 22
January - March 2001
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
WHILE THE METRO hike patlu in the highLy-arhani:ao Dayton-Fair/Jorn are paved, they <Jti!L offer a 'degree of seclusion from the city. (Continued from Previous Page) Nevertheless, as the trail concept has evolved and matured, we have become much more understanding of the need for it to occasionally pass through smaller communities where hikers can obtain supplies or spend a night in a bed instead of on the ground. While Dayton is a large community, recent reports from long-distance hikers Joan Young and Don Beattie encouraged us to take a second look. They reported passing through Dayton-Fairborn with much more off-road hiking and pleasure then they had anticipated. Last Summer, Superintendent Tom Gilbert and I spent three days investigating both the current NCT route bypassing Dayton and the BT route passing through Dayton. Coming from the east, the two trails are concurrent to Yellow Springs. Here they part company and do not rejoin until some 50 to 60 miles later at Piqua. Picture it as the North Country Trail following the east and north sides of a rectangle while the Buckeye Trail follows the south and west sides of the same rectangle. From Yellow Springs, the NCT continues north through Springfield, to Urbana before turning west toward Piqua. Currently, only six miles within this expanse is certified. Potential exists to follow abandoned railgrades for much of the remaining distance but there is no group actively pursuing development of the grades. Additionally, these par-
ticular railgrades have long tangents, are flat, and the UrbanaPiqua segment has some development on the grade indicating that it may not be totally available. Meanwhile, at Yellow Springs the Buckeye Trail heads west toward Fairborn following rural roads. Upon reaching Fairborn, various paved bike trails, dirt park trails, gated service roads, and walks along levees of the Great Miami River provide a feasible and generally scenic route through the central portion of the Yellow Springs-Piqua distance. North of the greater Dayton area, there are some narrow footpaths following the original MiamiErie Canal towpath. Along the way, the Buckeye route passes the Wright Brothers Memorial with its granite monolith and courtyard and expansive views of Huffman Prairie and the "flying field" where Wilbur and Orville practiced and perfected their invention. Closer to the center of Dayton, while the bike paths are paved, they offer a degree of seclusion from the sights of the city due to placement below the levees along the rivers. Still closer in, views of the city skyline across the river are quite attractive. North of the city fringes, portions of the route follow the original towpath of the Miami to Erie Canal. Often, these are now narrow, wooded footpaths. Ref ognition is made
that the metropark bike trail system
will eventually extend into some of these segments. The biggest difficulties occur in the first and last five to 10 miles of the Buckeye route-where it follows roads and we do not know of immediate off-road opportunities. However, nearly 31 miles of this route is currently certifiable. At the end of the visit, our initial conclusion is that following the Buckeye Trail route warrants additional consideration. It incorporates more historical features and has a higher degree of interest and immediate feasibility than does the current NCT route. But there are several follow-up actions that we need to complete. We want (and need) to make some additional contacts with the various local officials and park managers who might host a portion of the trail. We need to determine their reactions. Following an expression of local interest and lack of controversy, we will make some Congressional contacts and can then easily make the change if there is no particular controversy. We will pursue these contacts as soon as time allows. We have already discussed our initial thoughts with Herb Hulls and Jack Watkins of the Buckeye Trail Association to learn the BTA's initial reactions. They feel strongly that BTA would be very supportive of this route change.
Page 23
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
January - March 2001
EJitor'd note: This is the second in a series of articles which chronicles Joan Young's adventures on the North Country Trail. Last issue, Joan described her introduction to the Trail and her first actual hike on the NCT in September 1991. In this issue, she becomes still better acquainted with the trail on several short hikes. In the April issue she will begin the description of longer hikes and her experiences in the Allegheny National Forest of Pennsylvania. ""D,.,_._"'-"'"'-'---"""--lllll!S-ll~'-1 Her current total? 1673 miles. By Joan Young
North Country Cache: The Early Steps Twilight Trail October 21, 1991 My friend Marie and I have both driven to the small town in New York where I grew up. My mother had broken her hip during the summer, and it is now certain that she will never go home again. Our goal for this weekend is to empty her little house so that it can be rented. This was not the house where I spent my childhood, so there is no emotional attachment there for me, just a busy place where to complete the job. Marie is willing to help even with monumental moving tasks to give us some time together. We are hoping for a few spare minutes to find a section of trail to hike. By Saturday afternoon the truck is loaded with items that going back to Michigan. Most everything else is packed in boxes ready for storage. A group from church have come to help with the packing and lugging, and the work has moved along swiftly. Mom's cozy little home in town that she had bought and fixed up after my Dad died and the farm sold, is bare and plain again. Marie and I sit on the floor and sigh. "Do we want to hike? We had better go now while it is still light." We decide that a break is in order; the boxes can be hauled to the attic after dark. So off we go to Treman State Park, just south of Ithaca, to meet the trail where it crosses Route 34.
Page 24
It's off-season and there is no one in the campground. We drive through the silent loop to reach the trailhead, change shoes, and plunge westward into the October woods. The falling leaves sweep the cares of the weekend away. Our greatest concern is time; we estimate that we can hike in for an hour, and then will need to turn around to be out of the woods by dark. Somehow the magic of the moment reaches out and transforms us into two younger girls, discovering the wonders of Autumn afresh. We collect brilliant leaves, colored rocks, snail shells, and bits of decorative fungi. Witches' butter gleams dull yellow in the late afternoon light; many-colored polypore grows profusely on stump and log. Its gray and brown lines and patterns seem richly subtle rather than dull as its colors might suggest. For the first time ever we see Crowned Clavaria, its spongy corallike arms reaching out of a knothole in a downed tree. In the dimming light its whiteness glows, otherwordly. When the trail swings close to Enfield Glen, the sound of water rushing in the depths of the gorge is our evening symphony. But the light does predictably fade and we reluctantly turn back after the prescribed hour. We stop in Ithaca to eat and to visit my mother in the nursing home. She is so weak and unaware of her surroundings ... We tell her of
our walk and of our "finds." Life does come full circle; this is the shell of the sturdy lady who took me to the woods as a toddler, introducing me to wildflowers, birds' nests and rabbit holes. She helped me press my first collection of autumn leaves into scrapbooks, to label them and learn the names. Now, all I can do is to leave a green and orange maple bouquet in her line of sight, and to tell her of the twilight woods. Somewhere inside that frail body, does your bright mind yet reach out for new experiences? Are you still in there, Mom? 2 miles this hike Robert Treman State Park Tompkins County, New York 18 miles total NCT
Shamu July 17-19, 1992 My bright, new backpack is screaming to be put to use. I have taken several overnight trips to brush up ancient camping skills. No empty-nest syndrome for me! The youngest son graduated from high school this May and I am ready to re-discover those activities that appeal to me but never interested my family. One fact has emerged from test campouts: If I truly want to backpack, I must have a good pack and a light-weight sleeping bag. The rest of the equipment is less critical, but these two' items are required. I purchased the sleeping bag several months ago.
January - March 2001
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
Marie, my friend since the summer we met as gangly, 12-year-old Girl Scouts, visits us almost every year. I want to convince her to try backpacking with me. She takes the bait. We begin to plan for three days on the North Country Trail. I decide to go just far enough away from home that I might be able to connect with my first hike on a weekend alone. We choose a piece of the NCT that follows part of the Shore-toShore Riding Trail in Michigan. We will leave one car at Darraugh and the other near Mayfield. There is much flurry of preparation as I read backpacking guidebooks, plan menus, mark maps, and practice packing my pack. All the zippers and pockets are grand fun. Marie finds a still-useable pack among her old camping gear. We carefully choose and weigh gear, food, and total pounds FSO: (from the skin out.) Marie carries 28 pounds and I, 33. I've always been considered the tough one. On a warm Tuesday morning we leave her car at a turnout in the shade of a woods' edge and mine at the eastern end of this hike, off-road in the sand and bracken. After about half a mile of walking, I realize that I have forgotten to change my shoes ... I doubt that I can hike the whole way in sneakers, so I leave my pack with Marie and trudge back to change to heavier footwear. Rather an ignoble beginning. Well, call it a lesson learneddouble-check everything, because backtracking on foot is depressing and time-consuming.
It soon becomes apparent that I am the one having trouble carrying a pack. This isn't the way it's supposed to work. I'm the tough one, remember? This is the maiden voyage for this pack; I probably just don't have it adjusted correctly. Thus begins a day-long chain of adjustment, tweaking, rebuckling,
One section of the trail passes through a camping area. According to the signpost we have managed to hike only three-fourths of a mile in an hour. We decide that we could have crawled that far, even in the sand, and add a new lesson about official misinformation to our store of trail knowledge. Sometime around this point in time I became even more determined to carry maps from at least two sources on future hikes.
JOAN'SMOTHER,Jhown after catching 6ig ones with Joan d father, inAiL/eo Joan d love of the outdoorÂť. shifting and groaning as my shoulders and back learn the points of contact with a real pack and as we learn how to make the weight ride properly on my hips. We walk on compacted sand, fire roads and railroad rights-of-way most of the day. After about 10 miles and a few lessons about watching for inadequately marked turns, we poke our way into a small stand of pines to camp for the night. To be in the woods, resting beside a fire, with Marie, seems so right. For a small space of time, the world is ordered as it should be. The next day we encounter sections of trail heavily traveled by horses. This is not fun! The sandy soil is broken up from the weight of the horses and the churning of their hooves. The path is a channel about two feet wide and 18 inches deep with six to twelve inches of loose sand in the bottom. It is like beach walking with a pack; every step is a calf and ankle-searing effort. The sky decides to rain on us a bit in the afternoon.
Today my pack rides securely and easily. It's christened Shamu in recognition of its awkwardness when not being worn and behaving like a beached whale which must be hauled awkwardly into place with no help from its rotund bulk. Once on my back (now properly adjusted) Shamu becomes a part of me, fluid and connected, like the whale in its ocean environment. Marie's pack, although old, seems to fit fairly well. Her test is to endure encounters with the horses we meet on this bridle trail. She finds horses big, unpredictable, and frightening. Treasures for the day: Racemed milkwort with purple blooms, then squaw root and shinleaf, found in a rich woods. We camp here the second night. I try to sketch the shinleaf but am too tired to complete drawing before the light fades. Probably just as well; the waxy translucent blooms defY capture with colored pencil. Weary but happy, Marie and I decide that backpacking should become an established part of our summers from now and become a pattern for our future. The next day, as we are walking along, a great revelation hits me: I subtracted wrong! When we weighed our gear "from the skin out," we first weighed ourselves naked, then added all clothes, pack, and attachments and weighed our(Continued on next page) Page 25
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
One Crystal, Sunlit Moment May 28, 1994 The great plans Marie and I made for backpacking have been put on hold. A broken bone in her foot reformulated our outing for the summer of 1993 to a week of camping with short hikes. We had a wonderful, wacky week at Apple River Canyon, Illinois. Marie's teenage son, David, joined us; and my new puppy, Chips, began to learn tent etiquette. But it was not on "The Trail."
CROWNED CLAVARIA peekÂŤ oat of a knothole. selves again. The difference is the weight carried, FSO. Somehow I subtracted 110 from 153 and got 33 pounds. I have been carrying 43 pounds in a pack which was not initially adjusted properly. I feel stupid about the math, but lots better about my fitness! We reach Marie's car in good time. A man in a pickup truck, with his two young daughters, sees us emerge from the woods at the road edge and asks where we have been. We tell him we just hiked from Darraugh. He is incredulous, even when we explain that it took us three days. He wishes us well and drives on. Our car is parked near a cold stream. We soak our overheated feet and also wish ourselves well at a small but most definite beginning. 33 miles this hike Darraugh to Mayfield Kalkaska and Grand Traverse Counties, Michigan 51 miles total NCT
Page 26
M.y mother's condition has deteriorated. She only occasionally recognizes me on my twice-yearly visits to New York. So here I am, spending Memorial Day Weekend frenetically trying to make many short visits to her bedside at an Ithaca nursing home. This way there are more chances that she might be alert at one of these times. There is a renter in the house to check on. There are legal and banking issues to be attended to. Marie has met me at her parents' house in Waverly, which is a reasonable distance from Ithaca to use for our home base. They are a generous, caring couple. But I am overwhelmed with people and responsibilities. The weekend has been a mad rush from one town and appointment to another. As we drive route 34 from Ithaca toward Waverly yet one more time, checking our watches, we surrender to the call of the woods. We decide to park just opposite Treman Park and hike in the other direction (from the autumn hike) for a short distance. Construction of a new intersection has made the area a dusty, rock-strewn mess. But this is a holiday and the bulldozers sit idle. The equipment tracks form a good place where I can maneuver my little 4wheel drive Colt safely off the road. So far so good. We find blazes leading along the edge of a hot field and then up a rocky creekbed lined with softwood trees: cottonwood and pussy willow. The sun beats with August fervor on our heads and
January - March 2001
backs. Our footsteps are loud; echoes are created by the distinctive chunk of slabs of shi&ing shale sitting half-submerged in water. Just a few yards farther and, as if we had passed behind the curtain, out of the footlights' glare onto the dark and waiting stage, we enter a forest both still and cool. Peat deadens our footfalls. Deep green Eastern hemlocks rise around us to block the sun and absorb extraneous noises. The trail climbs immediately along the edge of the creek and the sound of the gurgling water recedes below us in proportion to the rising of the cliff. As we near the top, we also reach the head of the gorge and are rewarded with a crystal cascade tumbling in the sunlight, breaking into beads like a shattered laminated windshield, laughing coyly as it polishes the shale wall to faux-obsidian and disappears into the depths below. If we had not looked at the right instant we would have missed it ... turned the bend and walked right by ... lost the moment. This is no Type A personality stream, falling sheer and aggressive, bent on keeping rocky appointments, leaping to heart attacks. This rill wants to play, wants to display its beauty. But oh, only one secret at a time! I can almost hear it, "Careful now ... you must peek around that branch to see this gem ... See that little splashy spot on my southern wall? Watch closely. If the sun will play, I'll make a rainbow for you ... Come with me, I'll never run away." We are dazzled, blinking from the
dim woods at this sparkling playmate. Tinkerbell lives! Only a mile, only a few minutes stolen from a hectic weekend. Yet these minutes are the ones remembered. All the people and paperwork are forgotten, all the checks on the checklist are faded and filed. But the beckoning laughter of the brook still calls me to follow, follow The Trail. 1 mile this hike NY 34 to Sand Bank Rd Tompkins County, New York 52 miles total NCT
~ â&#x20AC;˘
January - March 2001
:~~~ t':t~
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
T h ere I s N ew Impetus in Minnesota By Ginny Ruppe Headwaters, Chapter We're back! Due to the diligence of John and Pat Leinen, the Headwaters Chapter of the North Country Trail Association is once again going forward. Rod MacRae, who has given many hours of his time over the last 14 and more years as Minnesota coordinator of the Headwaters Chapter, has stepped down and John and Pat stepped in to fill the void. They put together a very encouraging meeting last Fall at Fort Snelling Park in Minneapolis. About 30 members attended the potluck picnic meeting on a beautiful, warm fall day. Tables were set up with literature on the work already done on the trail and what more needs to be done. Shirts, caps and cups were available for purchase with the money going for trail expenses. John presided over the meeting and described how far we have come on the North Country trail, what more we need to do and went on to ask for help in seeing that the work does continue. Many members signed up to pledge their willingness to help in different areas. If you were unable to attend but would like to offer your assistance, contact John or Pat Leinen at (651) 433-4456. I am sure it will be much appreciated. A word of warning-you just may become infected with John's contagious enthusiasm for the trail. John, who also served two terms on the national Board of Directors of the Directors and as Vice President for Trails, West, is the coordinator for the State of Minnesota for the NCTA. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota.
Great Lakes Council Elects New Chairman The Great Lakes Trail Council, composed of chapter officers and other representatives from Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, has elected Robert W. (Bob) Norlin from the Brule-St. Croix chapter as its chairman. Bob succeeds Pat Miller, who moved to Minnesota last year but graciously agreed to stay on as Great Lakes chair. Bob eventually may also fill Pat Miller's seat on the national Board of Directors and will be eligible to run for election as the Great Lakes Council nominee at the annual election by the members next Summer. Pat's term expires at the next annual conference in Caznovia, NY, in August 2001.
If you didn't know Bob already, you may have met him in the last issue of the North Star, where he was featu~ed in Joan Young's Heart and Sole column because of his exceptional trail building prowess. Bob is the President and majority stockholder of a company which
BOB NORLIN id the new chairman of the Great La/cu Trail Council installs industrial wood-burning systems from Maine to Georgia, and from Texas to Washington. Most have been supplied to companies that generate wood waste to use as fuel (such as sawmills). The largest burner burns a semi-trailer of sawdust every three hours. Bob says: "I've lived here in the Northwoods (about 3 miles from the former terminus of the Trail on C.T.H. "A") all of my life, except when away getting an education. I greatly enjoy being in the woods, both hiking and working on the trail. My regret is that more hikers are not using it." Page 27
,, North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
January - March 2001'
Excerpts from Chapter Newsletters
Reporting from the North Country Scenic Trail CENTRAL NEW YORK chapter has embarked on a challenging task: constructing a three segment, 90foot stairway to negotiate a steep ravine slope on the trail. Major problems: a large fallen tree crosswise to the slope and the transportation of material to the site. The chapter also is concerned about hillside segments in the Tioughnioga Wildlife Management Area. Poor soil conditions, rutted old wagon trails, heavy rainfall and illegal incursions of all-terrain vehicles resulted in significant damage. Trail relocations are being explored with state employees. - Central NY Chapter NewÂť
Early projects planned by the chapter: rerouting sections of the trail in the Jordan Valley were three culverts come together; placement of a sign indicating a lookout loop near Harmon and a "Scenic Lookout" sign there and measures to block intruding ATV traffic along the Warner Creek Pathway. -Titta6awaMee Newa
WITH THE ADDITION of Pat and Bob Seward, of Battle Creek, the Chief Noonday Chapter in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, now numbers 149 members, second in size only to the Western Michigan chapter, our oldest. - Chief Noonday Newaletter
BRULE/ST. CROIX chapter proposed to the village of Solon Springs and the Town of Solon Springs that the North Country Trail be routed through Lucius Woods Park and the Douglas Wildlife area over land owned by these two governments. The route lies about mile west of the original planned route but still within the NCT-approved corridor. The new route, while somewhat less scenic, is on property that remains in long-term public ownership. It will also permit crossing four-lane US-53 at a safe location with good visibility. Better yet, there is an access road with a flat area for trailhead parking already in place. -Brule/St. Croix Chapter NewÂŤ ALLEY CAT TRAIL crew of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, an NCTS Affiliate, finished three outhouses and picnic tables at each lean-to in Allegheny State Park last Fall; it was the crew's last major project of the 2000 season. Earlier the crew discovered a preservative for its structure that apparently is distasteful enough to porcupine Page 28
neighbors to keep them from chewing up the new construction. Projects for 2001, include trail improvements and bridge construction in Camp Sam Wood in Pike, NY, June 18-22; trail improvements and Woodchuck Hollow Lean-to replacement in the Taylor Valley State Forest, Aug. 20-24, and trail improvements to reduce slope and correct wet areas in Allegheny State Park, Sept. 18-22. Volunteers interested in joining the crews can receive applications from the FLTC Service Center. -Finger La/cu Trail Conference Quarterly
THE SECTION of trail in Michigan managed by the Tittabawassee Chapter is reported in good shape after extensive maintenance during 2000 by Arden Johnson, Lyle Bialk, Larry Lonsway, Jerry Allen, Gary Johnson and others. (Arden, former national treasurer of the North Country Trail Association and board member, was also state coordinator for the Lower Peninsula for many years and responsible for a great deal of route planning and construction in Michigan.)
AMERICAN HIKING Society's vacation volunteer program provides workers for trail projects throughout the United States. To show the appreciation of the North Country Trail Association for the work done by the volunteers in Moraine State Park in Pennsylvania, the Rock chapter (one of the NCTA's newest centered in Slippery Rock, PA) hosted a dinner for the volunteers at the park's Davis Hollow Outdoor Center. - Rocle Chapter and verae NATIONAL PARK SERVICE has certified trail in the Lowell State Game and in the Rogue River State Game area, built by the Western Michigan chapter. Other chapter highlights: Paula and Doug Wilbur built .8 miles of new trail in Fallasburg County Park. Paula plans to extend the trail north this year and also plans to mark the trail through the City of Lowell. (Lowell is the site of the new NCTA national headquarters. See article on Page 27 of this issue of the North Star. This past year, the chapter completed two foot bridges across Hillbrand and Hickory Creeks in the Rogue River Game area and mowed 22 miles of the trail from 17-Mile road in Kent County to the Long Lake County Park. Next, the chapter will build a bridge and a 90-foot long walk across Bigelow Creek in southern Newaygo County. The bridge is part of the plan to reroute the trail around the south side of Twinwood Lake which will eliminate the road walk along 40th St. and Spruce St. -Due North
NCT Map 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''. MI: Huron-Manistee NJ.: North Segment (T40!J .••••••••. $8.0 MI: Battle Creek to Chief Noonday Road (T402J $6. PA: McConnells Mill and Moraine State Parks PA: Allegheny National Forest North Section PA: Southern Allegheny National Forest and Cook Forest State Park (T203)
(T201)
$5.0
(T202)•.•••
$6.50 $8.00
HATS (Clockwise from bottom)
A. NaturalColored "Bucket Hat" (C208) ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
CertifiedSectionsof the North CountryTrail
B. "Denim'' Blue Cap (c203)
by Byron and Margaret Hutchins Detailed information and maps highlighting the longest and best off-road segments of the Trail. These are accurate route descriptions by experienced guidebook writers who''11ave waUC'ed the sections with a measuring wheel. In easy to use looseleaf form.
Penn$Ylvan1a
NCT in Pennsylvania,
37pp (M201)
$5.25
Ohio
Wayne National Forest , 14pp (M301) •••••••••• $3.00 Burr Oak - Sinking Spring, s1pp (M302) ••••••• $7 .00 Sinking Spring to Milford, 38pp (M303} ••••••• $6.00 Milford to Lake Loramie S.P., 42pp (M304A) •• $7.00 Little Miami Scenic Park, 19pp (M304J ••••••••• $3.00 Miami & Erie Canal, 14pp (M3os) $3.00 Miami & Erie Canal from Lake Loramie S.P. to Napoleon, 30pp (M3o5A) ••••••••••••••••••••••• $5.00
M;ichf_gan
NCT m Lower Michigan, NCT in Upper Michigan,
a1pp {M401) •••••••• aapp (M402)
$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.
T-Shirts NCTA T-Shirt
D. Light Khaki/Navy Cap (C207)
$14.95
E. Royal Mesh-Back Cap (C201) •••••••• $10.95 Mesh back, cotton twill front, royal blue, plastic snap strap.
NCNST
T-shirt (C-103) North Country National Scenic Trail - Just Beyond Your Backdoor.
(c101)
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
$14.95
Trail emblem design. Low profile washed cotton, unconstructed. Light Khaki crown with washed navy bill. Adjustable buckle on fabric strap.
-...iiiYiillii6ilililiMiiaiiiijlillil Sage
$12.50 $13.00
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: $.ll..9.5
Now S, L, XL: $8.25 XXL: $8.95
Trail Crew
Wiscan$in
Chequamegon N.F. and Brule River S.F., 19pp (Mso1) •••••••••••••••••••• $3.50 Iron County Forests; Chequamegon N.F., Brule River S.F., 21pp (Mso1A) ••••••••••••••••••• $4.50
T-shirt
M1nnesota
Chippewa National Forest, Itasca S.P., 24pp,(M601) •••••••••••••••••••••••••• $4.00 Nort~ Dakota NCT in North Dakota 1spp (M101) •••••••••••••• $5.00
$15.95
"Pro-wash" cotton twill with extended bill, deep blue crown and bill (looks like denim), adjustable buckle on a leather strap.
c. Moss Green Cap (C206) •••••••••••••••
Embroidered association logo. Low profile distressed washed cotton twill. Constructed with soft lining. Adjustable buckle on fabric strap.
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 Page 29
Michigan Map Sets by Arden
Johnson An excellent reference for the
entire North Country Trail in 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
Buckeye Trail (Ohio) Section Maps
(M411) (M412) (M413) (M414) (M415) (M416) (M417)
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
&i11
These convenient and detailed maps Mfnnef: to the cover the North Country Trail where North C untry Trai ~ pewa it overlaps with the Buckeye Trail. National Forest they are published by the Buckeye by Roden~k MacRae ( 611) Trail Association. Each map $3.50 Descripti n of the r ute and trail Belle Valley (M311) Morgan, Noble and log, east o west. W nderfully Guernsey Counties Bowerston (M312) Harrison, C~ll and written b · a Chippe National Guernse~fourities Forest ex ert. 12 a es $1.25 ~ (!.r.een-1nd Wa~(en Counties (M3i4}'1lefiance, Paulging, Putnam Henry and Wo~ Counties Delph s (M315) Putnam, Allen nd Auglaize Coun 'es Lovela d (M316) Clermont, Wa en and Hamilton Coy ties Massilon (M317) Stark and Tu,Scarawas Countie New S raitsville (M318) Athen~l;lo'cking, Morgan, Per[Y,Counties Ho'Cll'ihg, Ross and Vfhton Counties Scioto Trail Ross and Pike Counties Sinking Spring Adams, Pike and Highland Counties St. Marys Auglaize and Shelby Counties Stockport Morgan, Perry and Athens Counties Troy (M324) Greene, Miami and Montgomery Counties West Union (M325) Adams and Brown Counties Williamsburg (M326) Brown and Clermont Counties
Canvas Tote Bag
(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 ,·· i.'-
Y (..
m•::J
,
i :g ::::
the
6fuff//::is
North Country National
Scenic Trail 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 Medallion on Left (P104) $4.00 Brass painted in color Hiking Stick Medallion on 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 1/2" x 11/4" in vivid red, white and blue with a gold metallic border $3.00 ea. Trail Emblem (P102) Millennium (P2000)
Volunteer Patch State Patches 2"
(P121) 1" x 311/' •.••..•..•..••.•..••.•••.••.••..••...
x 2"
New York (P126), Pennsylvania (P127), Ohio Minnesota (P131), North Dakota (P132)
Round Patch
(P128),
Michigan
Wisconsin
(P13o),
$2.00 ea.
(P122) 3"
North Country Trail Association Patch of Trail Emblem 31/z'' bottom measure North Country Trail emblem triangle design (P12s) age 30
(P129),
$1.50 ea.
$3.00 ea. $3.50 ea.
INCTA Trail Building 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
Buck Wilder's Hiking & Camping Guide By Tim Smith and Mark Herrick One whole lot of fun! Buck Wilder and his pal Rascal the Raccoon share their considerable wisdom and wit. Wonderful color illustrations are filled with humor and countless tips and trivia. Though at first glance this looks like a book for kids, adults also find this guide irresistible and informative. 64pp, (L103) $12.95
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 planning your own long-distance hike. 180pp, (L111) $16.95
Backpackin'
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
A truly fresh look at hiking. Read about: philosophy of hiking, stress management, creativity and hiking, and trail romance. Also, explore today's issues through hiking: strengthening family ties, improving communication, a healthy lifestyle for kids, an inexpensive pastime and providing seniors with a natural prescription for health. A new twist for anyone who currently enjoys hiking and for those who are thinking about starting out. 245pp, (L106) $14.95
Comprehensive guide for be.ginning wanderers and those explonng new coun~. Choosing prope~ clothing~ selecting footware and ramgear, usmg 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,sUillptuous 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
By Philip Farranti and Cecilia Leyva
Dayhiker's HandbookBy J. Long s M. Hodgson
Lessons from the Appalachian Trail.
lipsmackin'
Hiking!
By John G. Hipps, M.D. Stories recount
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
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore r1cTuRm ROCKS
Nl\TIONAL Ll\Kr:snoRe
An Illustrated Guide by Olive Anderson.
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 A GUIDE
'V'UIV'l'R'S B.lft.DBO·OK · .
J\.'·.•.· · llAl 11 Ala
' AnAU!'~:.~:Gu•d•
Porcupine Mountains By Jim DuFresne. This
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
50 Hikes in Michigan 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 Page 31
Woman's Guide to Backpacking
Following the NCT
By Adrienne Hall You'll find 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's fresh 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
Great Wisconsin Walks
By Wes Boyd Third Edition of Following
the North Country Experience the National Scenic Trail. serenity of a 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 ~
~I'
~~
coUNT~t> ..(' )'>,.
. &"'~ ~ ~1.v. ~·~
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 route. 160pp, (L116) $16.95
Great Minnesota Walks
•ASSOCIATION•
NAME (Please Print)
By Wm. Chad McGrath Follow in
ADDRESS
I
cm
~~¥,~'!!~a~ehq~~~;ns about your order.) I I I I- ~I ~~l-1 Area Code
D Check or money order enclosed (Made payable to "NCTA")
l
[ WS4'
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's finest 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 I I I IExtension I I Merchandise Total:
D Please charge my credit card '-==-'
Subtotal After Discount:
MI Residents Add 6% Sales Tax:
+
Shipping and Handling:
+
(See shipping info below) Expiration Date
Membership Dues (If Included):+
Commemorative Bridge Walle 2000 t-shirt. Get it now
s. M, L
Was $11.95 r------1 1-------;
GRAND TOTAL:
Name on Card
Special T-Shirt Sale while supplies last. Beautiful photo of the Mackinac bridge with seven state map of trail.
NCTA Members Deduct 10%: -
Charge Card Number
Now $8.50 (P2001)
2001 Calendar
Please mail, fax or phone your order to:
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 $10.01 to $25.00 $25.01 to $50.00 $50.01 to $100 Over $100
$2.50 $3.50 $5.00 $6.50 $8.50
Page 32
By Wm. Chad McGrath
49 Monroe Center NW, Suite 200B 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
Scenes of the NCT throughout the year.
$8.50 (L2001)
January - March 2001
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
路lie Affairs ...............
Congress Increases Trail Funding ........................................ A well-prepared and vigorous lobby effort in Congress last Spring, paid off this Winter with some much needed extra appropriations for the National Park Service and a resultant increase in funding for the North Country National Scenic Trail. Congress appropriated an additional $175,000 for the Trail which will result in an additional income of $87,500 for the year 2001 budget of the North Country Trail Association. The higher budget will permit the Association to shore up funding for our cartography program which hopes to triple the percentage of mapped trail next year (details in a story on Page 16); increase field grants to our chapters and partners and reduce the chronic budget deficit. The $175,000 appropriation breaks down as follows: Ten percent, or $17,500 goes to the regional NPS office in Omaha for emergency needs in other parks of its region; $87,500 will be allocated to the NCTA and the remaining $70,000 to the NPS Madison office. The Madison office will use the appropriation to hire a land protection specialist and to create a part-time position that will provide greater service to our chapters and partners. The lobby effort, well-prepared by Executive Director Bob Papp, Margie Kindel, NCTA program manager and other NCTA staffers, benefited greatly from the participation of Gary Werner, Chairman of the Partnership for the National Trails System, and the legislative staff of the American Hiking Society, which sponsors an annual Trail Advocacy Week in Washington, DC each Spring. Bob Papp, Bob Tait, Pennsylvania state coordinator and Derek Blount, our legislative chairman, both members of the National Board of Directors, attended in
Friendly legulator.:1 helped a great deal to assure the funding and it certainly wou/J he appropriate if our members expredded their tbank禄 with a note to tho.:1e who were upecially helpful in the bi-partisan effort. Washington and spoke with Senators and Representatives whose districts border the trail and with influential members of the appropriation committees. Friendly legislators helped a great deal to assure the funding and it certainly would be appropriate if our members expressed their thanks with a note to those who were especially helpful in the bi-partisan effort. Sen. Herb Kohl, of Wisconsin, and Rep. Maurice Hinchey, of New York, who sit on their respective Appropriations Sub-Committees on the Department of Interior, were direct spokesmen for the funding in the House and Senate committees. On the Senate side, Sens. Carl Levin (Michigan) and Herb Kohl (Wisconsin) co-authored a "Dear Colleague" letter urging their support of the appropriation. The letter was signed by Sens. Spencer Abraham of Michigan, Mike DeWine of Ohio, Kent Conrad and Byron Dorgan of North Dakota, Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Charles Schumer of New York and Paul Wellstone of Minnesota. On the House side, Rep. Vernon Ehlers and James Oberstar of Minnesota co-authorized a similar letter to their colleagues which was signed by: New York: Reps. Sherwood Boehlert and Amo Houghton. Pennsylvania: Reps. Philip English and Ron Klink.
Michigan: Reps.Peter Hoekstra, James Barcia, David Bonior, Dale Kildee, Bart Stupak and Bruce Vento. Ohio: Rep. Bob Portman. Finally, we're especially grateful to Rep. Ralph Regula, of Ohio, for his ongoing support for trails and his willingness to fight for muchneeded appropriations.
Willing Seller Update Over the past two years, we put up one heck of a fight to secure the authority needed for the National Park Service (NPS) to purchase land to permanently protect our trail corridor. As you may know, when our trail was authorized by Congress in 1980, this authority was denied. Lacking this authority creates a major obstacle to completing and protecting the trail. So, we've been trying to get Congress to change its mind, but only in the case of willing sellers. In early summer of 2000, the House of Representatives passed what we call the Willing Seller Bill. Yet, despite the support of key Senators from both sides of the aisle, we were never able to get the bill out of the Senate Committee and to the floor for a vote. Eleventh hour concerns over condemnation authority, which the bill didn't even have, not to mention the distractions of the election, held the Bill up. There is a lot of good news to be salvaged in this, though. The Bill specificallyexcludes condemnation authority, so on this issue only more reassurances are needed. Also, although we need to start from scratch with the new Congress, we have a lot of ducks already in a row. We expect that the Bill will move more quickly and smoothly through the various steps we were able to get past in the previous Congress, allowing us to focus more intently on clearing the final hurdles. Thanks to everyone who helped us get this far! Page 33
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
January - March 2001
We're Marking Our 20th Anniversary with All Kinds of Major Moves volunteers. Now, we have six employees, one intern and lots of really great volunteers. So, with a bittersweet mixture of fond memories and intense relief, last year we decided it was time to move again.
bout the time you read this olumn, I expect the national eadquarters of the North Country Trail Association to be in a state of complete and utter upheaval. Files will be strewn about (not that this would be all that unusual), furniture will be tipped on end (we actually tried this once as a way to fit in more desks, but it didn't work so well), and strangers will be hauling off everything they can get their hands on. ls this the end?
If you already knew that this year marks the twentieth anniversary of the NCTA, then you must be a long time member or a stickler for details. Either way, we're glad you're with us and still rooting for the trail. Our earliest members, who we affectionately call our "charter members," officially founded the NCTA way back in 1981. Just think of what must have been burning inside that handful of volunteers when they decided to form an organization to build a hiking trail across seven states. A lot of faith, I would imagine. Faith that fellow hikers across the nation would hear the call and understand in their hearts what it meant. Faith that the idea would spread and catch hold in pockets along the trail, and that a movement would grow from the spark of their hopes. As an organization, the NCTA grew gradually from those roots. A one-room school house in White Cloud, Michigan served as the headquarters for what, for many years, was an entirely volunteer effort. Regular meetings were held at the site, an hour north of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and about one and a quarter miles from the trail. A decade after being formed, the NCTA hired its first staff member, a part-time executive director. For the next four years, the Association was managed from home offices of its part-time staff. Then, in 1995, a small office was sublet in a complex on the southeast side of Grand
Page 34
By Bob Papp Executive Director
Rapids. Modest digs, yes, but with the addition of a part-time office manager, the NCTA was growing. Over the next five years, that growth was reflected in areas that matter much more than office accommodations. Membership quadrupled. Chapters exploded across the trail's seven states. Hundreds of new trail miles were completed and certified by our growing corps of volunteers. The life of our national headquarters paralleled our growth in the field. We moved to our second office in 1996, in downtown Grand Rapids. With a view of a back alley (some 18 miles from the trail), the new office felt like an airplane hangar. But, we took just four years to become overcrowded. This office started with two employees and no
There's a lot more to this story, though, than just another move. Above, I asked rhetorically if this upheaval was "the end." To answer my own question, I sense that this definitely is an end. We have spent the last two decades laying foundations. We've built and connected segments totaling one third of the trail's total length, creating credibility, legitimacy, and some excellent recreational opportunities. We've built an organizational infrastructure of volunteers and partners, nearly covering the trail from end to end. We've established a viable and vibrant headquarters, with a life that has exceeded the capacity of its temporary housing. We've secured our first million dollars to permanently protect the trail, and in just a few years have doubled federal base funding for trail operations. In short, we've grown up. Marking our twentieth anniversary, the relocation of our national headquarters is symbolic of the dramatic evolution of our Association. Our new location is just one half block from the trail, in a storefront that is easily accessible to the public, and has ample space for future growth. Within a year, we expect to have a full-time development director on staff, to begin raising the serious money we will need in a new era of trail construction and protection. We also have set the goal of establishing regional support centers
"... We've built ano connected seqmentÂť totaling one thiro of the trail'.1 total length, creating cre'JiJJility, legitimacy, and some excellent recreational opportunities. We've built an orqanizationai infrastructure of volunteerÂť ano partners, nearly covering the trail from eno to eno ... ".
January - March 2001
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
"... Ererything we're achiered to date i.d due to the hard work, dedicatwn and faith contributed by our countless oolunteere and partnerÂť over the past two decadu ... " to directly assist volunteers and the public and to work more closely with our many partners. We see an exciting future ahead, as the NCTA steps up to meet the full challenge of the North Country Trail. We are deeply grateful to the Lowell Area Community Fund, for it's help with the move and its contribution toward our development director. And, of course, everything we've achieved to date is due to the hard work, dedication and faith contributed by our countless volunteers and partners over the past two decades.
Happy Twentieth Anniversary NCTA!
Membership Form 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 $30 Regular D $50 Trail Leader
D
D
$100 Pathfinder D $250 NCT Patron
$45 Organization D $150 Business
Would you like to be a Chapter Member or At- Large? (There if no extra charge to he a member of a local Cbapten)
D Member ofa specific Chapter:._--------------------------Member (Not affilinieJwilb any Chapter) D Member ofmy closest local Chapter(If one exiae) D At-Large NAME ADDRESS CITY
I STATE
PHONE
IZIP
1E-MAIL
SKILLS TO VOLUNTEER (Optional)
Pleasemail, fax or phone your order to:
49 Monroe Center NW, Suite 2008 â&#x20AC;˘ Grand Rapids, Ml 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 35
January - March 2001
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
North Country Trail Association
National Board of Directors
Rent the NCTA's One Room Schoolhouse! •ASSOCIATION•
Terms Expiring
Terms Expiring
Terms Expiring
in 2001
in 2002 Mary Lucas
in 2003
David Cornell At-Large 514 Cordes Road Delton, MI 49046 (616) 623-8659 jancl28@aol.com Bob Tait At-Large 212 E. Metzger Ave. Butler, PA 16001 (724) 287-3382 BobTait@zbzoom.net Pat Miller Great Lake» Trail Council Chair 15737 65th Avenue Milaca, MN 56353 (320) 983-5643 pkmiller@ecenet.com Anthony (Tony) Rodriquez &.it DiviJion 127 Manor Drive Syracuse, NY 13214 (315) 446-3586 Gaylord Yost Wut Divuion 2925 W. Bradley Rd. River Hills, WI 53217-2052 (414) 354-8987 gaylyost@aol.com
At-Large 753 Davenport St. Rhinelander, WI 54501 (715) 362-0616 dsmlucas@newnorth.net Amy Clark At-Large 1646 Capitol Way, Apt. 101 Bismarck, ND 58501 (701) 223-8659 aclark@state.nd.us Derek Blount At-Large 906 N. Alexander Royal Oak, MI 48067 (248) 548-1737 djblount@aol.com HowardBeye AL/egheny-Aoironoack Trail Council Chair 202 Colebourne Rd. Rochester, NY 14609 (716) 288-7191 fltc@axsnet.com Helen Coyne East Dioision 212 Willow Circle Cranberry Township, PA 16066-4572 (724) 776-0678 hcoyne@zbzoom.net
Werner Veit At-Large 49 Monroe Center, Ste. 200B Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (888) 454-NCTA wv 12@aol.com Joan Young 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.com Daryl Williamson WeJt Division. 5901 Tirnberglade Drive Bloomington, MN 55438 (612) 835-2186
What's It For? NCTA's Schoolhouse makes an ideal hostel for your hikes through lower Michigan. It includes a shower, cots, and a kitchenette. It's also a great site for meetings or retreats!
Where Is It? 5 miles NW of White Cloud, Michigan, nestled in the southern region of the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
Who Runs It? The Schoolhouse is maintained and managed by volunteers from our own Western Michigan Chapter.
Information: Just call our office at 888-454-NCTA ( 6282) and ask for a copy of the Schoolhouse brochure!
Sponsored Membership Form Our Sponsored Membership Program allows current members to sign up new members at an introductory rate of just $18.00. To qualily, Sponsored Members 1111Mtbe new to NCTA, or not have been members for a least two years. The $18.00 rate is good only for the first year of membership. To use the program, just fill in your name in the "Sponsored by:" box. Then, give the form to your friend to finish. Please choose your affiliation (check one): Member of a specificChapter: _
D D Member of my closest local Chapter (If one exists) D At-LargeMember (Not affiliated with any Chapter) Sponsored by: NAME
______________
North Count~ Trail Association
ADDRESS CITY
ZIP --.,--'==--~,---""-'of'-------'------~
PHONE SKILLS TO VOLUNTEER(Optio
Page 36
To begin your membership complete this form and send it with __, your $18 payment to:
49 Monroe Center NW Suite 200B Grand Rapids, MI 49503
January - March 2001
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
elastWord .......................
LETTERS The article in the Fail iuue of the by the National Parle Serviced Bill Menke, manager of the North Country National Scenic Trail, regarding the quality of the dtewarddbip along our trail by the U.S. Forest Service in the ALiegheny National Forest, drew appreciative redponded from both hilcerd and the Forest Service. North Star
A sample of the letters:
Pleased to Get Full Story Dear Mr. Menke, "I want to thank you for your fine and informative article "Good News: Forest Service Excellent NCT Steward in the Allegheny Forest" in the North Star. I heard about horrible things happening to the NCT in the Allegheny Defense Project's newspaper. I so want to be informed of what is happening to our natural resources. And I want to be aware of abuse to the lands and be part of a movement to stop it. But I am beginning to find that some organizations, who truly mean well, sometimes will take this immature and uninformed "us against them" attitude. It can be very frustrating when you primarily want to learn. And still be an environmentalist. "Being an avid hiker, as well as a field trip chairman for the Botanical Society of Western Pennsylvania, leads me to many outdoor adventures with a variety of people. I am learning to listen to the quiet outdoors 'person, i.e, the one who spends a lot of time exploring out of doors and actually observing nature. Their advice and opinions seem wise and balanced. (One of my favorite northern Pennsylvania members of the Botanical Society is retired ANF forester Ted Grisez ,
who I understand had a lot to do with the preservation of old growth in Ander's Run.) "I am certainly happy that North Star was available for you to voice this opinion, and I hope the message gets spread to more people.
Loree Speedy yoree@sgi.net
Bill replies: Dear Md. Speedy, I'm happy that you receive and enjoy the North Star. Thanks for the feedback. It is always our objective to protect/advocate for the North Country Trail, while at the same time presenting a balanced viewpoint based on knowledge and awareness of natural resource management principles. The USFS is a strong partner with us in this endeavor and does an admirable job (especially on the Allegheny) of protecting the trail-especially considering their budget/staffing cuts over the last decade."
BiLLMenlce
From Forest Service: Dear BiLLThanks for the fine article in the October-December North Star. John (Romanowski) shared the article with me this morning. We are pleased with the level of collaboration between our two agencies on the North Country Trail.
It is not always an easy job, but with players at the table the current and future values of the Trail are being managed well. Thanks again for your role and in sharing the results of the field visit.
Uniform Marking Dear North Star Editor: Over the past two years, the Chequamegon Chapter of NCTA has undertaken the task of remarking the entire 60 miles the trail covers through the Chequamegon NF. To date, we have completed one segment in the Marengo River area, and have totally remarked the 13 or 14 miles between the Rainbow Lakes and Porcupine Lakes wilderness areas on the west side of the Chequamegon NF part of the trail. However, as we continue to work on this project, at times we have found some confusion in the Forest Service regulations governing trail marking. One example: we have repainted existing yellow diamonds boundary blue to match the boundary blue blazes we have paintedonly to find out at the end of the season, that we should leave the yellow diamonds and simply paint new blazes.
In addition, there is now some question whether we should paint blazes - or instead nail plastic blazes to posts or trees as they do in some other sections of the trail. I understand that the trail marking regulations vary from area to area, depending on which National Forest has jurisdiction. My point here is that the entire trail would benefit from uniform trail marking regulations and application.
Peter Scbmitz; Treasurer Chequamegon Chapter
Don Meyer Deputy Regional Forester Eastern Region, R-9 dmeyer@fs.fed.us
Page 37
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
January - March 2001
Trail Supporters Contributions and Special Renewals received from September 19 through November 30th. Donations Gifts of $500 or more Irene Szabo Werner Veit Gifts of $100 to $499 Ada Elementary PTO BP Amoco Andrew Todd Borsum Patrick and Christine Newcombe Striders, Inc. Gifts of up to $99 Joe and Trina Ball Jay and Joyce Billingsley Donald and Lilliam Black Nancy Brucken Butler Outdoor Club Raymond and Sara Camilli Peter and Polly Edmunds John and Jennifer Farnsworth Milton Griffin Larry Hawkins Ronald Hoch Richard and Phyllis Jameson John Hopkins Univ. Dept of Physics Floyd Kellogg Hamdi and Connie Rammal Keith and Ardath Robertson Nancy Schlager Ken, Jane and Maxwell Schroder Arie Soderbloom Kim Whitehead Gaylord and Marlene Yost
Memberships Organizations AYH Pittsburgh Council North Dakota Forest Service NCT Patron ($250 dues) Irene Szabo Pathfinders ($100 dues) David Briggs Barb and Brian Buchanan Loyal Eldridge Chris and Patti Gilson Bill Mansfield Michael and Erica SanDretto Edward Scanlan Frank Wanat Donald Wickstra Daryl Williamson Trail Leaders ($50 dues) John Allen and Edith Maynard Fred Auch Joseph Barnosky Bob and Nancy Benham Charles Benjamin Frank Blumenthal Frank Burggraf Page 38
Phil and Barb Cutrare Peter and Polly Edmunds David Henshaw Kurt Landauer Richard Mattice Al and Jean Moberly Paul Montain Joseph Moyzis Fred Muschenheim Carole and Loren Pederson Wayne and Laura Pennington Mike Schaeffer Tim Shaw Mari Smith Randy Swanson Tim Travis Rudy and Nancy Van Donk Steve and Deb Webster Neil Whitbeck New Members Jeffrey Baker Edward Baugh Donald Baxter Jason Beam Jim and Jill Bergenham Stephan Bergenham Diane Bick Robert Bloye Robert Brierly Frank Burggraf Kathleer Carlile Phillip Cody Deborah Cole William Currie Phil and Barb Cutrare Molly Dalton Alphonse Danastasio Matthew and Stacy Davis Andrea Dean Jim Dee David and Carol Dixen L. Keith and Donna Ekis James Ellis Tim and Noreen Farrell Mark Finstad Jon Firebaugh Susan Gorton Peggy Greene Richard Harris John Heiam and Lois Goldstein Kristin Held David Henshaw Sandra Henson Susan Holtzmann Darlene Hungerford Michael Ingels Neil Isham Scott Jacobs
~
Ray and Phyllis Jansma Cody Johnecheck Bill Kamman Alexander and Joan Keilen Mary Ann King Herbert Kirker Carol Kistler Michael Koets Stephen and April Kovach Kevin and Patricia Kraay Timothy Laclave Steven Laderer John Larsen Donald Lowe Maurice and Nicole Malcram Greg and Katie Mansor Joe and Diane Martin Holly Martinchek Clifton McQueen Nelson Meade Gordon Meeusen Ron Miller Keith Monson David and Katheryn Morse Cathy Muha Gordon and Vernie Nethercut Deborah Nighswander Paul Numsen Judy Pangman Richard Parks Derrick Passe Frank Piraino Richard and Jean Porter Rusty Price Mary Reder Thomas Reynolds Keith and Ardath Robertson Pat Ryan Dennis Schoenick Suzanne Selig Matthew Sevcik Brian Seven Madelyn Snyder Doug Springborn Tim Stache Mark Stache Carol Staub Ellen Stephenson Matt Stimson Mary Swartz Christie Tamblyn Jack and Lisa Tessler Jessie Thomas Allen Weibel Scott Wheaton Neil Whitbeck Barbara Whitney Jim Wilson Eleanor Witt Douglas Woodcock
North Star: The Magazine of the North Country Trail
January - March 2001
Law Offices of
Barry S. Cohen N9661 Willow Rd. Elkhart Lake, WI 53020 (920) 565-4225
AGR International
Stores in:
Pittsburgh, PA
MIDWEST MOUNTAINEERING
Bill Prall Touring Gear 108 E. Third St.• (231) 526-7152 Harbor Springs, Ml 49740
(412) 364-8078. (412) 835-0315 Monroeville,PA (412) 380-4012 Erie, PA (814) 866-7600
Prairieville Family Inn ~~ Fuii
10484 S. Norris Rd. • Prairieville, Ml (616) 623-6150 (A favorite of the Chief Noonday Trail Crew!)
• A.d-ven.~e
311 W. Kilgore• Portage, Ml 49002 • 616-381-7700 Downhill & XC Skiing • Snowboards • Backpacking • Camping Kayaks• Canoes• lnline Skales •Technical Outerwear Boy Scouts• Adventure & Travel Wear for Men & Womern
I~K~~
Butler County Chamber of Commerce
281 S. Main Street• Butler, PA 16003 (724) 283-2222
Kalamazoo, Ml 49004 (616) 382-2561
Harbor Springs Cycling Club P.O. Box 364 <Harbor Springs, Ml 49740
TRecs Inc. (Teambuilding and Recreational Services)
Backpacking Canoeing Rock Climbing
P.O. Box 1478 Portage, MI 49081 (616) 327-5379
WmterTrips for Families
Customized corporate teambuilding and team management programs.
or Large Groups Weekend& Extended
225 East Wisconsin Ave. Oconomowoc, WI 53066 (414) 567-6847 10730 West Janesville Rd. Hales Corners, WI 53130 (414) 425-6888
Thank You ~ 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 induding 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 You ~ NCT Patrons David and Jan Cornell Greg David
Shirley Heam Robert J. Schwartz
Walter M. Srogi Harmon V. Strong Irene Szabo
NCT Patrons are individuals or households that generously contribute $250 or more each year in membership dues. Page 39
The Grand Rapids Foundation
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North Country Trail Association 49 Monroe Center, Suite 200 B Grand Rapids, MI 49503