North Star Vol. 21, No. 3 (2002) by NCTA Staff

Bill Menke coming up a hill in Ellicottvile, NY with the slopes of the Holimount Ski Resort in the background.

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WERNER VEIT

' Bill Our Peripatetic

out the registration blank on Page 16. See you there!

• • •

Underway Again (with Dave Cornell) ven if there were no drought in the Northeast, little grass would grow under the feet of our trail foreman and contributing editor, the peripatetic Bill Menke who spent the month of May in his hiking boots again. You've read his accounts of longrange treks in past issues of The North Star, often in the company, or at least in part company, of Dave Cornell, president of the Chief Noonday Chapter and just reelected to the Board of the North Country Trail Association. This time, again with Dave along at least part way, Bill set out on the Finger Lakes Trail in New York. We got word of at least part of his progress through John Malcolm, a member of our Clarion (PA) Chapter as well as the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. John picked up Bill in Erie, PA., so that Bill could hike the road sections (there aren't many) of the Finger Lakes trail from Salamanca to Franklinville, NY. We did manage to slow his preparations for the hike enough so he could complete his two assignments for this issue of the magazine: the description of the North Country Trail in his home state of Wisconsin beginning on Page 19 and the second of his Trail Craft series beginning on Page 7.

••• Time again for my quarterly botany lesson from Joan Young who explained patiently that brown-eyed and blackeyed Susan are the same plane, Rudbeckia hirta, when I sent her the accompanying photograph with a plea to tell which color eyes this flower has. There is an allied species, Rudbeckia triloba, which chis wildflower definitely isn't. "Note the very hairy stems and what appears to be a tendency for the lower stems to look winged." I noticed no such thing hue

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July - September 2002

maybe that's why I'm scheduled to have a cataract removed. In case my freshman botany professor should ever read these lines, I need to write for the record that my field shortcomings are no reflection on her instruction, but rest instead on my more than half century away from the classroom. Even in my senior moments, I do remember that the Genus is capitalized and the species begins in lower case, hue that's nearly the extent of my recollection. I did do a little better with the accompanying owl whose portrait was not submitted to Joan. With the help of Char Chandler's Definitely, hlrta handy bird guide (Char volunteers weekly in the NCTA office), this critter was (more or less) identified as a Shorteared owl (Asio jlammeus). I say "more or less," because the characteristic streaks are bit out of focus. So if we're wrong, we'll blame the lens. All that because the pictures are from sights we are likely to see in North Dakota in August and we never miss an opportunity to urge all our readProbably, flammeus ers to attend the annual conference. See all about it in this issue and then fill

No sooner had we completed the "workshop for novices" pictured on page 18, when we started to get telephone calls and e-mails from other members, most of them relatively new to the North Country Trail Association, who wanted to know when we would offer the workshop again. The idea for the workshop arose out of my wondering why only the same a handful of members from my Western Michigan chapter ever participated in trail work. I asked around and learned a number might have participated but were intimidated by the veteran trail workers with their formidable skills. Hence the workshop for "novices." We invited members from neighboring chapters and held the session this Spring. The workshop was not intended as more than a solution to a specific problem in my area and it had not occurred to any of us to do it again. Bue given the response, maybe similar workshops could be held around all our regions. If anyone out there has interest in getting something like that going, write to me at northstareditor@aol.com or call me at the NCTA office in Lowell and I can help get things underway. Our session paid off immediately. Two weeks lacer when our chapter held our first annual "Go to Blazes Spring trail cleanup day," just about every workshop participant showed up to help. We expect to see them all again before end of the Summer.

• •• Drew Hanson, author of the article

on the Ice Age National Scenic Trail on Page 21, grew up in Wisconsin's North Country and has been the Ice Age Trail Geographer since 1996. He can be reached at hansoa@dnr.state.wi.us

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•ASSOCIATION• 229 East Main Street, Lowell MI 49331 Ph. (888) 454-NCTA, Fx. (616) 897-6605 hq@norrhcountrytrail.org www.northcountrytrail.org

NCTA Staff: Bob Papp, Executive Director Tiffany Halfmann, GIS Coordinator Bonnie Wayman, Office Manager Bill Menke, Trail Foreman Glory Meyer, Public Services Coordinator Allison Barr, Bookkeeper

North Country Trail Association National Board of Directors Terms Expiring 2002 Derek Blount, at Large· 906 N. Alexander, Royal Oak, MI 48607 · (248) 548-1737 · djblount@aol.com Helen Coyne, at Large· 212 Willow Circle, Cranberry Township, PA 16066 · (724) 776-0678 · hcoyne@zbzoom.net Mary Lucas, at Large · 753 Davenport Sr., Rhinelander, WI 54501 · (715) 362-0616 · myrigemary@netscape.net Howard Beye, New York · 202 Colebourne Rd., Rochester, NY 14609 · (716) 288-7191 · flrc@frontiernet.com Jon G. Lindgren, North Dakota · Vice President, West · 2001 N. Seventh Sr., Fargo, ND 58102 · (701) 232-7868 · jon_ lindgren@ndsu.nodak.edu Terms Expiring 2003 Werner Veit, at Large · 229 E. Main Sr., Lowell, MI 49331 · (888) 454-6282 · wvl2@aol.com Joan Young, Secretary, at Large· 861 W USIO, Scottville, MI 49454 · (231) 757-2205 · jhy@r-one.net Richard Harris, VP East, at Large · 974 SOM Center Rd., Mayfield, OH 44143 · (440) 4497467 · richhohi@concentric.net Daryl Williamson, Minnesota· 5901 Timberglade Dr., Bloomington, MN 55438 · (952) 835-2186 Terms Expiring 2004 John Leinen, Jr., at Large . Vice President, Finance· 14205 St. Croix Trail, Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 433-4456 · parleinen@msn.com Irene Szabo, at Large · 6939 Creek Rd., Mr. Morris, NY 14510-9638 · (716) 658-4321 · rreeweenie@aol.com Gaylord Yost, President, at Large · 2925 W Bradley Rd., River Hills, WI 53201-1013 · (414) 354-8987 · gaylyosr@aol.com Bob Norlin, Grear Lakes· PO Box 718, Iron River, WI 54847 · (715) 372-5229 · rnorlin@ir o nriver. baysar. net Garry S. Dill Jr., Ohio · 4070 TrairorsvilleBrighron Rd., London, OH 43140 · (937) 834-2891 · vetfarm@srarband.net Bob Tait Pennsylvania · Box 2968 Burler, PA 16001-2968 · (724) 287-3382 · Bobrair@zbzoom.net

The North Country Trail in Wisconsin The third in our "Portrait of the Trail," series describes the North Country National Scenic Trail in Wisconsin. You'll find Bill Menke's account, starting on Page 19.

New in This Issue

Features

The North Country Trail is one of eight in the National Scenic Trail System. With today's article on the Ice Age Trail in Wisconsin on Page 21, we begin a series describing our sister scenic trails in the U.S.

'Father of Trails' Honored Trails Day Celebrations Joining Dirt and Waters Trail Building Workshop

Page 9 Pages 9 Page 24 Page 26

Columns Editor's Note Trail Head View from Lowell View from Madison

Page 2 Page 6 Page 3 5 Page 34

Departments Heart and Sole Hiking Shorts Milestones Trail Calendar Trail Craft Trail Log Trail Shop Trail Supporters

Page 18 Page 28 Page 38 Page 23 Page 7 Page 4 Page 29 Page 39

Trail Joins Couples For introducing Members Sharon Froeligh and Aaron Phipps on the trail, North Star Editor Werner Veit got a reward: escorting the bride at a trail wedding. Page 12.

About the Cover That's the Sheyenne River running through Valley City, ND, site of the annual conference of the North Country Trail Association Aug. 15-18. The North Star Staff: Werner Veit, Editor Sharon Froeligh, Contributing Editor Bill Menke, Contributing Editor Roger Meyer, Contributing Editor Joan Young, Contributing Editor Aaron Phipps, Art Director Jennifer Tripp, Production Manager

The North Star, Summer Issue, 1-01. )()(], Issue3, is published quarterly by the North Country Trail Association, a private. not-for-profit 501c(3) organization, 229 East Main Street, Lowell, Ml 49331. The North Star is publishedfor promotional and educational purposes and as a benefit of membership in the Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the North Country Trail Association.

July - September 2002

North

Star

Trail Log: Minnesota, New York Pennsylvannia,

Michigan

Major Gap of Superior (North Country} Trail Filled in Minnesota

he Superior Hiking Trail Association (SHTA), the North Country Trail Association's affiliate in Minnesota, has begun construction on a new l O-mile segment of trail that closes a gap on the Superior Hiking Trail near Hovland. The new stretch will also replace an eight-mile road walk, partly along State Highway 61 and partly on county roads. Until now, the trail had stopped in Judge Magney State Park past Devil's Kettle Falls and did not start again until Carlson Creek on the Arrowhead Road. The SHTA scheduled construction for May and June on sections where permission has already been granted and then plans to resume after the bug season in late August and September, assuming all necessary permits and permission is obtained for the remainder. Gayle Coyer, executive director of the SHTA, explained in The Ridgeline, the newsletter of the Association: "The route we have planned will be a wonderful addition to the Superior Hiking Trail (the North Country National Scenic Trail follows the SHn. It continues north through the Judge Magney State Park on a high bluff above the Brule River. "It then crosses private property with several bridge crossings of the beautiful Flute Reed River. The trail climbs out of the Flute Reed River watershed onto high ground of mixed maple, white pine and aspen/birch/balsam forests. Then, it descends into the Carlson Creek watershed, which has an amazing amount of historic value and current beaver activity. At one point, the trail will cross the top of an old beaver dam near the outlet of a large pond." Led by Ken Oelkers, the route was designed and flagged by Brad Anderson, John Green and Coyer. Brad spent all of last October working with Ken in the woods. Once the gap is closed, the trail will be continuous from Two Harbors to the Canadian border. It was a busy Spring for the SHTA. Besides the Hovland project, volunteers: - Put in steps on steep trail portions near

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July - September

2002

The photograph shows the Impressive countryside where volunteers from the Superior Hiking Trail Association are at work closing a 12-mile gap In the Superior and North Country Hiking Trail. It Is located In the area of Judge Magney State Park near Hovland, MN.

lake Superior Marais

Superior Hiking Trail - - - â&#x20AC;˘ Construction area

Wolf Ridge, the day after the SHTA's annual meeting at the Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center. - Built two small bridges near Gooseberry River and placed 15 steps. - Constructed 60 feet of boardwalk and a 12-foot bridge at the Split Rock River.

-The Ridgeline Bridges Built by Onondaga Chapter Fourteen members of Onondaga Chapter, Adirondack Mountain Club built two bridges on the North Country Trail in southern Onondaga County, NY, in April. The 36 ft. by 16 ft spans cross irrigation ditching on a beef cattle farm owned by Don, Betty and David Schlicht, of Fabius, NY. Adjacent landowners, Alice Harris, Dorothea Woodford and Scott and Pat

Bowen have also given permission for the NCT. This new trail section (also new Finger Lakes Trail mileage) west of Cazenovia is being designed to give the hiker the most spectacular views of the breathtaking glacial topography of Central New York State. There are also deep forest and places of heavy growth, which harbor much wildlife. In building the bridges, landowners, Scott Bowen and Rod Schlicht, helped with their tractor drawn wagons hauling lumber up a steep slopes so our trail workers could save weeks of work moving the planks and beams to construction sites. Funding for the materials came from the National Park Service Challenge Cost Share Program. Our crews look carefully for the driest routes or otherwise drain or plank the wet spots. We work with an inclinometer to keep grades down to 10%. Easier maintenance for the trail steward is considered too. In addition to our generous private landowners, the North Country National Scenic Trail has official endorsement

Trail Log: Minnesota, New York Pennsylvannia , Michigan

On one of the new bridges are (left to right) Jim Wade, Scott Chubon, Bill and Anne Brosseau, Pat Quist, Tony Rodriquez (former member of the NCTA Board), Scott Bowen, Sean Redmond, Gene Pierson, Genna Weitzel, Mellisa Boose, Neena Mitchell and Bill Coffin.

by the Onondaga County Legislature, Onondaga County Parks Dept., Town of Fabius Board, and the New York State Dept of Environmental Conservation. -Bill Coffin

NC Trail Hikers Engage in AmbitiousProjects The North Country Trail Hikers, the North Country Trail Association's chapter based in Marquette, MI, has embarked on an ambitious trail improvement program. Some of the highlights: Replacing old trail blazes, painted diamonds in various shades of blue, with the standard North Country trail rectangles painted in Nelson blue boundary. Replacing wooden signs mounted on wood posts with decals on Carsonite posts. The decals will identify the trail as a segment of the NCNST and indicate the permitted and prohibited uses of the trail. Posts are being installed at trail heads, intersections with major roads and in areas where trees are insufficient for adequate blazes. Installing plastic signs at property boundaries to alert hikers to changes in permitted uses. (For example, camping and camp fires are permitted on much public land, but not generally on private

land. Signs will remind hikers of such changes and restrictions. The chapter is also looking ahead to work needed when the State of Michigan completes purchases from Ameritech and the Canadian National Railroad on an old railroad grade in Chocolay Township. Installing barriers to the non-motorized trail has priority. When rights of way are granted and routes settled, flagging and trail building for the westward extension of the North Country Trail from the Little Garlic Trail also are on the chapter's agenda, as well as looking at possible routes westward from County Road 510 to the Silver Lake Basin. Finally, the chapter continues trail building this Summer in the Wildcat Canyon/Coles Canyon area. -Gene Elzinga

New Puncheons Along Rogue River A crew of Western Michigan Chapter volunteers, headed by Paul Haan who takes cares of the section, spent two weekends this Spring and then again in June building puncheon in the Rogue River State Game Area in northwestern Kent County, Ml.

Before the Summer is over, the group hopes to have nine to 10 sections covered to deal with a rotting bridge and various wet spots along the Rogue River. Paul hopes that the four-mile stretch in the game area will become a model of sound trail construction.

Spirit of Woods' Blazing Plans The Spirit of the Woods Chapter has begun work to bring every blaze and sign up to National Park Service certification standards along the 80 miles it takes care of, mostly in the Huron-Manistee National Forest of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

Wampum's New Trail The Wampum Chapter of the North Country Trail Association received approval to build new trail over private land south of the chapter's current section near Wampum, PA. The route proceeds for about a mile along the hillside above Wampum Run. Approval was given to the chapter by Meritex Enterprises, owners of the Gateway Commerce Center, an underground storage facility. The section was certified by the National Park Service. --Richard Lutz

J"~·1;··~··5~~-;~~b-~~-·2002·····N~-rth·· 5t~~-··5

PreservingOur History and Heritage: a Further Effort T TRAIL

here's more to report this issue on efforts to begin putting together systematically and tracking the history of the North Country Trail Association. Richard Saur, the Baw Beese chapter chair, has signed on to try and pull historical and heritage things together for the Association. Rich has had some experience in historic preservation and is willing to put it to work for NCTA. He will be contacting chapter and trail council chairs shortly in this regard. The Board of Directors, at its meeting in New York, discussed the venture and provided Rich with some of its views and expectations for the History and Heritage Committee. Several items are worth letting you know about so you can consider what may need to be done by your own chapter and trail council. The Board desires that the Committee develop a long-range plan. The plan will give guidance on what is relevant and important and should be gathered (artifacts, paper ephemera, newsletter, voice tapes, etc.). The plan will address where this material should be kept, who is responsible for keeping it, various roles of the chapters, trail councils, and headquarters office, and any other guidance the Committee feels should be included. Rich will want to obtain chapter and trail council views about this plan so please be prepared to share them with him. In addition, as many of you may know, the 25th anniversary of the North Country Trail is coming up in 2005 and the 25th anniversary of the NCTA in 2006. The Board would like the Committee to handle the creation of a history of the NCTA so that it can be published by the Anniversary year and can be part of its celebration. If any of you feel you would like to take part in the Committee's effort directly, please contact Rich. His address and phone are in the directory elsewhere in this issue. New Commitments One of the pleasant tasks the Board of Directors has when it meets is to approve charters for new NCTA chapters. It's a great feeling to know that another group of energetic outdoor lovers has made the commitment to begin

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2002

CCJ~~[Q)

GAYJ_ORD YOST President

operations along the trail. Our April Board meeting presented one of those special occasions. Two new chapter charters were approved. One is based in St. Ignace, MI and has named itself the Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore and the other is in Minnesota between the eastern boundary of the Chippewa National Forest and the western boundary of Itasca State Park. They're calling themselves the Itasca Moraine Chapter. (Details on the new chapters may be found on Page 37 of this issue.) The St. Ignace chapter came into being because of the organizational work of John Eliott, Kirt Stage-Harvey, and Mark Halvorsen. The Minnesota chapter owes its birth to a group of trail enthusiasts including Jerry Trout, Jack Gustafson, and Carter and Flo Hedeen. Many thanks to all of you who cared enough to get things rolling. And to those who have joined those chapters, we're sure you will have plenty of new and fun experiences working together and enjoying the trail. Contributingto Our Magazine The colorful and wide-ranging North Star, the NCTA magazine, continues to provide the most meaningful direct contact the organization has with the NCTA membership. It is an important contact that cannot be underestimated. Our editor, Werner Veit, is in his office most every week day working with his volunteer crew of Sharon Froeligh, Roger Meyer, Joan Young, Aaron Phipps, and Jennifer Tripp. Together they are striving to develop representative coverage of events, news, volunteers, issues, and accomplishment from one end of the trail to the other.

(Except for Werner and Roger, everyone has full-time jobs so their North Star work is performed on nights and weekends. And all are busy on the trail, as well performing maintenance and trail building on sections they've adopted. Joan and Werner also head chapters; Joan is President of the Spirit of the Woods chapter and Werner, president of the Western Michigan Chapter. The pay is low, er I should say, nonexistent, but the dedication, energy, and striving are genuine and at a high pitch. The North Star has to depend on volunteers for its production and with the crew now in place, it continues to meet the challenge. I am amazed at the high quality of work done by Werner and our North Star volunteers and am proud and pleased that it stands right up there as one of the best volunteer generated publications around. Occasionally during the past year I've heard comments about its content and that some news or issue individuals thought important didn't get into The North Star. My reply to this is that maybe it didn't make it because it was never brought to the attention of the editor or his staff. Our volunteer production people may miss items. They are not infallible, can make mistakes, and need to be queued in to issues or news items. While we have a production staff, we need someone on the other end using phone, email, fax, or letter to provide constructive coverage of whatever it is they feel important and newsworthy. Note that I used the word constructive in front of coverage. We need to bear in mind that whatever it is we provide, from wherever we are, we have a nation-wide audience reading The North Star. The material published helps set a tone for the publication, the NCTA, AND the individual(s) who contributes it. So please, when you have something you feel should make The North Star pages, make that call, drop that note, or write it up and send it in. Bring it to our editor's attention.

... the 25th anniversary of the North Country Trail is coming up in 2005 and the 25th anniversary of the NCTA in2006

Trail Craft with Bill Menke

Summer: Time For Regular, FaithfulTrail Maintenance T

he Appalachian Conference's new handbook, Trail Design, Construction, and Maintenance -Birchard and Proudman, 2000 begins the chapter on maintenance with: ''As a trail maintainer, you are the trail's most important advocate and protector .... You must be familiar with all the appropriate techniques ... so that you understand the big picture as you perform the simple, recurring maintenance and repairs necessary to keep the trail and its shelters, campsites, overlooks, signs, and parking lots accessible and in good repair ... Without vigilance... the trail would soon disappear. You must be prepared to respond to any task that presents itself during the year .... As (the trail's) eyes and ears, maintainers are the trail's vigilant citizenry. The trail's very survival depends on their work." I couldn't say it better. The trail maintainer and good trail maintenance are of utmost importance to the survival of any trail. Otherwise, the trail falls into disrepair and visitors have an unpleasant experience so that we may lose our only chance to gain a new trail supporter and/or even a new member for the North Country Trail Association. Furthermore, how visitors perceive your section of the trail will be how they perceive the entire trail. What you do locally affects the trail nationally. The task is not as formidable as it seems. If you remain diligent and perceptive, small repeated steps will achieve and preserve the well-maintained trail. By mid-summer, the most difficult and time-consuming maintenance trip for the year should be long gone-it should have been completed prior to Memorial Day. Spring maintenance is the most difficult because there are so many things to clean up and repair fol-

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DR Field and Brush Mowers ... are key to good trail maintenance because they are rugged and dependable and keep the trail In good condition as Len Baron demonstrates.

lowing the winter. Everything needs to be put back in tiptop shape in preparation for the first hikes of the season. Fallen branches and trees caused by the rigors of winter weather need to be removed, blazes need to be repainted if they have faded, and all of the signs and emblems need to be checked and replaced if they are missing or in poor repair. The spring trip also requires that bridges and other trail structures be cleaned and inspected, register boxes repaired and stocked, and countless little things seen to. When of that is behind you, you can settle into routine but perhaps monthly summer maintenance. The primary tasks: 1. Mowing: By now, most sections of the trail should have been mowed at least once--especially those segments

that pass through or along openings where the increased sunlight stimulates the growth of grass, briars, and other nasty things that snag, trip, or restrain the hiker. The time when the first mowing is needed depends on when spring arrives in your area and how quickly things begin to grow. In northern Wisconsin, where the trail passes through open areas, by mid-June the grass is over a foot tall and definitely needs mowing. Additional mowing should continue throughout the summer on an as needed basis-whenever the vegetation approaches a foot in height or leans into the trail from the sides. This can occur as often as once per month during the active growing season. Many Chapters and Affiliates have DR Field and Brush Mowers at their disposal, tools that are a key to good trail maintenance because they are rugged and dependable and keep the trail in good condition more easily than other methods that I have tried. Other trail maintainers prefer to use power brush saws equipped with an all-purpose or weed head--especially in some of the more rocky areas. Whatever tool you use, it is important to keep on top of the vegetation. Again, in northern Wisconsin we have seen that mowing two to three times each summer for a couple of years is beginning to change the vegetation from briars and other nasty plants to more low growing, less aggressive species such as strawberries and woodland flowers. We have also found that if we schedule a mowing in about mid-late July, there is very little regrowth for the rest of the year. When mowing, be sure to take the time to swing out and widen the width of the mowed area whenever blackberries, raspberries, multiflora roses, hazel, or other plants that get tall enough to lean into the trail are present. The DR has no problem going through these trail encroachers. Even if your section is within the canopied forest, one mowing per year is very helpful because it sets back the growth of woody vegetation such as the thick "dog haired" maple. Mowing is also extremely critical in places like Lower Michigan where vigorous bracken fern is common. Whichever of the seven states July - September 2002

North Star

Trail Craft

you're in, there is some kind of grassy, herbaceous, or woody growth to control. 2. Clearing: In Summer, unstable weather patterns generate tornados and strong straight line winds can wreak havoc. If your adopted section is hit, prompt attention and intense efforts are usually required but only perform within your capability. You should notify your chapter trail supervisor and call in the troops if needed. In Summer, or Fall, you should also prune branches encroaching on the trail to maintain the normal 4 X 8 foot passage. Remember to trim branches, brush, and small trees flush. If vistas are present, they should also be maintained (cleared) at the same time you clear the trail. 3. Maintaining Drainage: This task often ranks among the most important in trail maintenance. Normally, drainage work is done twice per year in the spring and fall-but Summer is a good time to catch up on anything missed earlier and to spot new problems as they develop. You need to remain vigilant and remove accumulated leaves, soil, and other debris from water bars, drainage dips and ditches. If you don't, they will cease to function and the result will be increased wear and tear and further erosion. If a wet spot or mud hole develops, first try the simplest technique to dry it out-dig a drainage ditch and wait for a season to see if this cures the problem. If not, more drastic methods can be undertaken. 4. Signs and Blazes: Make sure all signs and blazes are still in place even though they were probably in good shape after Spring cleanup. The trouble is that they are subject to all kinds of mishaps, vandalism and even theft as souvenirs. 5. The final details: As in all seasons, be sure to keep registers repaired and stocked, lean-tos and campsites clean and litter picked up. In general, no matter what the time of year, maintainers need to keep an eye on everything along the trail and bring it back into good condition whenever it deteriorates or no longer meets the standards. Next issue: Maintenance needs in the

Fall.

North Star

July - September 2002

Hidden Corners Along the Trail

Winding Between Lakes, Old Growth Pine, the NCT Affordsan Unexpected Treat in Minnesota'sAtasca State Park John Leinen Jr., the NCTA's Minnesota coordinator and VP finance.

"\VJhile visiting the Walker, Bemidji W area this Spring, I visited Itasca State Park and stopped at the new Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center for more information. (I was looking for a place to photograph that everyone would not recognize as Itasca but was as spectacular as we all expect Itasca to be, for our Minnesota North Country Trail exhibit display.) I was immediately captivated by the large (it must have been 8 or 10 foot square) model relief map of the whole park, showing the topography and shaded to display the kinds of vegetation in various parts of the park. First, I realized that like me, most visitors only see the part of the park north of the Douglas Lodge area (Lake Itasca, the Mississippi Headwaters, the Wilderness Drive) and second, that where the North Country Trail traverses across the southern part of the park must

be a seldom visited yet truly magnificent area. The map's shading tells us that the second largest area of old growth red and white pine in the park is around the Hernando DeSoto Lake, Bogus Lake, Morrison Lake area. Then you notice the high narrow ridge that the Trail follows, between DeSoto and Mikenna Lakes. It's right here where the existing park trails end (where the Eagle Scout Trail and the Nicollet Trail meet) and the newly built (1993) NCT continues. The NCT follows along this narrow ridge squeezed between Desoto Lake, Morrison Lake, Horn Lake and Augusto Lake, winding amongst this old growth pine. You might like to explore this under appreciated part of Itasca yourself. Of course there's no parking lot nearby and you'll have to hike a few miles ( 4 to 6 depending on where you start, just to get there). But, I'm sure you'll feel the experience was worth the effort and just maybe you'll be able to add another secret place to your Itasca favorites list. - john Leinen

Jr.

Plans Set for 8th National Trails Conference this Fall The 8th Conference on National Scenic and Historic Trails, hosted by the Trail of Tears Association and The Cherokee Nation, will be held Oct. 17 - 21, at the Holiday Inn City Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The theme is: Stories - Educating the World about the National Trails 'System. Workshops will present ways to interpret linear landscapes for both historic and scenic trails, to make fully accessible exhibits, and how to pay for them with Transportation Enhancement funds. They will explore how stories told with maps, school curricula and other means can connect children with the rich heritage of our trails and how community support can be achieved through trail story telling activities. Field trips will visit important sites along the Trail of Tears and the Cherokee Cultural Center in Tahlequah, OK.

There will be time for historic and scenic trail organizations and agency managers to discuss timely issues and to enjoy the Autumn beauty and history of the valleys and mountains of Arkansas and the plains and hills of Oklahoma. Attendees can experience the rich cultural heritage of the Cherokees, Seminoles, Creeks Chickasaws and Choctaws and join for a traditional meal provided by the Cherokee Nation. The Conference is sponsored by: Partnership for the National Trails System, the American Hiking Society, the National Park Service, USDA- Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and USDOT- FHWA. Information is available from the Partnership for the National Trails System. For registration materials call 608-2497870 or e-mail NAITRAlLS@aol.com. - Gary werner

National Trails Day

Portal to NCT Dedicated to 'Father of National Trails' A ll three chapters in Wisconsin-Brule r\.st. Croix, Chequamegon and Heritage--joined near Brule to celebrate National Trails Day and to dedicate a portal to the North Country National Scenic Trail in honor of Sen. Gaylord A Nelson, author and sponsor of the National Trails Act, which made the trail possible. Unfortunately, Sen. Nelson was unable to attend because of a temporary

Champion of Trails Gaylord A. Nelson, often considered one of the founding fathers of the North Country National Scenic Trail, has had a distinguished career as a public servant and champion of the environment and outdoor recreation. He is known all over the world as the visionary founder of "Earth Day," celebrated every April 22 to stir the nation to consciousness of environmental issues.

Highlights of His Record • 1964 - Sponsored Senate bill that led to the creation of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve, nine units that protect outstanding Wisconsin landscape features resulting from continental glaciation. • 1968 - Cosponsored the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. • 1970 - Authorized and sponsored the legislation creating Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. • 1972 - Cosponsored legislation, which authorized the Lower Saint Croix River as a National Scenic Riverway. • 1980 - Cosponsored legislation which authorized the North Country National Scenic Trail.

Political Career • State Senator, 1948-1958. · Governor, 1958-1962. • U.S. Senator, 1963-1981.

illness but his son, Gaylord Nelson Jr., and his wife, as well as a lifelong friend, Martin Hanson were able to participate on Sen. Nelson's behalf Gaylord Yost, President of the North Country Trail Association, called the occasion," ... a day to celebrate and honor the human force, the person who was most responsible for making this all possible ... " Words of appreciation for Sen. Nelson are inscribed on the granite portal which conclude: Happy (Gaylord, Jr.) Nelson, Gaylord Yost and Martin Hanson, " ... His work Sen. Nelson's lifelong friend, at opening of this granite portal. to create a national network of trails will be enjoyed by Brule River State Forest and the Brule/St. countless generations who find solitude Croix Chapter of the NCTA. The chapand refreshment in a walk in the outter has extended the trail many miles doors ... " through the Forest, opening up much of Yost also paid tribute to the National the outstanding scenery along the Brule Park Service and the countless trail volRiver. "Today our dedication is hosted by unteers. He told those assembled: "On this National Trails Day, we the Forest and its Superintendent, Steve (also) want to celebrate the NCTA's long Peterson. Our NCTA chapters are grateful for this quiet peaceful spot beside the standing relationship and partnering with the National Park Service. NCT from which they will be able to "The NCTA is the primary, private access the wonderful scenery of the forest and the miles of the NCT east and west volunteer support organization for the NCT and the parent organization for it's of the forest. Thanks Steve and Chuck Zosel for all you've done. Your partnermany chapters and affiliates located along the 4,600 miles of the NCT. Our orgaship with the Brule-St. Croix chapter is one we believe illustrates what our volnization furthers and compliments the work of the NPS in establishing the trail unteer organization can accomplish with on the ground. land managers all along the trail. "Today's celebration very definitely 'The NPS facilitates our work throughout the seven states through marks the hard work of the volunteers which the NCT passes and helps to fund and the Brule River State Forest workers projects, assists with supplies, and prowho collaborated to construct this portal vides planning, guidance, and support. It and who are working together to build and make the NCT a reality. They have a has been a rewarding association and one we will work to strengthen in the years special relationship and -a goal they share to come. and work toward. Without our volun"Another partnership we want to celteers and the relationship they have with the land managers along the trail, we will ebrate is the one developed between the ---------------

July - September

2002

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North Star

National Trails Day

Spirit of the Woods: Visitors had a chance to paddle a North Canoe, such as those used by the Voyageurs.

not be able to complete this outstanding scenic trail." Many dignitaries from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and executives from the National Park Service, were on hand for the ceremony. "Not all states are as protrail as Wisconsin," Gaylord noted when making introductions. Peter Biermeier, Chief of the DNR's Trails and External Relations for Wisconsin's Northern Region, thanked the NCTA's many volunteers for their hard work and dedication. He described the NCTA and the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation, as exemplary private partners, standing out among the best trail organizations across the country. Mary Lucas, an NCTA director, and 路 Chuck Zosel from the Brule-St. Croix chapter, also attended. Bob Papp, executive director of the North Country Trail Association,acted as master of ceremonies. Other North Country Trail Association chapters held celebrations to mark the day throughout the seven states, through which the North Country Trail is routed. Among those chapters who reported their activities were:

Central New York Chapter Although some soft spots on the trail remained after the preceding day's torrential rain and occasional hail, clear skies and a very brisk breeze greeted our NTD celebrants. The goal-dedicate our new bridge spanning Canastota Creek and an important new NCNST/Link Trail 3.5 mile segment from Nelson Road to the Canal Town Museum in Canastota. This is the first segment officially opened per the Chapter "break-through agreement" with New York Parks ending 32 years of no trail development of the official NCNST route here. In addition, it establishes the junction with

North Star

July- September 2002

Central New York: Volunteers dedicate bridge over Canastota Creek.

the Old Erie Canal Towpath Park route that will carry the NCNST to Rome, Fort Stanwix, and onward into the Adirondack Mountain Preserve. Nearly 50 celebrants were on hand for the brief remarks from Rocco DiVeronica, Chairman of the Madison County Board of Supervisors and Village of Canastota Mayor Todd Rouse. They were very supportive of the NCNST/ Link Trail itself and its complementary role within the New York State Canal Way Project in Central New York. Preevent good publicity via the press media generated good interest-manifested by a number of first time attendees. The local American Legion Post supported the event with their WWI "40 & 8 locomobile."-providing transportation for tired hikers. -Al Larmann

Sheyenne River Valley Chapter The Sheyenne River Valley Chapter, one of the hosts of our annual conference in North Dakota, Aug. 15-18, celebrated National Trails Day with a ribbon-cut-

ting ceremony in Sibley, ND. The event marked the opening of the latest segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail to be certified, some 12 miles at Lake Ashtabula, an area conference goers will be able to visit. Besides chapter members, on hand for the occasion were Lindgren, state coordinator, chairman of the North Dakota Trail Council and a director of the North Country Trail Association; Mark Zimmerman, who represented the North Dakota Tourist Council, and Tim Bertschi, operations manager for the western flood control area of North Dakota and Scott Tichy from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Scott was the chair of the events. -Lisa Engel

Spirit of the Woods Chapter The theme of the National Trails Day celebration for the Spirit of the Woods chapter in Michigan was "The Voyageurs," learning about them and how they are connected to the North Country National Scenic Trail. The chap-

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Tittibawassee: Gary Johnson, (left) Peggy Jones and Vern Killinger set up near the front door of a sporting goods store in Gaylord, Ml, to provide trail information for shoppers.

ter put up a big poster of the places along the trail where one might intercept or follow a voyageur route. As part of the event, Bob Adams of the Manistee Historical Society, brought along a 27-foot long, "North Canoe," and offered participants a paddle in the big craft. He brought other artifacts which helped to demonstrate aspects of voyageur life. The Society of Les Voyageurs from Ann Arbor hand carved a canoe paddle and later offered paddle instruction and a chance to take out a canoe was provided for the more than 100 attendees from all parts of the state. (Thirty-three of the guests were children, a healthy sign for the future). Other highlights were walks along an interpretive nature trail where hikers could post wildlife they saw and, of course, a traditional Summer picnic complete with hot dogs grilled outdoors. -Joan Young

store, were distributed in a drawing. Displays included maps and pictures of the North Country and other hiking trails in the vicinity.At the trailhead, hikers were directed to a route leading to a beaver dam on O'Brien Pond at Warner Creek. A local Boy Scout troop from Gaylord set up their camp as a demonstration and worked on their merit badges. They had three fire pits going with one of them used to cook a complete meal in four Dutch ovens. The result was a feast of chicken, green bean casserole, biscuits and apple cobbler for all who came to the demonstration. Chapter members Bob Schrems and Gary Johnson took charge of the day, which drew the attention of nine local, county newspapers and several larger downstate papers. Our chapter put together a great day for all that wanted to participate. Bob's children participated by making posters for the trail. -Cora Killinger

National Scenic Trail in Fallasburg Park, was a highlight for the Western Michigan Chapter. The North Country trail crosses the park, one of the most visited of Kent County's parks in Michigan. It's a sixmile hike from the North Country Trail Association's national headquarters in Lowell. Paula Wilbur, who is the adoptee for those six miles, primarily through the Lowell State Game area, was the chair for the chapter's National Trails Day celebration for the second straight year. The kiosk was the responsibility of Scott Cooper, a local scout, who took on the project as one of his requirements for achieving Eagle rank. Tom Learmont, the chapter's trail manager, supervised Scott's work and found it outstanding. - Werner Veit

Tittabawassee Chapter The Tittabawassee Chapter set up display tables at the NCT trailhead on M-32 and at Jay's Sporting Goods store in Gaylord, MI where more than $150 worth of merchandise, donated by the

Western Michigan Chapter Among a day filled with hikes, demonstrations and visits to information booths, the dedication of a kiosk with information on the North Country

Western Michigan: Boy Scout, Scott Cooper was responsible for this NCTC kiosk in the Lowell State Game Area.

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After: Sharon and Aaron displayed the proper footwear for a hiking ceremony.

Before: Warmth on a cold maintenance day for Aaron and Sharon.

Hikes Down The Aisle Spring Weddings Bloom for NC Trail Companions By Roger Meyer

Contributing Editor

,..,-Wo years ago The North Star, .l reported the June 10, 2000 wedding of Jerry Allen and Connie Pausits of the Tittibawasseechapter who met as a result of their work on the North Country Trail. Maybe it was the short winter or spring weather, but there were two more weddings of employees and volunteers of the NCT this year. On May 11, 2002 Tiffany Halfmann and Mark Stram were married in Appleton, WI., Tiffany's hometown. She is the NCT cartographer who makes all those great maps available

Cold .temperatures didn't faze. Tiffcmyand Marl{ out on the trail, either. Then came their wedding day.

North Star

July- September 2002

SPONSORED

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Our Sponsored Membership Program allows current Blazes, what else? led from the altar.

from the Trail Shop and in her spare time works on the North Country Trail as a volunteer. Mark, originally from Marshfield, WI, is now working under contract to the City of Grand Rapids, MI as a GIS Technician. He, too, has become a volunteer trail builder and maintainer for the West Michigan Chapter. They met during college in Madison. The following week, on May 18, Sharon Froeligh and Aaron Phipps were married in Lansing, ML They began dating after meeting at the 2001 NCTA National Conference in Cazenovia, New York. Sharon is on the Board of Directors of the West Michigan Chapter, a contributing editor of The North Star, and is active in other trail work. She's an Administrative Assistant for Consumer's Energy. Her hometown is Wilkes- Barre, PA. Aaron, who is a little newer to the NCTA, is already building trail and also volunteers as the art director for The North Star. He's the Assistant Production Manager for the Grand Rapids Press. Werner Veit, editor of The North Star, president of the West Michigan Chapter, and former president of the NCTA, gave the bride away. Both sets of newlyweds found homes near the NCTA headquarters in the Lowell, MI area, handy for more volunteer work.

members to sign up new members at an introductory rate of just $18, instead of the regular $30. To qualify Sponsored Members must be new to the North Country Trail Association, or not have been members for at least two years. The special $18 rate is good for only the first year of membership. To use the program, current members need to just fill their name on the "Sponsored By" line, then give this form to a friend to finish. Please choose your Chapter affiliation:

D Please Assign Me to Chapter D Please Assign Me to My Closest Chapter (If one exists) D Assign Me to At-Large (Not affiliated with any Chapter) Sponsored

Name (Please

Print)

Address

City

State

ZIP

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1-1

Skills to Volunteer

July - September 2002

North Star

Garrison Diversion Tour a Highlight of NCTA Conference Other Trips, Hikes to Introduce Members to North Dakota Gems

A mong the many highlights of the .r\.North Country Trail Association's annual conference Aug. 15-18 in North Dakota will be a day-long tour of portions of the North Country National Scenic Trail that traverses the Garrison Diversion Conservancy District. The Garrison Diversion and a new chapter of the NCTA, to be called the Lonetree Chapter, are sponsoring the trip which will head out of Valley City, headquarters of the conference bright and early on Saturday, Aug. 17 and explore some of North Dakota's unique prairie pothole region. For those who would prefer to visit Lake Sakakawea, the western terminus of the North Country Trail, on Saturday instead of the Garrison trip, transportation will be available. On Friday, major hike and trip opportunities will include: Choice between hikes to Lake Ashtabula or a trip to Sheyenne National Grasslands, Sheyenne State Forest and Fort Ransom State Park (Buses leave Friday morning and return in late afternoon for both events) There will also be hiking opportunities on Thursday and other events planned for the three day period. The Garrison tour will stop for a brief walk on the New Rockford Canal section, followed by a large portion of the day in the Lonetree Wildlife Management Area. As we hike the North Country Trail, local experts will provide an interpretation of the area and recount its history. The New Rockford Canal, two miles northeast of New Rockford, marks the beginning of the lower section of the Garrison Diversion. Jerry Schaack, project engineer for the District, describes the North Country Trail there as "fairly straightforward .. .ir consists mostly of farmland and pasture." The trail heads 44 miles westward to Harvey and into the Lonetree Wildlife Management Area. 14

North Star

July- September 2002

A scene in the Lonetree Wildlife Management Area, focus of much of Saturday's trip.

Trail runs along Rockford Canal, first stop on Saturday's tour.

The Lonetree segment contains 32 miles of the North Country Trail between the New Rockford and McCluskey Canals. This segment of the trail can be difficult to hike because of its vegetation and terrain, says Scott Peterson, wildlife resource management supervisor for the Lonetree WMA. "For example, the trail may lead the hiker up to a wetland. It is up to the individual hiker how to get around it," he says. But there are many rewards. "When passing through the Lonetree segment of the trail, a hiker will see all sorts of habitat, wetlands, native prairie, and grasslands," says Peterson. Wildlife such as sharp-tailed grouse, ring-necked pheasants, Hungarian partridges, whitetail deer, and several different species of ducks and geese are often seen when hiking the Lonetree segment of the North Country Trail, he says. The Lonetree Chapter of the North Country Trail Association will being formed to main-

tain sections of the trail and promote its use to local hikers and visitors from outside the area. Following the Lonetree WMA hike, the tour will cross the McCluskey Canal section of the trail several times. The McCluskey segment is a 74-mile stretch, which follows the route of the canal on the outer portion of the canal's right-of-way. A number of lakes add to the scenic beaury of the area. The tour will return to Valley City in time for Saturday night's dinner. The Garrison Diversion project's original purpose was to provide for flood control, navigation aid, irrigation and hydroelectric power but has since expanded its mission substantially to provide a reliable water supply for North Dakota and to greatly enhance outdoor experiences for North Dakotans and their visitors. As a part of its program to replace and enhance wildlife habitat, Garrison

70s and 80s, it became increasingly apparent that major issues, such as the preservation of the environment, the acquisition of lands, the economics of irrigation, and Birding opportunities abound In the Garrison Diversion project. Canadian concerns about water flowing from the Missouri Diversion has been careful to set aside River Basin into the Hudson Bay Basin land for wildlife refuges and managewould require reformulation of the projment areas accessible to people with a ect if it were ever to be completed. wide variety of recreational interests.

Many of these people are hunters and fishermen who help manage the population of North Dakota herds and flocks. But others are "non-consumptive users," like hikers. All have come to appreciate and enjoy what the land and wildlife of North Dakota can offer. When Garrison Diversion was young and the plan looked very different from today, Garrison Diversion's commitment to North Dakota's parks and wildlife areas was already evident, writes Maria Effertz Hanson, communications director for the Garrison Diversion. She went on to write: "The North Country Trail is part of Garrison Diversion's commitment to its citizens and visitors from other parts of the world to enjoy and enhance their way oflife. With over 144 miles of certified trail on their land, visitors have available the largest section of uninterrupted area in North Dakota. It is open to hikers and generally for bikers and horseback riders, as well. "Garrison Diversion's long history began on Dec. 22, 1944, when Congress authorized the Flood Control Act, later named the Pick-Sloan Missouri Basin Program (PSMBP). Its primary purposes were to be facilitated by the construction of the main stem dams on the Missouri River. But, as needs changed, so did the project. "Congress addressed the needed changes in 1965 by enacting legislation for the Garrison Diversion Unit. The primary focus of the plan was to include, in the initial stage, municipal and industrial water, fish and wildlife development, recreation and flood control, along with irrigation of 250,000 acres. Between 1968 and 1984, construction and preparatory activities progressed on many features. "Even as construction advanced on Garrison Diversion throughout the

"That led to the Garrison Diversion Unit Reformulation Act in 1986 when Congress stipulated that new construction contracts not be awarded or additional land be acquired unless the project was reauthorized by March 31, 1986. The State of North Dakota and Garrison Diversion subsequently elected to support reauthorization of the project. "The Garrison Diversion Unit ReformulationAct of 1986 was signed into law May 12, 1986, to authorize the recommendations of the Garrison Diversion Unit Commission's Final Report. "Following the 1986 Act, activities began on MR&I projects, mitigation and wildlife habitat, and construction continued on some of the water delivery features. "Today, Garrison Diversion has taken the project one step further. The Dakota Water Resources Act calls for $200 million of federal appropriations to provide reliable, high-quality water to areas in eastern North Dakota. Also included in the Dakota Water Resources Act are appropriations for a $200 million increase in the Municipal, Industrial and Rural fund, and $200 million to meet the Native American Indian water needs. An additional $31.5 million is included for the Natural Resources Trust and recreational opportunities. "Garrison Diversion has also worked with many communities to develop nature-based tourism opportunities. In 2000, a plan was developed that reviewed the Lonetree WMA as a nature-tourism destination. In conjunction with this plan, Garrison Diversion continues to work with the communities in the areas surrounding the Lonetree WMA to provide resources, allowing them to develop and sustain a proud, rural economy. To registerfor the conference, please turn the page.

Leadership Workshop Tentative Agen~a An all day workshop on Friday, the second da~. of th~::,confe~~~ce is open to ALL vofunteers\1and will provide excellent coverage any of the topics and skills Jqentif hi iorities by our Chapters a fficers, state coordinators, trait couticif chairs and others1in lead~[phip rol@s are especially encouraged tO attend ... y:t Plan!'lingTopics · Brochures with - "local emphasis; Planning for regional support staff

Presentation· Developing a Chapter:/% Work Plan . . . . . • Group Workshop · Planning trail Yroutes across mixed-ownership 'lands • Panel Discussion · Landowner ;. training, Building community support, Breaking the ice on the front porch, e L.ando~.n~r concerns, Planning ~~d building the trail, Managing the(telation-: ship with landowners, and Permanent protection • Pres~ht authority

issu • Discussions From the Floor Ust of Presenters: Cornell, President, Chief Noonday .Chapter of the NCTA Do TM, New Director of Trail Management, North Country Trail 1t.Association Tom Gilbert, Superintendent for the . >North Country and Ice Age National ;:}Scenic Trails, National Park Service Cher Hersrud, The Resource Center, r;,;North qf)kota Community Foundation Ken Howell, Land Protection , National Park Servic s111 Menke, Country Trail

North

Bob Papp, E Country Trail Irene §~abo, President, Finger Lakes Trail conference Fred S:zarka, North Country Trail "'Manager, National Park Service Gaylord Yost, President , North Country Trail Association

July - September 2002

North Star

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2002 Annual Conference Schedule

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North Star

July- September

2002

Name(s): Address: City, State Zip:

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

Phone: (

AIRPORT/RAILWAY SHUTTLE REQUEST

Fee includes embroidered patc/1 , map to Valley City and college campus guide, admission to all workshops and hikes, and/or inclusion on Saturday bus tour (lunch provided) .

Indicate if you need a ride from the airport or train station in Fargo, ND. Arrival date: Time:

Thursday night

Alone in Single Room

$30.00

Friday night

Alone in Single Room

$30.00

Saturday night

Alone in Single Room

$30.00

Friday

_ AM /PM

Carrier: -------Flight/Train#

Departure date:

Time:

AM/PM

Lodging Total $ *Roommate's Name(required forDoubleRate): ---------

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MEALS

ACTIVITY PRE-REGISTRATION

;Thursday Supper Friday Breakfast Friday Box Lunch

$4.00

Friday Supper

$8.00

#--路$---路--路

$6.00

To help us plan, please indicate which activities you think you and your party might attend.

Activity

SaturSay Satufaty Sunday Breakfast

$4.00

Number attending

Meals Total $ Special Diet(s) Describe:--------------

Lodging S

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Meals S

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Mail to:

NCTA 229 East Main Street Lowell, Ml 49331

* Questions?

Call NCT A (888)454-6282

*Email NCTA HQ@northcountrytrail.org

Just Knowing the Trail Is There, Inspires This NCTA Volunteer There is one drawback to writing a column about outstanding volunteers. They are never home-- so it is very difficult to contact them! Add the season known as trail work weather, and my propensity for procrastination, and what you have is our faithfol editor \Vt>rner chewing his nails down to the quick hoping that I will get him some copy in time for the magazine! Some of the blame for the short column this issue must fall squarely on you though .... more nominations for persons of Great Heart and Working Soles are needed. Remember that the persons featured here always come from local suggestions. The people who work alongside these folks find them made of special trail stuff, and deserving of a pat on the back. Also, this month I've had another nominee turn down my request for an interview. After all the jokes about being in the witness protection program, and 'so many other worthy people" were over, the fact is that I am disappointed. Yes, we do want to thank people who work countless hours (although we actually DO want you to count them and turn them inl). But we want this feature to serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to all the volunteers along this trail

The North Country Trail is too long to be built by just a handfol of people. It is too varied to solve problems with one cookie cutter. It is too vast to generate an automatic sense of family. Yet how is it that someone .from Michigan gives a hearty slap of greeting to the shoulder of a buddy .from Pennsylvania? How, that a New York trails fanatic holds a North Dakota supporter's attention in a conversation because the fanatic's reputation has spread across seven states? How, that Wisconsin and Minnesota's north woods defenders share goals and techniques with trail advocates .from populated and farmed Ohio, our southern reaches? How? Because somewhere these people have gotten to know and respect each other. Perhaps they first met at a conference or a meeting. But I've observed that it is equally likely that they first "met" each other through the written word. One primary vehicle for these kinds of introductions is this magazine, The North Star. just like any family, we have our disputes. \Vt> probably have more than an average share of eccentrics. \Vt> are a family of over 2500 members. But if we don't strive to know, and understand and appreciate each other, our common vision for the trail will never become a reality. --Joan Young

TITTABAWASEE CHAPTER That all said, meet Stella Thelen. Stella works in a bank maintaining computer security. Her computer and problem-solving skills are the Working Sole of her trail boots. Her Great Heart is revealed in her confession that it wouldn't bother her even if she never personally was able to see the trail. Just knowing it is there is of value to her. We all value the Grand Canyon whether or not we have visited it, and she feels the same way about the North Country Trail. Her passion for preserving these wild and free places motivates her to work for the trail. "There is something healing in nature, something of God in there; when you touch these things they lift you up," she affirms. She first read about the North Country National Scenic Trail in the Detroit Free Press more than 10 years ago, and she joined the North Country Trail Association right away. However, it wasn't until four years ago , when she attended the Annual Conference near Traverse City, that something a speaker said really struck a chord. "To get on a trail, start walking, and .?.e. _t?. ~?. S?IJ1.e'."'~~~~ _e~s_e? '.'.. II1?~i_v~t~?.

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North Star

July - September

2002

Stella Thelen

her to want to do more than simply send in her dues each year. She also met some people who shared these values (there's that sense of community again). Soon, Jerry Allen, one of the real North Country Trail stalwarts, approached her with a big project- to start a new chapter. The resulting TittabawasseeChapter is centered in eastern Michigan, hours from the NCT. But Jerry had a vision of a group, which could travel cross-state to maintain a section of trail. He thought he knew some people who would help. Stella realized that she could set up

the database of information and help get the plan into people's hands. Somehow having two people who wanted to see a chapter form was a critical mass. Today, the TittabawasseeChapter has a core group of 20 or more who also "value the trail and are willing to put in their time and energy." She followed through in her role of Secretary-Treasurer for three years, and is now the chapter Vice-President. She also has adopted about four miles of trail. Since the trail is so far from their homes the members often cover for each other on trail maintenance. Stella, like most of our volunteers, in this spirit of working together, doesn't want to be a single star. She'll probably be embarrassed to find that she is the only featured person this issue. But a fellow chapter member describes her thus: "She's the person behind the scenes that makes sure the rest of us remember what we're supposed to do. And she does it all with a smile!" Who would you like to introduce to the rest of us? Contact me and I'll tell you how to nominate a volunteer for Heart & Sole. Email jhy@t-one.net or call 231757-2205.

Portrait of the Trail: Wisconsin

By Bill Menke NCTATrail Foreman

"'\V,Tisconsinis an Indian word with W severalpossible meanings including -"gathering of waters", "wild rice country", and "home land". All appropriately describe the "Badger State"-so nicknamed because some of the early lead miners of the 1820's lived in caves they dug out of hillsides.They reminded people of badgers living in burrows. For the purposes of this article about the North Country Trail, the meaning "Home Land" is the most appropriate. The concept for a "Northern Country Trail" originated in Wisconsin in the early 1960's when the U.S. Forest Service proposed a trail to connect its northern tier of forests. It is commonly accepted that a trail already in place across the Chequamegon National Forest lent its name to the eventual North Country National Scenic Trail. The North Country Trail leaves Michigan and enters Wisconsin in the Ironwood, Michigan/Hurley, Wisconsin area. From there it heads west through the four northernmost counties of Wisconsin and eventually reaches the Minnesota border about a dozen miles south of the Twin Ports of DuluthSuperior. Along the way, it traverses some 200 miles of predominantly public lands that include some of the wildest, least populated areas the state has to offer. While Minnesota may be known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Wisconsin isn't far behind as it lays claim to 8,000 lakes. The trail route passes through the heart of this Wisconsin lake country. It also passes

Hikers on the NCT encounter a giant white pine near Historic Portage on Brule-St. Croix's territory. The vista at the top of the page lies in the Douglas County Wildlife area.

through the heart of the area where elk have been reintroduced, timber wolves howl and wetlands, streams and waterfalls abound. Among the seven trail states, Wisconsin has the least number of poten-

rial trail miles. It is estimated that there will be about 200 miles of trail when the NCT is completed all the way across the state. Pardy because of this short potential, but also because of the hardworking volunteers in the three NCTA chapters located there, Wisconsinites can boast that the Wisconsin trail portion ranks second in percentage of completed trail at 48.5 percent. (Michigan ranks first with more than 50 percent). Wisconsin is also unique in that it is the only state where Congress has appropriated federal funding to purchase lands for the trail. The National Park Service is prohibited by law from purchasing land to build or protect the trail but in this instance Congress appropriated the money to the State for NCT land purchases. The Congressional appropriation, in 1999, amounted to $500,000. It went to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources which matched the federal contribution with another half million from the Wisconsin Stewardship Fund and resulted in $1 million available for land acquisition. Because of the complexity of the arrangement, acquisitions have been somewhat slow but two tracts of land have now been purchased and options on several more signed. If we travel westward across the Wisconsin portion of the NCT, we encounter, the first certified segment of trail less than nine miles from the Michigan border. Here, 5.1-miles of the trail, known as the Uller Segment pass through Iron County Forest lands and the oldest mountains in the area-the Penokee Mountains. Granted, to westerners the Penokees

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Our Seven Trail States: Wisconsin may not look like mountains but that's because they are very old and worn down. Nevertheless, they contain outstanding vistas and the second highest point in the state. The North Country Trail Association's Heritage Chapter, which is responsible for the Michigan to Copper Falls State Park stretch, are gradually completing additional miles in this area. A road walk throughout the area is currently marked. Following a 16-mile walk along forest and county roads, the next certified segment lies in Copper Falls State Park, a gem among Wisconsin's state parks where the Bad and Tyler Forks Blackstone in Copper Falls State Park Rivers join, cut through resistant rock formations and form spectacular waterfalls. A visit to this section of trail is a Chequamegon. highlight of the hike through Wisconsin. For years, the western extremity Certified trail managed by the of the trail in Wisconsin was essenVillage of Mellen connects the state tially at the west boundary of the park with the Village. Mellen families Chequamegon-at Bayfield County spearheaded this segment of trail as a Highway A, south of Iron River. This safe alternative for their children to travel is no longer the case. The next time to the park's popular swimming beach. you're in Wisconsin, keep walking across Certified trail continues through the County A to experience some more beauvillage, which is one of only two "trail tiful trail. From here to the Minnesota towns" in the state. Services include a border, the Brule-St. Croix Chapter is grocery, restaurant, post office, and a working on new segments but focusing bakery very tempting to hungry hikers. their efforts on completing the connecFrom the west edge of Mellen, a tion between the Chequamegon and two-mile, marked road walk brings hikers Brule River State Forest. to the longest stretch of completed trail Immediately west of County A, a in the state-the Chequamegon National new 4.4-mile segment of trail is comForest segment. As mentioned earlier, pleted across Bayfield County Forest this 60-mile segment is the one that lent lands. Interconnected ridges and views its name to the North Country NST. into frost pockets are featured. Just before Because of its length, the Chequamegon reaching the west end of this segment, segment offers a variety of trail experithe trail passes through an area of large ences. red and white pines and skirts isolated Extremely lucky hikers may spot an Erick Lake where two backpacker campelk or at the right time of the year, hear sites have been designated. Upon reacha bull bugling his challenge-sights and ing Pero Road, the next segment of trail sounds absent from Wisconsin for 150 is under construction but for now, hikyears until 25 elk were captured from the ers should follow the 7-mile road route Michigan herd and reintroduced in the shown on NCTA's lOOK map series to central part of the forest near Clam Lake reach the next certified segment running in 1995. The Wisconsin herd now has south from Rush Lake Road. produced five generations of calves and As of this writing there are almost has grown to approximately 90 animals. two miles of trail completed north of The Chequamegon segment also Rush Lake Road-offering some outoffers several nice vistas overlooking the standing vistas overlooking the renowned Bois Brule River. But it ends in a locaMarengo River Valley, two wilderness areas and many small lakes and streams tion that does not offer a good connecto savor. The Chequamegon Chapter tion for through-hikers. The chapter is maintains the area encompassed from busily working to construct new trail and Copper Falls State Park through the hopes to complete the connection within

North Star

July - September 2002

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!?: the next two years but as of now, ~ long-distance hikers should follow ~ the road route. ~ Heading south from Rush Lake ~ Road, hikers will find themselves on 15-miles of well built and signed trail in Brule River State Forest. In general the trail parallels the Brule River-in some locations following the first bluff at the edge of the valley and in others being well removed. Where the trail is farther from the river, it winds through areas of sandy soil, home to a number of red pine plantations. Here, the hiker can watch for conifer loving birds and listen to the wind sighing through the pine needles. Closer to the river valley, the trail has several vistas offering long-distance views and also crosses cold, clear flowing Jerseth Creek. About 2.2 miles north of Douglas County A, hikers can walk 75 yards on a spur trail to stand on the banks of the now small Bois Brule at the exact point where Native Americans, early explorers, fur traders, and settlers took their canoes out of the water to begin the portage that would take them to the headwaters of the St. Croix River and the Mississippi watershed. Back on the main trail, the NCT continues south and follows the Historic Portage, which is marked with eight stones and brass plates naming some of the important users including Pierre DulHut, Henry Schoolcraft and others. If you ever have an opportunity to take a guided hike, led by Chapter President Chuck Zosel, do it. Chuck takes a special interest in the portage and can bring history alive. Timber wolves are also present in this part of the state. On one occasion the Roving Trail Crew experienced the best wolf howling ever heard by the author-including many trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area-the heart of wolf country. If you're lucky, you'll hear them too. Upon reaching the trailhead on Upper St. Croix Lake, hikers currently have to follow a marked route along County A for 3.3-miles to the next certified segment in the Village of Solon Springs-the second and last trail town in Wisconsin. The Solon Springs Segment follows narrow streets lined with impressive red

Our Seven Trail States: Wisconsin and white pines. The village has an ordinance prohibiting the cutting of these species and thus you can spot large trees growing through decks and cabin roofs specially shaped to accommodate them. In the middle of Solon Springs the trail passes through Lucius Woods County Park-again featuring large red and white pines and clear flowing Park Creek. For through-hikers, Solon Springs offers a couple of restaurants and motels, grocery, post office, hardware store, and another wonderful bakery. Ah-yes, the Dairy Queen is located right across the highway from the trail. The trail continues across undeveloped village property for another .7-miles to the new Highway 53 bypass. West of the new highway, the chapter is currently working to complete another segment of trail that will pass through the Douglas County Wildlife Area (the Bird Sanctuary) and eventually enter the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Huge expanses of Douglas County Forest lie between the St. Croix and the next segment of certified trail located in Pattison State Park-home to 2.8 miles of trail and the highest waterfall in Wisconsin-Big Manitou Falls. Another road walk lies between Pattison and the Minnesota border. Throughout this area, follow the NCTA maps. If I were going to recommend one hike in Wisconsin, I would favor the stretch from Copper Falls State Park to Solon Springs. Using NCTA maps TWI-01 and TWI-02 hikers can experience a 7-10 day hike covering a total of 98.1 miles (86.9 on trail and only 11.2 on roads.) I would begin by traveling to Copper Falls SP late in the afternoon and hiking into the backpack campsites located at the Sandstone Ledges in the north portion of the park, where I would spend the night. The next morning, I would retrace my steps for the first approximately two miles and then continue west toward Solon Springs. This trip could be extended by taking in the nice Uller Segment accessed off of Hoyt Road between Iron Belt and Pence. This would add another 29.8 miles and roughly 3-days to the hike but 24.7 of the miles are along roads. The NCT in Wisconsin may be short-but it's mighty. Come for a visit to see some of the best landscapes in the state.

The Ice Agea Sister Trail Trail in the Home Land Editor's Note: Besides the North Country Trail there are seven other scenic trails in the National Trails System: the Appalachian, Continental Divide, Florida, Natchez Trace, Pacific Crest, Potomac Heritage and the Ice Age National Scenic Trails. This is the first of a series of seven articles describing these sister trails of the NCT By Drew Hanson Geographer, Ice Age Parks and Trail Foundation

"One of the most important chapters in the geographical and geological history of the United States - much more important to the country than the features which most of our present national parks are dedicated to preserve or commemorate - is the Glacial Age." - Ray Zillmer, 1958

ust as a mountain range spanning two thousand miles from Alaska to exico can be commemorated at Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, so can the Ice Age be the centerpiece for a national park and trail in Wisconsin. The state is the namesake for the period of Earth history at the end of the lee Age. The Wisconsinin Glaciation is the period from 10,000 to 75,000 years ago. This was the rationale of the late Ray Zillmer, who in 1958 launched the campaign to create an Ice Age national park and trail and founded the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation (IAPTF) to carry out this nussion. During the Ice Age, continental glaciers repeatedly sculpted half of North America. Pause for a moment. Imagine the immensity of continental glaciers. They sometimes stretched from New York to Montana and from Ohio to Hudson Bay, Canada. Plant and animal species either moved south or went

extinct during the ice invasions. Even human history was shaped by events of the Ice Age. During the late Wisconsin in Glaciation, a 120-mile long series of ridges formed between two massive lobes of glacial ice in what is now eastern Wisconsin. Scattered among the ridges are areas of crater- or kettle-like depressions - producing relief of up to 300 feet. Atop and embedded in the ridges are multitudes of boulders, some much bigger than a horse, whose sources are hundreds of miles to the north. Geologists named this region the Kettle Moraine. Research here provided 19th century geologists with compelling evidence that colossal glaciers and their meltwater created most northern landscapes during the recent Ice Age. In fact, quite a number of eminent American geologists, such as Charles Whittlesey, Thomas Chamberlin, Rollin Salisbury, Charles Van Hise and Charles Leith, spent important parts of their careers studying the landscapes of Wisconsin during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The body of their work provides the basis for the geologic research that continues along the Ice Age Trail to this day. The basic features defining the route of the thousand mile Ice Age Trail (IAT) are the Kettle Moraine of eastern Wisconsin and extending westward

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""1 and 50 percent like to hike. The same "搂. report showed that only 21 percent enjoy ~ "mountain biking" and only 8 percent ~ ride horses. :;路 -< Three important issues facing the c c:路 completion of the IAT are building the organization of the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation, creating a core group of highly skilled trail building volunteers and seeing the Willing Seller Bill become law. The Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation has had its ups and downs "Happy in this, that I with since its founding forty-four years ago. Most agree that IAPTF is healthier organature walked " nizationally today than at any time in at - William Wordsworth least the last thirty years. One indication is the number of people involved: IAPTF has more members, volunteers, chapters walking, hiking, backpacking, birding and staff than ever before. To guide this and snowshoeing. growth, a thorough update of its strategic The first three thru-hikers completed business plan was recently completed. the Ice Age Trail in 1979, 1983 and 1991. New vision and mission statements and The entire IAT has been section-hiked measurable goals are built into the plan. many times. Such hikes include hundreds Enthusiasm for the plan is generally high. of miles of road-walks. Over 500 miles of A new program, called the Mobile Ice Age Trail currently exist off-road. Skills Crew, was launched in 2002 to creSeveral different types of Ice Age ate an elevated, consistent and recognizTrail maps are available. The IAT Map able standard by which the Ice Age Trail Buffet at www.dnr.stare.wi.us/org/at/et/ is built and maintained. It consists of a geo/iceage/ allows users to create their team of dedicated volunteers who serve own maps online. It takes some practice, as skilled trail builders and educated outbut once accustomed to the tool, the Map reach advisers to traditional volunteers. Buffet can be especially helpful in finding Funded in part through the National Park the exact location of new trail routes that Service's Challenge Cost Share Program, have not yet appeared on printed maps. the inaugural crew recently completed a The Ice Age Park and Trail four-day training course led by Volunteers Foundation's website is at for Outdoor Colorado. www.iceagetrail.org. It includes downWhen it comes to permanently proloadable county maps in pdf format from tecting the Ice Age and North Country the "Ice Age Trail Information Center". If trailways, both are caught between a you can't find the maps or other informarock and a hard place. Both have been tion you need from these sources, call designated as elite National Scenic Trails. 414-278-8518 and Tracy can help you Most people, particularly state and local track it down. officials, assume that the federal governThe Ice Age Park and Trail ment is therefore leading land acquisition Foundation is composed of volunteers, efforts for these trails. On the contrary, members, staff and a board of directors. the National Trails System Act actuLocal volunteers are today organized into ally forbids the federal government from 23 county-based chapters to do most trail acquiring the lands necessary to make building, maintenance and local promothese trails - the fruits of thousands of tion. Dues paying members reside in 38 hours of volunteer labor - permanently states. A current paid staff of seven fullwalkable. The United States Senate is time employees works out of six offices currently reviewing legislation known along the route. The all-volunteer board as the Willing Seller Bill (S. 1069) that of directors meet quarterly, with executive would correct this problem by giving the committee meetings in between. National Park Service the authority to According to the 2000 Wisconsin purchase trailway lands from willing sellStatewide Comprehensive Outdoor ers. Without passage of the Willing Seller Recreation Plan, 80 percent of Wisconsin Bill, the Ice Age Trail is likely to fail as a residents enjoy "walking for pleasure" continuous footpath. ir

View from Lapham Peak Along Ice Age Trail

along the terminal moraine to the state's border with Minnesota. Landforms of the IAT include kames, drumlins, eskers, tunnel channels, ice-walled lake plains, moraines and older non-glacial landforms - some up to 1.9 billion years old. One of the unique areas along the IAT seems to have never been glaciated. The Driftless Area of southwest Wisconsin is a landscape deeply cut by ancient streams into narrow, angular valleys and several hundred million year old ridges. It is surrounded by glaciated landscapes, though it was never completely surrounded by glaciers at any one time. Segments of the IAT through this area will offer key educational opportunities to see striking contrasts with the glacial landforms elsewhere. Many other stories of cultural and natural history and scenic beauty are provided by hundreds of lakes, thriving prairies, thousand-year-old Native American effigy mounds, rare pine barrens and oak savannas, productive farms on soils improved by glaciation, towering white pines, diverse wetlands and charming cities. The original 25-mile segment of the Ice Age Trail joined the National Trails System in 1971 with the initial designation of National Recreation Trails (NRTs). Several additional segments, totaling 150 miles, became NRTs during the next nine years. Congress and the President elevated the Ice Age Trail to a National Scenic Trail in 1980, shortly after it had done the same for the North Country Trail. The State of Wisconsin followed suit by designating the IAT a State Scenic Trail 1987. Foot travel was the only form of human locomotion for millions of years. It remained dominant until the Industrial Age. Today, highways and sprawl without sidewalks make foot travel increasingly unpleasant and unsafe. To celebrate our oldest and most threatened mode of travel, the Ice Age Trail, like the North Country Trail, is primarily a footpath for

North Star

July - September 2002

Oct. 17-21-Conference on National and Scenic Historic Trails, Fort Smith, AK, National Trail of Tears Association, (501) 666-9032.

July 26-28-First of three extended hikes in the Chippewa National Forest to collect data for an updated re-issue of the 1990 NCT Guidebook. Other dates: Aug. 9-11 and Sept. 20-22. Rod MacRae, (612) 377-0130.

Oct. 27-Adirondack Mountain Club Trails Day, High Peaks Wilderness Area, Adirondack State Park. ADK Trails Program, (518) 523-3441.

Aug. 15-18-North Country Trail Association annual conference, Valley City, ND, (616) 897-5987, or hq@northcountrytrail.org

Nov. 8-10-Midwest Mountaineering Fall Expo, Minneapolis. John Dreher, (651) 738-2717

August 19-23-New bridge construction over Deveraux Creek, Alley Cat Trail Crew No. 2, FLTC Service Center, (716) 658-9320.

Dec. 7-Quarterly meeting of Board of Directors, North Country Trail Association, Lowell, MI, (616) 897-5987, or hq@northcountrytrail.org

Sept. 1-2-Trap Hills Activists Get-Together, joint Sierra Club-NCTA event, Bergland, ML Details at dougwelker.tripod.com/traphills.htm

Dec. 7-Buckeye Trail Association, Board of Directors meeting, Alcor Corp. offices, Columbus, OH, hhullss@frognet.net

Sept. 16-20-Trail Improvements within Allegany State Park, Alley Cat Trail Crew No. 3, FLTC Service Center, (716) 658-9320.

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July - September

2002

North Star

Record Turnout in New York

Soils from 7 States and A Signpostto Progress

"'\VJildflowers (hopefully) are growW ing in soil from all seven of the North Country Trail states at the signpost in front of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference office in Mt. Morris, NY. In what she described as, "a ceremonial hoo-dow and humdingery," Irene Szabo, President of the Conference, mixed the soil carried to New York by directors of the North Country Trail Association who held their Spring board meeting at the Mt. Morris Dam Visitor Center in order to help the FLTC celebrate its 40th anniversary. The directors also carried water from their states, which Irene used to sprinkle over the soil and the wildflower seeds she scattered around the signpost. The signpost, built and painted by Irene-who else-was dreamed up by Mark Hittle, as a way to celebrate the relationship between the North Country Trail Association and the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, the NCTA's first affiliate. A significant portion of the North Country Trail lies on the Finger Lakes Trail, which celebrated its 40th birthday with the largest turnout ever for its annual meeting and Spring outing. More than 150 signed up for a weekend of

24 North Star

July- September 2002

Threatened rain held off during Sunday's hikes for Jeff Swanson (farthest from camera), George and Cindy Zacharek and Connie Dutcher. Jeff is a local landowner where the trall crosses. The Zachareks and Connie are are NCTA members as well as members of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference.

In the bottom photo, George Zachareks (left) Irene Szabo, Connie, Cindy and Marie Altenau pose with Sandy (lowest to the ground).

hikes, talks and reminiscences. Marvelous memories came out of a fireside chat by a number of Finger Lakes veterans, including Paula Strain, the Conference's second President, and other members of the original board who first got together in 1962. Among them were Ralph Baker, Don Doster and Terry Giarrosa. At the NCTA Board meeting, directors were challenged by Bob Papp, Executive Director, to share their ideas and vision for the future. Bob is preparing a "Strategic Outline, 2002-2007," which will become the basis for the Association's development plan which, in turn, may lead to the appointment of a development director for our group.

The Directors also: • Approved an alliance agreement with the Buckeye Trail Association similar to the one in effect with the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. • Asked the Trail Councils to consider an update of the Association's policy on timber harvest being formulated by a board/employee committee experienced in forestry. • Decided to continue the practice of holding the annual conferences in locations in turn by assigning the popular events to the trail councils as follows: the year 2003, Great Lakes Trail Council (Wisconsin and Upper Michigan); 2004, Ohio Trail Council; 2005, Lower Michigan Trail Council;

2006, Pennsylvania Trail Council and Minnesota, New York and North Dakota Councils in 2007, 2008 and 2009 respectively. • Approved charters for two new chapters in Minnesota and Michigan (Details on Page 37). - Werner Veit

Veteran Directors Re--elected to National NCTA Board Members of the North Country Trail Association this Spring elected four directors to at-large seats on the national Board of Directors and confirmed the nomination by their respective trails councils of directors from New York and North Dakota. Re-elected to three-year terms at large were Derek Blount, who lives in Royal Oak, MI; Helen Coyne, from Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, and Mary Lucas, from Glidden, WI. Dave Cornell, from Delton, MI, a former member of the board, who left his seat because of term limitations, became eligible to run again in 2002 and was elected by members. Under the terms of the NCTA's bylaws, each of the association'strail councils nominates one candidate to run for the national board. The board's nominating committee selectsat large candidates. Howard Beye was nominated by the New York Trail Council and elected by the membership at large. John Lindgren was nominated by the North Dakota Council and then elected by the members. Both serve as trail coordinators for their respective states.

Derek Blount

Dave Cornell

John and Jean Dreher Promote NCTA at Expos

Husband and Wife Team Leads Star of the North; Michigan, PennsylvaniaChapters Hold Elections The husband and wife team of John and Jean Dreher, of Oakdale, MN, are heading the re-organized and rejuvenated Star of the North Chapter in Minnesota, which has the following officers in place: President, John Dreher; Vice President, Jean Dreher; Treasurer, Paul Wright, Rosemount; Ginny Ruppe, Owatonna, Secretary. Ginny also serves as editor of Call of the North, the chapter's newsletter. In the Spring issue, John told his members: " ... The effort and volunteer time my wife and I have put into NCTA over the last four years have been very rewarding in several ways, especially the people we've met, the relationships that have been established, and knowing we are contributing to an organization that will preserve the future of hiking trails for our children and theirs, and, as important, being able to give something back to our great trail system ... "

NC Hikers Elect Chapter Officers Helen Coyne

Mary Lucas

The North Country Trail Hikers have elected the following officers for their North Country Trail Association

chapter: President, Denise Heron; Vice President, Jan Wester, Lynn Emerick, Treasurer, and Ayleen VanBeynen, Secretary. Jan is also the editor of the chapter's newsletter.

New Wampum Officers Paul Henry was elected President of the Wampum Chapter, Cecil Neeley was elected Vice Preisdent, Martha Aiken was elected Secretary and Gail Blakely was elected Treasurer in a mail ballot conducted in June.

Western Michigan Werner Veit was re-elected President and Chuck Vanette, who was been serving as a director at large, was elected Treasurer of the Western Michigan Chapter. Jack Buege was elected to a one-year term to serve out Chuck's term. Others reelected to the board were Roger Meyer and Sharon Froeligh. Outgoing director Len Baron was named "honorary director" to mark his many years of service to the North Country Trail Association. Len was unable to seek reelection but indicated he may serve again in the future. --·-·----------·····------·------

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July - September 2002

North Star

Trail BuildingNovices Learn Craft Diligently M

ore than 30 (mostly) new members from four of our chapters this Spring attended a trail construction and maintenance workshop for novices taught by Bill Menke, North Country Trail Association's trail foreman, and Chad Hudson, the Huron-Manistee National Forest's trail coordinator for the Baldwin-White Cloud district. On the first of the two-day session - a bright, sunny day - the students learned theory inside the Old Schoolhouse near White Cloud. The next day they applied their lessons in the field - appropriately enough for an authentic trail experience - during a persistent snowfall followed by a cold, soaking rain. The weather dampened neither experience nor results as the students, split into two groups, rerouted a section of the North Country Trail around a beaver pond that had flooded the old section. The new Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter, Tittibawassee, Spirit of the Woods and Western Michigan Chapters, were represented.

Bill Menke conducting morning session about the history of the North Country Trail and its trail building experience.

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Chad explains construction of turnpike with sample materials.

Chad draws diagram of turnpike construction .

Photographs by Aaron Phipps

Bill Menke demonstrates the proper process of cutting trail Into a slope. Later the group practiced what it had learned and rerouted a section flooded by beavers.

North Star *July-September

2002

Max Boyd and Gladys Hoogterp practice clinometer skills.

It was a half-mile haul to the site but the chapter members persevered.

Crossing the Jordan River was a tricky maneuver for sure-footed Lorna Brown.

Boards Over the River Jordan: Tittibawassee Reaches Site

he Tittibawassee Chapter, which sent members to the workshop in White Cloud, followed with a big day of its own this Spring: building boardwalks over the mucky spots on the section of the trail it maintains near the Jordan River in the northern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Only 12 people were able to help, so those who participated literally had their hands full. Logistics for this chapter are particularly complicated since most of the members live two or more hours away from the trail. Reports Cora Killinger, the chapter's coordinator: "The plan was to divide up, with one crew going to install two gates and the other crew building the boardwalk. But first we were all needed to get the lumber across the river. "Our chapter President, Jerry Allen, had picked up the gates on his trailer and Vern Killinger had brought the 42 boards and posts in his truck. In order to get the lumber to the site the shortest way, we crossed over the Jordan River at a spot where some old logs were in the river. It was quite a balancing act, but we had the same problem last fall and now we knew just what to do. "Using the boards to bridge the

spots in the river, we lined up and passed the lumber from person to person and got it across quite efficiently.The next phase was carrying the lumber piece by piece the half mile to the site. The gate crew helped carry a few boards before we urged them to save their energy for digging holes and mixing cement. "Of the eight of us that were left, two were our carpenters, so we set them to work while the rest of us carried the boards one at a time. Several hardy souls carried two boards at a time. It was a lot of trips. Our shoulders got sore and our arms got tired. Peg said, 'what doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.' I think we must have gained strength, cause we didn't die! "Once the lumber was all on site, we helped lay the boards out for our carpenters. At first I was careful r-ot to get my shoes muddy, but pretty soon you'd step into it a little, then a little more and before you knew it you were mud every-

where. You'd handle a 4 x 4 and position it in the mud, getting mud on your gloves.Then a mosquito would attack, and you'd swat at it and get mud on your face too! "In spite of all our hardships we enjoyed working together. What really amazed me is when I looked around at our work crew, we had one worker with a bad back, two that had terrible sinus headaches with stuffy noses and should have been in bed, one that has a bum knee, and one that hurt his ribs. "Not once did I hear any of them complain. What is it with these guys? I asked one of them why he was out there, and he said it was just his way of giving back to the trails he enjoyed hiking. That pretty much says it all."

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Park Service Restricts Mountain Bikes in National Parks

he National Park Serviceclosed all trails to mountain bikes in national parks pending a full environmental assessment. The NPS responded to a letter challenging a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Park Service and the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). Rather than an agreement between the full NPS and IMBA, an arm of the NPS, the Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program, signed an MOU with the mountain bikers pledging to work together on projects of mutual interest. The areas targeted lie outside national parks.

HIKING~

Scouts Create New Crossing More than 20 Boy Scouts and adults, spearheaded by Eagle Sam Gardner, built a 28-foot bridge over a small stream on the North Country " Trail between Tibbets Falls and the Oren zr Krumm shelter near the Sturgeon River ~ in the western part of Michigan's Upper w zr Peninsula. They also built a smaller 路 s bridge and 20 feet of puncheon board~ walk. a:J , ~ The steep, original crossing was ::;. usually muddy and was flooded by the ~路 Sturgeon River during early Spring snowmelt this year. - Doug Welker -0

Welcome Advice from the NPS: Protect the Hiking Experience Advice from Tom Ross, head of the National Park Service'sRivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance program: Actively protect your trails from inappropriate "shared use" if it would dilute or change the quiet, slow hiking experience, Hiking organizations should protect actively their trails. The remark, paraphrased here, was greeted by wild applause at the close of the American Hiking Society'sregional conference for hikers in the Southeast. -Mary Margaret Sloan

Great Support Forthcoming From Key New York Village Meetings with Mayor Todd Rouse, one of which included Fred Szarka, the National Park Service's trail manager for the North Country National Scenic Trail, have yielded a commitment to optimize the route and environment for the NCNST/Link Trail within the Village of Canastota, NY. The route will head through a 300 , foot buffer strip in the Village Business Park that will remain green and undeveloped. The site offers an attractive view to the northwest and includes a 10-acre pond. This route will bring the North Country to the center of the Village and to the "doorstep" of the Canal Town Museum on the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park with its towpath route eastward to Rome, NY.. Agreement as to the final route <details, the mutually advantageous sup-

North Star

July- September 2002

BackpackerFeatures Trap Hills The NCTA's Peter Wolfe chapter in the western part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula has built this attractive shelter at Old Victoria on the North Country Trail. Bunk beds accommodate four hikers.

port that will be furnished by the Village, and our contributions will be finalized shortly. Longer term, a loop option to provide alternate access to the Old Erie Canal Park is a viable option. All the required lands already are owned by either the Village of Canastota or the Town of Lenox. -AlLarmann

A two-page spread by Eric Hansen in Backpacker on the Trap Hills segment of the North Country Trail in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is prompting the Peter Wolfe chapter to pay particular attention to signage and maintenance projects in the area. President Doug Welker reminded members in the chapter newsletter that such attention always leads to a significant increase in hiking to the area featured.

Attention for the Schoolhouse Jim Dufresne, columnist and outdoor writer for Booth Newspapers in Michigan, described the overnight shelter facilities for North Country Trail hikers afforded by the old schoolhouse, maintained near White Cloud, MI, by the Western Michigan Chapter. The structure was the first headquarters for the North Country Trail Association. The article was published in the Venture Outdoors section of the eight daily Booth newspapers in Michigan. Jim, a longtime member of our association, is the author of hiking, backpacking and camping books, most of them carried by the association's trail shop. He was also the keynote speaker during the association's annual conference near Traverse City, MI four years ago.

New Edition of Harbor Springs Map More than 5,000 maps have been taken from the trailhead boxes put up by the Harbor Springs chapter which just printed a new edition with revisions that include boardwalks built in wet areas. To request a copy, you may e-mail Jerry Keeney, the President of the chapter, at keeney@freeway.net. -Jerry Keeney

HATS

SHIRTS

A. Royal Mesh-Back Cap

(C201)

Mesh back, cotton twill front, royal blue, plastic snap strap $10.95 B. Ught Khaki/Navy Cap

(C207)

Trail emblem design. Low profile washed cotton, unconstructed. Light khaki crown with washed navy bill. Adjustable buckle on fabric strap $14.95 C. Denim Blue Cap

(C203)

Pro-wash cotton twill with extendedbill,deep blue crownand bill (looks likedenim), adjustable buckle on a leather strap $15.95

TWO NEW T~SHIRTS! Full colorpictures taken by our own members illustrating the beauty found on the NCNST. 100% pre-shrunkcotton.

Trail Crew T-shirt (C102)

A trail crew shin for volunteers! 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 E. NCTA T-Shirt

Back

(C101)

Pre-shrunk cotton "Beefy-T". Three-color 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, XXL $12.95

F. Sweatshirt M, L, XL $34.95, XXL

$37.95

Goldenrod

(C107 A)

Kacki Green

(C107B)

Denim

(C107C)

Light Raspberry

(C107D)

G. Polo Shirt Color: Tan (C106)

M, L, XL XXL

$31.95

H. Fleece Vest Color: Grey (C108)

M, L, XL, XXL

$38.95

MEDALLIONS AND PINS Add the North Country National Scenic Trail insignia to your hiking stick I. Paintedcolor (P105) $4.00 J. Brass (P104) $4.00 K. The TrailEmblem cloisonnepin is 'l's'' and features the updated North Coun triangledesign. (P102) $3.00 I

K ~""

July-September

2002

North Star

e-mail: hq@northcountrytrail.org

ORDER TOLL FREE! 1-888-454-NCTA

(6282)

www.northcountrytrail.org

Take A Hike!

By Rich and Sue Freeman With this guide, you'll be able to explore the Finger Lakes and Genesee Valley Region with ease and confidence. Each of the 51 walks is rated for difficulty,type of, terrain, and described by length and estimated time required. In addition, you'll know how to easilyfind the trails and parking. The hikes in this book are designed for people who delight in exploring unique or little known places. 264 pages (L119) $16.95 Peak Experiences

By Gary Pallesen A hiking guide to the highest summits in each of New York's counties, including the highest point in Manhattan, a large rock in Bennet Park at 265.05 feet above sea level. This guide includes maps, written directions to trail heads, elevation profiles, mileage, as well as alternate routes to some peaks. In this book you'll meet the people populating the high points today and yesterday, discover how to find the high point, what you're likely to see, and the origin ' . of the peak's name. 288 pages (L120) $16.95 50 Hikes 1ln Ohio

By Ralph Ramey The 50 hikes in this guide are grouped geographicallyand range over the entire state, from the rugged Appalachian plateau of Shawnee Forest in the south to the Onawa Wildlife Refuge on the shores of Lake Erie. Many of the hikes are a short drive from each of Ohio's major metropolitan areas. There are outings for every ability, from easy walks to rigorous overnight backpacks. 272 pages (l121) $14.95 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. 252 pages (L109) $17.95

路Edible Wild Plants and Useful Herbs

By Jim Meuninck Discover how to identify more than 100 wild plants and useful herbs, prepare recipies using your wild harvest, identify poisonous plants, and make wild plants and herbs a part of your diet. 68 pages (L124) $7.95 'Porcupine Mountains

By Jim Dufresne This detailed guidebook provides backpackers, hikers, campers, and skiers with all the information they need f="'""""~~~..,.,.~~...,,,--..,,,,., to plan a trip to the tranquil Porkies in Michigan'sUpper 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 trecks. 160 pages (L108) $11.95 Trail Atlas of Michigan

By Dennis R Hansen Michigan trail enthusiasts, don't get caught without this atlas!This third edition includes maps and descriptions for over 600 hiking, biking, skiing, and nature trails in Michigan. Search by location or types of use. This edition is totally revised for 2002, the first revision since 1997. 789 pages (L102A) $34.95 Great Wisconsin Walks

By Wm. Chad McGrath Experience the serenity of a stately birch forest, the rush of a river in spring and the excitementof an urban amble as you discover W1Sconsin'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. 160 pages (L116)

$16.95

e-mail: hq@northcountrytrail.org Upsmackln'

ORDER TOLL FREE! 1-888-454-NCTA

Backpackln'

By Tim and Christine Connors Tired of gorp, cereal bars, and jerky? Would you like to dine on spaghetti, chicken salad, and cheesecake in the backcountry? Here is a guide to satisfying, sumptuous diningon 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 at-home preparation directions, trailside cooking instructions, and nutritional information. 232 pages (L118) $15.95

(6282)

The Appalachian Food Planner

l!·psmackin' Ba'Ckpackin'

www.northcountrytrail.org

Trail

By Lou Adsmond The Ap~ fr.ti( Here are proven techniques for planning and provisioning hik- _,.....,_t.-.t,000>16• /~>" ers who'II b e walking ,_,........... /"-~' for a week or longereven those planning ;> six-month "thru-hikes" ~, ';./' along the Appalachian .,Loa..... '~:..>-"" Trial. Includes proven recipies and advice on packaging ingredients for easy trailside cooking. New Revkec!U128 pages (L126) $15.95

Pood Planner

:...."":.7--/i.·~~.' :::=::::;. · · "(" ,x~ro<>"-'f'

FIRST AJD

Hiking with Kids

By Robin Tawney Aie you thinking of introducing a child to the wonders of hiking? Hiking with Kids answers any questions you may have and provides valuable tips on what to bring and how to keep your young hiker safe and happy on the trail. 70 pages (L123) $6.95

Rrst Aid

and Family Emergency Handbook

The Country Doctor, Alive and Wen

By john G. Hipps MD. Stories recount the full spectrum of,__ humankind's experiences. Sometimes informative and educational, 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. 363 pages (L115) $19.95 Hiking!

By Philip Farranti and Cecilia Leyva 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. 245 pages (L106) $14.95

It PAMJLYDIUGl!!JICY wmt

SUPPORT GROUP The urgent need for treating life-threatREFERENCEGUID£ ening situations makes it the responsibility of everyone to be able to give proper emergency care until the victim is transported to a medical facility. First aid does not replace a physician, but it protects the victim until medical assistance can be obtained. This compact book, 3.5" x 5.5'', also contains .----------information about support groups and disease control. 252 pages (L125) $6.00

Great Minnesota Walks

By Wm. Chad McGrath follow in 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'smost beautiful and interesting paths. '-----------_J 168 pages (L117) $16.95 America's N'atlonall Scenic Trails

By Kathleen Ann Cordes The history, its state today, a geographical description, points of interest and all the statistical particulars for each of the eight National Scenic Trails is detailed, including, of course, our own North Country National Scenic Trail. 306 pages (L122) $19.95

ORDERTOLLFREE! 1-888-454-NCTA ( 6282

e-mail: hq@northcountrytrail .org

www.northcountrytra il.org

Gulde to the NCT, Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota By Roderick MacRae Description of the route and trail log, east to west. Wonderfullywritten by a Chippewa National Forest expert. 12 pages (M611)

$1.25

__ ... __ -

.__.. .,.

Buck Wilder's Hiking & Camping Gulde 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 ~iiliiiiil 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. 64 pages (L103)

.;,.

1:24,000 SCALE

y)'Printed in full <=?lor on d~le 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 n" x 17".

PENNSYLVANIA New York Pennsylvania Ohio Michigan Wisconsin Minnesota North Dakota

(P126) (P127) (P128) (P129) (P130) (P131) (P132)

McConnells Mill and Moraine State Parks

Patch ofTrail Emblem 3V2" bottom measure North Country Trail emblem triangle design (P125)

$5.00

(T201)

Allegheny National Forest North Section

$6.50

(T202)

Southern Allegheny National Forest and Cook Forest State Park

$8.00

(T203)

NCT PATCH

MICHIGAN Huron-Manistee N.F.: North Segment

$8.00

(T401)

Battle Creek to Chief Noonday Road ,..,

$6.50

(T402)

$3.50

Huron-Manistee N.F.: South Segment

$8.00

(T403)

1:100,000 SCALE

$12.95

Printed in full color on durable paper, this pocket size map unfolds to a full n" x 17", doubleside. These maps do not come in •• · a plastic bag.

NCTATrail Buildingand Maintenance Manual By Thomas Reimers This great manual for volunteers provides helpful ~ guidelines and sug~ gestions for planning, ,,.,.~~ .... construction and contin-.:...ued maintenance of the

North Country Trail. It

,,,.,........,.""11

NCT TRAIL MAP SETS

covers rural and roaded natural, semi-primitive and primitive trail. 22 pages (L101) $2.00

NEW YORK Rome to Finger Lakes Trail

VOWNTEER PATCHES2.00 ea. Volunteer 2000 Volunteer 2001 Volunteer 2002 Trail Crew Hike leader Trail Mapper Organizer

$3.50

(TNY-04)

(P133)

MICHIGAN

(P134) (P135) (P136) (P137) (P138) (P139)

Bowne Township to M-37

$3.50

(TMl-03)

Freesoil Trailhead to Cedar Creek Road

$3.50

(TMl-05)

Grand Marais to Au Train Lake

$3.50

(TMl-10)

Followingthe NCT

By wts Boyd Third Edition of Following the North Country National Scenic Trail. A Classic! Includes general descriptions of the trail and efforts to build it in each of our seven states. This new edition also includes appendicies on through-hiking the NCT and the history of the Trail and Association. 96 pages

North

Star

(L112)

$4.95

July-September

2002

MUG

Alberta to Cascade Falls

North Country National Scenic Trail plastic trail mug tapered to fit in cup holder.

Cascade Falls to Ironwood

(P103)

$5.00

Back

$3.50

(TMl-13)

$3.50 WISCONSIN Together these maps cover the Chequamegon National Forest (TMl-14)

Ironwood to Long Mile Lookout

$3.50

(lWl-01)

Long Mile Lookout to Solon Spring

$3.50

(lWl-02)

MINNESOTA Chippewa N.F. to Paul Bunyan S.F. (TMN-09)

$3.50

ORDER TOLL FREE! 1-888-454-NCTA (6282)

e-mail: hq@northcountrytrail.org

CERTIFIED SECTIONS OF THE NCT

NCT in Upper Michigan, 88 pages

$13.00

(M402)

WISCONSIN Iron County Forests; Chequamegon N.F., Brule River S.F., 27 pages

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.

$4.50

(M501A)

PENNSYLVANIA NCT in Pennsylvania, 37 pages

By Arden Johnson $12.50

(M401)

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 have walked the sections with a measuring wheel. In easy to use looseleaf form.

Ohio State Line at Waldron to Augusta

$5. 75

(M201)

MINNESOTA Chippewa National Forest, Itasca S.P., 24 pages

$4.00

(M601)

OHIO Wayne National Forest, 14 pages

$3.00

(M301)

From Burr Oak State Park to Milford on the Buckeye Trail, 38 pages

$4.00

M-32 West of U.S. 131 to Mackinaw City

$7.00

$4.00

(M415A)

Miami & Erie Canal from Lake Loramie S.P. to Napoleon, 30 pages

St. Ignace to SE Marquette

$4.00

(M416A)

$5.00

(M305A)

$4.00

M-115 West of Mesick to M-32 West of U.S. 131 (M414A)

Milford to Lake Loramie S.P., 42 pages (M304A)

$4.00

(M412A)

(M413A)

$5.00

(M701)

$4.00

(M411A)

Augusta to Rogue River Seate Game Area Coates Highway at Manistee River to M-115 West of Mesick

NORTH DAKOTA NCT in North Dakota 15 pages

$14.00

(M3032)

MICHIGAN MAP SETS

MICHIGAN NCT in Lower Michigan, 81 pages

By Byron and MargaretHutchins

www.northcountrytrail.org

Marquette to Ironwood

$4.00

(M417A)

Merchandise total:

[ w~· J

NCTA Members deduct 10%: -

D Check or money order enclosed

Subtotal after discount:

(Made payable to "NCTA")

D Please charge my credit card

•ASSOCIATION•

Ml Residents add 6% sales tax: + Shipping and handling: + 1------1---_,

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Please mail, fax or phone your order to: 229 East Main Street Lowell, Michigan 49331 Toll free telephone: 888-454-NCTA (6282) If ordering by credit card, you may fax your order to: 616-897-6605

+ l======l=====l

Shipping and Handling Charges Amount of Order $00.00 to $10.00 $10.01 to $25.00 $25.01 to $50.00 $50.01 to $100 Over $100

July - September 2002

Charge $2.50 $5.00 $6.00 $8.00 $10.00

North Star

Hiking: So Much More Than Just Moving Our Feet '""r}ie largest portion of my day is spent .1 translating ideas and information into written form. Letters, reports, planning documents, articles (like this one): they all require it. The advent and expanding use of e-mail has only increased the amount of communication that is translated into written language. One of my closest companions during my career has been my "Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary." I've had the same one since I started working for the Federal Government on October 29, 1972. It has stayed with me through two government reorganizations that resulted in me working for three different agencies in three different locations. It still bears the stamp: "Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, Ann Arbor, Mich." That's the agency I started working for in 1972. It no longer exists, but the dictionary endures. I probably could have gotten a new one, but this one has served me just fine. My dictionary doesn't get as much attention as it used to. I guess that's the way it should be as one practices the art of written communication. But now and then, I pull it out, not only to search for the meaning of a new word, but also to look up long-familiar words to see whether the way I am using them is correct. The other day, I was thinking about "hiking" and decided to look it up. I didn't find it. My dictionary is one of those that doesn't include all the various forms and endings of a word. So I had to look at "hike." Here is what is says, in part: hike \'h k\ vi la: to go on a long walk esp. for pleasure or exercise. I like that definition. It identifies two qualities that distinguish hiking from walking: length and purpose. The definition does not suggest a distance threshold that distinguishes hiking from

hike \'h k\ vi la: to go on a long walk esp. for pleasure or exercise. 34

North Star

July- September 2002

FROM walking. Perhaps like "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," hiking versus walking is in the mind of the one taking the steps. That is also true of the second distinguishing quality: purpose. "Going for a hike" seems to inherently imply a conscious sense of determined purpose. It may be, as the definition suggests, exercise. But I think that today, with the widespread promotion of the health benefits of pedestrian activity, most people think in terms of "walking for exercise." The purposes for which people go hiking are as varied as the number of people who participate. Some go to explore a landscape and enjoy it at that scale. Some go to investigate and marvel at the most minute elements of a trait's environment, whether woods, field, marsh, or desert. Some go for the solitude-being alone and silent in the trait's environment, be that remote wilderness or the bank of a stream running through their community. Others go with friends to enjoy the camaraderie. Some hikers go to familiar trails, having established a personal connection through previous visits. Others seek out new places with unknown and perhaps unexpected features and challenges. Whatever the purpose, the common thread among all these reasons is that hikers are seeking the experiences that trails provide. The "experience" is an inseparable part of hiking. Without it, hiking would just be moving our feet. Hiking leaves deep impressions and vivid memories that shape our personal values and emotions. Memories of previous experiences are often recalled and enjoyed again when we feel the familiar softness of pine needles beneath our feet, hear the wind rustling the dried leaves of fall foliage, touch and examine the needles of a pine tree to identify its species, or even look at a topographic map of a trail and environment once explored and assimilated into our consciousness.

In my youth in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I was involved in Boy Scout Troop 229. We took several hiking and camping trips to the Allegan State Forest, southwest of Grand Rapids. The Boy Scouts and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources had cooperated in establishing a 23- mile trail called the Wakazoo Trail. It was one of my favorite hikes during the 1960s. This past year, while sorting through some old papers, I came across a journal entry I wrote in 1969 recalling one of those hikes. It reminded me that sometimes our hiking experiences border on being mystical: "We entered a large planting of pines. It was Sunday morning and all was quiet. No one made a sound as we walked on the bed of pine needles. Wind was whispering in the tops of the pines and it seemed that God was laying his hand on each one of us, blessing us and saying a prayer for our future." My imagination transcended time as we encountered features along the trail: "We came on an old farmhouse foundation. My mind hopped back to the time when it was occupied. A million questions slid through my mind. I was as if in a trance thinking about who had lived there and why, and when they had left." Often, however, our most precious memories relate to a hiking companion: "We stopped to rest by an old cemetery. Perhaps that was the first time I was fascinated by an old cemetery. But it was not the cemetery that I remember so much. It was sitting there with my dad, talking." The experience-that's the essence of hiking!

... it seemed that God was laying his hand on each one of us, blessing us and saying a prayer for our future."

FROM ~

,eoePAPP Executive Director

Wanted: 5,000 Members Spread Coast to Coast D ecently, I've been reviewing resumes 1'.for our new Director of Trail Management (DTM). Ultimately, the DTM will direct all of our trail staff, including several regional coordinators. For now, though, we have funding for only two new people. So, the DTM will serve as regional coordinator for MI, WI, MN and ND, and a separate coordinator will be hired for OH, PA and NY. We received about 40 resumes, representing two foreign countries and eleven states. I was struck by the geographic range of these candidates, and by the enthusiasm many showed for the opportunity to work on the North Country Trail. By and large, these are folks who work in natural resources, with agencies and organizations that are out "fighting the good fight" across the country. They know about the NCT. They admire what we are accomplishing. And, they want to be a part of it. In focusing on our own involvement with the trail, it's easy to forget about the middle word in "North Country National Scenic Trail." Yet, the NCT is a national resource, and we are working to benefit a nation of hikers. Since the NCT will last indefinitely, we know that this "nation of hikers" spreads across both geography and generations. As our applicants illustrate, we also know that people across the country are aware of our work, and appreciate it. Appreciating the trail and supporting it are two different things, though. The map on this page shows the distribution of our membership. Not surprisingly, our members are mainly focused near the trail. So, while we are creating a national legacy, most of our support comes from a regional constituency. We currently have about 2,350 members. That's pretty good for us, and is near our high. However, while it's "pretty good for us," it's not good for a national resource of the caliber of the North Country National Scenic Trail.

Where Our Members Live

To be honest, we have to do a lot better. Here's why: • Through our advocacy work, we've tripled federal funding in recent years. That's great news because we're doing a lot more for the trail. Unfortunately, growth in private funding (dues, contributions, grants, etc.), hasn't kept up. So, this year, 63% of the NCTA's general budget is covered by federal funds. If this funding declines due to federal budget cuts, it could decimate our operations because so much is riding on this single funding source. • Members demonstrate public support, which is crucial in approaching foundations, agencies and corporations for help. We can feel good about having nearly 2,500 members, but to someone on the outside that number will seem inadequate, given the enormity of the NCT. • Most of our Chapters need additional volunteers with varying skills, and these volunteers typically rise from the ranks of our members. For a little perspective, consider this. The North Country Trail will be twice the length of the Appalachian Trail, yet the NCTA has less than one tenth the members of the Appalachian Trail Conference. Considering where we are in the history of this trail, I'd like to set the goal of reaching 5,000 members in 2-3 years time. I have confidence that our organization can meet such a challenge. But, how do we get there? That's something we'll all need to think about and act on.

If you're a current member who's not interested in volunteering, the most important thing you can do is stay with us. We need your continuing support. If you're an active volunteer, think about how you can help. Certainly, the best source for new members is the trail itself, yet we do very little to recruit members from the population of NCT hikers. One idea is to put up special trail registers with tear-off note pads to request more information. These could be "business reply" postcards, or slips collected in a box and eventually forwarded to HQ All Chapter gatherings should have an ample supply of membership forms available, both for new visitors and for current members to take with and pass around. Leaders should avoid the trap of doing all the work themselves. Members who don't feel needed will eventually shift their support to some other interest. The leader may get the work done, but in the long run the trail and the organization will suffer. Members should challenge their leaders to lead, and leaders should develop strategies to involve and recruit members. There are lots of ideas out there. If you have ideas on how our Chapters or volunteers can help recruit and retain members, please send them to me. I'll make sure they get spread around. And, if you need help with these or other ideas, please let me know. In the meantime, we'll be working hard too, behind the scenes, to try to reach this new goal.

j-~-1; · -~ - ·5~~~~~b~~- · 2002· --- -N-~-~ti;- · 51~;- · 35

North Country Trail Association

Trail Councils

Chapters of the North Country Trail Association are like local trail clubs. They build and maintain 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.

NORTH DAKOTA TRAIL COUNCIL Chair and Trail Coordinator:Jon G. Lindgren · 2001 N. Seventh, Fargo, ND 58102 · (701) 2327868 · jon_lindgren@ndsu.nodak.edu 1. Sheyenne River Valley Chapter Lisa Engel · P.O. Box 100 Cooperstown, ND 58245 · (701) 797-3530 · lisamengel@invisimax.com

LEGEND Chapters .......... Partners =

Not Yet Adopted

MINNESOTA TRAIL COUNCIL Chair: John Leinen, Jr.· 14205 Sr. Croix Trail, Stillwater, MN 55082-9587 · (651) 433-4456 · patleinen@msn.com Trail Coordinator:Daryl Williamson· 5901 Timberglade Dr., Bloomington, MN 55438 · (952) 835-2186 · purswilli@earthlink.net 2. Star of the North Chapter John Dreher· 7641 l Oth St. N, Oakdale, MN 55128 · (651) 738-3717 · jjdreher@msn.com 3. Itasca Moraine Jerry Trout· 4379 Maple Lane NW; Hackensack, MN 56452 · (218) 675-5448 · jbtrour@tds.netr 4. Kekekabic Trail Club Peter Sparks · (651) 739-0378 · pjsparks@isd.net 5. Rovers Outing Club Pat Ryan· 2021 James Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105 · (651) 699-9800 · pryannp@msn.com 6. Superior Hiking Trail Association Gayle Coyer· (218) 834-2700 · suphike@mr.net

GREAT LAKES TRAIL COUNCIL Chair: Bob Norlin· PO Box 718, Iron River, WI 54847 · (715) 372-5229 · rnorlin@ironriver.ba ysar.net · Wisconsin Coordinator:Brad Gingras · PO Box 416, Cable, WI 54821-0416 · (715) 7983890 · nctrail@cablemuseum.org Upper Michigan Coordinator:Doug Welker · 26344 Tauriainen Road, Pelkie, MI 49958 · (906) 338-2680 · dwelker@up.net 7. Brule-St. Croix Chapter Charles (Chuck) Zosel· 6697 S. Degerman Rd., Lake Nebagamon, WI 54849 · (715) 374-3489 · ezosel@presscenter.com 8. ChequamegonChapter Tana Turonie ·P.O. Box 475, Mellen, WI 54546 · (715) 274-2521 · tjt@wageswebworks.com

North Star

July- September 2002

9. Heritage Chapter Jim Burow · 7067 Oakwood Circle, Neskoro, WI 53496 · (920) 293-8023 · glorim@wirural.net 10. Peter Wolfe Chapter Doug Welker · 26344 Tauriainen Rd., Pelki, MI 49958 · (906) 338-2680 · dwelker@up.net 11. North Country Trail Hikers (Chapter) Jan Wester· 352 E. Hewitt Ave., Marquette, MI 49855. (906) 225-1295 Bettie Daly· 126 HC l, Marquette, MI 49855 · (906) 228-9018 Denise Herron · 423 W. Park St. · Marquette, MI 49855 · (906) 225-1030 · dherron906@aol.com 12. Hiawatha Shore to Shore Kirt Stage-Harvey · 950 Huron Street, Sr. Ignace, MI 49781 · .(906) 643-6379 · Stahar950@lighthouse.net

LOWER MICHIGAN TRAIL COUNCIL Chair: Arlen Matson · 49684 Dracka Road Traverse City, MI 49684-8837 · .(231) 941-4152 · as3 l 9@tcner.org 13. Harbor Springs Chapter Jerry Keeney · 2385 Manitou Trail, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 · (231) 526-9597 · Keeney@freeway.net 14. Tittabawassee Chapter Jerry Allen· 1561 Bomanville Rd., Gladwin, MI 48624 . (517) 345-2677 15. Grand Traverse Hiking Club (Chapter) Rick Halbert · 7385 S. Whispering Hills, Traverse City, MI 49684 · (231) 947-8485 · homes5@chartermi.net

16. Spirit of the Woods Chapter Joan Young· 861 W USlO, Scottville, MI 49454 · (231) 757-2205 · jhy@t-one.net 17. Western Michigan Chapter Werner Veit · 229 East Main Street, Lowell, MI 49331 · (616) 897-5987 · wvl2@aol.com 18. Chief NoondayChapter Dave Cornell · 514 Cordes Road, Delton, MI 49046 · (616) 623-8659 · Janc128@aol.com 19. Baw Beese Chapter Richard Saur· P.O. Box 673, Hillsdale, MI 49242 · (517) 437-5033 · dksrufffronrier.ner

OHIO TRAIL COUNCIL Chair: Garry S. Dill Jr. · 4070 Traitorsville-Brighton Road, London, OH 43140 · (937) 834-2891 vetfarm@starband.net Trail Coordinator:Jim Sprague · 4406 Maplecrest, Parma, OH 44134 · (440) 884-4757 · jimsprague@msn.net 20. Northwestern Ohio Rail-to-TrailsAssoc. Gene Markley· 22266 County Rd. 5, Delta, OH 43615 · (800) 951-4788 · 140years@powersupply.net 21. Buckeye Trail Association Garry Dill · 4070 Tradersville-Brighton Rd., London, OH 43140 · (937) 834-2891 · vetfarm@starband.net 22. Great Trail Sandy Beaver Canal Chapter Brad Bosley · 50900 Pancake-Clarkston Rd., Negley, OH 44441 · (330) 227-2432

PENNSYLVANIA TRAIL COUNCIL Chair and Trail Coordinator: Bob Tait · Box 2968, Butler PA 16001-2968 · (724) 287-3382 · bobtait@zbzboom.net

23. Wampum Chapter

Paul Henry· 469 Superior St., Hermitage, PA 16148. (724) 347-3282 24. Greater Pittsburgh Chapter Michael Kaizar · 933 Norfolk St., Pittsburgh, PA

15217 · (412) 321-0842 · mike@greenmarketplac e.com 24. Rock Chapter

Frank Cetera· P.O. Box 151, Forestville, PA 16035 · (724) 735-1133 · frcetera@hotmail.com 25. Butler Chapter

Ron Rice · 111 Ash Stop Rd., Evans City, PA 16033 · (724) 538-8475 · Ricel@nauticom.net 26. Clarion Chapter

Carol Atwell· 18141Rt208, P.O. Box 15, Marble, Pa 16334 · (814) 354-2778. atwell@ma il.usachoice.net 27. American Youth Hostels-Pittsburgh Council

Bob Roth· 80 Rose Leaf Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15220. (412) 279-6219

It didn't take long for John Elliott (right) elected trail manager of the Hiawatha Shore to Shore chapter to go to work on the NCT. Here he's shown helping Western Michigan chapter members during this Sprlng's maintenance workshop In the HuronManistee National Forest.

NCTA Boasts New Chapters In Minnesota, Michigan's UP

NEW YORK TRAIL COUNCIL Chair and Trail Coordinator: Howard Beye ·

202 Colebourne Road, Rochester, NY · (585} 288-7191 · fltc@frontiernet.net 28. Finger Lakes Trail Conference

Irene Szabo · 6939 Creek Road, Mt. Morris, NY 14510-9638 · (585) 658-4321 · treeweenie@aol.com 29. Onondaga Chapter, ADK

Mary Coffin · 328 Deepsrings Dr., Chinenango, NY 13037 · (315) 687-3589 · Mccoffin72l@worldne t.att.net

30. Central New York Chapter

Al Larmann · 7169 Forbes Road, Canastota, NY 13032-9999 · (315) 697-3387 · larman

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Tom Gilbert, Superintendent Fred Szarka, Trail Manager Ken Howell, Land Protection Coordinator National Park Service 700 Rayovac Drive Suite 100 Madison, WI 53711 (608) 441-5610 tom_gilbert@nps.gov fredrick_szarka@nps.gov ken_howell@nps.org

harters for new chapters in Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan were approved by the Board of Directors of the North Country Trail Association at its Spring meeting in Mt. Morris, NY. The Itasca Moraine Chapter in Minnesota and the Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter in Michigan's UP became the 22nd and 23rd chapters of the Association. Itasca Moraine, based in central Minnesota west of the Chippewa national Forest, is responsible for that portion of the North Country National Scenic Trail that lies between the western boundary of the Chippewa National Forest and the Old Headquarters site on the Bad Medicine-Sectionof the trail, excluding Itasca State Park, a distance of approximately 41 miles. Thirty of those miles will have to be constructed. There are about six miles already certified and another stretch, just under five miles, completed but not certified. In addition, the new chapter, calls for Itasca-Moraine "to promote and celebrate the sections of the trail located within the Chippewa National Forest and Itasca State Park." The new chapter is the second in Minnesota. The other is the re-organized Star of the North Chapter, based in the Twin Cities area. Most of the members of Itasca

Moraine previously were members of the Star of the North chapter or were members of the association at large. The new Minnesota chapter elected the following officers this Spring: Jerry Trout, Hackensack, MN, President; Carter Hedeen, Park Rapids, MN, Vice President; Harvey Tjader, Bemidji, MN, Secretary, and WE. (Al Mitton), Hackensack, MN, Treasurer. Hiawatha Shore to Shore, based in the Mackinac Straits area, is the first chapter in the eastern Upper Peninsula. The other UP chapters are Peter Wolfe in the West and North Country Trail Hikers in the Marquette area. The new chapter will be responsible for the trail from the southern end of the Mackinac Bridge northwestward to the bridge over the Two Hearted River in Luce County, a distance of 133 miles, more than 112 already certified. Less than three miles are temporarily signed on a road. Kirt Stage-Harvey, of St. Ignace, was elected the chapter's first president. Other officers: Mark Halverson, St. Ignace, Vice President; Susan Deaner, Hessel, Secretary; Julia Rawlings, Sault Ste. Marie, Treasurer, and John Elliott, of St. Ignace, trail maintenance and tool manager. Stay Tuned: The NCTA Board is expected to approved still another North Dakota chaper in August.

J"~i;··~··5~~~~~i;~~··2iiiii·····N·~·rth .. st~~··37

Along the way to building the longest continuous hiking trail in the country, we pass many milestones. This page marks some that show our progress.

Trail Building Progress on the North Country Trail The National Park Service certifies those completed miles that satisfy its standards. In addition there are many more completed miles that may be enjoyable to hike but cannot be certified for a variety of reasons. Miles Certified

Increase Since Last Issue

Other Off-Road Miles

Total Trail Miles

Marked Road Miles

24.8%

93.0

0.0

4.7

97.7

0.0

Michigan

53.9%

619.4

5.0

65.1

684.5

100.6

Pennsylvania

43.3%

129.9

0.8

8.5

138.4

5.8

40.1%

1,682.8

10.7

155.8

1,838.6

184.0

Percent State !North Dakota ',;,(';@

Minnesota Wisconsin

New York Totals

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State by State Membership Membership in the NCTA demonstrates public support for the trail. Membership dues help fund activities that benefit the trail. Here's how each state stacks up. Current Members

State

Change Since Last Issue

Percent Change

North Dakota

172

Minnesota

164

1,196

243

-12

-5

87 2,349

-6 14

-1

Wisconsin Michigan Ohio Pennsylvania New York Other Totals

RecruitingMembers Awardsare given for recruiting J 0 100 and 250 new members. Ow: to recruiters in the Ist quarter of 20Q2, were: Al and Jean Moberly ,. Kirt Stage-Harvey . John Leinen . Doug Welker . Rick Halbert . Jerry Allen . Marilyn Chadwick . . . . . . . . .

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North Star

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July- September 2002

In the last issue, we reported the possibility of a 23rd chapter in North Dakota. That's not only becoming reality but the new group, the Lonetree Chapter, will actually become our 24th chapter! Charters for two new chapters, Hiawatha Shore to Shore and ItascaMoraine, were approved by the Board of Directors this Spring (See Page 37). The charter for Lonetree will be acted upon by the Board at its August meeting. After that, its particulars will be listed on the quarterly Trails Councils Page. In the meantime, interested members or prospective members may get in touch with Elden Ehrman at (701) 465-3387 or at ejje@ndak.net.

Trail Supporters We gratefully acknowledge the support of all our members and donors, and especially wish to recognize the following individuals, businesses, foundations and agencies, for their generous contributions over the past twelve months":

INDIVIDUALS $500 or more Garrett Dill William & Donna Menke Val Rauceps Irene Szabo Werner & Marianne Veit

$250 to $499 David & Jan Cornell Loyal Eldridge Gene & Jean Elzinga Lou & Sandy Kasischke John & Pat Leinen Philip Lenko Bob & Annette Papp Raymond & Elaine Papp Michael Schuler Maureen Smith Gaylord & Marlene Yost David Younger

$100 to $249 David & Jean Adams Jerry Allen & Connie Pausits-Allen Pat Allen & Mark Miller Daniel & Constance Arnold Thomas & Patricia Backe Len & JoAnne Baron Richard Beil & Dana Burkley Charles Benjamin Bert Bleke David Blewett LeRoy Bliven Richard . Boettner Ren & Carol Brander Baxter Brings Barb & Brian Buchanan Carolyn Butcher James Byrne Ed & Nancy Chappel Walter Clawson John Conway Anthony Cook Daniel Dardio Richard & Ann DeBoer Susan Derro John Diephouse Joe Dixon & Stephanie Kobylinski Dixon William Dixon Dennis Donarhen Kathleen Eisele William Eisenman Duane Elenbaas Kari Elias Richard Flinn Jon & Ellen Flood Douglas Fraits John Gall Marc Gilbert Tom & Janis Gilbert George Girod Robert Glesne Harry Gubbins Robert Hangel Chuck Hayden Paul & Jerry Henry Denise Herron Herbert and Suzanne Hulls

David Hutchinson Joe Hyrman Hans Kappus John & Nancy Kennedy Brooks & Margie Kindel Kay Kujawa Dale Lack Ned Liddle Christopher & Margo Light Doug Lory John & Marianne Ludwick Curt & Julie MacDougall RodMacRae John & Diana Meyer Pat & Kathleen Miller Ray Miller Al & Jean Moberly Larry Mulder Gregg and Colleen Nelson Linnea Newman & Tony Malikowski Peter O'Rourke Timothy O'Rourke Peter & Susan Ordway David Patrick Fred Peachman Richard Pfeiffer Aaron Phipps Thomas & Diane Piquet Tim Pond Joseph Raught Margaret Root J. Robert Routt Bob and Grace Rudd Michael & Erica SanDretto Edward Scanlan Merl & Patricia Schlaack Peter Schmitz Richard Schwaab Richard Seabold Stephen Selden Tom Simpkins Joseph Smith James Spencer James Sprague Harmon Strong Rolf Swanson Betty Tableman John & Mary Lou Tanton David Tattan Jerry & Beth Trout Donna Tuttle RogerTuuk Betty Van der Smissen John & Diane VanderVeen SteveVear AnthonyVeit John Wallace Doug Welker Gary Werner Donald Wicksrra Daryl Williamson Rodger & Denise Wolf Duke Yost Walter Zarnoch

$1.0,000 or m National Park Servi Lowell Area Community Grand Rapids Foundat" Haworth, Inc.

's. Sportsand Sportswear

Portage MI 49002 (616) 381-7700 Marquette General Hospital

20 West Magnetic Street Marquette MI 49855

Butler Outdoor Club

P.O. Box 243 Butler PA 16003-0243 I Associates of Marquette

708 Chippewa Square Marquette MI 49855

*Includes cumulative gifts, membership contributions and grants receivedbetween April I, 2001 and March 31, 2002.

July - September 2002

North Star

NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PAID North Country Trail Association 229 East Main Street Lowell, Michigan 49331

Grand Rapids, Ml Permit 340 ,!