North Star Vol. 23, No. 4 (2004) by NCTA Staff

n the River in Marietta, Ohio Page 14

EDITOR'S LJZJ@)u~

WERNER VEIT

Probablymore than you want to know about Buckeyes...

uckeyes, it seems, are not as simple as you might expect, assuming you expected anything from Buckeyes that few of us Michiganders do. In my last Editor's Note, I dared expound on that inedible nut since we members of the North Country Trail Association (NCTA) were about to embark for our annual conference in Marietta, Ohio. Bill Schultz, of the Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) and the NCTA, quickly set out to set me straight and wrote: "I guess you can be forgiven on the basis that you are from Michigan, but I had to correct some of your Ohio misinformation. "First, there are two types of buckeye trees that grow in Ohio. Aesculus glabra, the species you mentioned, is the Ohio buckeye. Aesculus octandra is the yellow buckeye. So you can't just say 'buckeye tree' you should say 'Ohio buckeye tree.' There are other types of buckeyes in California and the southern U.S. also." Not to be content with the description of a favorite local flora, he went on: "Second, Ohio has, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, more than 40 natural bridges or arches. Granted none is as spectacular as those out west or even some in Kentucky or Tennessee, but we

The BTA's Sid and Garry Dill

have lots of them. The Buckeye Trail passes at least three on its way through Fort Hill State Memorial in Highland County." Sid Dill found my piece a little more inspirational. Husband Garry, one of our hosts from the BTA, credited the column with inspiring his wife to collect more than 100 buckeyes, drilling holes in them, affixing pins, painting on a blue blaze, and presenting the ensuing jewelry to all who attended. "True, Sid?" She didn't say. On the inside pages of this edition of the North Star you will find accounts of all the important events of the conference, but you might like to learn some pertinantcies (I bet associate editor Irene Szabo will insist there is no such word as pertinantcies: maybe not in her lexicon but I'm the editor and I get to make things up). Anyway, diligent research on the part of this correspondent has uncovered: The Great Lakes Lager on tap at the historic Lafayette Hotel on the banks of the Ohio River is brewed in Cleveland, a little far from the Ohio River to be called a local brew but a splendid beverage, nevertheless. The fancy bar in the Lafayette could qualify, therefore, to be included among our all-star list of great ale houses along the North Country Trail we started a couple of years ago. As you will learn from an article inside, the new NCTA chapter in Marietta is busy plotting a North Country National Scenic Trail route through town. This is to suggest the trail pass by the Lafayette to provide a convenient watering hole for diligent hikers who have strained their way up and down the hills in the Wayne

National Forest where our associate editor labored so heroically in August (See page 24). That way the Lafayette could take its rightful place in the NCTA Pint Hoisters Guide along such other famous waystations we have tried to make notorious in previous issues: the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery and Pub (Lumberjack Lager, Northwoods Amber, Porcupine Pale Ale and Black Bear Stout) Lake Superior Brewing Company in Grand Marais (famous not only for its brew but its Scotch eggs), both in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and the oases in New York state: Brae Loch Inn in Cazenovia, Genesee Falls Inn (it stocks Guinness) and The Sierra Inn located in the village of Swain. Beer, alas, usually requires other comfort stops besides the proper bar stools. In that area, the Lafayette is unusually equipped. Not to be found are signs reading " Women," or the more genteel "Ladies." Instead you will encounter a bronze plaque engraved "Ladies Retiring Room." There are, of course, limits to my research but I have it on good authority that there is not much to retire on within. The premises are equipped, I am told, with a love seat, a couple of chairs and some artificial flowers, but nothing a weary hiker might find suitable to retire on. Men make do with a simple "Gentlemen." If all that proves a little fancy, there's a splendid alternative just down the street, which also should go on the trail: The Marietta Brewing Company. But you must time your visit carefully lest you run into Karaoke, hard to avoid late nights, a fate elderly editors find too daunting to contemplate.

*y.

A Glance Inside

coUNTJ?y

~ •ASSOCIATION•

229 East Main Street, Lowell, MI 49331 Ph. (866) HikeNCT, Fax (616) 897-6605 www.norrhcountrytrail.org NCTA Staff Rob Corbett, Acting Executive Director, Director of Trail Management Tiffany Stram, GIS Coordinator Bonnie Wayman, Office Manager Bill Menke, Trail Foreman Glory Meyer, Public Services Coordinator Allison Barr, Bookkeeper Sherry Staal, Office Assistant Matt Rowbotham, GIS Assistant

National Board of Directors Terms Expiring 2005 Howard Beye, New York Rep., (585)288-7191

· fltc@frontiernet.net

202 Colebourne

Road, Rochester,

NY 14609

Derek Blount, At Large Rep., (248)548-1737

· djblount@sbcglobal.net

906 N Alexander,

Royal Oak, MI 48067

Dave Cornell, VP ofFinance, At Large Rep., (269)623-8659

Members at their ease on the top deck of the Valley Gem, cruising the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers before dinner. For more conference highlights, see page 14.

Trail Tales 2004 Annual Conference: Highlights Awards

onescep@mei.net

4909 Cordes Rd., Delton, MI 49046

Helen Coyne, At Large Rep., (724)776-0678

14 20

Editor's Note View from Lowell Trail Head View from Madison Reaching for the Gold On the Road with Rob

2 5 6 7 12 13

Twp., PA 16066

Departments

Alicla Hoffarth, VP West, North Dakota Rep., (701)490-3889

· cahoffarrh@hotmail.com

Trail Supporters Hiking Shorts Milestones Trail Shop Who's Who at the NCT

435 Fifth Avenue NE, Valley Cicy, ND 58072

Mary Lucas, Secretary, At Large Rep. · dsmlucas@newnorth.com

753 West Davenport,

Rhinelander, WI 54501

Terms Expiring 2006 James Baldwin, At Large Rep., (269)382-3808

· hbcoyne@zbzoom.net

212 Willow Circle, Cranberry

(715)362-0616

Columns

Articles

· jgbaldwin@earthlink.com

.4 8 11 25 30

6163 Taylors Grove, Richland, Ml 49083

Sarah Julien, At Large Rep., (616)676-0172

Left: Hikers at the North Country Trail Annual Conference, rest in the shade of imposing rocks in Ohio's Wayne National Forest.

· juliensarah@yahoo.com

1650 Tammarron,

S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Al Larmann, At Large Rep., (315)697-3387

· AFLarmann@msn.com

7169 Forbes Rd., Canastota, NY 13032

Terms Expiring 2007 Carl Boesel, Ohio Rep., (614)436-6162

· cboesel@columbus.rr.com

863 Northbridge

Lane, Columbus, OH 43235

Mikel Classen, Great Lakes Rep., (906)494-2458

· classen@jamadots.com

P.O. Box 249, Grand Marais,

Ml 49839

Bobby Koepplin, At Large Rep.,

About the Cover Michigan's Gene Elzinga was presented with the NCTA's Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's annual conference in Marietta, Ohio. Read more about Gene and the other award winners on page 20. Photo taken by Tom Buchkoe, Marquette, Mich.

(701)845-2251 · bkoepplin@kwh.com 230 l Sth Sc. NE, Valley City, ND 58072

John Leinen, President, At Large, (651)433-4456 14205

· patleinen@msn.com

St. Croix Trail, North Stillwater,

MN 55082

Bert Nemcik, Pennsylvania Rep., (814)927-8303

· bnemcik@csonline.net

HC 2, Box 62A Duh ring Rd., Marienville,

PA 16239

Irene Szabo, VP East, At Large Rep., (585)658-4321

· rreeweenie@aol.com

6939 Creek Rd., Mc. Morris, NY 145!0

The North Star Staff: Werner Veit, Editor Irene Szabo, Associate Editor Jennifer Tripp, Associate Editor Sharon Phipps, Contributing Editor Joan Young, Contributing Editor Aaron Phipps, Arr Director

The North Star, SummerIssue, Vol. XXIII, Issue 4, is published by the North Country Trail Association, a private, not-for-profit50l(c)(3) organization, 229 East Main Street, Lowell, MI 49331. The North Star is published quarterly for promotional and educational purposes and as a benefit of membership in the Association. All rights reserved. No part of chis publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the North Country Trail Association.

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 12 months":

Businesses, Foundations, and Agencies $10.000 or more

National Park Service

$2,500 to $9.999 Madison County (NY) Board of Supervisors Samuel I. Newhouse Foundation Western Michigan Chapter of NCTA $1.000 to $2.499 Chittenango Garden Club Eastern Mountain Sports

Mead Witter Foundation Universal Forest Products

$250 to $999 Central NY Community Foundation General Motors Foundation

Marquette General Hospital National Cherry Festival North Country Music Association

Northern Michigan University Striders, Inc.

$150 to $249 Adirondack Mountain Club Christopher Ameel Bill Prall Touring Gear Butler Outdoor Club Callanan Industries

Individuals $500 or more James Baldwin Paul Cornelius Dave and Jan Cornell Garrett Dill Bobbie Hineline John and Pat Leinen Rod and Margaret MacRae Bill and Donna Menke Bob and Annette Papp Raymond and Elaine Papp Erma Lee Saur Harmon Strong Irene Szabo Werner Veit Jim Weiske Daryl Williamson

$250 to $499 David and Jean Adams Jerry and Connie Pausits Allen Len and JoAnne Baron Lewis and Mary Bender Howard Beye LeRoy Bliven Derek and Margaret Blount John Diephouse Cathy Drexler Kathleen Eisele Loyal and Bonnie Eldridge Richard Flinn Janice Garens Rich Harris Denise Herron Chris and Alicia Hoffarth Al Larmann and Mary KunzlerLarmann James and Elizabeth Mackey Mark Morrow Linda O'Donnel Timothy O'Rourke Martin O'Toole Joseph Raught Michael and Erica SanDretto

David Tattan Roger Tuuk Gaylord Yost

100 to $249 Alan and Lou Adsmond John and Phoebe Alden Walt Alexander Pat Allen and Mark Miller John Allen and Edith Maynard Galen Anderson Kimberly Arbour Daniel and Constance Arnold Richard Ashbacker Charles Axthelm Brian Becker Richard Beil and Dana Burkley Gregory Benkert Anne Billiard Bruce Bishop David and Catherine Blaeser Bert Bleke Richard and Sue Boettner Ren and Carol Brander Bob and Judith Bredeweg Brian and Barb Buchanan Bill Buell Brian Burt Robert Cable Joe and Sharon Callahan Robert Campbell Ed and Nancy Chappel Frances and Steve Cheyne Charles Church Tim and Christine Conners Helen Coyne Daniel Dardio Mary and Bill Davis Robert Davis Mary DeGroot William Dixon Jack and Karen Dixon Joe and Stephanie Dixon Roman Downer

Campmor Inc. Down Wind Sports South, Inc. Eagle Optics Lee's Sports and Sportswear

Greg and Lynne Durham Clifton and Kay Edwards William Eisenman Gerard Engler John Fenner Joan Filla Jeff Fleming Joanna Frank Donald French Kurt Fristup Sue Funk and Wood Kidner David Galbreath Tom Garnett William and Joanne Gerke Marc Gilbert George Girod James Glockner Daniel Gold Karl Gordon Donald Gore Paul and Julie Nietling Haan Anthony Haga Mary Hamilton William Hamilton Joy Marie and Joe Harvey Paul and Jerry Henry J. Daniel Hitchens Mark Hoffman Carolyn Hoffman James and Gladys Hoogterp Tom and Mary Hord Keith and Katherine Horngren Larry Huston David Irish Peggy Jones and Andy Zeek Lois Judd John Judd Sarah Julien Thomas Kaiser Hans Kappus Lou and Sandy Kasischke James Kelly Shawn Kelly L. Bill Kick Pollie Knight Stephen Kobylarz

Mich. Mountain Bike Association The Outfitter Newaygo Engineering & Survey Track 'n Trail

Andrew and Nancy Kessell Karen Kress Hal Lambdin Kurt Landauer Paul Lane Raoul and Jan LePage Christopher and Margo Light John Lindholm John Lonsway Pat and Sharon Loomis Mary Lucas John and Marianne Ludwick Mary Lunt William Lynch George and Patricia Maas Angus MacDonald Cynthia Maczuga Raymond and Kristen Majkrzak John Malcolm Guyer and Kimberly McCracken Laurie McMurray Roger and Glory Meyer Pat and Kathleen Miller Robert Norlin John Norlund Anthony and Kim Notario Eugene Ollila Derrick Passe Richard and Kaye Pfeiffer Aaron and Sharon Phipps Thomas and Diane Pique\ Andy Poineau Pat Prosser William and Avis Rambo Mark Reist Michael Rochowiak Anthony Rodriguez Dan Regalia Robert and Grace Rudd Louis Sabo Paula Sagala Frank Sargent Edward Scanlan Lynne Scheer Merl and Pat Schlaack Peter and Emily Schmitz

Michael Schultz Richard Schwaab Richard Seabold Stephen Selden Perry Severance David and Elvera Shappirio John Sherman Randy Shoemaker Jonathan Sledge Anthony Stanton Carol Stetter Nancy Stewart Rolf Swanson Larry Swisher Susan Sylvester Fredrick Szarka Betty Tableman Bob Tait John Tanton William Thomas David Tennies John Tremore Michael Trinka Jerry and Beth Trout Miles Trumble Dori Turner Donna Tuttle John Underhill Betty Van der Smissen Gail VanHaren John and Diane Vanderveen Steve Vear Michael and Diane Veen Jon and Judy Walter David Wells F.T. Weyerhaeuser Neil Whitbeck Donald Wickstra Kevin, Robin, Kate & Morgan Wilson Gene Wimmer Jack Wiswell Rodger and Denise Wolf Gary Wright Reynold Zeller Beverly Zelt

*Includes cumulative gifts, membership contributions and grants received between September l, 2003 and August 31, 2004.

A final view from Lowell EWFROM [1@~[1[1

A fter 8 1/2 wonderful and reward.r\..ing years with the North Country Trail Association, I've decided to follow a new direction in my career by accepting a position in the development office of Grand Valley State University, working in Annual Giving. This is a big change for me, and a natural evolution for the NCTA. Over the years, we've assembled an outstanding, dedicated staff and have created a deep and broad infrastructure of passionate and skilled volunteers. The organization is positioned to thrive and will emerge from this brief transition with a new leader and ongoing vigor. Our campaign to raise the funding for a new development coordinator is right on schedule, and soon will lead to continued expansion of our programs and continued growth in the trail itself. There truly are some great years ahead for the NCTA and I'm really looking forward to seeing this future unfold. Attending our annual conference in Marietta, Ohio, in August was a really wonderful way to cap my career with the NCTA. I was proud to see

BOB PAPP Executive Director

so many of our members and volunteers glowing with enthusiasm for the North Country Trail and enjoying the camaraderie that swirls through the conference. Of course, I deeply appreciated all the kind words expressed to me. But what I really took home from the conference was a reaffirmation that the strength of the NCTA lies in the people who support it and who rally behind our vision. The North Country National Scenic Trail is the thread that binds us all together, but the people behind it make the trail real. We have inherited and embraced this challenge, yet we know that without spirit and fun our challenge would be without meanmg. I've truly enjoyed working for the NCTA, and feel privileged to have

SPONSORED Our Sponsored Membership

had the opportunity to make some personal impact on the progress of the trail and the Association. To all those I've met, thank you for all your support, your encouraging words, and your friendship through the years. And to all the members and friends of the NCTA, thank you for believing in our cause!

MEMBERSHIP

Tom Gilbert, North Country Trail Superintendent, presents outgoing Executive Director Bob Papp with parting prizes in addition to a certificate of appreciation.

FORM

Program allows current members to

sign up new members at an introductory rate of just $18.00. To qualify, Sponsor Members must be new to NCTA, or not have been members for at least two years. The $18.00 rate is good only for the first year of membership. To use the program, just fill you name in the "Sponsored by" box. Then, give the form to a friend to finish. Please choose your Chapter affiliatlon:

D Member of a specific Chapter: D Member of my closest Chapter (If one exists) D At-Large Member (Not affiliated with any Chapter)

â&#x20AC;˘ASSOCIATIONâ&#x20AC;˘

To begin your membership, complete this form and send It with your $18 payment to: 229 East Main Street Lowell, Michigan 49331

Sponsored by Name (Please Print) Address

Daytime Phone (Area Code First, Extension at End)

City

State

Skills to Volunteer

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1-1

I I

ZIP

1-1

Thanks Bob, Good Luck! ate on the afternoon of July 20th, something happened I never considered when I contemplated accepting the nomination for President of the North Country Trail Association Board of Directors a year and a half ago. Our Executive Director, Bob Papp, called to inform me that he had just accepted another job. He wanted me to know that dissatisfaction with our position, or our compensation, or the rest of our staff, or the Board was not a factor in his decision. He simply stated he thought it was time for him to do something different, to seek new challenges, to move on. I was stunned. Bob and I began our tenure with North Country Trail Association (NCTA) at almost exactly the same time. In fact, my first Board of Directors meeting was the last meeting conducted under the auspices of our previous Executive Director, Pat Allen. At that time, the NCTA was still a fledgling organization. Our membership hovered around 350, we had only four Chapters and our Board didn't know how to be very effective. I, too, was pretty green with much to learn about footpath advocacy on a national stage. Bob, of course, seemed to hit the ground running. I'm sure he'll probably disagree, but it seems as if from the get go Bob had a knack for understanding exactly what was needed next, what it would take for us to be effective. His leadership during the past eight and a half years has allowed the NCTA to grow by a factor of ten in just about any way you'd like to analyze it; membership now tops 3,000; at our Board of Directors meeting on August 5th we accepted the Charters of our 28th and 29th Chapters; our staff has grown from one part-time Executive Director to three full-time positions, Executive Director, Director of Trail Management and GIS Coordinator, a nearly full-time Office Manager, and five part-time positions, Trail Foreman, Public Services Coordinator, Bookkeeper, Office Assistant and GIS Assistant; our budget and the resources to sustain it have also experi-

TRAIL

GCJ@&[Q)

JQHN LEINEN President

enced substantial growth. Cooperation among our public agency partners with a clear vision towards our "Desired Future Condition" for the North Country National Scenic Trail has never been better. Our lobbying effort in Congress continues to provide increases in the National Park Service's budget for the trail and for our Cooperative Agreement with them. Financial support from members, foundations, and the general public all has increased significantly through Bob's efforts. Steve Elkinton, the NPS's Program Leader for the National Trails System, offers, "Bob's effective leadership style and skill are based on quiet diplomacy, articulate writing, firmness of character, tact, timing and vision." Concerning Bob's departure Steve also offers, "It is a blow to us all. But, in my experience, some of the best have a sense when to leave at the top of their game." Well, so where does this leave us, the NCTA, right now? With a few weeks to reflect and recover from the shock, one is able to see things more clearly. We have a very talented Board of Directors and Executive Committee. We have a very talented, dedicated and loyal staff. The Executive Committee has offered our very capable Director of Trail Management, Rob Corbett, the position of Acting Executive Director and Rob has accepted. We've formed a Search Committee from within the Board and staff, updated the Executive Director's job description and begun to advertise for a qualified director candidate. We have a sound budget, Strategic Plan, and Development Plan and have nearly

raised the funds needed to hire a Development and Communications Coordinator. All of these factors should make our new Executive Director position very attractive to talented, qualified candidates. This is not to disregard the solid foundation laid down for our organization by past Executive Directors April Schultz, Pat Allen and Bob Papp. Hopefully the perfect candidate to be our new Executive Director will quickly become available. But we need not panic and rush to decide on a candidate that doesn't quite fit the bill or isn't a good fit with our organization. While no one thinks it will be an easy task, our Board and our staff have the talent and dedication to keep our organization growing and moving forward until the right Executive Director candidate is found, be it one month from now or six. Our Board and I learned a long time ago to trust in Bob's judgment and counsel. If it's true as Steve Elkinton said, the good ones know when it's time to move on, then I know one of the most important factors in Bob's decision to accept a new job was his certainty the NCTA was ready to move forward without him. Above all else, I've always placed a great deal of trust, weight and confidence in Bob's opinion and see no need to doubt him now in this decision. I'd like to close now by offering to you the same message I gave the Board of Directors in my July 22 memo announcing Bob's resignation, "My life's experiences have convinced me, many years ago, that all situations ultimately boil down to providing us with opportunities. How we react to those opportunities determines whether those situations have a positive or negative result. This is an opportunity the North Country Trail Association will use to its advantage to grow stronger and more effective. And I know that all of you will do everything in your power to ensure this is the outcome." Thanks, Bob, for your diligence, dedication, foresight, good humor and friendship. Good luck in the new career path that you have chosen. Your inspiration will serve us into the future.

The Work of the NPS Office, Part VII: Selecting the routes for the North Country Trail

TOM GILBERT National Park Service

he National Park Service (NPS), acting on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior, is charged under the National Trails System Act with the responsibility of selecting the routes for the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST). Section 7(a)(2) of the Act states: "Pursuant to section 5(a), the appropriate Secretary shall select the rights-of-way for national scenic ... trails and shall publish notice thereof of the availability of appropriate maps or descriptions in the Federal Register; ... provided that in selecting the rights-of-way full consideration shall be given to minimizing the adverse effects upon the adjacent landowner or user and his operation. Development and management of each segment of the National Trails System shall be designed to harmonize with and complement any established multipleuse plans for the specific area in order to insure continued maximum benefits from the land. The location and width of such rights-of-way across federal lands under the jurisdiction of another federal agency shall be by agreement between the head of that agency and the appropriate Secretary. In selecting rights-of-way for trail purposes, the Secretary shall obtain the advice and assistance of the States, local governments, private organizations, and landowners and land users concerned." The National Park Service (NPS) carries out this responsibility to select the routes in two ways. The most common way is through our process of trail segment certification. When a new segment of trail is constructed by a partner organization, either public or private, that partner can apply to the NPS to have the segment "certified" as an

official part of the NCNST. The NPS will certify the segment if it follows the general route of the trail, connects with other adjacent segments, and is constructed and maintained in accordance with the NCNST handbook standards. Certification entitles and requires the "managing authority" for that segment to mark the trail with the official NCNST emblems, which are provided by the NPS. While this appears to be an "after-the-fact" determination of the trail route, and technically is, more and more the NPS is informed of and involved in trail construction projects before they occur through provision of technical assistance or Challenge Cost Share financial assistance. This gives us the opportunity to provide comments and advice on the route selected for the trail construction project. The other way the NPS selects the route of the trail is through a formal or informal process to determine the route in advance of trail construction. The formal process involves a public planning process. This is usually done on a county or multi-county basis. These "trailway plans" narrow the very general trail route authorized by Congress in 1980 to a 1 to 3-mile-wide corridor within which some lands, but not all of the land, will eventually be permanently secured for the trail. The planning document complies with all federal requirements. Formal planning may also be done to select an alternative to the general route authorized by Congress. Many readers are already aware we are reaching the end of such a planning effort in Minnesota. With the blessing and encouragement of all the key stakeholders in the route area of Minnesota, we are proposing the trail route loop northward from Duluth following the Superior Hiking Trail, Border Route Trail, and Kekekabic Trail to reach the Chippewa National Forest (NF). This is in lieu of the currently authorized route that extends generally westward from Duluth to the Chippewa NF. This planning process is concluding

Managing authorities of certified trail segments are entitledand obligated to mark the trail with the official trail emblem.

with a printed planning document that meets all federal requirements. We are embarking on another evaluation of a section of the 1980 authorized route, this time in the Dayton, Ohio, area. The new route being considered for the trail passes through the heart of Dayton, rather than skirting the city as shown on the official map referenced by Congress. This route, however, is not a substantial departure from the authorized route, as was the case in Minnesota. This evaluation will be handled more informally through dose consultation with the involved stakeholders and potential trail partners. An opportunity for public involvement will likely be provided. These efforts by the NPS staff to work with affected partners in advance of trail construction are an important element of our responsibilities under the National Trails System Act to select the routes for the trail. They are very time intensive, but once such planning is completed, local partners have dear direction for their efforts to establish actual trail.

Hike in Paradise MICHIGAN - "Hike in Paradise" was the theme for the 3rd annual National Trails Day celebration of the Hiawatha Shore- ~ / to-Shore -r ;:::i, Chapter held ~ on August 14, V. .r 2004. The event took place at Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise, Mich., which is in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Under blue skies and temperatures in the low 70s (and very few mosquitoes!), fourteen chapter members played host to over 125 people. Among the people attending the event was Elizabeth Reed, staff assistant for U. S. Senator Carl Levin. Highlighting the day was the shuttle service to the Upper Falls with 70 people hiking the four miles of North Country National Scenic Trail between the Upper Falls and the Lower Falls. Displays on hiking and camping equipment, flora and fauna, the tool trailer and tools used by the chapter to maintain the trails, and photos of the chapter's trails and activities were also set up. One of the chapter's activities this year included the installation of new signs to mark the intersections of roadways and the trail. There were many activities for children. Marge Long, an art instructor from Gaylord, Mich., helped the children make "animal tracks" plaques. We offered coupons for a free pop or ice cream courtesy of the Tahquamenon Falls Brewery. Goodies bags were also passed out to hikers. Thanks to all who attended, especially to our partners from the DNR and the Field Grant from the NCTA. Much kudos for the time and effort put in by our members who were decked out in blaze-blue volunteer shirts and who particularly enjoyed our post-event dinner at the Brewery. -Karen Sandberg

The Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter installed over 50 signs this past summer. Just south of the Tahquamenon River, members take a break to pose for a photo, from left to right Brian Mastaw, Stan Kujawa, Kay Kujawa, and Roger Morrison. Seated is Marilyn Chadwick.

.>:

HI Heritage Chapter Secures Foundation Grant WISCONSIN - Susan Feith, President of the Mead Witter Foundation, Inc. of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisc., and Jim Burow, President of the Heritage ,-----:L Chapter of the North Country Trail Association, have jointly announced the award of a 0 Discretionary Grant of $1,000 to the Chapter. The Grant is to be used to fund "development of the portion of the North Country Trail (NCT) running through Iron County, Wisc." The award was made in July and will be utilized to continue construction of the NCT through Iron County during the remainder of the 2004 and the 2005 construction season. The Mead Witter Foundation, a private philanthropic organization, is headquartered in Wisconsin Rapids. Founded in 1951, the Foundation is funded through earnings from endowments from George W. Mead I family members. However, both the Mead and Witter families have been involved in

projects to improve Wisconsin for over 100 years. The current NCT project being funded consists of 12 to 15 miles of trail and footbridges over the Potato and Tyler Forks Rivers. Funding from the Mead Witter Foundation, Inc. marks the first time that a private Foundation will assist in Iron County trail construction. Heritage Chapter President Jim Burow, of Neshkoro, Wisc., said, "The North Country Trail Association welcomes the participation of the Mead Witter Foundation in our project. They have the Heritage Chapter's and the people of Iron County's thanks and gratitude for their generous contribu. ,, non.

FLTC Trail Dedication NEW YORK - Ev and Ethyl Hittle have long / been two of the nicest people on the planet, so after Ev ~ 1 passed away, the ~ Foothills Trail " Club wanted to honor his long devotion to the club, the trail, and the Finger Lakes Trail Conference by naming a trail section for him. Nice wooden signs mark each end of this mile-plus section in the southwest corner of New York. The hike and celebration were organized by Mary Domanski, opened with a walk across the newly named

trail section. Boy Scout Troop 1776, who maintain a section of the trail, followed with a color guard presentation of the flag. A welcome from the Mayor of nearby Ellicottville, and heart-warming speeches about Ev Hittle from friends and family rounded out the celebration. Ev's son, Mark who was long the FLTC treasurer and still works on trail a lot, thought the section named for his father could well be one of the early pieces of trail his father designed and marked many years ago. Everybody hiked several miles to a late lunch spot where the trail landowners have erected a hikers' shelter, and they were greeted by a bubbling pot of chili and chilled ice tea.

we repaired and reopened the last section of trail that was impacted by logging operations earlier in the year. This B~SC Rovers Repair and is where the July heat came into the Complete New Trail in July picture. That day's work was located in WISCONSIN -Ahhh!! The dog a clear cut, fully exposed to the blazing days of summer. It turns out that the sun. But did the nightly swim in Rush Lake ever feel good! The entire B-SC July heat is more than we really appresection of trail is once again open and ciate and there are ~ times when we feel in good repair, all trail alerts are void. Wednesday was again hot but at like we are the dogs. Nevertheless the least we were in the shady woods as five-day outing of we built new trail between Wills Road the Brule-St. Croix and Pero Road. Due to the heat, longer (B-SC) Roving Trail and more rest breaks were needed and Crew proved to be very we went through water by the gallons. productive. Besides reguUpon returning to camp, we found it lar crewmembers Dick Kroener, Rolf was 92 degrees. No wonder it had been Swanson, Mark VanHornweder, and so tough! Of course, the nightly swim crew leader Bill Menke, Lynn Martin felt even better if that could be. Burgers and Carol Sue Scherpennissi traveled were on the menu but before we could over from Michigan via the ferry to even get them on our plates, Bea and spend the week with our crew. Barb surprised us by walking in from On the first day of the workweek, Samples Road. A short while later, Peter Nordgren arrived and a few minutes later, in walked Bob Norlin. So we had quite a circle around our campfire and lots of good conversation. We had extra burgers and shared a couple with the guests. On Thursday, the weather was A pond east of Willis, Wisc., provided the Brule St. Croix MUCH cooler Roving Trail Crew with a great view during their July outing. and we felt much -Irene Szabo

On August 14, a dedication ceremony named a section of the Finger Lakes/North Country Trail in honor of Evart "Ev" Hittle. Ev's wife, Ethyl, is pictured next to the newly placed wooden signs.

more productive and comfortable. By the end of the trip, we completed another 1/2 mile of new trail and anticipate that in one more trip we will achieve the long-term goal of completing the entire trail from the western edge of the Chequamegon NF to just north of Solon Springs. -Bill Menke

Building NCNST Public Support

NEW YORK - Despite marginal weather on day . one, 31,811 people ~ attended the _ 57th annual ~ Woodsmen's "' Field Days August 20-22 event. Although the primary purpose was the promotion of the forest products industry and the lumberjack role therein, there is considerable emphasis on general tourism and outdoor recreation. Our primary goals were to generate public awareness and support for the NCT in this gateway area to the Adirondack Park. The Central New York Chapter exhibit area was well staffed by a team of volunteers sharing the full daily schedule: a "tip of the hat" to all for their efforts. The consensus is that we succeeded! Other exhibitors included OSHA, SUNY College of Environmental Science & Forestry, Morrisville State College, the NY State Snowmobile Association, and the Black River Canal Museum. Not surprisingly, ATV proponents/exhibitors were also present. We look forward to next year's event. -Al Larmann

iV ~

A close call on the North Country Trail A tale ofa brush with a tornado on the trail. Editor's Note: This is the first of an occasional series of articles recounting special adventures or unusual happenings experienced by our members on the North Country National Scenic Trail. By Steve Hicks Chief Noonday Chapter

y name is Steve Hicks and I am a volunteer trail maintainer with the Chief Noonday Chapter, which builds, maintains and promotes the North Country Trail as it passes through Barry County, Mich. ~ On ~0 Friday, ~ .:-: May 21, about V. A( 11:30 AM, I arrived at the BE Avenue crossing of the trail through the Kellogg Biological Station property to start the spring mowing

season.

The

weather was rather dismal and cloudy. I unloaded the mower and managed to mow a doublewide path a halfmile to the north in about a half-hour. Back at the trailer, when I stopped for a break and to check the equipment, I noticed that the sky looked rather dark to the north. By my reckoning, I figured that I could finish the next quarter mile north to the next fence crossing and sitting bench before the weather got worse. As I departed for this section I thought that I imagined some flashes in the sky. After passing through a short wooded section I broke out into an open field. At this point it was apparent that there was a lot of flashing going on and the storm was getting closer. I still reckoned at this point that I could reach that fence crossing and make it back to the trailer before the storm. By the time I reached the fence, it was apparent that the weather was getting much more active. Still, I mowed to the fence and

The stump Steve Hicks is standing on is all that's left of the crashing tree that missed him during the storm.

TRAIL uRllOO around the bench as fast as I could and started my return trip. I could feel sprinkles almost as soon as I started back. About half way back I broke out into the short open field and could sense that it was getting much darker and windy. At this point I turned off the mower blade and shifted the mower to high speed to get back to the trailer. It got so dark coming through that last wooded section that I could barely see the trail. At the end of this woods I passed under two large hickory trees at the side of the road. By now the wind was increasing dramatically and rain and hail were starting to come with it. I crossed the road and arrived at the supply trailer. Shutting down the mower I rushed to the truck to get my rain jacket. I debated for a few seconds, and then got back in the wind and driving rain to load the mower in the covered trailer. Back in the truck, I noticed that the wind was rocking it around quite a bit. Suddenly I heard or sensed a large thump or boom. With

the windows fogged up and the driving rain outside I couldn't tell what had happened. Turning on the radio I soon found out that there was a tornado warning centered on the location that I was sitting. No kidding! By now I noticed that my cell phone was signaling that I had a message. This turned out to be messages from both my wife and daughter, trying to inform me of the tornado warning. All this time the truck was still rocking and rolling. I started the engine and turned on the defroster to try to clear the windshield. In four-wheel drive I managed to drive the truck and supply trailer onto the road and turn back in the direction of the trail crossing. I soon noticed a fresh break in one of the large hickory trees that I had just passed under. On the ground were the entire remains of the top of the tree, resting on the freshly mowed trail. That thump or boom that I heard earlier was that tree coming down. That would put the timing of that tree coming down at less than five minutes after I passed under it. I then contacted my family, and assured them of my safety. His eye is on the sparrow And I know he watches me.

Most Volunteer Hours These are the NCTA volunteers who have recorded the most total volunteer hours. Congratulations! 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 have not be certified for a variety of reasons.

State North Dakota Minnesota Wisconsin Michigan Ohio Pennsylvania New York Totals

Percent Done and Certified

Miles Certified

44.0% 27.1% 54.0% 54.1% 30.4% 47.5% 41.6% 42.2%

209.1 101.5 107.9 621.7 319.7 126.0 259.8 1,745.7

Change Other Since Last Off-Road Issue Miles

-5.1 -1.1 1.9 1.9 0 0 0 -2.4

1.3 3.9 2.0 125.7 39.6 34.1 84.7 291.3

Total Off Road Miles

Marked Road Miles

210.4 105.4 109.9 747.4 359.3 160.1 344.5 2,037.0

0 0 4.9 8.7 0

18.5

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 changed since the last issue of the North Star.

State North Dakota Minnesota Wisconsin Michigan Ohio Pennsylvania New York Other Totals

Members Last Issue

58 218 229 1,384 236 271 286 174 2,856

ChangeSince Last Quarter

Percent Change

61 213 228 1,380 283 304 365 189 3,023

3 -5 -1 -4 47 33 79 15 167

5.2%

0.3% 19.9% 12.2% 27.6% 8.6% 5.8%

Thanks to the following volunteers who have reported the most hours during the second quarter of 2004:

-···-····················

...........................

Fastest Growing Chapters

Top recruiters since the last issue and the number of members they recruited:

Highest percentage growth among our chapters since the last issue:

5 3 2 2

Partner Support We work closely with several organizations where the NCT coincides with other trails. Many members generously support both the NCTA and these regional partners. Here is what we show for overlapping members:

Current Members

Recruiting Members

3,864 3,850 3,689 3,006 3,003 2,693 2,485 2,369 2,284 2,225 2,118 2,062 2,025

Finger Lakes Trail Conference 141 Buckeye Trail Association 81 Superior Hiking Trail Association .44 Kekekabic Trail Club 9 NW Ohio Rails to Trails Assoc 3

- . - . - . - - - . - - . - - - . - . - - . - - . . - . . -----·--·····--·---·--·

Rob Corbett.. Mary Shannon Jennifer Tripp Bert Nemcik Doug Welker

Al Larmann, NY Mary Larmann, NY Werner Veit, Ml Gaylord Yost, WI Joan Young, Ml. John Leinen, MN Rich Saur, Ml Gene Elzinga, Ml Ron Rice, PA Tom Learmont, Ml Arden Johnson, Ml Charles Krammin, Ml Derek Bount, Ml

Wampum Central New York Peter Wolfe Greater Pittsburgh North Dakota Sandhills Sheyenne River Valley

23% 20% 12%

12% 9%

Volunteers on the Trail

Joe Burton Joan Young Al Larmann Dave Cornell John Leinen Irene Szabo Dave Myers Ed Scurry Jim Sprague Richard Kroener Herb Hulls Suzie Hulls

424 269 234 228 227 221 200 195 180 176 170 170

Three new segments plus other changes

e have a number of changes to the List of Certified Segments to report to the membership. I will go over all of the changes so that readers can see how the numbers change. Between January and the end of June, we had three additions due to new certified segments being submitted to the National Park Service (NPS) and approved. The remaining changes were three corrections of errors in entry or GPS rounding, one reduction due to removal of a public road section, one reduction due to relocation and abandonment, and sadly one reduction due to a landowner withdrawing permission for the trail. The net effect was that the total miles certified went from 1748.1 miles to 1745.7miles. Let's look at the changes as they were entered. Sheyenne National Grassland, N.D.: The segment was split into two due to a detected entry error and discovery of a segment of road walk. The total change was 5.0 miles reduction. This sort of adjustment is unfortunately too common; there are a number of ways that entry errors creep into these totals and often they show up only when we are checking for some other characteristics of the trail. Often road miles turn up when trail is relocated and the end points are no longer contiguous, or a road presumed to be closed to motor vehicles is, in fact, not. Sheyenne State Forest, N.D.: This segment was reduced by 0.1 mile due to GPS rounding. Again, GPS refinements happen all the time and we simply adjust the totals accordingly. Ottawa National Forest, Mich.: A portion of the trail was recently measured with the GPS and as a result the total distance of two segments dropped by 0.1 mile. This kind of adjustment is minor and happens all the time. About as frequently the distance is adjusted upward. Also in the Ottawa, a segment was split into two because of the determination that there was an included road walk. Net change was a reduction of 0.7 mile. One good thing is that it is

GOING FOR FRED SZARKA National Park Service

often possible to build parallel trail not far from the road access and restore the mileage. Bayfield County Forest, Wisc.: The County Forester submitted an application for certification that added 1.9 miles of new certified trail. This is a section recently built by the Brule-St. Croix Chapter and the Roving Trail Crew. Fort Custer National Cemetery, Mich.: The Chief Noonday Chapter added 2.3 miles of certified trail built by them some time ago. Part of the delay in certification was for obtaining official acknowledgement of the permission. This is the first certified National Scenic Trail that we know of in a National Cemetery. Manistee National Forest, Mich.: Consultation between the Forest and the Western Michigan Chapter relocated a section of trail and built new trail to reconnect it to the remaining certified trail in the area, resulting in a gain of 2.1 miles of new trail. Here the trail was relocated to create hiker-only trail and as a result additional trail was created. Also on the Manistee National Forest, two segments adjacent to the above new trail were reduced by a total of 1.7 miles. Thus the total change was an increase of 0.4 miles. Clearwater County Forest, Minn.: Finally, a landowner withdrew permission for the trail to cross private property within the forest. This left two segments and reduced the total trail in the area by 1.1 miles. Many chapters are currently actively building trail this summer. It is important that they also document this work and submit the trail for certification. Perhaps your chapter, like the Chief Noonday Chapter, has a segment of trail that is awaiting documented

permission from the landowner. Maybe the Chapter President or Trail Coordinator has too many responsibilities and "just hasn't gotten around to it," because he or she is trying to carry too big a load for the chapter. Someone needs to step forward and volunteer to contact the NPS and find out what is required for certification. The answer is not very much, as long as you have landowner permission in the first place. In some cases, private owners do not want to "get tangled up with the federal government." Investigate having an agreement between the chapter and the owner for permission. If the owner is willing to do that, keep the agreement in the chapter records and apply on the owner's behalf for certification. This has worked well for the Finger Lakes Trail Conference over the years, with landowners' permission, of course. Whatever the reasons may be for delaying the submission of segments to the NPS for certification, please work to overcome them. The North Country Trail Association has set a goal of increasing the certified mileage of the North Country National Scenic Trail by 50 miles per year; it is an achievable goal, but only if all of the chapters submit additional segments.

In July, Dan Snyder, a new member of the Western Michigan Chapter, teamed up with 16 other volunteers to build 2.1 miles of new trail in the Manistee National Forest.

ON THE

[L@~

with Rob Corbett Director of Trail Management

Teamwork! Like building good trail coordinating a conference requires the energy ofa team n April, when the North Country Trail Association (NCTA) staff sat down to begin the process of putting together this annual four-day event, we had some worries. In conferences past, NCTA has always had a local chapter in the host city to do the lion's share of the work, but this year it was a different story! With no chapter in place how would we get this thing put together? We opted for a three-pronged approach. Working with Marietta's Mayor Mike Mullen, we put together the Ohio Valley Chapter that now sports 29 members. One of the conference highlights came when this new NCTA chapter led a hike of their newly planned six-mile segment of the North Country Trail (NCT). Talk about dedication: these folks met every

week for two months to pull the trail plan together! When completed, this new segment will connect the Wayne National Forest to historic downtown Marietta. My special thanks to Mary Shannon, Sarah Landers, Ryan Smith, Jay Brown and the many others who put their time and energy into planning and hosting the hike! Logistics at this Annual Conference were a real trick. Many of the hikes were remotely located and difficult to reach. Without Mary Reddan, Chad Wilberger, Pam Blackburn and a truckload of other folks from the Wayne National Forest, I doubt we could have gotten everyone out to hike and safely back again. The Wayne National Forest is a strong supporter of the NCT and that was dern-

Conference participants stop for a break at one of the many natural bridges in Ohio.

At the recent conference, many helped scout a route for the NCT through Marietta, Ohio. This team involved local citizens, a U.S. Forest Service rep, the National Park Service, NCTA's Director of Trail Management and the NCTA Board President as well as many conference participants. Thanks to all for the great input!

onstrated time and again. Everywhere we looked, whether it was hike logistics, evening programming or financial support through copious purchases at the annual auction, the U.S. Forest Service was there in force. I can't forget that quietly and diligently our friends in the Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) provided the answer to hikeable trails. From the get go, Garry Dill, Herb Hulls, Ruth Brown, Jim Sprague and a host of BTA members were looking ahead. Garry and his wife took time out of their hectic lives to lay out the hikes and find hike leaders. Behind the scenes and well in advance of the actual event, BTA trail crews shaped up the trail in time for the hikes. As a native Ohioan, it gave me great pride to be a part of an event that brought people from around the country to my home to enjoy the water, hills and woods of the Buckeye State. To the heroes of the Ohio Valley Chapter, the U.S. Forest Service and the BTA, we give a deep and grateful bow. We are all still wondering though, who it was that turned the August heat of southern Ohio into the cool breezes we had every day we were there. Surely the BTA has some members in some awfully high places. Thanks, folks!

2004 NCTA Annual Conference â&#x20AC;˘ Marietta, Ohio

Down on the Ohio River The annual NCTA hike and feed feast By Werner Veit Editor, North Star

y all accounts, the 115 members who attended the North Country Trail Association (NCTA) conference in Marietta, Ohio, in August had a great time, although the annual event was tinged by some regret when they realized it was the last time Executive Director Bob Papp would be leading them. President John Leinen put a good face on it, assuring the group the NCTA would emerge as strong as ever given the sound foundation Bob had engineered in the eight-and-a-half years he has been in the Association's employ. Bob left a week after the conference to join the development department of Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Mich. It was a great swan song for Bob,

culminating as usual with his antics at the live auction, which raised money for the NCTA's Land Trust Fund. Hikes in the Wayne National Forest, a sternwheeler ride on the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, tours of historic Marietta, shopping in its boutiques, and the hospitality of the Marietta College, site of the conference, engaged the groups who hailed from all the seven states where the North Country National Scenic Trail is located. Attendees were addressed by Michael Mullen, Marietta's engaging mayor who wore his hiking boots to a subsequent council meeting, Rep. Ted Strickland (D-Ohio), the local congressman who told the group, to the cheers of the audience, that he had instructed his staff to have him sign on as a co-sponsor of the Willing Seller Bill, and Mary Reddan, Superintendent of the Wayne National Forest. Mary's talk on the opening night of the conference was followed by "Exile from Eden," a dramatization by Debra Conner of the life of Margaret

Blennerhasset, who arrived in the Ohio Wilderness from England in 1796 with her wealthy husband to build a mansion on an island in the Ohio River, and got involved in disastrous business dealings with Vice President Aaron Burr. The drama included a re-enactment of Burr's infamous duel with Alexander Hamilton, played by our own Bert Nemcik, picked out of the audience along with Glenn Oster playing Burr, who was described by Debra as "so handsomely formed as to be 'catnip to women."' The 78-year-old Glenn, one of our most prodigious hikers, appeared much in demand during the rest of the conference. The second evening of the conference was a special treat, dinner and an awards ceremony aboard the Valley Gem, a modern reproduction of the packets that plied the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers in the 19th century. Before everyone boarded, the group posed for the first annual "President's Photo" on the bank of the Muskingum River.

2004 NCTA Annual Conference â&#x20AC;˘ Marietta, Ohio

Joan Young, left, and Ryan Smith, right, discuss trail building and route selection on a hilltop by Marietta. The overlook is being considered for the trail route to give hikers a scenic view of both the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers and the countryside ahead.

The NCTA Annual Awards were presented on Friday and Saturday evenings, read more about the award winners on page 20. At Saturday's banquet, the National Park Service's Tom Gilbert, Superintendent of the North Country National Scenic Trail, and Fred Szarka, the trail manager, honored past and present presidents of the NCTA as well as trail volunteers. The award ceremony and the usual hilarious auction followed. It wasn't all fun and games at the conference, of course. The Board of Directors met (See the Board Report on page 24) and there were seminars and instruction provided by Rob Corbett, the NCTA Director of Trail Management (who will serve as Interim Executive Director until a replacement for Bob Papp is named) Tiffany Stram, NCTA Cartographer and GIS Coordinator, Bill Menke, NCTA Trail Manager, Shirley Hearn of the American Hiking Society, Al Larmann of the Central New York Chapter, Herb Hulls of the Buckeye Trail Association and other members of the Ohio Trails Partnership, Bert Nemcik of the Allegheny Chapter and Roger Myers of the NCTA and Buckeye Trail Association. Finally, appreciation must also be expressed to Herb and Susie Hulls and other members of the Buckeye Trail Association, an affiliate of the North

Country Trail Association, especially Garry Dill, whose helpfulness and preparation did so much to make the event a success. Sidney Dill, Garry's wife, who painted blue blazes on buckeyes and attached pins, symbolized this. Even Wolverines like your editor wore these proudly alongside the name badges throughout the four eventful days.

Other Buckeye Trail members who stepped in to help in an area where previously there was no Association chapter were: Bob Pond, Jim Runk, Bob and Ruth Brown, Adrian Yanko, Gary Williams, Juanita and Rick Adamson, Grek Anikeef Jack Benko, Allen Deemer, Mary Hamilton, Jim Sprague and Dick Tresenrider. Earl Garn of

Underway on the Ohio View hike in the Wayne National Forest, a scenic experience for conference attendees.

NCTA Trail ForemanBill Menke, wearing a backpack GPS unit, participated in the scouting of a route through Marietta of the North Country Trail.

e "'

Three former Presidents of the NCTABoard with current President John Leinen (left). They include (from left to right) Martha Jones, Werner Veit and Derek Blount.

Board President John Leinen (he's the one with the enormous blue blaze on his shirt) inaugurated an annual 'President's Photo.' This first annual such photograph was shot on the banks of the Muskingum River in Marietta.

Above: Board member Irene Szabo, second from left, says she found the hike challenging but rewarding for a "tree fan" who loves checking out new forests.

Left: Bob Papp in action for the last time as the auctioneer at the conference. Members will miss the great donated products from Bob's invention of a company, Low Tech Gear, Inc. Here, Bob demonstrates the "Trail Tooter," an air horn labeled as "the courteous way to let slow hikers know you're about to pass from the rear.''

Right: NCTAstaffers enjoy a cup of cheer while selling drink tickets at the banquet. From left to right: Bill Menke, Bob Papp, Allison Barr, Glory Meyer and Tiffany Stram. Thanks to the staff for their hard work!

Right: In addition to hikes, a walking tour through historic downtown Marietta was an event enjoyed by many.

is. Th~. N~~th. St~;

o~~~路b~;~D~~~~b~; 路~~~~

Sarah Landers (right), a student in urban planning at Ohio University, is helping the new Ohio chapters of the North Country Trail Association to get organized.

2004 NCTA Annual Conference â&#x20AC;˘ Marietta, Ohio

Scouted by one of the conference hikes, this potential trail route gives a scenic overview of Marietta nestled below.

the Great Trail Sandy Beaver Chapter helped out as well. Conference participants were also grateful for the attendance and help of members of the Wayne National Forest staff, especially Pam Blackburn. Pam not only helped at the conference but also worked with the Buckeyes named here who spent two days this summer clearing trail to make the conference hikes enjoyable. For most of the participants, naturally enough, hikes along the North Country National Scenic Trail tend to be the highlights of any annual conference. Among the hikers sharing their experiences were Denise Herron, President of the North Country Trail Hikers in Marquette, Mich., and the North Star's own associate editor, Irene Szabo, President of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. Their accounts: From Denise:

"The Ohio View trail was a superlative hike in every sense of the word. The Forest Service built the trail about seven years ago to mostly excellent standards. Although the trail descends about 400 feet overall, there are an abundance of ups and downs to make it a bit of a challenge. "Very little sun penetrated the thick canopy of mixed hardwoods, so we hiked in cool comfort among majestic trees that have existed for well over 100 years. The heavy foliage made views of the Ohio Valley skimpy, but no one minded at all. Trying to identify trees became a pleasant game - huge trunks were readily visible, but leaves were usually too distant to see clearly.

Above: Mary Payne, from the Western Michigan Chapter, participated in one of the toughest hikes of the conference.

Left: Wayne National Forest Ranger Dan Kincaid and Technician John Crockett were helpful throughout the conference.

"Gary Dill (from the Buckeye Trail Association) was an unparalleled hike leader - the hike started and ended promptly, he set a moderate pace and kept the group together, and he even brought us to a lovely overlook for lunch at exactly noon. Superb hiking, beautiful weather, great comradeship, and the wonders of nature - could any hike possibly top all that?" Irene wrote:

"Both of the hikes I walked taught me some of the significant differences between glaciated landscape and that which had never felt the grinding weight of a mile-thick sheet of patient ice biding its sweet time. While our New York trails climb and descend absurd changes within one day, from hilltops exceeding 2,000 feet down to any one of the Finger Lakes at 400 to 800 feet above sea level, the glaciers did at least carve out those distinct steep

valleys, grinding huge grooves in the earth that now have their sides punctuated with frequent even steeper stream gullies. In many places our hiking trail goes either up or down for a long way because those glacial valleys were properly grooved into submission. "However, in southeast Ohio, the topography is much busier, without any organizing discipline, with more frequent bumps and dips caused by every little drainage stream that felt like wending its gradual way to the Ohio River. While the heights are more modest, the frequent up and down required of the trail as it slants in and out of side gullies take their toll on fat old bodies. "The woods of the Wayne National Forest were lovely, and I saw several trees new to me: paw paw with its fat 'custard apple' fruit, persimmon's gnarly bark, and at last an Ohio

2004 NCTA Annual Conference • Marietta,

Ohio

auction proceeds go to the North C Dt0e,/atlon Land Trust Fund, to be used to easements or land to permanently protect thj North Country National Scenic Trail.

Almost every year, Derek Blount, former NCTApresident, models the sensational items available at the live auction. This year's auction raisd over $2,500 for the NCTALand Trust Fund.

• •

Buckeye growing out in the woods, not along a town street. "Fortunately at the rear of both hikes there was a U.S. Forest Service 'sweep' who knew his trees, so I was helped to learn the new ones. Several trees we New Yorkers know from infrequent appearances ... tulip trees, black gum or tupelo, cucumber. ..were abundant there. So was poison ivy, alas, forming a solid sock of green all the way up the trunks of some trees. "Ohio is, after all, the southernmost reach of the North Country Trail, so it was expected that we would encounter the effects of their longer growing season, but the predicted heat and humidity stayed away, and we enjoyed perfect sunny temperate days. "We saw enough box turtles along the trail, even in deep woods, to learn how to tell boys from girls, but not every creature left such a charming . . 1mpress10n. "It was heart-breaking to see the occasional damage visited upon the National Forest by not only ATV's on illegal trails, but also by full-sized trucks with monster tires that drove across campsite streams, chewing the banks into ruts several feet deep. Naturally, the U.S. Forest Service has only one enforcement officer per bazillion acres.

Adams County Chapter (Myrna Hixson, West Union, Ohio) ALPS Mountaineering, New Haven, Mo. American Hiking Society, Silver Spring, Md. Baffin Inc, Stoney Creek, Ontario Jim Baldwin, Richland, Mich. BearVault, San Diego, Calf. Dawn Bennett, Syracuse, N.Y. Derek Blount, Royal Oak, Mich. Butler Outdoor Club, Butler, Penn. Clif Bar Inc., Berkeley, Calf. Coleman, Wichita, Kan. Columbia Sportswear Company, Portland, Ore. Helen Coyne, Cranberry Twp, Penn. Eagle Optics, Middleton, Wisc. Eastern Mountain Sports, Grand Rapids, Mich. Finger Lakes Trail (a.k.a. Irene Szabo & Gene Bavis), Mt. Morris, N.Y. Globe Pequot, Guilford, Conn. Granite Gear, Two Harbors, Minn. Alicia Hoffarth, Valley City, N.D. Jansport, Appleton, Wisc. Jetboil, Guild, N.H. Sarah Julien, Grand Rapids, Mich. Koss Corporation, Milwaukee, Wisc. Leatherman Tool Group, Portland, Ore. Lee's Sporting Goods, Portage, Mich. John and Pat Leinen, Stillwater, Minn. LEKI USA, Buffalo, N.Y. Littlbug Enterprises Inc., Buffalo, Minn. Rod MacRae, Minneapolis, Minn Ohio Valley Chapter (Jean Konkle, Chesterhill, Ohio) Overland Equipment, Chico, Calf . Precision Imprint, Athens, Ohio Royal Robbins, Modesto, Calf. Sawyer Products, Safety Harbor, Fla. Shepherd Canyon Books, Oakland, Calf. Sportline, Yonkers, N.Y. Jim Sprague, Parma, Ohio Robert Sulaski, Wyoming, Mich. Fred Szarka, Blue Mounds, Wisc. Scott Tichy, Tower City, N.O; Thorlos, Statesville, N.C. The Wilderness Press, Berkeley;

Gaylord! Yost, RiVer Hiits, Wi~

2004 NCTA Annual Conference â&#x20AC;˘ Marietta, Ohio

NCTA honors its finest volunteers Lifetime Achievement award presented to Michigan's Gene Elzinga, others from across trail presented top awards ene Elzinga, the founder of the North Country Trail Hikers chapter, and architect of a vast section of trail in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is the recipient of the 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award, presented each year by the North Country Trail Association (NCTA). The announcement was made at the NCTA's annual banquet during the 2004 conference in Marietta, Ohio. According to members of the North Country Trail Hikers Chapter who nominated him, "The North Country Trail in the Upper Peninsula as it exists today is a tribute to Gene's vision and his dedication to making it a reality. Above all, his enthusiasm and energy have kept our group energized." The Association'sother awards presented both at the banquet and also during a cruise on the Ohio River were: Distinguished Servicepresented to Arlen Matson, Grand Traverse Hiking Club, Bill Menke, Brule-St. Croix and Irene Szabo, Finger Lakes Trail Conference; Trail Builder of the Year presented to Richard Naperala, Grand Traverse Hiking Club; Maintainer of Year presented to Eric Doyle, Western Michigan; Leadership presented to Jerry Trout, Itasca-Moraine; Outreach presented to Al Larmann, Central New York; Communicator of the Year presented to Sharon and Aaron Phipps, Western Michigan; and Sweep presented Adey Oswald, Brule-St. Croix. The NCTA also annually honors public servants who have been particularly helpful to the trail. The 2004 honorees are: Vanguard Award presented to Rep. Phil English of Pennsylvania; Friend of the Trail awarded to Ramona Venegas, U.S. Forest Service and Scott Tichy, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A new award for 2004 named Blue Blaze Benefactor went to: Werner and Marianne Veit. The honorees were selected from nominations sent by the chapters, affiliates and staff, by a group of judges, chaired by Helen Coyne, a NCTA board member from Pennsylvania. The nominators had this to say about those honored:

Lifetime Achievement From the North Country Trail Hikers Chapter about Gene Elzinga: "When Gene came to the U.P. 16 years ago, much of

2o--rh~-N~~th-st~;---c;~~~-b~~~6~~~~b~;-~~~~

National Park Service Superintendent Tom Gilbert honors past President Martha Jones for her long-time service to the North Country Trail.

the trail had been completed in the Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests and in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, but that left a long stretch in western Alger County, all of Marquette County, and well into Baraga County where nothing existed beyond a general idea of a route. "Gene organized the North Country Trail Hikers out of the group of volunteers who began to help him build trail, and until recently, served as the chapter president. "Even in winter he was constantly leading groups on ski or snowshoe hikes to further explore areas that might be appropriate for the trail. He worked with local landowners and government land managers to gain permission and easements to have the trail cross their lands. Overcoming resistance to a trail through the McCormick Wilderness with its many restrictions was a notable success. "Close cooperation from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources was required to obtain permits for various bridges and boardwalks for river and wetland crossings. He was ingenious in obtaining donated building materials, or in producing them from logs and pilings and having them pressure treated. He designed many of the bridges that were built, and spent countless hours helping with the construction. He organized many fund raising projects for needed materials, supplies and tools. "Gene provided many opportunities for young people to participate in trail projects. He helped many Boy Scouts to obtain their goal of Eagle Scout by developing a section of trail, a bridge, or a campsite. He worked with many youth groups, including handicapped, to provide the experience of a job well done. He has been instrumental in Marquette being named 'Trail Town USA.'"

â&#x20AC;˘

2004 NCTA Annual Conference • Marietta, Ohio Left: Arlen Matson received the Distinguished Service Award. He was unable to attend the conference. Below: Glory Meyer, left, NCTA Public Services Coordinator, accepts 'Bump in the Road' Award on behalf of the NCTA staff from Pat Leinen, center, and Irene Szabo, right, for overcoming the many challenges of the past year .

• •

Gene, himself, on hearing about the award said: "I am at the same time surprised, honored and humbled. Surprised because there are others who are more deserving, honored by the affection of those who nominated me and humbled to be included among the others with this award."

section has seen the work of Bill's saw and McLeod tool at one time or another. "Other segments in the Heritage Chapter section and even in North Dakota are also Bill's work and probably othDistinguished Service ers elsewherewe don't know about. He motivates all of us to John Heiam nominated Arlen Matson, Peter Nordgren pick up our tools and follow his leadership." nominated Bill Menke and Peter Wybron and Pat Leinen Pat wrote about Irene: each nominated Irene Szabo. John wrote: "Irene knows what it takes to further the goals of the "Arlen Matson formed the Grand Traverse Hiking Club NCTA. Through her countless hours of volunteering, her in 1994 at the urging of the lace Arden Johnson and became dedication to the dream of the NCT is evident. As President Arden's partner in the establishment and maintenance of of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Irene Szabo has sigmuch of the NCT in the Grand Traverse region. For the nificantly strengthened the partnership with the NCTA ... last 10 years Arlen has been writing "By rescuing our dangling partigrant proposals, coordinating trail ciples and fixing our syntax, she has work crews and working on the North made the North Star a more readable Country Trail. He also served as the publication. Our subjects and verbs now first chairman of the Lower Michigan agree. Trail Council. The NCT in northern "When asked, she stepped up to Michigan would not be what it is today become Vice President-East. She has without Arlen's leadership, dedication been a significant contributor to most and hard work." committees, presently serving on the In nominating Bill Menke, Peter Strategic Plan Committee, Development cited Bill's many accomplishments as Committee, Executive Committee, and trail manager with the National Park as Chair of the Trail Committee. To Service, as Trail Foreman after his each assignment she brings a sense of retirement, as a teacher of trail construccommitment, a no-nonsense approach tion and maintenance, as a maintainer Bill Menke, left, and Irene Szabo, and a desire to get the job done. of the highest standards and as a writer shared the 'Distinguished Service Peter Wybron summed it up: for the North Star but then concluded: Award' with Arlen Matson. " ... "We could write a book about "These are all good reasons for the Irene's accomplishments." nomination but not the main reason and that is: " ... Since 1997, Bill Menke has personally built, on his Trail Builder of the Year own time, more certified NCT than anyone else in the orgaJohn Heiam also nominated Richard Naperala because nization. He created the Brule-St. Croix Roving Trail Crew "Dick worked for years to get the Michigan DNR to approve and has gathered more than a dozen volunteers into its ranks a six mile reroute of the NCT. The new section avoids two to build trail for a week every month during the construccrossingsof U.S. 131 and gets the trail off the Michigan tion season. Nearly all certified trail in the Brule-St. Croix Shore-to-Shore Riding/Hiking Trail.

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2004 NCTA Annual Conference • Marietta, Ohio "Dick not only foresaw rhe need for the change, but he scouted and blazed the new route and traveled to Cadillac and Lansing numerous times to meet with Department of Natural Resources officials. After the reroute was finally approved, he coordinated all the work and took on the hardest sections himself."

Trail Maintainer of the Year In nominating Eric Doyle, Werner Veit wrote: "Eric took the initiative to repair a long section that was constantly under water in the Rogue River State Game area by planning the work, arranging and securing material, leading work parties and building puncheon along the Rattlesnake River. "When that project was finished after several weekends, he joined the work parties that rerouted six miles of trail, helped to construct the approaches to boardwalks and a bridge over Bigelow Creek. He has managed all that effort Eric Doyle, Western Michigan Chapter, was awarded the Trail while attending college Maintainer of the Year Award. classes as well as holding down a full-time job."

Leadership Ginny Ruppe and Carter Hedeen separately nominated Jerry Trout, the founding President of the Itasca-Moraine

Chapter, because of his vision, dedication, organization and hard work, his participation and leadership in all the chapter activities including the newsletter and web site, his work with volunteers and his personal work out on the trail. Fred Szarka said wrote about Jerry: " ... He has worked tirelessly to develop partnerships with state foresters, park managers, Department of Transportation officers, local businesses and community development foundations to obtain permission to route the trail on pubic land, mark key trail crossings and raise funds for future trail construction. He has improved cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resouces Forestry Division, which led to additional miles of trail separated and protected from ATV use. He pioneered using local vendors for major National Park Service funded purchases such as DR mowers and tool trailers giving the NCT Jerry Trout, Itascahigher visibility in the local area. A tangible result of these outreach Moraine Chapter, received the 2004 efforrs is 4.8 miles of high quality trail certified in 2003." Leadership Award

Outreach Irene Szabo nominated Al Larmann,a "NCTA board member and dynamo of the Central New York Chapter." Irene also wrote: ''Al has a keener sense than I've ever seen for keeping the new (in his neighborhood) trail in front of the public. He works local politicians and newspapers, keeps all of them from small town mayors up through federal legislators well informed of the trail's progress AND its economic impact through increased visitation. "His efforts to keep the NCT high in local awareness have resulted in wonderful accomplishments, like the route's inclusion through the woodsy outskirts of a new housing development with fabulous views. There is no chance that any local town board or newspaper is nor A limber Al Larmann does a kept up to date on developjig on his way to accepting ments along the Central New the 'Outreach' Award. York Chapter's growing sections of NCT route."

Communicators of the Year Werner Veit nominated Aaron and Sharon Phipps to share the award. He wrote: "Both Aaron and Sharon hold down full-rime jobs but still manage an enormous amount of work for the NCT. Their activities: Aaron is the editor of Due North, the Western Michigan Chapter newsletter and Sharon is his assistant. Aaron is the graphics editor and Sharon a contributing editor of the North Star. "They both staff public events held for the Western Michigan Chapter, these include the Lowell Expo in which organizations man booths that provide materials and explain their organization, an annual River Aaron and Sharon Phipps Walk Festival that is of Michigan were named part of the community 'Communicators of the Year.' wellness program and the annual Christmas parade in which chapter members march. Aaron created the display used at events as well as area hiking maps promoting the trail. "Even with all these activities, the Phipps share the responsibility for maintaining six miles of trail within the

• •

2004 NCTA Annual Conference • Marietta, Ohio Lowell State Game area. Each also serves on the Board of the Western Michigan Chapter.

Sweep The Sweep Award goes to largely unsung heroes who work behind the scenes to make things happen, an apt description for winner Adey Oswald, nominated by Peter Nordgren who wrote: "Adey, a founder of the Brule-St. Croix Chapter in 1997 and enthusiastic trail worker, suffered a heart attack during a work day along the Iron River and underwent bypass surgery, thus limiting his future trail work. Despite a resulting change in lifestyle, he found a new way to help make a high quality trail. "He began building simple benches for placement at sites with high scenic values where 'every hiker,' as Adey put it, 'needs Atley Oswald, Brule-St. Croix to get the load of his legs once in a while.' Chapter, recipient of the Sweep "Today, there are ten Award. 'Adey Benches' in our trail section with more under construction. "He even made a point of placing a bench on the spot where his heart attack happened and site of his rescue by EMTs."

Blue Blaze Benefactor This new award recognizes major contributors to the NCTA, for their leadership and dedication to our cause. The NCTA's Development Committee selected Werner and Marianne Veit as the first recipients of this award, in recognition of their generous support of the NCTA and its programs over the past several years. The Veits have regularly supported the NCTA with gifts to the annual appeal, by becoming life members, and by contributing toward special needs that periodically arise. Werner is a past president of the NCTA Board of Directors, our current editor of the North Star, and current president of the Western Michigan Chapter. He and Marianne also have adopted a segment of trail, which was depicted on the award itself.

Scott Tichy, right, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in North Dakota, co-recipient of the 'Friend of the Trail' award.

NCT. For the past three years, his office has lead efforts in the House to increase funding for the NCT by authoring and handling all the logistics of a letter to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior. His office has always been extremely helpful and responsive and his leadership and support for the trail has been unwavering."

Friend of the Trail Alicia Hoffarth nominated Scott Tichy and Joan Young nominated Ramona Venegas, who shared the award. Alicia wrote: "For the past few years, Scott has worked tirelessly to develop the NCT along Lake Ashtabula. He has increased the length of certified trail significantly in North Dakota and helped increase awareness of the trail. He has demonstrated to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that the NCT is a priority in the state and deserves the support of staff

Three particularly helpful public servants, a Congressman and two federal employees, were nominated by our members for special awards that go to those who champion the North Country Trail. The details:

Vanguard Award Bob Papp, North Country Trail Association Executive Director, nominated Rep. Phil English of Pennsylvania. Bob wrote: "Rep. English has been a steadfast supporter of the

Werner and Marianne Veit, with their 'Blue Blaze Benefactor Award,' a plaque that depicts the section of trail they maintain .

. 6~;~b~;~i)~~~~j;~; ·~~~~ jf ·:rh~. N·~~th. ·st~~. 23

time and financial resources. In addition, he has been a strong resource for the local chapter in efforts to achieve the goals for the trail in the entire region." Joan Young wrote about Ramona Venegas: "In a previous role as a recreation technician for the U.S. Forest Service, she was a supporter and advocate of the NCT long before the Spirit of the Woods Chapter existed. ''Afterward, she became an enthusiastic liason with the chapter. She attends all chapter meetings, regularly reports on Forest Service events and policies, which may have an impact on the trail, and continually strives to make life easier for volunteers in the forest. "She has volunteered time over and beyond her employment, especially for National Trails Day events and continually promotes the trail with whomever she meets." U.S. Forest Service's

Awards were also presented for volunteer hours. Recipients of the 100-hour award received a personalized name badge, and 400+ hours received a long-sleeved shirt with embroidered name, NCTA logo and NPS patch.

Ramona Venegas of the Huron-Manistee National Forest, co-recipient of the 'Friend of the Trail' award.

400~hour Award Recipients Allegheny National Forest, Bert Nemcik; Clarion, Ed Scurry; Chief Noonday, Steve Hicks, Jerry Pattok, Gail Speer; Central New York, Bill Coffin, Mary Coffin; Heritage, Jim Burow, Gloria Burow, Itasca Moraine, Carter Hedeen, Jerry Trout; North Country Trail Hikers, Bruce Schwenke; Spirit of the Woods, Richard Krieger, Deb Krieger, Ed Morse; Star of the North, Rod MacRae; Tittabawassee, Gary Johnson, Connie Pausits Allen; Western Michigan, Jann Bidwell, Gladys Hoogterp; At Large, Bob Brown; Non-Member, Elmo Layman.

100~hour Award Recipients Allegheny National Forest, Cheryl Nemcik, Ross Stewart; Brule-St. Croix, Sue Breskin; Central New York, Bill Brosseu, Anne Brosseau, Joe Dabes, Bob Dickey, Mary Domanski, Michael Miller, Margaret Whaley, Victor Yates; Chief Noonday, Dennis Hansen, Larry Hawkins; Grand Marais, Mikel Classen; Grand Traverse Hiking Club, Brian Cox, John Heiam; Great Trail Sandy Beaver, Earl Garn, Jimmy Runk; Hiawatha Shore-toShore, Susan Deaner, Stanley Kujawa, Kay Kujawa, Don Sandberg; Itasca Moraine, Flo Hedeen, Darin Miller, Ray Vlasak; North Country Trail Hikers, Lyn Emerick, Norma Matteson, Richard Smith; Spirit of the Woods, Deb Krieger, Van Serrell; Sheyenne River Valley, Chris Hoffarth, Bobby Koepplin; Star of the North, Richard Kroener; Tittabawasee, Ken Fritsch; Western Michigan, Julie Nietling; At Large, Eldon Brum, Dick Lightcap, Mike Minium; Non-Members, Guy Bloom, Pat Jenkins, Kyle Kutche, Cory Lowery, Tanya Rice and Jim Wade.

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Board looks to future By Irene Szabo Associate Editor and VP-East

A t the North Country Trail Association (NCTA) .I'\Board of Directors meeting during the annual conference in Marietta, Ohio, named Rob Corbett, Director of Trail Management, as acting Executive Director pending the appointment of a replacement for Bob Papp. While his resignation was a surprise to most of us, rest assured that a furious amount of telephone work in the three weeks between his announcement and the board meeting resulted in the establishment of a fine search committee. It consists of a staff member and state coordinator as well as board members. These are Tiffany Stram, the NCTA GIS Coordinator, Joan Young, Lower Michigan Coordinator and webmaster, and Directors Dave Cornell and Jim Baldwin. With Rob at the helm, administration from Lowell continues without pause, especially with the rest of our staff intact. Rob also will represent us at several important events this fall, like the Minnesota Trails Summit and the annual U.S. Forest Service Triad meeting. A serious problem that was not yet resolved as of the board meeting was our insurance coverage. This summer the NCTA became one more victim in a long sad line of trail organizations blindsided by their insurance carriers with either huge premium increases or, in some cases, outright cancellation of coverage. So yet another ad hoc committee has been working on obtaining new coverage for us, in order to avoid tripling our costs. On far happier note, three new board members were present; Carl Boesel of Ohio, Bobby Koepplin from North Dakota and Bert Nemcik from Pennsylvania. Another bit of joy was the chartering of two new chapters! The Ohio Valley Chapter will cover from the border of the Wayne National Forest east of Marietta to the west edge of Washington County, while the new Adams County Chapter, situated further south and west along the Ohio River, will aim to create more trail offroad. As we do at every meeting, accomplishments within our Strategic Plan were checked off, or, if need be, rescheduled, and we agreed to continue the fundraising efforts already underway to hire another staff person for fundraising and communications. Yes, we have to raise money to raise money. Next year's proposed budget will be presented at the next board meeting, while we reviewed our status so far this year with respect to this year's projections, which remain within expectations, in both income and new memberships. The next NCTA Board of Directors meeting will be December 6, 2004, in Lowell, Michigan.

use the form on page 29.

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SHIRTS E. NCTA T-Shirt

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Peak Experiences by Gary Pallesen

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Hiking the Highest Summits In New York,

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50 Hikes in Michigan by Jim DuFresne

Make ahead meals as well as on the trail. It is packed with tons of recipes and food tips for the outdoors. 181 pages (L128)

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$12.95 America's National Scenic Trails by Kathleen Ann Cordes

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History, the present condition, points of interest, and other details for each of the eight national scenic trails. 306 pages (L122) $12.95

Introduce your children to the wonders of hiking. This answers any questions and gives valuable tips. 70 pages (L123)

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His stories will entertain and charm you. Has advice on home remedies and alternative medicine for self-care. 363 pages (L115) $19.95

Edible Wild Plants by James Kavanagh This pocket-size guide is perfect for identifying the various plants you see while out walking. (L127)

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The Appalachian Trail Food Planner by Lou Adsmond Proven food tips for a short backpack to a six-month thru-hike. Includes recipes for easy trailside cooking. 128 pages (L126) $15.95

Follow the Blue Blazes by Robert J Pond

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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

by Olive Anderson PICTURED ROCKS An illustrated guide to the NATIONAL LAKESttORE centerpiece of the North A GUIDE Country National Scenic Trail. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a rugged, beautiful, and unique coast on the Lake Superior Shore. Revised in 2002, this guidebook includes maps and excellent descriptions of recreational opportunities available at Pictured Rocks. 56 pages (L110)

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Buck Wilder's Hiking & Camping Guide

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STATE PATCHES 2.00 ea.

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filled with humor with rips and trivia. Appears to be a book for kids, bur adults find it's lots of fun and informative. 64 pages (L103)

Parch ofTrail Emblem 3\li" bottom measure North Country Trail emblem triangle design (P125)

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Hikeable Segments of the North Country National Scenic Trail

MEDALLIONS AND PINS

This guide lists all the hikeable segments of the trail and presents accurate mileages along and between segments. Each trail segment on rhe map is numbered and corresponds to a description of that segment. 112 pages (L133)

Add the North Country National Scenic Trail insignia to your hiking stick.

A. Painted color

(P105) $4.00 B. Brass (P104) $4.00 C. The Trail Emblem cloisonne pin is 7/8' and

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Guide to NCT, Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota

by Roderick MacRae

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Description and trail log written by an expert. 12 pages (M611)

$1.25 North Country Trail ln1n. Chippewa Notional Minnesota byRodtlrit:kAUcR.u

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CERTIFIED SECTIONS OF THE NCT

NCT TRAIL MAPS 1:100,000 SCALE One inch to 1.578 miles. Printed in full color on durable paper, this pocket size map unfolds to a full n" x 17", doublesided. These maps do not come in a plastic bag .

......................................... . .

WISCONSIN Together these maps cover the Chequamegon National Forest Ironwood to Long Mile Lookout Long Mile Lookout to Solon Springs

By Byron and Margaret Hutchim

(Wl-01) (Wl-02)

$3.50 per map MINNESOTA

NEW YORK Rome to Finger Lakes Trail

(NY-04)

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Chippewa N.F. to Paul Bunyan S.F State Highway 64 to Many Point Lake

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.

(MN-09)

PENNSYLVANIA

(MN-10)

NCT in Pennsylvania, 37 pages

NORTH DAKOTA

PENNSYLVANIA Allegheny National Forest (PA-01) Allegheny National Forest to State Game Land 95 (PA-02) State Game Land 95 to Pennsylvania/Ohio Stateline (PA-03)

MICHIGAN Marshall to Bowne Township Bowne Township to M-37 M-37 to Freesoil Trailhead Freesoil Trailhead to Cedar Creek Road Cedar Creek Road to Charlevoix County Charlevoix County to Mackinac Bridge .. Mackinac Bridge to Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway Curley Lewis Road to Grand Marais Grand Marais to Au Train Lake Au Train Lake to Little Garlic Falls Alberta to Cascade Falls Cascade Falls to Ironwood

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OHIO Wayne National Forest, 14 pages

1:63,360 SCALE One inch to a mile. 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 $3.50 per map

OHIO

(Ml-04) (Ml-06)

Ohio Stateline to Minerva Wayne National Forest-Marietta Unit

(M301)

$3.00

From Burr Oak State Park to Milford on the Buckeye Trail, 38 pages (M3032) $14.00 Milford to Lake Loramie S.P., 42 pages (M304A)

$7.00

Miami & Erie Canal from Lake Loramie State Park to Napoleon, 30 pages (M305A) $5.00

(Ml-03) (Ml-05)

$6.00

(M201)

(ND-SE)

Showing four sections of trail

(OH-101) (OH-105)

(Ml-07) (Ml-08) (Ml-09) (Ml-10) (Ml-11) (Ml-13) (Ml-14)

.., -·----- +· ;

•-·-·--·.~ . --•::.=.·-·-e-

m.._

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Map shown: 1:100,000 scale, Ml-10 Grand Marlas to Au Train Lake

11-

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MICHIGAN MAP SETS

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$12.50 $13.00

NCT in Lower Michigan, 81 pages (M401) NCT in Upper Michigan, 88 pages (M402)

By Arden Johnson An excellent reference for the entire North Country Trail in Michigan. Includes all off-road segments and suggests on-road routes where the trail is incomplete. Also provides good general information about access points, terrain, markers, camping and water, etc.

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

$4.50

(M501A)

Ohio State Line at Waldron to Augusta (M411A) Augusta to Rogue River State Game Area (M412A) Rogue River State Game Areato M-115 West of Mesick (M413A). M-115 West of Mesick to M-32 West of U.S. 131 (M414A) M-32 West of U.S. 131 to Mackinaw City (M415A) St. Ignace to SE Marquette (M416A) Marquette to Ironwood (M417A)

MINNESOTA Chippewa National Forest, Itasca S.P., 24 pages (M601)

$4.00

NORTH DAKOTA

$5.00

NCT in North Dakota, 15 pages (M701)

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·0~~~b~;~6~~~~b~;·~~~~···rh~·N·~~th.st~~·29

Who's Who Along the North Country Trail?

If you have questions about the North Country Trail, there are many different places to go far information. This directoryprovides you with key contacts. When in Doubt, Try NCTA Headquarters: If you're not sure whom to contact, or prefer to talk with an office instead of contacting a volunteer at home, your best bet is to connect with the NCTA's National Office. If we can't help you, we'll be able to get you in touch with someone who can. Staff members are listed on page 3 (table of contents page). North Country Trail Association

229 E Main St, Lowell, Ml 49331 Toll-free: (866) HikeNCT Fax: (616) 897-6605 www.northcountrytrail.org HQ@northcountrytrail.org Visit our website; it's a sure bet that you'll find most of what you need. Here you can join or contribute to the NCTA, browse the events calendar, explore NCTA Chapter pages, purchase maps and trail-related products, follow links to Partner organizations, read up-to-dare news items, report volunteer hours, and, of course, learn more about rhe trail itself

National Park Service:

The NPS office in Madison is an excellent technical resource for volunteers, agencies, partner organizations, and rhe media. As our official trail administrator, rhe NPS sets trail standards, determines the trail route, and provides the overall vision for the trail.

700 Rayovac Drive, Suite 100, Madison, WI 53711 (608) 441-5610 Fax: (608) 441-5606 Tom Gilbert, Superintendent: tom_gilbert@nps.gov Fred Szarka, Trail Manager: fredrick_szarka@nps.gov Ken Howell, Land Protection Specialist: ken_howell@nps.gov

NCTA Chapters:

For information about local activities or volunteering, contact the Chapter representative for your area of interest. We have more than two dozen local volunteer trail clubs scattered along the trail that are Chapters of the NCTA. NCTA members can affiliate themselves with any Chapter they'd like. Whether or not the member volunteers, a portion of their dues will help support Chapter activities. Chapters build and maintain trail, host hikes and other events, and work to promote rhe trail and the Association in their areas.

Partner

Organizations: We also work with several independent partner organizations that manage a portion of the NCT. These Partners engage in activities similar to our Chapters, though often on a larger scale. Each has its own membership program, so we encourage NCTA members to support them as well. If you have questions about a section of trail that is managed by one of these organizations, your best bet is to contact our Partner directly.

Trail Council Officers:

Our Chapters and Partners work together to achieve common goals through statewide Trail Councils. Each stare has its own Trail Council, though Wisconsin and Upper Michigan share rhe "Grear Lakes Trail Council." Trail Councils have one or more officers, typically including a Chair and a State Trail Coordinator.

NORTH DAKOTA Trail Council Chair: Alicia Hoffarth

· cahoffarrh@hormail.com

State Trail Coordinator : Lisa Ringsrad

• lisaringstad@invisimax.com

1. Lonetree Chapter: Elden Ehrman • ejje@ndak.net 2. Sheyenne River Valley Chapter: Lisa Ringstad

• lisaringsrad@invisimax.com

3. North Dakota Sandhills Chapter: Curtis Vanek · go4trails@sbcglobal.net

MINNESOTA Trail Council Chair and State Trail Coordinator : John Leinen • patleinen@msn.com

4. Star of the North Chapter: Gerald Johnson · johnsO l 8@maroon.tc.umn.edu

5. Itasca Moraine Chapter: Jerry Trout • jbrrour@rds.ner 6. Kekekabic Trail Club (Partner): Terry Bernhardt

· info@kek.org

• (800)818-4453

7. RoversOuting Club (Partner): John Elliott · (612)829-5142 8. Superior Hiking Trail Association (Partner): Gayle Coyer • suphike@mr.net

• (218)834-2700

GREAT LAKES Trail Council Chair: Mikel Classen · classen@jamadors.com State Trail Coordinator:Doug Welker · dwelker@up.ner 9. Brule-St.Croix Chapter: Chuck Zosel · ezosel@pressenter.com 10. ChequamegonChapter: Tana Turonie · tjr@baysar.net 11. Heritage Chapter: Jim Burow • glorim@centuryrel.ner 12. Peter Wolfe Chapter: Doug Welker • dwelker@up.net 13. North Country Trail Hikers Chapter: Denise Herron • dherron906@aol.com

14. Grand Marais Chapter: Mikel Classen · classen@jamadots.com 15. Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter: Kirt Stage-Harvey

· stahar950@lighrhouse.net

LEGEND Chapters """' Partners =Not Yet Adopted

LOWER MICHIGAN Trail Council Chair: Lyle Bialk • lylebialk@sbcglobal.net

State Trail Coordinator:

PENNSYLVANIA

Joan Young · jhy@t-one.net

16. Harbor Springs Chapter: Jerry Keeney • keeneylO@charter.net

17. Tittabawassee Chapter: Jerry Allen • conniepausits@yahoo.com

18. Grand Traverse Hiking Club Chapter: John Heiam

· johnheiam@charter.net

Bob Needham · nomountaintoohi@aol.com Ron Rice • ricel@nauticom.net 28. Wampum Chapter: Paul Henry · joyceappel@arm-tek.net 29. Butler Chapter: David Myers • davmyers@state.pa.us

30. Greater Pittsburgh Chapter:

19. Spirit of the Woods Chapter: Richard Krieger · rndkrieger@jackpine.com 20. Western Michigan Chapter: Werner Veit · wvl2@aol.com

21. Chief NoondayChapter: Tom Garnett

Trail Council Chair: Bert Nemcik • bnemcik@csonline.net State Trail Co-Coordinators:

• garnettt@trinity-health.org

22. Chief Baw Beese Chapter: Steve Vear • steve@vear.com

Michael Kaizar • gptncta@yahoo.com

31. Rock Chapter: Robert McCafferty • diggermccafferty@cs.com 32. Clarion County Chapter: Ed Scurry • edsdc85@yahoo.com 33. Allegheny National Forest Chapter: Bert Nemcik · bnemcik@csonline.net

NEW YORK

OHIO

Trail Council Chair and State Trail Coordinator:

Trail Council Chair: Garry Dill · vetfarm@starband.net

Howard Beye · fltc@frontiernet.net

34. Finger Lakes Trail Conference (Partner):

State Trail Coordinator: James Sprague · jimsprague@msn.com

23. NW Ohio Rails-to-Trails Association (Partner) Gene Markley · norta@hotsheet.com

• (800) 951-4788

24. Buckeye Trail Association (Partner) Garry Dill · vetfarm@starband.net

· (937) 834-2891

25. Adams County Chapter: Myrna Hixson • myrna@bright.net 26. Ohio Valley Chapter: Jean Konkle · marvinkonkle@yahoo.com 27. Great Trail-Sandy Beaver Canal Chapter: Brad Bosley • bbosley@cceng.org

Gene Bavis · information@fingerlakestrail.org · 585-658-9320 Additional Maintaining Organizations Coordinated by FLTC: Adirondack Mm Club (ADK)-Finger Lakes Chapter, ADKGenesee Valley Chapter, ADK-Onondaga Chapter, ADK-Niagara Frontier Chapter, Adventure Recreation Club at Ithaca College, Cayuga Trails Club, Fillmore Boy Scout Troop 748, Foothills Trail Club, Genesee Valley Hiking Club, Hammondsport Boy Scout Troop 18, and Town & Country Bushwhackers

35. Central New York Chapter: Kathy Eisele

· eiselek@dreamscape.com

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