Thoughts on Spring and Summer ... And Carrots Making its first appearance at this year's Annual Conference Auction is President John Leinen's nearly-famous carrot cake! Be sure to bring the check book!
JOHN LEINEN President
t's odd that the lead time for the North Star compels me to write this column when my thoughts remain in the emerging freshness of spring. That juxtaposed against the fact that you'll be reading this column in July while enjoying the lushness of summer makes it difficult to decide how I want to craft this piece, since I find both seasons extremely enjoyable. After a lifetime of exploring the outdoors, I enjoy watching the woodland plants emerge with spring. Between observations here at home near Stillwater, and those in northern Minnesota while visiting for trail work and meetings, I've kept track of spring's movement by following the bloom of the woodland wildflowers. The thrill we felt when Pat and I noticed the first bloodroot blossom in our woodland garden was really an acknowledgement of our relief at the end of winter and the true beginning of spring. This was followed by a parade of blossom explosions in the deep woods. During my wanderings this year, I was fortunate to spot the flowers of wild ginger, jack-in-the-pulpit, nodding trillium, hepatica americana, large-flowered trillium, common strawberry, marsh marigold, bluebead lily,
I
blue violet, baneberry, wood anemone, and my favorites, early meadow rue and star flower. I find it hard not to have a large smile upon my face whenever a new trove of blossoms is discovered. A stroll in the woods among the dancing petals of the early meadow rue or across the deep forest floor carpeted with the oddly-leaved star flower, with their distinct seven-petaled white flowers everywhere, always makes for a wonderful day for a loony grinning walker. I found it easy this spring to find parallels between what was happening there and what has been taking place at the North Country Trail Association. The changes we've made in our priorities and in how we administer our organization are beginning to blossom into real accomplishments. Our talented staff has hired new regional trail coordinators, has completed a well-received plan for the route of the Trail through N.Y.'sAdirondack Park, and has progressed significantly on a Trail Segment Database which will aid us in pursuit of our reaffirmed goal of quality maintenance of our existing trail aligned with construction of the finest quality new trail. We have begun to get our development program on firm footing, making initial contacts and our first successful "asks," in order to increase the notoriety of our mission and to raise money needed to complete this 4,600 mile project. Memorial Day's nearly 100 degree temperature won't allow me to dwell
long on spring, however. Soon all the woodland flowers will be gone, many plants disappearing completely, their cycle done for the year. We put aside our winter layers. We can play in the water and our packs get lighter. This too is a season I can really enjoy. The highpoint of my summer is always the NCTA Annual Conference. In addition to all of the great hikes, tours and workshops scheduled, we will also be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Association and all the effort that has taken place over those 25 years to get us where we are now. Maybe you can help us. Tom Gilbert, our National Park Service mentor and guide from the beginning, has volunteered to put together a History Wall. Tom is hoping some of you have artifacts (items, pictures) you can bring to Clarion for the wall. Please let Tom know (tom_gilbert@nps.gov) what you have so he can plan the display. I'll be doing my part to make the conference interesting. I'll bring a few unique items for sale in our auctions, one of which will be my scratch carrot cake with cream cheese frosting that I will prepare at conference. It is a recipe I collected from great Aunt Angie and I've been baking it since I was 10. It is so good that I have become a carrot cake snob, seldom finding another I like as well. Remember, the auction proceeds go into our Land Trust Fund. Let's run into one another in Clarion!*
North Country Trail Association The North Country Trail Association develops, maintains, preserves and promotes the North Country National Scenic Trail through a trail-wide coalition of volunteers and partners. •ASSOCIATION •
Our vision for the North Country National Scenic Trail is that of a premier footpath of national significance, offering a superb experience for hikers in a permanently protected corridor, traversing and interpreting the richly diverse environmental, cultural, and historic features of the northern United States.
A Glance Inside
Come Visit Us! The Lowell office is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. 229 East Main Street, Lowell, MI 49331 Phone (866) HikeNCT • 616-897-5987 Fax (616) 897-6605 www.nonhcoumrytrail.org
Staff Allison Barr, Accountant allisonbarr@northcountryrrail.o rg
Andrew Bashaw,
Regional Trail Coordinator Ohio/Pennsylvania andrewbashaw@northcountrytrail.org
Clare Cain, Director of Trail Management clarecain@norrhcounrryrrail.org
Bill Menke,
Regional Trail Coordinator Great Lakes bill_menke@parrner.nps.gov
Glory Meyer, Public Services Coordinator glorymeyer@northcountryrrail.org
Matt Rowbotham, GIS/IT Specialist mattrowbotham@norchcouncrycrail.org
Tiffany Stram, G/S Coordinator tiffanysrram@norrhcountrytrail.org
Jennifer Tripp,
Director of Development and Communications jenrripp@norrhcounrrytrail.org
National Board of Directors Terms Expiring 2007 Joyce Appel, Pennsylvania Rep., (724)526-5407
· joyceappel@arm-tek.net
Lyle Blalk Michigan Rep., (810)679-2401
· lylebialk@sbcglobal.net
Carl Boesel, Ohio Rep., (740)385-0074
· gboesel@hocking.net
Departments
Articles Last Minute Registration Hiking County By County RidgeRunners NCT Style North Country Cache Avian Sightings Looking for Volunteers Succession Planning Snowshoeing Michigan's U.P
9 12 14 15 16 18 26 29
Milestones Hiking Shorts Trail Shop Who's Who at the NCTA Trail Supporters
5 6 31 36 38
Bobby Koepplln, At Large Rep., (701)845-2251
· bkoepplin@kwh.com
John Leinen, President, At Large Rep., (651)433-4456
· footpathpal@msn.com
Irene Szabo, VP East, At Large Rep., (585)658-4321
· treeweenie@aol.com
Terms Expiring 2008 Mary Coffin, New York Rep., (315)687-3589
Columns Trailhead Ruminations of an Old Cow On the Trail.. Going for the Gold
2 .4 19 28
· mcoffinl@twcny.rr.com
Allcla Hoffarth, VP West, North Dakota Rep., (701)490-3889
· cahoffarth@hormail.com
Terry Serres, At Large Rep., (612)414-4116
· serrest@comcast.net
About the Cover Exploring the Trail you find a wonderful array of flora and fauna, like this False Solomon's Seal found trail side in Ohio. Photo by Andrew Bashaw.
Terms Expiring 2009 James Baldwin, At Large Rep., (269)382-3808
· jgbaldwin@earthlink.com
Sarah Julien, Secretary, At Large Rep., (616)676-0172
· juliensarah@yahoo.com
Christopher Klein, VP Finance, Minnesota Rep., (218) 738-3988 · kleinll@midwestinfo.com
Al Larmann, At Large Rep., (315)697-3387 · AFLarmann@msn.com
North Star Staff Irene Szabo, Associate Editor Jennifer Tripp, Associate Editor Aaron Phipps, An Director The North Star, Summer Issue, Vol. 25, Issue 3, is published by the North Country Trail Association, a private, not-for-profit 50J(c)(3) organization, 229 East Main Street, Lowell, MI 49331. The Norrh Star is published quarterly for promotional and educational purposes and as a benefit of membership in the Association. Ali rights reserved. No part of chis publication
may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the Norrh Country Trail Association.
Ruminations of an Old Cow Udderly Subjective Geography by Irene Szabo Associate Editor
"\V,lhen I arrived at Michigan State, W back before electricity or indoor plumbing, imagine my surprise that Michiganders assumed none of us from "The East" had even a passing acquaintance with a tree. They lumped kids from Buffalo in with those from Long Island, and if there was ever a great social gulf, that particular upstatedownstate dichotomy is classicallyvast! I arrived from south Jersey, but never mind, that meant I was from New York, too, which meant only one place, New York City. Eventually I graduated from the State of N.Y. University at Binghamton, a decidedly upstate college along the border with Pennsylvania, a short way south of the Finger Lakes Trail, which was in its infancy then. However, since more than half of the student body came from downstate, two quite separate populations coexisted. Upstate kids had a joke map that represented what they said the downstaters' perception of the state was, with New York City as an immense entity, suffering a pimple of an appendage on one side that represented all the rest of the state. Ha. These things don't change, though. At our April Board of Directors meeting in Lowell, Mich., I recounted recent conversations with Pennsylvania volunteers, during which it had been
clear that many couldn't separate the North Country Trail Association from the National Park Service, or Lowell, Mich., from Madison, Wisc. Both were far-off organizations with annoying regulations, emanating from some vague faraway midwestern places. Alicia Hoffarth from North Dakota laughed. "You mean those faroff EASTERN places?" That very evening, some board members went to a restaurant in Grand Rapids, where Joan Young had a conversation with the server about the extent of her hikes on the North Country National Scenic Trail, the existence of which was news to him, of course. When she happened to list the states of the trail's extent, he asked, "But weren't you afraid of being mugged in New York?" And during a phone meeting recently, Bobby Koepplin, also of North Dakota, admitted that a recent trail work session in "nearby" Minnesota was his first time working
with ... TREES! So we all benefit from having our perceptions stretched, merely from our acquaintance with this incredibly long trail. The far ends of the Appalachian Trail are probably more like one another than the termini of our North Country National Scenic Trail, come to think of it. Coming from a land of mud and rocks, I was surprised by Michigan's sand. Endless grasslands in North Dakota were a revelation, of course, to this old broad from eastern woodlands. Within Ohio itself, the trail goes from very roly-poly forestlands to pool table flatness with views for miles. Those who think muggers exist in high density all over New York will be surprised to learn that not only have I not locked my house in thirty years, but the state is third in dairy production, behind only Wisconsin and California. Yet the trail from southeastern Ohio through Pennsylvania and across New York is almost entirely forested. So there. Nyah nyah. Moo.
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Make a Gift of Stock to the NCTA Did you know you can make gifts of stock to the North Country Trail Association (NCTA)? Gifts of cash and securities are both tax deductible. However, with a gift of appreciated stock (stock held for at least one year that has risen in value since it was purchased), you can deduct the full fair market value of the stock on your tax return and also avoid capital gains tax. You can make a gift of stock to the NCTA in one of three ways: 1) Your financial agent
can transfer the stock shares over the DTC to our financial firm; 2) You can forward a signed stock certificate and Stock Power to NCTA directly; or 3) You can request your stock company to transfer ownership of the shares to NCTA and send the NCTA a proceed check once they sell the stock. If you have any question about making a gift of stock, please call 616-897-5987 and we will be happy to help you.
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Volunteer Hours per Chapter Member
MILESTONES Along the North Country Trail 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 certification standards. In addition, there are many more completed miles that may be enjoyable to hike but have not been certified for a variety of reasons.
State North Dakota Minnesota Wisconsin Michigan Ohio Pennsylvania New York Totals *Marked
Percent Done and Certified
Miles Certified
46.7% 29.4% 57.5% 54.4% 30.2% 50.0% 42.8% 43.2%
221.6 110.2 115 625.1 317.5 132.5 267.8 1,789.7
Change Other Since Last Off-Road Miles Issue
0 3.6 0 0 0 6.5 1.2 11.3
1.3 311.2 0 124.8 39.6 45.7 85.8 608.4
Total Off Road Miles
Marked Road Miles*
222.9 421.4 115 749.9 357.1 178.2 353.6 2,398.1
0 0 4.9 9.0 4.4 4.9 0.6 23.8
Road Miles reflect those road miles that are both blazed and marked with NCT Connector
signs.
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. Members Last Issue 72 Minnesota
233 274 1,408 341 314 307 216 3,115
Current Members
Change Since Last Quarter
72 228 274 1,437 354 313 312 234 3,224
0 5 0 29 13 -1 5 18 109
Percent Change
---------路~-....-----'"----~-------- ---------------Wisconsin Michigan Ohio Pennsylvania New York Other Total
--~~----------
-0.3% 1.6% 8.3% 3.5%
.............
Recruiting Members
Fastest Growing Chapters
Top recruiters since the last issue and the number of recruited members:
Highest percentage growth among our chapters since the last issue:
John Heiam John and Pat Leinen Bob Tait Marty Swank
Brule-St.Croix Itasca Moraine Ohio Valley Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Tittabawassee
5 3 3 2
14.6% 14.3% 12.5% 11.6% 11.3%
These are the NCTA Chapters with the highest number of volunteer hours per member for the 12 month period between May 31, 2005 and June l, 2006! Congratulations! Ohio Valley Itasca Moraine Clarion Butler Central New York...................... Wampum Chequamegon Star of the North .. .. . . . . . .. .. . .. . . . Tittabawassee..........................
60 46 25 23 16 16 12 12 11
Partner Support We work closely with several organizations where the NCT coincides with other trails. Many members generously support both the NCTA and these partners. Here is what we show for overlapping membership: Finger Lakes Trail Conference .. 140 Buckeye Trail Association 97 Superior Hiking Trail Association 69 NW Ohio Rails-to-Trails Assoc 13 Parks & Trails Council of Minn 13 Kekekabic Trail Club 7 Butler Outdoor Club 7 Rachel Carson Trails Conserv 2
Volunteers on the Trail Thanks to the following volunteers who have reported the most hours during the first quarter of 2006: John Leinen Marty Swank Rick Adamson Mary Hayes Patrick Hayes Earl Garn Garry Dill Ginny Ruppe Rolf Swanson
340 167 81 78 78 75 60 45 44
AHS Honors Trails Steward
but I want him to know that we appreciate, respect and honor his passion."
F
2006 CCS & CM Projects
or the 12th year, American Hiking Society conducted a nationwide search and has proudly announced Richard Kroener as the winner of this year's American Hiking Society Volunteer of the Year Award for the Great Lakes Region, which honors special volunteers for their tireless efforts to preserve and maintain America's trails. One of Richard's proudest moments was helping complete 120 contiguous miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail in Wisconsin from the Chequamegon National Forest to Solon Springs; Richard helped flag new route and then build the footpath. He also has built and repaired bridges and stairs on the Superior Hiking Trail, as well as performing trail clearing, pruning new growth and clearing downfall. In the Minnesota's Boundary Water Canoe Area, he volunteers with the Kekekabic Trail Club to keep the portages clear of new growth and downfalls. These maintenance trips involve canoeing in, setting up a base camp, and carrying all non-motorized gear to remove large and small trees that may have fallen across the portage routes. Lori Langlie nominated Richard for the AHS award. "Richard hopes those who hike on a trail he clears do not notice that he has been there before them. He hopes the surroundings will seem natural, even though he has cleared the way, that they do not have to look
HIKING~
Lori Langlie presents Richard Kroener with the AHS Volunteer of the Year Award for the Great Lakes Region.
at their feet or the trail as they journey forward, and can just enjoy their surroundings. As a regular Boundary Waters Canoe Area camper, I am grateful when I do not have to carry my 60 lb. Grumman canoe over a blown down pine. I can see his sweat and dedication in the hand sawcut marks spanning years of growth rings. The time he has spent on trail maintenance is something that can be easily taken for granted by those out for a nice hike,
For the first time, the National Park Service (NPS) office for the North Country National Scenic Trail in Madison, Wisc., has received requests for more funds from Challenge Cost Share (CCS) than there are funds available and Cyclic Maintenance projects have used nearly all of those available funds. The NPS received $63,360 for CCS projects and $18,000 for Cyclic Maintenance projects for 2006. For the first time since I became Trail Manager, we actually had to select among worthy projects. This year we will be funding interpretive kiosks through CCS in New York, Michigan and Wisconsin. We will also purchase DR Field and Brush Mowers for volunteers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and New York. Tool trailers will be purchased for chapters in Wisconsin and Minnesota. We will expand the use of CCS to leverage funding through Department of Transportation Recreation Trails Program grants in both Minnesota and North Dakota. Other projects include destination signs for chapters in Michigan and Wisconsin, support for the NCTA headquarters Cartography program, construction of trail support structures and puncheon, equipment rental, and general trail construction projects. Cyclic Maintenance projects were fewer but also varied. They included puncheon replacement in
Making New Friends Michigan outdoor group, Friends of the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery (FJRNFH), is the latest group to "discover" the North Country National Scenic Trail. This spring, FJRNFH led a trail clean up with a local scout group. The FJRNFH has also applied to become the IOth NCTA Affiliate! Top row from left: Tiger Cub Leader Mike Sladewski, Bill Crick, Missy Parker, Cub Master and FJRNFH Member Jon Sumner, FJRNFH Board Member Peg Myers, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Hatchery Manager Rick Westerhof. Bottom row from left: Members of the East Jordan Cub Scout Pack/Troop 17: Kacey Karki, Jake Sladewski, Austin Sumner, Jacob Prins, Wyatt Crick.
Michigan, towpath rehabilitation in New York, and bridge replacement in Pennsylvania. Also we are assisting with replacement of a major culvert in Ohio.
-Fred Szarka
Proposed Route
•
Existing Opportunity Opportunity Corridor CJ Counties
Field Grant Update One of the most popular ways to fund a chapter project is through a Field Grant. The North Country Trail Association offers Field Grants to support volunteers, Chapters, Affiliates, State Trail Coordinators and Trail Councils. Twelve percent of all membership dues received funds these competitive Field Grants. Applications are available online and are reviewed four times a year by the Field Grant Committee. Grants are awarded according to merit, benefits to the Trail and the Association, need of the applicant, and the applicant's grant history. So far this year the Committee has awarded $12,800 for the early and late spring cycles for the following projects: •Allegheny National Forest Chapter: Buffalo Youth Corps Trail ReConstruction project, Shelter Construction • Buder Chapter: Pennsylvania Trails Training Workshop • Central New York Chapter: Foot Bridge & Puncheon Project •Chief Noonday Chapter: Two Trailhead Kiosks • Finger Lakes Trail Conference: Puncheon Project & Tool Trailer, Buffalo Youth Corps Trail Building Project & Puncheon Project • Grand Traverse Hikers Chapter: Trail Re-Route Signage • Heritage Chapter: Chapter Brochure • Lower Michigan State Trail Coordinator: Lower Michigan Hiking Passport Book • NORTA: Trailhead Kiosk • Sheyenne River Valley Chapter: Boardwalk Project, National Trails Day Promotional Event & Picnic • Spirit of the Woods Chapter: Chapter Brochure • Tittabawassee Chapter: Road Signs • Wampum Chapter: Trail Promotion and Trail Construction If your chapter has a project that needs funding, consider applying for a Field Grant! More information and an application for Field Grants can be
Adirondack Park Plan North Country Trail Association's Clare Cain, Director of Trail Management, and Matt Rowbotham, GIS/IT Specialist, with assistance from the National Park Service, have completed a drafr of the "North Country National Scenic Trail: Adirondack Park Concept Plan." The Plan outlines the approximately 135 mile route for the North Country National Scenic Trail through the New York's Adirondack Park. This summer, the Plan will go out for a 45-day public comment period in New York. It will be available online at www.dec.state.ny.us. Then the resulting comments and suggestions could be incorporated in the Plan before a final copy is submitted to the Adirondack Park Agency for final review. The N.Y. Department of Environmental Conservation and the Adirondack Park Agency staff have been tremendously helpful in completing this Plan.
found online at northcountrytrail.org.
Buckeye Trail Annual Meeting The Buckeye Trail Association held its Annual Meeting at Mote Park, April 21-22, 2006, near Piqua, just north of Dayton in the southwest quadrant of the state. We had a very successful event and turnout of members from around the state. I would like to thank the following people and establishments for creating an enjoyable weekend: Tom Hudson - Piqua Mayor, Scott Myers - Piqua Parks and Recreation, Richard Millhouse - Shelby Co. Parks District, Mark Davis - Five Rivers Metropark District, Skip Wilson - Miami Co. Parks District, Neal Brady - MECCA, Ruth Brown and Mary Hamilton - co-chairs for BTA events, Wayne Puterbaugh - who helped to open up
trail, Mike Foster and Javawocky - for catering an excellent meal,, Jim Oda and the Piqua Chamber of Commerce for providing brochures on the area. All of the above-mentioned people and establishments lent a special meaning to the Annual Meeting. We invited them to give a brief message about what their present and future plans for their particular district would do for the Buckeye Trail. The response was very enlightening and well received by all who attended. John Heater led a hike around the Historical Area of the City of Piqua, which included a statue of Don Gentile and a plaque about the famous Mills Brothers of Piqua. A special thanks to Andy Hite of the Ohio Historical Society and manager of Johnston Farm for helping us to put this whole thing together. Andy
also led a hike thru Johnston Farm and Lockington. He was the main speaker of the evening with a slide show of the Miami - Erie Canal through Miami County. -John Heater
FLT Annual Meeting Over the first weekend in May, the Finger Lakes Trail Conference held its annual meeting, mixed in with an especially good smorgasbord of hikes, workshops, and entertaining programs. This weekend was ambitiously hosted by the two-year-old Bullthistle Hiking Club, centered in Norwich, Chenango County (land of the bullthistle), several days' walk east of where the North Country Trail veers northward away from the FLT. Friday night's slide show by a mountain-climbing couple convinced most of us that the maximum elevations encountered on our trails are plenty, thank you, while we were regaled with folk songs on Saturday night after a great banquet. Lynda Rummel, FLTC board member, NCTA Field Grant Committee member, regional trail coordinator, trail steward, and Maps and Guidebooks project leader, was awarded the highest FLTC honor, named for the trail's founder, the Wallace Wood Award. Also members were introduced to the new President of the Board, Dave Marsh, by Joan Young dressed as Alice in Wonderland, who came "onstage" playing croquet with a flamino lawn ornament and a toilet brush "hedgehog." That Michigan girl sure seems to get around, but she was at our spring weekend selling her book about hiking the NCT. Longtime old President Irene Szabo was dragged off by Sergeantat-Arms, Warren Johnsen, protesting loudly her dethronement, shrieking "Off with their heads!" and dressed as the Queen of Hearts. - Irene Szabo
We Did It With A Field Grant The Chief Noonday Chapter recently completed installation of two trailhead kiosks. Funding for the project was secured through an NCTA Field Grant. "We currently have a major section of Trail in Kimball Pines in Battle
Creek, Mich., leading South to Bridge Park from one end, and continuing north to the Ott Preserve from the other end. A kiosk for the main entrance here has been on our list of wants for a while. Beginning this summer, the Silver Leaf Renaissance Faire is moving to Kimball Pines for five weekends every summer, offering very high visibility for the Trail in this area that we want to exploit. The Battle Creek area is an area we want to focus on for growth in membership and support for the Trail." said the Chief Noonday Chapter. "Our second location is at the Irving Road entrance of the Paul Henry Trail. A kiosk at this location is the last tie in for our long stretch of
Members of the Chief Noonday Chapter install one of two new kiosks.
Trail and connecting road within Barry County, and would provide directions to our segments south into the State Game Area on Peer's Road."
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Thank Your Legislators! Each year, the North Country Trail Association asks Senators and Representatives to support federal funding for Trail by signing on to a letter that is sent to each House's Appropriation's Sub-committee. These Senators and Representatives like to know their constituents are aware of their actions and appreciate what they've done. So, to help us keep up this strong support for the North Country National Scenic Trail in Congress, please send a note to your Senators and Representative, if you see them on this list. These Legislators signed a letter supporting funding for the Trail in 2007. (Due to screening processes, mail sent to Congress can be delayed four to six weeks. Sending a fax is the quickest option.) Name Fax Number Party State Senator Charles E. Schumer (202) 228-3027 D NY (202) 228-0121 Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton D NY Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (202) 225-1891 R NY (202) 225-5265 Rep. Thomas Reynolds R NY Rep. Philip English R PA (202) 225-3103 (202) 226-2274 Rep. Melissa A. Hart R PA Senator Mike DeWine R OH (202) 224-6519 Senator Carl Levin (202) 224-1388 D MI (202) 228-0325 Senator Debbie A. Stabenow D MI (202) 225-5144 Rep. Vernon ]. Ehlers R MI Rep. Dale Kildee D MI (202) 225-6393 Senator Herbert H. Kohl D WI (202) 224-9787 (202) 228-2186 Senator Mark Dayton D MN (202) 224-1152 Senator Norm Coleman R MN Rep. Collin C. Peterson D MN (202) 225-1593 Rep. Betty McCollum (202) 225-1968 D MN
Come See the North Country Trail! Don't Miss the Annual Conference in Pennsylvania
D
id you know the North Country Trail Association Annual Conference is the largest gathering of North Country National Scenic Trail enthusiasts? With the registration deadline extended to August 1 you still have time to sign up! As always, the Conference will highlight the Trail and the members who make it happen. Plus, it's a great time to make new friends and share some trail tales with old friends! The full Conference schedule is available on page 10. Choose from one of two day-long hikes, four halfday hikes, two historical tours, a trail building workshop, a community relations workshop and more. Don't forget Saturday's presentation by adventurer Will Cross! Among Will's global expeditions, he has successfully ascended the highest peaks of North and South America, Europe, Africa and Antarctica. In 2001, he was privileged to climb 15 unmapped, unexplored mountains in Greenland. Will's current quest is the NovoLog Peaks and Poles Challenge - reaching the highest peak on each continent as well as walking to both Poles. His tales of adventure and motivation will inspire you. If you can't make the entire Conference, tickets are available for Saturday night's dinner and presentation for $30; pre-registration is required.
Updates to the Schedule Just added to the schedule is a workshop entitled, "Introduction to Wild Mushroom Identification: The Basics." This workshop will be held on Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. followed by a walk or short field trip providing weather cooperates. It will be repeated on Saturday morning after "Thinking Beyond Jerky and Gorp." Gail Blakely, an active member of regional and national mycological asso-
ciations, will cover the basics of finding and identifying wild mushrooms along the trail. The afternoon travelogues on Saturday are sure not to be missed! First up will be Joni Phelps. In 1993, Joni was the first blind woman to summit all 20,320 feet of Mt. McKinley. With the help of her twin sons, Marty and Mike, she tackled the challenging climb. Joni lives in Warren, Penn., and will be the highlight of Saturday afternoon. Following a talk about one of the most popular mountains in North America, you'll be transported to South America's Patagonia region to hear about a recent multi-sport adventure from Joyce Appel and Paul Henry. Last winter the couple traveled to Patagonia for six weeks and will share their adventures with you!
Trail Building Tired of sitting in classrooms learning to build trail? Want to learn new skills and get your hands dirty? Head into the field for a full day of trail building and construction with the trail management staff. Bring your gloves; tools will be provided.
Sawyer Certification The Association, in conjunction with the Allegheny National Forest, is pleased to offer a Sawyer Certification Workshop before the 2006 Annual Conference, August 8 and 9. Robert Wetherell, Allegheny National Forest Recreation Program Manager, will lead this two-day training course on chain saw safety, use and maintenance, and techniques in bucking and felling required for chain saw use along the Trail. There will be a selection process for admittance. If you are interested, contact Jennifer Tripp at jentripp@ northcountrytrail.org for the short
application. First aid and CPR certification is required to attend this class. Remember, thanks to NPS Challenge Cost Share funding, you can be reimbursed for First Aid and CPR certification from the North Country Trail Association. If you are selected for the workshop, lodging and meals will be available at Clarion University for a fee.
Talking to Private Landowners On Sunday, there will be a workshop entitled, "Trail Permission Through Private Land." Irene Szabo, member of the NCTA Board of Directors, past President of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, and all-around trail guru, will lead this half-day workshop to prepare volunteers to meet and educate landowners on creating trail permissions along the North Country National Scenic Trail. If you are interested in attending the workshop, please sign up on the Conference Registration Form.
Bring Your Road Bike In addition to the organized Conference activities, Clarion also offers easy access to a network of paved biking trails. Sandy Creek Trail is eight miles of paved trail from Van to the Allegheny River. The trail follows Sandy Creek, has a short railroad tunnel and three high trestles. It passes through an extensive hemlock canopy and offers several vistas from the trestles and along the creek. On the Allegheny River Trail bikers can travel north up to forty miles along the river to Franklin, Oil City, Oil Creek State Park, and to Drakes Well in Titusville. Directions and additional information on the trails can be obtained from the Allegheny Valley Trails Association at www.AVTA.org.
With the registration deadline extended to August I you still have time to sign up!
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10:00 AM
Registration & Silent Auction Open
12:00 PM 1:00 PM
Air ort Shuttle: De arts from Pittsbur h Workshop: Introduction to Wild Mushroom
6:00 PM 7:00 PM 8:00 PM
Half-Day Hike: Self-Guided Hike at Cook Forest State Park
Identification: The Basics Dinner: In cafeteria ard
President's
Roundtable Discussion
Friday, August 11
7:00 AM 8:00 AM
Breakfast: In cafeteria Day-Long Hike:
Allegheny National Forest near Minister Creek - 7 .3 miles
House, Jennings Environmental Center, Davis Hollow Outdoor Center, McConnells Mil State Park
12:30 PM
5:30 6:00 7:00 8:00
PM PM PM PM
Day-Long Tour Butler County: Old Stone
Half-Day Hike: Cook Forest State Park, SR 1015 to Visitor's Center - 3.6 miles Half-Day Hike: Cook Forest State Park Interpretive Tour of the Forest Cathedral and Fire Tower
Day-Long Canoe Trip:
Paddle Down the Area's National Scenic River
Morning Hike and Afternoon Workshop:
Building Green Community Relations
President's Photo: Wear Your Blue Blazes Shirt! Dinner: NCTA Familv Picnic Awards Presentation: Part 1 Eveninl! Proaram: Return of the Live Auction
Saturday, August 12
7:00 AM 8:00 AM
Breakfast: In cafeteria Day-Long Hike:
Day-Long Tour Oil Heritage Region: Oil
SH322 to Highland Drive - 9 miles
Creek & Titusville Railroad, Drake Well Museum
1:00 PM
Half-Day Hike: Gravel
Workshop: Thinking
Day-long Workshop:
Lick Road to Highland Drive - 4 miles
Beyond Jerky & Gorp and Introduction to Wild Mushroom Identification: The Basics Workshop: Adventure Travelogues: Joni Phelps on McKinley and Joyce Appel & Paul Henry on Patagonia
Trail Building with NCTA Staff
Half-Day Hike: SR
1004 to Highland Drive - 3.8 miles
6:00 PM
Dinner Silent Auction Closes
7:00 PM 7:30 PM
Awards Presentation: Part 2 Evening Program: Will Cross
Sunday, August 13
7:00 AM 8:30 AM 9:00 AM
Breakfast: In cafeteria Airport Shuttle: Departs to Pittsburgh Half-Day Workshop: Talking to Private Landowners Trail Shop Closes Check Out Time
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2006 Annual Conference ~ Registration Form ~ Aug. 10-13 Please use one form per person!
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City:
State: __________
Phone:
REGISTRATION FEE (Includes and materials,
administration
fees, program fees
$40.00 days
= $ = $
Saturday Night Only Banquet and Presentation
$30.00
= $
$
TOTAL REGISTRATION
LODGING
E-mail:
(Includes towels, sheets, blanket,
Friday Night - Single Friday Night - Double Saturday Night - Single Saturday Night - Double TOTAL LODGING
$25.00 $18.00 $25.00 $18.00 $25.00 $18.00
=$ =$ =$ =$ =$ =$
$
MEALS Check here to request vegetarian meals Thursday Cafeteria Dinner Friday Breakfast Friday Bag Lunch Friday Picnic Dinner Saturday Breakfast Saturday Bag Lunch Saturday Banquet Dinner Sunday Breakfast Sunday Cafeteria Lunch TOTAL MEALS
$8.00 $5.00 $6.00 $13.00 $5.00 $6.00 $20.00 $5.00 $6.00
=$ =$ =$ =$ =$ =$ =$ =$ =$
(Round Trip)
Send Your Registration By Fax: Sign-up By Phone:
866-HikeNCT
(616) 897-6605 (445-3628)
To help us plan better, please indicate which of the following activities you plan to attend: FRIDAY Day-long Hike: Allegheny NF Day-long: Building Green Community Relations Morning Hike: Cook Forest SP Hike Afternoon Hike: Interpretive Hike at Cook Forest
SATURDAY Day-long Hike: SH322 to Highland Drive Day-long: Trail Building Morning Hike: Gravel Lick Road to Highland Drive Afternoon Hike: SR1004 to Highland Drive Morning Workshop: Thinking Beyond Jerky & Gorp Afternoon Workshops: LNT & Travelogues
SUNDAY Workshops:
Trail Permissions
Through Private Land
Children's Rates If children stay in the dorm, they are floor at no charge. You must provide Children sharing a room with parent be charged the full rate. There are
allowed to sleep on the your own sleeping bag. but requiring a bed will no discounts on meals.
$
0 My check to NCTA is enclosed. 0 Please charge my registration to
TOURLRENTAL FEE Airport Shuttle
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By Mail:
NCTA, 229 E. Main St., Lowell, Ml 49331
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does NOT include pillows)
If you are sharing a room, list roommate here Thursday Night - Single Thursday Night - Double
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$40.00
=$
Please list your arriving flight number $15.00 Butler County Tour $24.00 Oil Heritage Tour - Adult Oil Heritage Tour - Under 12 $18.00 Canoe Trip $25.00 TOTAL TOUR/RENTALS
=$ =$ =$ =$
TOTAL CONFERENCE REGISTRATION COST
$
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Send Your Registration
conference collectible)
Full Conference Registration Daily Registration Rate $15.00 x
Zip:
D Visa
D Discover
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Name as it appears on card (please print) Signature
$
The registration deadline has been extended to August 1st.
Finger Lakes Trail Cross-County Hike Series
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Selling ourselves to the public By Irene Szabo Associate Editor
Conservation
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ack in the earliest 1990s, Ed Sidote, long known as the Finger Lakes Trail's "energizer bunny," had a wonderful idea. He advertised a series of seven hikes in local newspapers, one hike per month from April through October, designed to cross Chenango County along 72 miles of the FLT. People responded with surprising eagerness: those who had a vague urge to take a hike, but no idea where to begin or how to find their way in remote territory, would be guided in group hikes, and driven to trailheads in car caravans. So they signed up in droves! Within only a few years, as this great idea moved across the state county by county, the numbers of registrants became entirely too awkward for car caravans and spotting enough cars at the ending site. So volunteers who were organizing subsequent series quickly hit upon hiring school busses to take hikers from the ENDING place of each hike, where they were parked, back to the beginning point. Then people walked in small "speed groups" led by experienced hikers, back to their cars. Why park at the end and walk back to one's car? Because people finish these typical ten-mile hikes at widely varied times, and fast walkers tend to be type A personalities who are very impatient if they have to wait for the "turtles" or the "nature appreciative" groups to finish, often over two hours later! Not only do people walk very different speeds, but also the separation into smaller groups reduces the impression that one is part of a mob in the woods. The faster walkers disappear into the distance so quickly that medium and slower groups soon are walking alone with only their own little clusters, which retains the peaceful quality of a walk in the woods. There is also at
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/ ••••..> least one volunteer "sag wagon" to meet hikers at several of the road crossings, offering water for the ill-prepared, sometimes candy or pretzels, or a ride for the truly pooped-out. So how successful has this been? As we crossed the state in the nineties, one county per year, typically 150 registrants would be signed up, but never more than two busloads (80-90) hikers would be able to attend any given hike. Make-up hikes "counted," so everybody who finished the county received an embroidered patch at the final picnic, with meat and beverage provided along with hikers' dishes to pass. While school busses cost several thousand dollars, the fact that not all hikers ever attended any one hike permitted the absentees to "subsidize" the entire project, so the fee was never more than $25 for seven bus rides, a patch, and a picnic! And back in those days we had to MAIL directions and maps to those who registered, a big volunteer project. The outreach potential of these cross-county series has exceeded our wildest hopes. Sometimes local papers, upon receiving the press release in late winter, would assign a reporter to write a feature on the trail or the series, resulting in some full-page articles. Hundreds of local people have been introduced to the trail this way, and from those ranks have come many heart-warming stories. Quite a few who took their very first hike on the FLT during a series got bitten by the
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bug, and ended up walking the 565-mile main trail all the way. One sixty-something woman who was dragged along by her neighbor was heard gasping repeatedly during her first hike, "I can't DO this!" Within a few more years she had walked end-to-end across the state, including the eastern end of the trail in the Catskill Mountains, much steeper and rockier than that first hike she "couldn't do." Several other people started their end-to-end treks this way, too, and have returned during this decade's repeat series as speed group hike leaders. New members and trail workers have come from the ranks of the first series. Children have come along with a parent, and one adult mother-daughter team, physically unable to do the whole ten or twelve miles, would take the sag wagon partway through, then finish the hike themselves the next day. They, too, are now end-to-enders, despite the admirable determination required to achieve such a goal. The series started all over again this decade, so in 2006 we are in our fifth series of a potential seven along the main trail, crossing Steuben County in the Corning and Bath area. Something cosmic happened during the last two weeks of registration this time: before we knew what had hit us, we had 260 registrants! Rather than
Even with intensive carpooling , this year's huge group crossing Steuben County stretches far up Winding Stairs Rd, where we parked at the May hike's end.
send them away, call us crazy, but the volunteers organizing this one are trying to accommodate even this mob. 160 people have come to each of the first two hikes, so the busses are each making several trips. More speed group leaders have been recruited, and two sag wagons ply the back roads, travelling with giant coolers of Gatorade. These huge crowds, while not an ideal situation, have remained uniformly cheerful and helpful. They are cooperating by car-pooling as much as possible (nonetheless, even sixty cars stretch more than a quarter mile down a country road!), and waiting patiently for their bus ride outbound. Of course, without e-mail we could never communicate with such a large group, so more than 90% of registrants received directions to each hike staging area by e-mail, plus subsequent frantic messages, like suggested places to meet for car-pooling. One hiker, Jim Loomis, created a Google group, so now registrants can poll one another for makeup hike or car-pool partners. Kim and Terry Meacham, plus conscripted family members, are conducting each hike admirably and communicating with the egroup. Almost all hikes have proceeded uneventfully, to our collective relief. There was quite an attack from ground bees nesting in the pathway a few summers ago, and one woman had three dozen stings after they got up inside her long pants and shirt. Fortunately
Sigrid Connors and Jack Vanderzee address the group from some hapless car's roof before the April hike, Schuyler County series 2005.
none of those stung was allergic. Possibly the most memorable near-disaster hike occured in 1996, but everybody came through even this one alive and well. What started as a coolish drizzly day, the day before it actually SNOWED on Mother's Day, rapidly disintegrated into a steady heavy rain while the temperature dropped to 40 degrees. Some hikers had even worn shorts! Morning stream crossings ran higher than boot tops, but by the afternoon we were forming human brigades to cross raging thigh-deep torrents, holding hands to keep lighter people from bobbing downstream to their doom. The trail had long before become a running sluiceway where we unavoidably trampled blooming trillium under muddy water. Nobody dared stop for lunch, so we ate as we stumbled. Miraculously, very few people of those two busloads took the sag wagon rides offered, so most of us got to our cars parked ironically below a ski slope, turned on the heat, and shivered uncontrollably, whimpering pathetically but glad to be where we were at last. During that night a critical piece of highway slid away from its moorings, the only way around the south end of a long gorge that is Letchworth State Park. Drivers to all future hikes in that series had to get past that chokepoint, so before everybody had email, we simply had to rely on people having the wits to follow detour signs
to subsequent hike staging areas. So that one day of downpour affected the whole rest of that hike series, but at least all the hikers came back for more! (Well, most of them ... ) Let us leave with an opposite impression, however. During the previous July's hike, we endured a long dirt roadwalk in hot sun, the very same day an antique car road rally roared past us, kicking up extra dust. One kind person living along there hung a hose in a roadside bush, and left it pouring cold spring water so each hiker could soak his head for a wonderful moment. Is it hard on the trail to endure this many feet in one day? Yes, it is, especially when it's wet, but because it happens only once in ten years, the trail heals within a few weeks, and you would not know we had passed there. The outreach effect far outweighs the temporary trampling, and has been a wonderful way for us to make newcomers welcome on the trail, and to make new MEMBERS of many of them. While this is an ambitious project, even a handful of volunteers in one NCTA chapter could pull off a series like this, so we hope that many of you out there might try to invite the public to see your trail in a similar fashion. Advice and logistics will be freely shared by those who have done it, so feel free to ask me.
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For more information please feel free to contact Irene Szabo at (585)658-4321 or treeweenie@aol.com.
Ridge Runners: North Country Trail Style Editor'sNote: In 2003, the Tittabawassee Chapter started a "Ridge Runner" program to provide trail maps to hikers on the popular Jordan River Pathway, to monitor trail conditions, and to promote the Trail. The Chapter's goal was to have volunteers hiking the Pathway every weekendfrom Memorial Day to Labor Day and to provide interested hikers with material to learn more about the NCTA and the Chapter. In 2005, the Chapter appliedfor an NCTA Field Grant to upgrade their program with enhanced maps. Here is how you can run your own chapter Ridge Runner program! By Peg Myers Tittabawassee CHapter
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idge Runners are trail ambassa1'dors. The Tittabawassee Chapter in Michigan utilizes volunteer Ridge Runners on the Jordan River Pathway each weekend from June through Labor Day. The Ridge Runner program originated on the grandmother of long distance trails, the Appalachian Trail. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) runs an extensive Ridge Runner program with paid seasonal staff throughout the hiking season. The Ridge
Runners spend their days on the trail connecting with hikers, educating users about Leave No Trace, reporting trail conditions, and essentially being the eyes of the trail. Modeled after the ATC program, the NCT Ridge Runner program on the Jordan River Pathway provides visitors with essential trail information. The most common need is simply a map of the Jordan River Pathway and camping opportunities and restrictions in the area. They also provide information about the North Country Trail, the NCTA, and the trail's history. The Ridge Runners also gently remind mountain bikers, dirt bikers, and ATV riders that the pathway is for foot traffic only and ask them to return to the roads. The Ridge Runners also provide updates on current trail conditions such as weathered sections of trail, the trail's difficulty, and animal sightings. The Jordan River Ridge Runners are also eager to remind others that they are not certified first aid providers, rescuers for the ill-prepared, conservation officers, or obnoxious trail missionaries.
Experiences of Ridge Runners JRP Ridge Runners volunteers ranged from Dave "Speedy" Estrada, who did the 18 mile loop before lunch, to Marie Mercer who was recovering from foot surgery and spent the day greeting hikers at the trail head. The champion Ridge Runner was a volunteer named Bonnie who contributed many weekends last year. "When I first heard about the Ridge Running project, I thought it was for me. I walk the Trail all the time so all I had to do is give people maps and tell them about NCT. That would be easy enough. Then I received my blaze blue 'volunteer' shirt that said 'Ask Me About the Trail.' I figured I might be in trouble being new to this and all, but what the heck I'll just fake my way through any questions. Boy did I learn a lot that first year!" says Bonnie. "I learned the Trail is over 4,000 miles not the 2,000 I had thought ... you had better know where every
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brochures and maps, the Titabawasee Chapter's Ridge Runners greet weekend hikers on the Jordan River Pathway.
Supplies Each Ridge Runner is provided with an official NCT Blaze Blue "Volunteer" shirt. Each Ridge Runner also hits the trail with a laminated Jordan River Pathway map, a laminated Tittabawassee Chapter section map, Jordan River Pathway maps, NCTA membership brochures, Tittabawassee Chapter section maps, a "Friends of the Jordan River Watershed" brochure, and an NPS brochure. Ridge Runners also carry water, trail snacks, bug repellent, and pruners or loppers to help keep the trail clear while they are walking.
watering hole is because someone is going to ask you ... and the DNR changed all of the numbered posts on the Trail. I also learned to carry extra bottles of water, packets of "Off" and sun block - people really appreciate it. But the most important thing that I have learned is that bears are as much afraid of you as you are of them. My encounter lasted only seconds but lingered for minutes. As soon as we saw each other he booked it. "I on the other hand stood there. After composing myself and checking for leaks, I did an about face and headed back at a very fast pace. Every time I heard the slightest sound my pace quickened. "The next year was better. I was getting the hang of it. I spoke to a total of 34 people and no bears. The feedback was great. Everyone I spoke with was impressed that there was someone on the Trail to greet them."*
Organizing the Program Find a volunteer coordinator, preferably someone with access to e-mail. This is a great job for someone who is organized, but has physical limitations that make doing heavy trail maintenance difficult. (Or, armchair hikers like me, who prefer air conditioning to sweat and bugs!) Get permission from the appropriate landowner. In our case it was the Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources. See if they have any handouts they'd like you to distribute. A key message is that we are not selling anything. Order blaze blue "Ask Me About The Trail" T-shirts in a range of sizes from NCTA headquarters, and handouts. Try to order these by early May if you want to start your program Memorial Day weekend. Ask Chapter Volunteers to sign up for particular weekends starting in April or May. Keep track of the schedule on a simple calendar by the computer or a spreadsheet. Try to have a few "on-call" volunteers to handle last minute cancellations. You might want to create a list of weekends and volunteers on your chapter's Web site. Mail or deliver the supplies to each Ridge Runner two weeks ahead of their scheduled weekend. This serves as a reminder of their commitment. E-mail reminders are also good. I put all the handouts in one giant "Ziploc" type bag to make it easy to put in your daypack, and to keep things clean and dry. I include a copy of "Ridge Runner Guidelines." Remind Ridge Runners to bring their pruners. This is a great chance to keep up with those pesky briar bushes, and when people see you pruning, it opens the conversation on a positive note. Ask people to send you a note summarizing roughly how many people they spoke with, any interesting encounters, and a list of supplies needed for a future weekends if they are doing more than one tour of duty. Thank people for volunteering. While you were home doing e-mail in the air conditioning, they may have been representing NCTA in a cloud of gnats or pouring rain. The coordinator has the easy job!
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"North Country Cache" Offers Trail Tales Plus a Bit of History
North Country Cache, Adventureson a National Scenic Trail
By Glory Meyer Public Services Coordinator
N
ot being a real "hiker" but rather a "stroller," I wasn't sure Joan Young's tale of long hikes, "North Country Cache," was something for me. Let me say right up front, I thoroughly enjoyed every bit! "North Country Cache" consists of a collection of essays that can be picked up at any time without losing continuity. You cannot help but be inspired as Joan was by the beauty found on the North Country National Scenic Trail in the largest tree and the smallest flower. You may smile as she recounts comments and stories of the people she meets while hiking on the Trail. And you may also lament over some of the "not so pleasant" people she met as well. Sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant, always honest, it's a great read for hikers and non-hikers alike. With riveting tales and endless adventures, as well as color pictures, the "North Country Cache" is a store of those experiences that have been distilled from memory, savored and saved, and presented for the enjoyment of all. The North Country National Scenic Trail is indeed blessed to have an advocate as vocal and knowledgeable as Joan on the Trail. Having now covered more than half of the projected 4,600 miles of footpath, Joan writes with humor and passion for exploring and protecting this national treasure. She has been an active member of the North Country Trail Association for many years. Logging more than 3,000 volunteer hours, Joan has served the Association as a Board member, a chapter officer and is currently the Association Web Master. "North Country Cache" recently won an "Honorable Mention" at the IOth annual Independent Publisher Book Awards. Known as the "IPPY" awards, Joan was entered in a field of 874 in the category Regional - Non-Fiction: Great Lakes. Joan's love affair with the outdoors grew from childhood, when she always preferred to be outside as opposed to lndoors. As an active Girl Scout, she learned her lessons well and uses them on the Trail. With a B.A. from Taylor University in communication and theater arts and a Masters in environmental engineering from University of Michigan, her interests are as varied as the stories she recounts. Want to know about the Hale-Bopp comet - look on page 109. Interested in Ohio's canals and towpaths - try page 181. Interested in poetry - page 221. Learn about the Mackinac Bridge and how it was conceived and built. There isn't a plant, mushroom or fungi Joan doesn't know about. How about the geologic marvels that created Lake Superior - on page 167. From the prairie grasses of North Dakota to the Adirondack Mountains in New York, your armchair tour is one to be savored. Come and meet Joan, up close and personal at the 2006 Annual Conference in Clarion, Penn. Joan will be autographing copies of "North Country Cache" and talking about one of her favorite topics - The North Country National Scenic Trail. You can order "North Country Cache"from the Trail Shop on page 32 or purchase one at the Conference.
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Ruddy Turnstone, straight from makeup
Or heard and not always seen along the Trail By Werner Veit Western Michigan Chapter
irds, a North Star editor must have reasoned, deserve space equal to that of wildflowers, whose presence on the North Country National Scenic Trail was noted by Joan Young in a previous issue. So it has come to me to discuss the birds along the trail. When it comes to knowing my stuff, I am not the happiest of choices. I bird well enough when led by the hand by the likes of Joan Wolfe, an atlarge member from Frankfort, Mich., who's on speaking acquaintance with birds of most of the Americas, north and central, or even Joan Young herself, one of the most gifted naturalists of the North Country Trail Association. Besides, the combination of birding and hiking produces a bit of an oxymoron: you mostly have to stand still to see birds yet you have to keep moving to hike. And adding the weight of a good pair of binoculars to the stuff you're already carrying appeals only to the hard-core birder. And, as I said,
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that's not me. Still an outing on the North Country National Scenic Trail almost invariably lands you in an avian habitat so keeping your eyes and ears open as you walk can keep your mind off your blisters and remind you that you're only a visitor out here. And there's always the end of the day when you reach camp. Late afternoon or early evening-or better yet, first thing in the morning before you break camp-is a better time to see birds anyway. If it's too hot, or too cold, or too windy, or too anything, birds, unlike some of my hiking friends, have the sense to stay put during the day until hunger (or the prospect of an encounter with the opposite sex) get them active again. Nevertheless, even when striding down one of the Trait's typical woodland habitats, you'd have to be a tonedeaf clod if the sound of a wood thrush didn't gladden your heart. The thrush may be the most melodious (although the wren may give you an argument) but he, the thrush, that is (yes, it's the male with the loudest mouth) is certainly not alone out there in the north country with its hundreds of woodland species to say nothing of
This swan didn't worry about privacy. She nested right off the Trail.
the scores of field and upland birds who live within bird commuting distance of the Trail. We don't even lack for shorebirds, at least not in the spring when they stop over before heading for their breeding grounds in the tundra. Where the trail nears the coasts, like in Wilderness State Park in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan or the Lake Superior shore in the Upper Peninsula, you might see a native spotted sandpiper scurry along the beach. Still the neat stuff, like Ruddy Turnstones who always look to me like they came straight out of makeup, are commuters and visit us only coming and going. The Piping Plover is a native but I wouldn't tell you where to find him even if I knew. She is seriously endangered and you shouldn't be traipsing where she nests. There's plenty of other stuff to see and hear. If you consider the scope of the North Country Trail from the Adirondack wilderness in New York to
Pileated Woodpecker: He of the Jackhammer
Wood Thrush, forest orchestra's principal flutist
the Sheyenne National Grasslands in North Dakota and beyond, it's readily apparent that our trail traverses much of North America's birdlife habitat short of deserts and major mountains. No wonder the bird life along the trail is so diverse. Even small stretches of trail support enough abundance to bemuse and amaze even the casual walker, especially when you run into Sesame Street-sized birds, like Great Blue Herons, Sandhill Cranes and those great predators swooping from the sky. Among my most memorable
cousins and companionable for the long hiker wondering where everybody went. Songbirds, of course, are abundant along our wooded trails, especially migrating warblers in their spring or early summer plumage. When they all turn brown and look alike Wood duck, star of the fashion show in the fall, I mostly ignore them. My motto: if you can't show your true colors, you won't get any cheap publicity from me. Even, then, to the hiker, warblers make their presence known more by their songs than by their colors although whoever named the family Parulidae "warblers" was no musician. Warblers may sing but If he doesn't have to walk too far, Werner will carry binthey don't "warble." oculars. Not with any trills, runs, or other melodic encounters have been the startling embellishments that I can hear. And sights of Osprey, below me, diving into that's what you do when you "warble." the Manistee River for their breakfast, Personally, I've always loved an unexpected drama witnessed on woodpeckers, maybe because even if early morning hikes along the comyou can't see them, you can hear them manding heights climbed by the North and not because of their mating calls Country Trail and Michigan's Manistee or their territorial imperative or whatTrail on both sides of the river. ever it that makes birds sound off It's It's not unusual to run into a Bald because of their rapping, that distincEagle there, either. For most of us, that tive rat-a-tat-tat pecking into the bark can be memorable, but I'm an Osprey in their hunt for insects. (I must say, man myself, a bird to my mind made the enchantment fades when the peckof sterner stuff. I can't help anthropoing sounds from the cedar siding on morphizing a Bald Eagle, he of that all my house in the woods). too noble and haughty pose as if conAlong the North Country scious of his status as a symbol of The National Scenic Trail in my terriRepublic! tory, three woodpeckers, the hairy, My Osprey, on the other hand, is a the downy and Pileated are common blue-collar bird, a hard-working workalthough we are more apt to hear the ingman or woman, feeding the family, Pileated's jackhammer than we are tending to the nest and mating for life. to see him as we walk along the trail. And he whistles while he works! Red-headed, red-bellied, and flickers Among the little guys, my favorare around, too, but not when I'm out ite is the humble Chickadee, always hiking. around, always surviving, disdaining Paul Haan, of the Western travel south in the winter like his sissier Michigan Chapter, visits a Pileated's
nest every year along the stretch he maintains on the Rogue River, but wisely he won't tell anybody where it is so the nesters won't be disturbed. Fair enough. I keep my mouth shut, too, about a fantastic Great Blue Heron rookery near the Trail introduced to me by Len and JoAnne Baron after I was sworn to secrecy. By the way, while actually standing on the Trail, JoAnne photographed a mute swan sitting on her nest. In the same vicinity, one of our trail crews managed to build a bridge over Bigelow Creek in the Manistee National Forest without disturbing a nesting swan. Maybe a relative. Everywhere you go, there's something. We've got enough rivers, ponds and lakes for ducks of all descriptions (For fashion show, folks around here go to see colorfully decorated wood ducks preening along the Rogue River) ... and geese, when they're not invading our yards and your golf courses. Head far enough west on the Trail to North Dakota and you might even get to see a Prairie Chicken in one of its last strongholds. Maybe with better marketing, the Prairie
North Dakota's famous Prairie Chicken
Chicken might not be so endangered. A chicken anything sounds maybe appetizing, but not particularly inspiring. Can anyone come up with a better name?
Looking for Good Volunteers By Fred Szarka NPS NCNST Trail Manager
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n a previous issue, I discussed making sure that your chapter has some critical positions filled. This issue I would likel to continue in that vein. It is important to point out that all of these positions are key positions: some are not more important than others, unless you don't have them! Here are three positions: organizations that have them flourish, while those that lack them languish.
Membership Coordinator Keeping membership up is another task that is too often left to the already full hands of the Chapter President. Having a volunteer responsible for making sure that members renew and new friends become members is a big assist. An important skill to find or develop is the ability to make new or prospective members feel welcome without feeling smothered. This volunteer is responsible for contacting the chapter members to be sure that they renew their membership. They call people who haven't renewed, contact new members, and invite nonactive members to become more active. But the job also involves talking to those members and making sure that they feel appreciated. Nothing cuts membership more than having mem-
If you are interested in volunteering for these or any other positions, please contact your Chapter President (see page 36-37 for a list), or contact NCTA headquarters at 866445-3628.
bers who feel they have no responsibility or who feel that their contributions are not appreciated. The Membership Coordinator tries to see that no volunteer is suffering from "burn out," struggling to keep their responsibility going after they have lost interest. This person finds "apprentices" for those who are trying to phase into some new level of responsibility so that when the time comes there is a willing volunteer able to take over.
Trail Adopter Coordinator Another task that is too often left to the President is volunteer trail adopter coordinator. Keeping track of the various sections of trail and making sure that they are well cared for is a big task that shouldn't be part of a President's many responsibilities. The Adopter Coordinator is responsible for seeing to it that the Trail is well maintained. That includes
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being sure that no adopter is responsible for more than he or she can handle. They also recruit new and replacement adopters, see that they are trained, and ensures that they do a thorough job of maintaining their sections of Trail.
Recorder of Volunteer Hours Tracking and reporting volunteer hours to NCTA is extremely valuable. Many volunteers simply do not understand the reasons for reporting hours and find it too "bureaucratic" to bother with. But Congress is very supportive of National Scenic and Historic Trails because of the efforts of volunteers and uses the hours reported to support funding for the Trail. While this responsibility could be handled by the Trail Adopter Coordinator, it includes recording and reporting the hours of all volunteers, not just those who formally adopt a segment of Trail. It includes preparing sign-in sheets and seeing to it that everyone signs in for work projects and outings. This is doubly important since Workers Compensation for injuries depends on having the volunteers registered as participating in work projects. This volunteer needs to be doggedly determined in tracking other volunteers' hours, to report all the hours contributed by chapter members and friends. This is one of those potential key positions for a volunteer who is physically unable to do trail work but wants to contribute in another way.
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Sometimes You Need a Little Help With trail building season well underway, you might see new groups helping build along the Trail
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efore coming to the NCTA I spent three years working as a Trail Crew Leader. Working full-time for a professional trail crew is a tough job. Often you live and work with the same group of people for months at a time in the backcountry. Your blistered hands mindlessly clutch a tool handle hour after hour, you sleep in a tent, live in your Carhartt workpants, you wake to all kinds of weather, and you cook all your meals over a camp stove. I have been lucky enough to work in beautiful, remote places building trail, teaching wilderness ethics, and introducing both youth and adults to the values of sustainable recreation. I had one worker in Montana remark, with a smile on her face, "I was never allowed to get this dirty growing up!" It is rare in today's society that work can be as wholesome, as immediately rewarding, and as wonderfully grunt-oriented as building and maintaining trail. Conservation and volunteer programs that take folks into the backcountry and teach work skills, leadership, teamwork, and resource protection share a compatible mission with the promotion and stewardship of our national trails system. An added benefit to being a participant on such a crew is that you inevitably become a member of a strange community that is usually a blend of bad smells, sweat, stories, and sharp tools, who share an appreciation for the beauty and mystery of the natural world. Our young people will be the greatest contributors to the future of our nation's trails. They will be both our trail users and our trail guardians. The North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) is a great medium for young people to begin to develop their passion for the outdoors. I write about this because I want to highlight the organized work crews, youth-based
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Director of Trail Management
and adult, who will be doing a variety of work projects on the NCNST this season. Minnesota Conservation Corps (MCC) was created in 1981 by the Minnesota Legislature to do two things - engage youth and young adults in enhancing natural resources and provide opportunities for training and life skills development. Developing the knowledge, skills, and abilities of corps members is at the heart of the MCC mission. Corps members invest up to ten percent of their time in training activities that prepare them for MCC assignments and a life of service. MCC is in the business of shaping Minnesota's most important natural resource, its youth and young adults. The MCC will be working on the NCNST in western Minnesota. Student Conservation Association (SCA) is a nationwide conservation force of college and high school volunteers who protect and restore America's parks, forests, and other public lands. For nearly 50 years, SCA's hands-on approach to conservation has helped to develop a new generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship. The SCA crew will be working on the NCNST in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Two of the North Country Trail Association's Trail Management staff, Clare Cain and Andrew Bashaw, are both SCA alumni. Buffalo Youth Corps (BYC) is a job training, mentoring, and leadership development program for teens in Buffalo, N.Y. and surrounding areas. The summer of 2006 conservation work crew will be the "pilot" program for the organization. Work will encompass multiple job training areas including, but not limited to, conservation work projects, urban agriculture, alternative energy, building deconstruction and green building, and alternative
energy technologies. The BYC will be working on the NCNST and Finger Lakes Trail in N.Y., and on the NCT in the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania. American Hiking Society (AHS) Volunteer Vacations is a nationwide program that links volunteers interested in spending a week working on a trail related project with a park or organization. On an AHS Volunteer Vacation, you visit backcountry locations to construct or rebuild footpaths, cabins, and shelters. In the process, you meet new people, explore canyons, peaks, and valleys, enjoy quiet evenings around a fire, and come home refreshed and rejuvenated. Volunteer Vacations are more fun than work. An AHS vacation will be working on the NCNST in Pennsylvania this summer. Visit www. americanhiking.org for more information about this program. BTA Work Parties are a regular event organized by the Buckeye Trail Association. The Buckeye Trail Work Parties try to emphasize both wordswork and party. Participants spend the days at work, improving sections of trail, while the evenings are spent gathered together in camp, enjoying lively conversation and homemade ice cream. Brule-St. Croix Rovers Crew is a volunteer crew that works primarily in Wisconsin. The crew has a core of five volunteers who participate in workweeks throughout the season. This crew specializes in new trail construction. All are welcome to join this group for a day or week at a time. Alley Cat Crew is a volunteer group that works during three separate weeks on the NCNST and Finger Lakes Trail in N.Y. The goals of these work crews vary throughout the season and accomplish all types of trail projects. See the NCTA web site, www. northcountrytrail.org, for upcoming BTA, Rovers or Alley Cat work trips. Good luck to all these work crews! Have a great summer, get dirty, enjoy the solitude of the woods, and know that the membership of the Association appreciates your willingness to contribute to the nation's longest National Scenic Trail!
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Members of the Itasca Moraine Chapter at the Itasca State Park south entrance kiosk. Included in the photos are Harlan Liljequist, Jerry and Beth Trout, Don Anderson, Tim Roline, Gary Narum, Curt Mc Cabe, Patrick Delesha, Kent Hering, Laurie Hanson, Darrel Rodekuhr, Carter and Florence Hedeen, and Ray Vlasak.
The Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club held an early NTD event on the NCT/FLT in Highland Forest County Park, N.Y. On May 13th ADK-ON held its Annual Open House with a NCT kiosk and trail dedication event.
Western Michigan Chapter's Larry Meyer using the brush mower on newly cleared spur trail. Below: Central New York members at Cazenovia Lake with rain approaching again. From left to right: Kathy Eisele, Marcus Riehl, Pat Hudelson, and Mary Kunzler-Larmann.
hapters and Affiliates along the length of the North Country Trail battled heat or rain in some locations, but many managed successful National Trails Day (NTD) events. While the Sheyenne Valley Chapter in North Dakota endured temperatures near 90, 18 hikers still enjoyed a 5-mile segment along the Corps of Engineers' Lake Ashtabula that is prepped for its upcoming Gold Star evaluation. White pelicans and prickly pear cactus were among the memorable sightings. The hike was followed by a picnic attended by even more chapter members. Highlights included drawings for American Hiking Society NTD prizes, roasting rum-spiced marshmallows, Darryl Heise's impressivewood tick collection, and Bobby Koepplin. Weather was perfect for a wonderful hike in Minnesota, hosted by the Itasca Moraine Chapter. Five of the fourteen hikers were new to the NCT, fulfilling our outreach goal for holding these NTD events. A 10-mile hike began at the new south entrance trailhead in Itasca State Park, home of the headwaters of the Mississippi River, old growth
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Above: Sheyenne Valley Chapter members braved 90degree temperatures to enjoy a hike along Lake Ashtabula.
Right: Brule-St. Croix hikers were "Right in Your Backyard" with their 2006 NTD event.
pine and hardwood canopy, and innumerable lakes and wetlands. Walkers enjoyed seeing ruffed grouse, geese with their young, trumpeter swans, and evidence of black bear, wolf, and deer. Ray Vlasak reporting. In the northeast corner of Minnesota, the Superior Hiking Trail Association hosted three NTD events. On Saturday June 3rd, 65 hikers celebrated the exciting opening of 14 miles of new trail in Duluth with a ribbon cutting before undertaking a 6-mile hike through oak and maple forests, crossing many scenic creeks. Again on Sunday, 50 hikers enjoyed another day
of perfect weather while walking seven more miles of new Duluth trail, largely on the ridgeline overlooking St. Louis Bay. Meanwhile, two-dozen volunteers worked on Saturday to replace aging bridges and build new boardwalk in the backcountry of Tettegouche State Park. SHTA hosted camping for the volunteers for two nights and fed them a great picnic supper on Saturday as thanks for their hard work. Gayle Coyer reporting. Lynn Nason of the Brule-St.
Hikers enjoying the new trail in Duluth, Minn.
Croix Chaptertells us of their Trails Day theme, "Right in Your Own Backyard," designed to promote trail awarenessand participation among the people who live nearby in Solon Springs, Wisc. A 7 a.m. walk in the Bird Sanctuary was led by Peter Edmunds, followed by refreshments, NCT displays, and a second hike led by Tom King, whose family has lived in Solon Springs for over a hundred years. That walk added local history to
the trail experience, and was enjoyed by all. The Chapter hopes they have added some new members. Wisconsin's Heritage Chapter chose to do a full-tour maintenance day for June 3rd. All off-road portions were walked, with lots of brushing and mowing accomplished, plus needs for fallen tree removal were charted for future work sessions. Three Michigan Chapters reported holding NTD events: the Grand
Traverse Hiking Club Chaptercelebrated a new section of trail they built over the last year, where more than 30 hikers savored the reroute that took the NCT off the Shore-to-Shore horse trail while meandering around nine lakes and the Boardman River. A picnic followed at Guernsey Lake. News from John Heiam. Spirit of the Woods Chapter outdid themselves yet again in their eighth year of hosting very special
events designed to provide affordable, quality fun for families and kids of all ages. While many of the 63 guests took the five-mile hike loop on a sandy road and the NCT, others took a short hike followed by a one-hour canoe trip on the Pere Marquette River. The canoe trip is the only activity for which there is a charge, and the Manistee's Forest Service even waives the parking fee for the day. The chapter provides a free lunch, during which there were displays from various outdoor organizations, games and crafts for the kids, and a popular self-guided nature trail with 90 tagged plants and evidence of animal activities. After lunch, Jim McGrath of Michigan Nature Discovery presented a program, "Michigan Wildlife Sampler," which includes live frogs, toads, turtles, and snakes. Jim is always able to make kids pay attention for
more than an hour! All of this was staffed by 12 chapter volunteers, without whom these events could not happen. Joan Young reports that the Chapter has averaged 86 participants over the years, a quarter of whom are children. The Western Michigan Chapter offered two projects: for those members who preferred to build trail, finishing touches were applied to a new side trail through The Nature Conservancy's "Camp Swampy" property near the NCT Schoolhouse in Newaygo County. Meanwhile, Roger Meyer led a hike for others, after which both groups gathered at the Schoolhouse for a picnic lunch served up by the chapter's Trailside Gourmet Chef, Stephanie Black. Lunch was followed by a Dutch Oven Cooking seminar presented by Bud and Bob Taylor, during which several brief showers "dampened only the bread dough and not the spirits of those present," Aaron Phipps says. Rain in more serious doses was apparently unevenly distributed along the trail in Pennsylvania. While poor WampumChapterwas forced to cancel their display and children's games at a local festival due to rain, lightning, and wind gusts, as reported by Gail Blakeley,the Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy hosted an 18-mile hike through Cook Forest on the NCT, through a "partially rainy day" that did not dampen the spirits of the walkers, according to Patty Brunner. The Butler Outdoor Club held their IOth Annual Outdoor Extravaganza at Breakneck Campground, near McConnells Mill State Park, Coordinator Joyce Appel reports. Hikes of varying levelswere held on all three days of the Memorial Day weekend, many of them on the NCT, all preceded by a video about the NCTA. In addition, three workshops were offered, on trekking with llamas, GPS and geocaching, and birding. Bike rides, canoe trips, and rock climbing were also offered to the 160 people who attended from all over Pennsylvania and beyond, capped by evening feasts like a pig roast on Saturday, and entertainment. Further north, the Allegheny National Forest Chapter chose to finish a new segment of trail along a scenic stretch
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Right: Kevin McGrath of Michigan Nature Discovery shows two species of Michigan toads to an audience the Spirit of the Woods Chapter event. Center: Sheyenne River Valley Chapter members enjoyed a lakeside hike. Pictured left to right are NCTA Board member Bobby Koepplin, Becky Heise, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Ranger Scott Tichy and Deb Koepplin. Bottom: Allegheny National Forest Chapter completed work on a new section of trail!
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Top: Tony Rodriguez, the Trails Chair for the Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club, proudly displayed materials at their May event. Center: Dick Naperala and Arlen Matson dedicated the newly constructed section of trail for the Grand Traverse Hiking Club. Bottom: At the Western Michigan Chapter's event Bob Taylor demonstrated dutch oven cooking.
above the Kinzua arm of the reservoir. Twelve volunteers were prepared beforehand with a safety presentation by Forest Service liaison Eric Flood. As Chapter President Keith Klos says, "His 'circle of death' and 'circle of danger' speech will stay in our minds." Hard rain the day before had soaked the ground but side-hill benching and much rock "planting" proceeded successfully anyway, with more rain threatening. Deadfalls were sawed and removed, and a new sign erected at the southern end, after which Eric and NCTA Regional Trail Coordinator Andrew Bashaw thanked the crew. In New York, the Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club avoided the June 3rd rain by holding their NTD event early, an annual open house on May 13th in Highland Forest County Park. A new NCT kiosk and trail section were unveiled: Highland Forest has been very supportive of the NCT project to route new trail through the park and beyond through newly acquired private land permissions, as the trail continues eastward toward the Adirondacks. The park built the kiosk that will be home to an NPS interpretive panel about the trail, and by fall miles of trail should be complete through the park. The kiosk was dedicated to Charley Embree, who designed much of the Finger Lakes Trail through central NY and was a very early supporter of the NCT. Charley was a published proponent back in the 1970s of the FLT and NCT becoming part of the national trails system, and for the NCT to be routed through the Adirondacks. The Chapter hosted author Joan Young, who made her NCT slide presentation "High Hopes Wearing Sweaty Socks," depicting scenes from her first 2000 miles along the trail, as described in her book "North Country Cache." Afterwards she was available to chat with people and sign her book. All the chapter committees set up exhibits and maps to inform participants about chapter events and to promote membership in ADK, FLTC, and NCTA. A few even signed on as new members! Report from Mary Coffin. During the NTD weekend, Foothills Trail Club members hosted hikes on the Finger Lakes/North Country Trail within Allegany State Park, as part of the well-attended annual Nature Pilgrimage put on by several Audubon Chapters, as reported by Mary Domanski. However, heavy showers forced the Central New York Chapterto postpone the trail construction project planned for their June 3rd event. A reroute had been planned that would move a portion of the Link Trail to higher, drier ground onto land donated to the State in 2004. The Department of Environmental Conservation had approved a flagged route through pine and spruce plantations to avoid a wet gasline right-of-way route used since 1997, so the work will be rescheduled. Stalwart workers showed up anyway, before the decision was made that trail construction would be impossible. In addition, Marcus Riehl, manager of the Eastern Mountain Sports Store in nearby Fayetteville, showed up to present a $250 check to support trail projects, which will be used with appreciation on a drier day. This from Kathy Eisele and Mary Kunzler-Larmann .â&#x20AC;˘
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Editor's Note: This April, the North Country Trail Association welcomed its first full-time Regional Trail Coordinator for Ohio and Pennsylvania, Andrew Bashaw. Though he's been with the Association for only a short time, Andrew already has several miles under his boots and has met with many volunteers in his region. Andrew found time in his busy schedule to talk with Director of Trail Management, Clare Cain, for this article. Clare: Tell us about where you live? Andrew: Well, I live in Glouster, which
is in southeastern, or Appalachian Ohio. Glouster is one of many small old coal-mining towns, sometimes referred to as the Little Cities of Black Diamonds. Despite the spoils of past coal mining booms, there are a lot of beautiful places here like the Wayne National Forest, Burr Oak State Park, and all the countryside in between. Clare: What were you doing before you
joined the NCTA? Andrew: I was working with the
Rural Action Sustainable Forestry Program here in Glouster as a Special Projects Coordinator. I was primarily dealing with a National Tree Trust grant chat helped to plant trees in the downtown areas of these Little Cities of Black Diamonds and mapping out the green infrastructure of the region. Prior to working for Rural Action, I spent two years with AmeriCorps VISTA. I worked as a Landowner Education Specialist and as a VISTA Leader where I applied for, and supervised, National Civilian Conservation Corps teams on conservation projects that I helped to design with other community organizations. Clare: Tell me about your previous ex-
perience with trails? Andrew: My interest in long distance
hiking and trail construction began with the Boy Scouts. We did trips in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains, along the Alagash River, in the Adirondacks, along with many hikes here in Ohio. I began to GPS trails down in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in Southwestern Oklahoma as a
Resource Assistant with the Student Conservation Association. I ended up specializing my Master's Degree in Geography from Oklahoma State to deal with geotechnologies, wilderness issues, and long distance trail research in the Buffalo National River in northern Arkansas. I have had the pleasure of visiting many National Parks in the Southwest and Honduras, and completed a small case study on a trail in La Tigra National Park and even installed some hefty water bars in the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland. Clare: What do you hope to achieve as
a Regional Trail Coordinator with theNCTA? Andrew: While I may or may not live to see the entire North Country National Scenic Trail completed, I hope to see it through to a time when more and more people are aware of its existence, excited to see it accomplished, and proud to have such a National Scenic Trail in their backyard if they aren't already. Working on a 4,600 mile trail that is under development is more enjoyable than working on one that is already completed. I hope to see some very long, continuous offroad sections of trail in Ohio and
vistas, among other things. Clare: What most excitesyou about joining the NCTA? Andrew:I'm excited to be working with the volunteers who support our trail, including all our Affiliates, Chapters, and At-large members. They are the North Country Trail Association. I am also looking forward to seeing more and more trail leave the road and head into the woods. It's exciting to be part of such a large project at the beginning to watch it grow.
Pennsylvania that draw visitors from around the world to visit these hills, farms, and small communities.
Clare: What is your favorite hike? Andrew:Either Elk Mountain in the Wichita Mountains (you'cl be surprised!) or along the Macguillicuddy's Reeks up to the highest mountain in Ireland. Every hike presents something unforgettable though.
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Clare: You did some interesting graduate work; tell me about it. Andrew:I decided I wasn't going to get my Masters degree unless it was enjoyable. I hiked and canoed my way through the Lower Buffalo Wilderness Area of the Buffalo National River, Ark., to study several alternatives of a proposed trail through a federally designated wilderness area. My research was mainly to highlight the use of geotechnologies (Geographic Information Systems [GIS], Global Position System [GPS], and others) in trail design and maintenance. I
was forced to bushwhack through the karst (rugged limestone formations) topography and paddle past the limestone bluffs to graduate. My study dealt with assessing proper soils, human impact, viewsheds from the trail, and digitally producing trail center lines with appropriate grade. Clare: Do you see G/S becoming an integral part of trail management? Andrew:While I don't think that GIS will ever replace or exist without on the ground work, I think that it could be used much more in trail management. Not everyone needs to be a GIS expert to help make the system work for a trail. The beauty of GIS is that it can take a large amount of information from many different types of sources and make sense out of it. So all we need to do is help collect specific information about the trail and the experts can crunch the numbers for us to answer trail-wide questions related to maintenance needs, human impacts, trail route options,
Clare: What do you see as one of the major challenges to the NCT? Andrew:I'm not sure that there is any one easy thing about this trail. I think it is very important to focus on recruiting young members into our organization and to cultivate their volunteer ethic. I see another challenge in how we balance the quality of our trail construction with retaining and increasing the amount of happy and productive volunteers who come out to contribute their time and energy. Another challenge that I have already mentioned is instilling a sense of pride in our neighbors because we all share this incredible natural and recreational resource in our backyards. Clare: What is your favorite tool? Andrew:Today it's the rock bar because I love making things with rocks that seem too big to move. Clare: I' cl like to take this opportunity to say how excited I am to have Andrew join the Association. Andrew brings a wealth of skills to the Ohio/Pennsylvania region. His past experience leading crews, working in volunteer organizations, writing grants, comfort with GISI GPS technologies, his love for trails and local communities, and his work ethic will be a huge asset to our local volunteers, partners, land managers, and to the NCTA staff I am confident that Andrew will have an enormous impact on the development of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Welcome to the NCTA, Andrew!
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OvercomingChange Through Succession Planning Editors Note: Mark VanHornwederis an active North Country Trail Association member with over a thousand volunteer hours including time with NCTA 's Wisconsin Rovers Trail Crew and the Superior Hiking Trail Crew. By Mark VanHornweder Brule-St.
Croix Chapter
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he Winter Olympics have been on television the past few weeks, and in a small way, I feel like I have a personal connection to them. I work at McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, which is a public accounting firm that serves mid-sized companies. The majority of my assignments are from Jim Denney, who is the managing director of the Duluth office. His son Jimmy competed in Torino as a member of the U.S. ski jumping team. Jim himself competed in the 1976 and 1980 Olympics, finishing eighth while jumping at Lake Placid. My work requires significant travel. Whenever I can, I make quick stops along the way to enjoy natural places or historic sites. Although nature is my first passion, history is a close second. History fascinates and captivates me. It brings a sense of nostalgia for past experiences in our collective subconscious. It pays tribute to meaningful events, ideas, conflicts, principles, or choices. And it teaches us lessons that we can apply to present situations so that we make wiser, more thoughtful choices. During February I was able to experience three historic sites. First, I visited the site of Saukenuk in Rock Island, Illinois, which was once one of the largest Indian centers in North America. It was also the starting point for the Black Hawk War (the only war in American history named after an individual). Second, I experienced Wilson's Creek National Battlefield, which interprets the Civil War in southwestern Missouri. Only two states had more Civil War battles than Missouri. Third, in central Texas, I enjoyed San Antonio Missions National
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Historic Park, which preserves and interprets the history of the Spanish missions. San Antonio had five such missions, including the present day shrine of the Alamo. Each of these sites has been affected by a common event: change. Change can be external, which is the concept that one event can have an affect on something else. For example, westward expansion of the American colonists eventually led to the elimination of the Saukenuk settlement. Or change can be internal, when society's interests and focus change. For example, over time the purpose of the San Antonio missions changed from a religious focus to the foundation of a growing Spanish community. How can these perspectives be applied to a recreational viewpoint? Saukenuk later became Black Hawk State Park, where at the turn of the century people came for concerts, vaudeville, and amusement rides. Forty years later declining visitation caused these amenities to close. Among former recreational sites along the route of the North Country Trail are abandoned ski jumps in Allegany State Park and in Duluth. Society's changing leisure interests are an example of internal change. Vinyl has given way to 8-tracks, cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, and iPods. Family outings have changed from weekend picnics at the park or train rides to some far off destination, to cross country auto road trips or a quick weekend flight to Las Vegas. Events like the circus or World's Fair no longer hold the same appeal as they once did. When lessons aren't learned from
At 31, I usually find myself much younger than the rest of the group . . . I wonder if20 years from now there will be anyone left for me to work with on the trail.
history, there is the danger of letting history repeat itself Consider all the leisure activities of today that didn't exist in the past. Whether it be indoor entertainment such as television, music, or video games, outdoor entertainment such as mountain biking, rollerblading, or ATVing, or sporting activities such as soccer, paintball, or Ultimate Frisbee, the number of interests vying for a person's limited time is mind boggling. What's to stop hiking from becoming a thing of the past, just like some societal pursuit from the Gilded Age? What's the key for a hiking organization to overcome future internal changes? The answer is succession planning. At McGladrey, we focus on this from a business perspective. The owners of a family business need to plan for the company's continuance beyond their retirement, especially if they wish to pass control onto their children. Obviously there has to be a gradual transition in place, or else the successor won't be adequately prepared for the task of steering the company. Who will be your successor as a trail volunteer? I ponder this as I volunteer with several organizations. The Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation impresses me for its ability to draw people from the complete range of the age spectrum. I have seen children as young as 8 and adults as old as 80 participating and having fun at volunteer events. Working with the North Country Trail Association, I have yet to see a comparable volunteer group. At 31, I usually find myself much younger than the rest of the group. Sometimes I wonder if 20 years from now there will be anyone left for me to work with on the trail. The fact that volunteer participation is age disproportionate is understandable. Individuals at or near retirement have more time on their hands (although my grandparents seem to be busier than ever). They don't have the time constraint of raising a family and can be more focused towards volunteering to worthy causes. And they have acquired a skill set from years of learning through career and life. Younger or middle-aged adults have more constraints on their time, especially those who are raising a fam-
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Who's Volunteering on the NCNST? --
2005 NCTA Volunteer Hours By State
ily or working a full-time job. They don't necessarily have time to devote to other causes. That doesn't mean the interest isn't there: I would guess that many such people intend to increase their volunteer efforts once their children have grown or after they have retired. Is there a better volunteer mix? I think there is, and I have some thoughts for ways to strive for it. •Track volunteer labor not just by number of hours worked, but also by age distribution of the participants. Set a goal for a volunteer ratio of 113 each of those under 30, 31 to 55, and over 55. • Lower expectations to focus on participation rather than results. Maybe a trail building event with green volunteers will complete only 500 feet of new trail instead of a quarter mile. Learn to accept that, because if the event leads to repeat volunteers, then the lower productivity is worth it. • Consider how volunteers can be effectively used. Maybe instead of having one person mow a mile of trail, a group of 20 Boy Scouts maintains it with loppers and weed whips. Sometimes efficiency has to be sacrificed for the benefit of opportunity. • Consider how volunteer work can be structured to encourage family participation. Just as a century ago families enjoyed afternoon picnics in the park, think how rewarding it would be for a family to spend a day in the woods working on a trail.
North Dakota 1,520
Ohio Valley 59.6 Itasca Moraine 45.9 Clarion 25.3 Butler 23.4 Central New York 16.5 Wampum 15.9 Chequamegon 12.0 Star of the North 12.0 Tittabawassee 10.6 Spirit of the Woods 10.2 Brule-St. Croix 9.9 NCT Hikers 7.8 Peter Wolfe 7.7 Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore. 7.4
Chief Noonday Allegheny Nat'! Forest Sheyenne River Valley Harbor Springs Great Trail Sandy Beaver Grand Traverse Hikers Heritage Western Michigan Adams County Prairie Grasslands Chief Saw Beese Grand Marais Greater Pittsburgh Rock
6.7 5.8 5.6 5.3 3.1 3.1 2.8 2.4 2.4 0.9 0.3 O 0 O
NCTA Volunteer Hours per Chapter Member 5/31/05 to 6/1/06
• Recruit participants from the high school and college level. Youthful energy can bring vibrancy to an organization. • Give volunteers an opportunity to contribute with whatever time or ability they may have. Be just as focused in recruiting a person who could work a single volunteer hour as one who could work a hundred hours. • Planning and coordinating a volunteer program takes time and skill, which is why an experienced person is usually in charge of this task. At the same time, never stifle a younger person's interest in taking an increased role in planning and administration. • Finally, search for leaders and continually mentor them. One of my staff at work recently told me that he liked being along when I meet with clients so that he can watch how I deal with people. He assesses my every move and reaction to various situations. I find him to be extremely perceptive. He uses me as a means for learning and self-improvement. Similarly, we should always be able to teach someone how to lead through our examples. What do we risk if we ignore succession planning? The parks and ski jumps that I mentioned were vibrant in their time, but through declining interest and use have become a thing of the past. Declining interest and use leads to a declining volunteer base tr maintain the "recreational product." Just like ski jumping, I'm sure hiking
will never disappear as a societal interest, but what if volunteer participation declines? Then we are caught in a situation where the labor pool cannot keep up with the maintenance of the "recreational product." As we are working to expand the length of the North Country Trail, are we working to expand the volunteer pool along with it? To do so takes patience and sacrifice, but in the end, the results will prove the wisdom of the efforts. History has proven that the only constant in our world is change, whether from external or internal variables. Our connectedness through place and history also holds the common thread of the human spirit. Individuals who in the past stood at Rock Island, Wilson's Creek, and San Antonio were separated from me by hundreds of years, but their thoughts and fears, joys and pains, probably weren't any different from mine. It is this human spirit that has been exhibited and cherished since the time of the Greeks in the Olympic celebration. The majority of the participants at the Torino Winter Olympics did not medal. But they did all compete, and they did all try their best. Let us not forget that volunteering is not about winning, but participating. By encouraging those younger than we are to participate, and in training and teaching them along their journey, we ensure the succession of leadership and responsibility that will carry the trail through the changes of the future.
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his issue we have two new segments in Minnesota to add to the North Country National Scenic Trail. Although they add to the Trail, one alters the route of the Trail within Itasca State Park to exit the park near the south entrance so shortens the total Trail mileage in the park by 1.8 miles.
Itasca State Park Itasca Moraine Chapter Bad Medicine area volunteers have relocated the point where the trail enters the park from the East entrance to the South so that it will connect with the trail coming out of the Paul Bunyan State Forest in the next year or so. The crew has been working on this change for a couple of years. The new segment is 1.1 miles long connecting the existing trail to the crossing of U.S. 71 near the south entrance to the park. The new trail winds through old growth forest in this pine moraine landscape. There
NPS Trail Manager
are views of Niemanda and Sibilant Lakes in addition to several wetlands. Sibilant Lake is a favorite place for Trumpeter Swans. Several virgin white and red pines are visible along the trail. Many thanks to the volunteers who worked in building this segment of trail including Jerry Beckham, John Bredemeier, the Byrd family, Chuck Church, Carter Hedeen, Dick Kroener, Harlan Liliquist, Darin Miller, Gary Narum, Merlyn Wesloh, and Boy Scout Troop 235 of Lakeville, Minn. The old segment will not be lost; it will be a side trail to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River. Few if any hikers on the North Country National Scenic will fail to hike to the headwaters while they are in the area.
Our Sponsored Membership
*
Clearwater County Forest The Bad Medicine crew also
SPONSORED
worked with Clearwater County to develop and mark a mile of new trail west of Itasca State Park. This segment is on both new trail and gated roads in the county owned forest. This new trail is also located in the pine moraine landscape region. The forest is mostly young aspen,; however, there are some mixed old growth trees at the southern end. It also features an overlook view of Gardner Lake. There is substantial elevation change and steep slopes, but an easy grade has been maintained throughout. Volunteers who worked on this segment include Chuck Church, Tim Holzkamm, Harvey Johnson, Becky Bergerson, Peter Hovde and Boy Scout Troop 235 of Lakeville, Minn. I am particularly pleased to report these new trail segments as this is a time of year when folks are normally too busy to submit applications for certifications. Thanks to Ray Vlasak and the rest of the Bad Medicine crew for the trail construction, and to land managers Mike Kovacovich and Bruce Cox for their help in getting the routes approved and following up with the needed paperwork so that we could certify these segments.
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A Wintry Walk Through Snow Michigan man snowshoes across Michigan's Upper Peninsula Editor's Note: Jerry Gauld, a relatively novice hiker, completed an epic trip last winter by crossing the entire Upper Peninsula of Michigan on snowshoes. His trip was described in two newspaper articles this spring, one in the Traverse City RecordEagle, a daily newspaper near his home, and the other in the Ironwood Daily Globe, near where he completed his trip. The article in the Record-Eagle is reprinted with permission below. To read the account from the Daily Globe, log on to www. northcountrytrail. org and see the posting called '.11cross the UP the Hard Way." By Tom Carr Traverse City Record Eagle
J
erry Gauld found a way to escape the winter doldrums. He snowshoed more than 400 miles across the length of the Upper Peninsula in February and March. Gauld, 57, spent almost 39 days trekking the U.P. segment of the North Country Trail from St. Ignace to Ironwood and the Wisconsin border, camping in a tent at night. "To say I was an experienced backpacker before this would be a lie," he said. "I think it was a pretty great little adventure." Gauld, who operates a bulldozer for road construction and has much of the winter off, has always liked winter camping and got the idea to take the trip while taking shorter snowshoe trips on the Manistee River. He set off on Feb. l, after his wife Kim dropped him off on the north side of the Mackinac Bridge. He hiked about 50 miles, and called his wife to come get him because his tent, sleeping bag and other gear were soaking because of several days of wet snow. He dried the gear and his wife drove him back to where he'd left off.
Traverse City Record-Eagle
He got rid of his cook stove, since he wasn't going to be able to get any fuel for it along the way. Instead, he carried lunch meats, tortillas, cheese and power bars. He also carried packets of hot chocolate powder mix. At night, he'd put snow in a cup and hold a candle under it to soften it a bit and then add the chocolate. "It was like a chocolate slush," he said. He usually fell asleep about 8 p.m. and woke up before dawn. "One of the hardest things was getting up before daybreak and packing your gear when it's below zero," he said. He also found too much snow was caking on the bottom of his snowshoes, so he used duct tape to cover all but the edge of the metal claws. His biggest scare came when he was walking down a steep grade outside of Marquette. The trail was covered by a "dome" of snow. As he reached a ledge, he lost his footing and started to topple forward. He caught himself just in time. "It was about 100 feet down," he said. During the hike, the originally 156-pound Gauld lost about 20 pounds. He figures he walked well over the 407 miles of trail in the U.P. He back-
tracked several times when the snow covered the trail and markers enough that he got off course. He found his way back with a compass and trail maps. And he often left the trail to walk into a town to restock food supplies, feeling hungry enough to "wrestle a bear for a bag of garbage." "When I got to a town, I'd go to a restaurant and really pig out," he said. People he met encouraged him and gave him food and other gifts. One man gave him a real bear claw for luck and another gave him a bear carved of stone. A woman gave him a "huge" pasty and a man gave him a cigar for when he finished the trip. A L'anse restaurant owner let him order anything he wanted on the house. He feasted on two cheeseburgers and a malt. Gauld said he saw a lot of wildlife along the way, including bald eagles. He didn't see any moose, but spooked a few with his approach and then came to the spots where they had been bedded down, the snow still steaming from their body heat. He learned some things about himself during the long time alone with no radio, too. "I realized I don't know any songs all the way through," he said. "It drove me nuts." He mentioned that to some people he met in Rockland, and they offered to write the words of a song in his journal. They wrote out a song version of "The Lord's Prayer.' "It's not that I don't like 'The Lord's Prayer,' but I wish they'd given me something a bit snappier," he said. Gauld spent his 57th birthday in the Porcupine Mountains. He ate a pre-cooked, frozen pizza he'd been carrying a few days in his backpack. The pizza had thawed during the day as the late winter sun rose higher in the sky. He washed it down with a half-bottle
of Coca-Cola he'd also been saving for the occasion. The most difficult part of Gauld's journey was the last 100 miles, he said. He missed his family and he'd broken through the ice of a creek and soaked his boots. He had to take his boot laces off each morning to get his feet into the boots that had frozen stiff during the night. After a mile or two of hiking, they'd soften up. "I started to think 'What the hell am I doing?"' he said. He reached the Wisconsin border about noon on March 30. "When I crossed the line, I felt like I'd won the Olympics," he said. "I was a little bit emotional about it." Gauld figures he'll take a similar trip next year, though he doesn't know where he'll hike yet. He'll probably start next winter's hike earlier, he said. "I want to have time to ski later,"
Michigan'sUpper Peninsula • Will have 520 miles of NCNST • Marquette's average annual snowfall is 184.9 inches • NCTAmaps Ml-08 to Ml-14 cover the U.P.
North Country Trail - -
Existing Trail • Future Trail
he said. The North Country National Scenic Trail winds for 4,600 miles through seven states from upstate New York to central North Dakota. Michigan has the longest expanse of
any state, going from Waldron near the Ohio border, to the Mackinac Bridge, then starting up again in St. Ignace and going west to Ironwood at the Wisconsin border. In this region, the trail goes through Manistee, Wexford, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties. (Copyright 1998-2005 Traverse City Record-Eagle)
*
One-On-One with Jerry Gauld Amazingly, before his Upper Peninsula (UP) snowshoe trip, Jerry Gauld had little backpacking experience. He had purchased a backpack about a year before and used it on a 3 or 4-day trip on the NCNST from his home in Fife Lake to Boone River. He got in shape for the winter trip by hiking up and down hills near his home. He equipped himself with 30" aluminum snowshoes, the Discovery model by Tubbs, wore lightweight Irish Setter Hunting Boots and headed north. Jerry reflected on the trip this spring while making plans for his next adventure in the fall. On his trip last winter, Jerry met a few hikers north of Sault Saint Marie. There were some campers on the Trail near Pictured Rocks, but they were still in their tents when he went by. Otherwise he had the Trail to himself. "I like the desolation of winter time hiking and fending for myself." The Trail north of St. Ignace around Moran "was very rugged, with many blow downs." Tag Alders had fallen across the Trail from the weight of two feet of snow. He went through two days of hiking through deeryards. Where deer used the NCT, the path was 11h feet wide and three feet deep. It snowed almost every day with depths of snow ranging from 30 inches to six or seven feet, but he had some nice sunny days going through the Western UP. Jerry said there were awesome views hiking along Lake Superior with the ice floats. Some of
the Trail is disappearing due to erosion. Also in that area, hiking through the Trap Hills near Rockland was another of his favorite places, "I didn't make good time as I often stopped to look at the beauty." Crossing a creek in the Rock River Wilderness, he slipped on a log. Jerry fell backwards into the creek, but landed on an island of snow, saving him from getting wet. He often felt a "presence with me, almost spiritual, someone watching over me." Jerry and his wife have two children and five grandchildren. Although his wife and children have not accompanied him on his hikes, they provide support and encouragement and share his love for the outdoors. Although he lost 20 pounds during this trek, Jerry has now gained some of this back. He is planning another snowshoe hike this coming winter, following the NCNST as much as possible through either Wisconsin or Minnesota. At some point, he also wants to winter hike the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. He would also like to hike the UP again, this time in the fall, a "hunt and gather" hike when "I would live off the land" and survive by finding edible plants, hunting and fishing. Jerry plans to retire this fall so he will have more time to pursue his goals. He would also like to devote some of his time as a volunteer to help repair the NCNST in the UP. -JoAnne Baron, Western Michigan Chapter
*
Proceeds benefit the North Country Trail Association in its efforts to b 1ld, maintain, and pro-mote the North Country National Scenic Trail
APPAREL A. Blue Polo Shirt (c112) Cotton/Poly pique polo with collar. Embroidered with seven state logo. Color: blue
$39.95
S, M, L, XL, XXL B. Fleece Vest (ctos) Embroidered trail logo. Color: grey
$38.95
M, L, XL, XXL
c. Polo Shirt (C106) Cotton/Poly pique polo with collar. Embroidered association logo. Color: tan
M, L D. Compass T-Shirt
$31.95
A simple design done well. 100% Cotton. Willow Green, Short sleeve (no medium) (C-113) Pumpkin, Short sleeve (no small) .. (C-114)
M, L, XL.. ... $15.95, XXL.. ... $19.95 Willow Green, Long sleeve
(C-113A)
Limited Edition 25th Anniversary Bobcat (P-2005) Celebrate the 25th anniversary of the North Country National Scenic Trail with our first limited edition "furry friend," the Bobcat. About 12" in length. Comes with adoption papers $12.00
S, M, L, XL. $21.95, XXL ... $24.95 E. Trail Crew T-Shirt (c102) A rrail crew shirt for volunteers! 50/50 blend. Two color design on front with map and a "fired up" volunteer. Color: tan.
M, L, XL.. ... $10.95, XXL.. ... $12.95 F. RediscoverNature The 100% cotton "leaf" shirt available in: Dusty Blue (C-110) Pale Plum (C-110A)
S, L, XL.. $15.95, XXL.. G. "Blue Blazes"
$17.95
50/50 Poly-Cotton blend on ash gray shirt. Short sleeve ( C-109)
S, L, XL..
$11.95, XXL
Long sleeve
$13.95 (C-109A)
M, L, XL.. $15.95, XXL $17.95 NCTA T-Shirt (Not Pictured) (c101) Pre-shrunk cotton "Going the Distance" "BeefyT." Three-color NCTA logo on front and twocolor map on back. Color: natural.
Rediscover
S, M
$11.95, XXL..
Limited Edition 25th Anniversary Mug (P-2007) This hefty cobalt blue ceramic coffee mug features the seven-state map 25th Anniversary logo. Perfect for your coffee! $6.00
$12.95
Nature. Wllere In tile
blue-blttzes lla11e you been?
NCTll NortllCountry '"'" llssocl11tlo11
For Cool Summer Night Fleece Jacket (c115) Navy, full-zip f1eece, lined jacket with matching collar, cord drawstring at hem, elasticized cuffs, inside pocket, zip outside pockets. Embroidered with the 7-state trail logo.
S, M, L, XL: $55.00, XXL: $60.00
e-mail: hq@northcountrytrail.org
ORDERTOLLFREE! 1-866-HIKE NCT
North Country Cache Hikeable Segments of the North Country National Scenic Trail by Joan Young ~No-,,.-c-ou-.,-,y-ca-,n-.,--~~ The first book by a hiker of the North Country Trail. This book includes adventures on 2300 miles (half) of the trail, section-hiked, including some in each state. 402 pages (L134)
$24.95 Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore by Olive Anderson
PICTURED NATIONAL
ROCKS
LAKEStlORE
A GUIDE
An illustrated guide to the centerpiece of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a unique coast on the Lake Superior Shore. Revised in 2002, includes maps and excellent descriptions of recreational opportunities available at Pictured Rocks. 56 pages (LllOA)
$7.50 Hiking Minnesota by john Pukite This edition has descriptions, maps, and basic elevation profiles for 87 hikes in Minnesota. 273 pages (L132)
$14.95 50 Hikes in Michigan by Jim DuFresne Describes the best trails in the Lower Peninsula. Includes access, parking, hiking times, contour maps, and explicit trail directions. 252 pages (L109) $17.95
Atlas of Michigan by Dennis R. Hansen This third edition has descriptions and maps for over 600 hiking, biking, skiing, and nature trails in Michigan. 789 pages (L102A)
$34.95
Minnesota
Follow the Blue Blazes by Robert J Pond
This guide lists all the hikeable segments of the trail and presents accurate mileages along and between segments. Each trail segment on the map is numbered and corresponds to a description of that segment. 112 pages (L133) $5.95
A guide to hiking Ohio's Buckeye Trail. Beginning with startling rock formations and graceful waterfalls, this 1200 mile loop provides a captivating look at each section of the trail. 300 pages. (L130) $19.95
Porcupine Mountains by Jim DuFresne
The authors provide first-hand information for trails in every corner of the state - from the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore to Newport State Park. (L129)
Backpacking Wisconsin by jack P. Hailman & Elizabeth D. Hailman
Describes the Porkies for hikers, campers, skiers, and backpackers. Includes history, cabins, camping areas, day hikes, and waterfalls. 160 pages (L108) $11.95
$19.95 Dayhiker's Handbookr------~ By J Long and M Hodgson . .
Edible Wild Plants by James Kavanagh
Comprehensive guide for beginning wanderers and those exploring new country. Many short features,
This pocket-size guide is perfect for identifying the various plants you see while out walking. (L127)
Hiking
www.northcountrytrail.org
fun tips and anecdotes. 216 pages(L107) $14.95
$5.95
路DAYHIKER'S HANDBOOK
======;::i
'
Lightweight Backpacking & Camping Edited by Ryan Jordan A book full of ideas and tips for hiking with all you need to survive without breaking your back. 434 pages (L135)
Hiking with Kids by Robin Tawney Introduce your children to the wonders of hiking. This answers any questions and gives valuable tips. 70 pages (L123) $6.95
$24.95
Lipsmackin ' Backpackin' by Tim and Christine Connors
Babes in the Woods by Bobbi Hoadley The women's guide to eating well, sleeping well, and having fun in the backcountry. 125 pages (L131) $12.95
Dine on spaghetti, chicken salad, and cheesecake in the backcountry instead of gorp, cereal bars, and jerky. 232 pages (L118) $15.95
The Well-Fed Backpacker by June Fleming 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) $12.95
11
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The Appalachian Trail Food Planner by Lou Adsmond Proven food tips for ~ .... ~-~路路-a short backpack to a six-month rhru-hike, Includes recipes for easy trailside cooking. 128 pages (L126) $16.95
ORDER TOLL FREE! 1-866-HIKE NCT
e-mail: hq@northcountrytrail.org
NCNST Nalgene Bottle
www.northcountrytrail.org
$9.98 •
(P144) ....
-~·iiJ.:!·;::Ji/l/J North Country National Scenic Trail Vinyl Sticker
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.Vorth Coumr Nntiouu/Scenic Trm/
(P-2006)
Decorate your favorite water bottle with this North Country National Scenic Trail sticker!
HATS A. Sun Protection (C210)
50¢ each or 12 for $5.00
t
C. Navy Cap (c212)
Wide bill, Supplex" tan nylon, soft and breathable. Adjustable clip back $18.50
B. The Aussie Hat
Solid navy with cream trim and NCTA silhouette logo with adjustable buckle $14.95
D. Khaki Cap (C211)
Natural color, cotton canvas with full brim and rope cord with adjustable slider $24.50
Stone washed cotton khaki hat with North Country National Scenic Trail emblem with adjustable buckle $14.95
STATE PATCHES 2.00 ea.
VOLUNTEERPATCHES2.ooea.
(C209)
CERTIFIED SECTIONS OF THE NCT By Byron and MargaretHutchins Detailed information and maps highlighting the off-road segments of the Trail. In easy to use looseleaf form.
PENNSYLVANIA NCT in Pennsylvania, 37 pages (M201) .. $6.00
OHIO Wayne N.F., 14 pages (M301) $3.00 Burr Oak S.P. to Milford on the Buckeye Trail, 38 pages (M3032) $14.00 Milford to Lake Loramie S.P., 42 pages
$7.00
(M304A)
Miami & Erie Canal from Lake Loramie S.P. to Napoleon, 30 pages (M305A) $5.00
New York Pennsylvania Ohio Michigan Wisconsin Minnesota North Dakota
(P126) (P127) (P128) (P129) (P130) (P131) (P132)
Volunteer 2004 Volunteer 2005 Volunteer 2006 Trail Crew Hike Leader Trail Mapper Organizer
(P141) (P142) (P143) (P136) (P137) (P138) (P139)
MICHIGAN NCT in Lower Michigan, 81 pages (M401)
.
$13.00 NCT in Upper Michigan, 88 pages (M402) ........
$14.00 WISCONSIN Iron County Forests; Chequamegon N.F., Brule River S.F., 27 pages (M501B) $5.00
MINNESOTA Chippewa National Forest, Itasca S.P., 24 pages
$4.00
(M601)
NORTH DAKOTA NCT in North Dakota, 15 pages (M701).
$5.50
MEDALLIONS,
PINS,
&
PATCHES
Add the North Country National Scenic Trail insignia to your hiking stick, jacket, or backpack. A. Painted color (P105) $4.00 C. Patch of Trail Emblem (P125) $3.50 B. Brass (P104) $4.00 D. Trail Emblem cloisonne pin (P102) $3.00 E. NCTA Ballpoint Pen (P106) $5.00 J~·ly-A~gu~~
2oci6····The
N~rth
St~~ 33
e-mail: hq@northcountrytrail.org
ORDER TOLL FREE! 1-866-HIKE NCT
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NCT TRAIL MAPS 1:100,000 SCALE $4.50 per map One inch to 1.578 miles. This full-color pocket size map unfolds to a full 11" x 17", double sided and are now being printed on "DuraPaper," waterproof, tear-resistant, soil resistant and extremely durable because it is an extra heavyweight, specially coated with 4 mil polyester.
WISCONSIN Together these maps cover the Chequamegon National Forest Ironwood to Long Mile Lookout. Long Mile Lookout to Solon Springs
(Wl-01) (Wl-02)
MINNESOTA Chippewa N.F. to Paul Bunyan S.F (MN-09) State Highway 64 to Many Point Lake .. (MN-10)
$4.50 per map One inch to a mile. This full-color pocket size map unfolds to a full 11" x 17", double sided and are now being printed on "DuraPaper," waterproof, tear-resistant, soil resistant and extremely durable because it is an extra heavyweight, specially coated with 4 mil polyester.
,
OHIO
PENNSYLVANIA
Ohio State Line to Minerva Wayne National Forest-Marietta Unit
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)
A
......, --..·--·-
MICHIGAN Marshall to 76th Street 76th Street to M-37 M-37 to Freesoil Trailhead Freesoil Trail head to Cedar Creek Rd Cedar Creek Rd 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
1:63,360 SCALE
(Ml-02) (Ml-03) (Ml-04) (Ml-05)
..7·
----
(OH-101) (OH-105)
------------·---·----
•
0
......... " ..... ... =--==---=-~.=:----
·-·-_ ·--__ 11--.
-
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... . . m•-~ l'.il--- •·r:-,.n.,... . . .. . .... .m-------m......... 11-
(Ml-06) (Ml-07) (Ml-08)
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(Ml-09)
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(Ml-10)
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(Ml-14)
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(Ml-13)
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(Ml-11)
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Map shown: 1:100,000 scale, Ml-10 Grand Marias to Au Train Lake
_____ ______ _. . __ -------_ _ _____ ...
... .......
. _ ...
ORDER TOLL FREE! 1-866-HIKE NCT
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LOOKING FOR ADDITIONAL MAPS?
New Revised Edition
FIRST AID
+
Several Affiliares sell maps covering pans of rhe Norrh Country Narional Scenic Trail. Check our rheir web sires for maps!
& FAMILY EMERGENCY
Finger Lakes Trail Conference
HANDBOOK
(Now thru 9/30/06)
www.fingerlakesrrail.org
WITH
SUPPORT GROUP REFERENCE GUIDE
Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy
www.rachelcarsontrails.org
First Aid and Family Emergency Handbook
Buckeye Trail Association
www. buckeyetrai l .org
This compact book will easily fit in your backpack! Be prepared, know whar ro do in emergency. 252 pages (L125)
Superior Hiking Trail Association
www.shta.org Kekekabic Trail Club
Sale Price $2.99
www.kek.org
MEMBERSHIP
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Shipping and Handling Charges Amount of Order Charge $00.00 to $10.00 $2.50 $10.01 to $25.oo $5.oo $25.01 to $50.00 $6.00 $50.01 to $100 $8.00 over $100 $10.00
"j~iy~A~g~~-~-2006 .• rh~· N~;th.. st~~- 35··
Ifyou have questions about the North Country Trail, there are many different places to go for information. This directory provides you with key contacts. When in Doubt, Try NCTA Headquarters: If you're
not sure whom to contact, or prefer to talk with our 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 put you in touch with someone who can. Scaff 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 web site; it's a sure bet chat 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-date news items, report volunteer hours, and, of course, learn more about the trail itself!
National Park Service: The NPS office in Madison is an excellent technical resource for volunteers, agencies, partner organizations, and the media. As our official trail administrator, the NPS sets trail standards, determines the trail route, and provides the overall vision for the trail.
NORTH DAKOTA Trail Council Chair: Curtis Vanek • go4rrails@sbcglobal.net
State Trail Coordinator: Bobby Koepplin · bkoepplin@kwh.com
1. Lonetree Chapter Elden Ehrman · (701)465-3387
2. Sheyenne River Valley Chapter Alicia Hoffarth · (701)490-3889 · cahoffarth@hocmail.com
3. Dakota Prairie GrasslandsChapter Curtis Vanek · (701)282-0339 • go4crails@sbcglobal.net
MINNESOTA Trail Council Chair: Chris Klein · kleinl l@midwestinfo.com
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 the trail and the Association in rhei r areas.
State Trail Coordinator: John Leinen · foorparhpal@msn.com
Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota (Affiliate) Dorian Grilley • (651)726-2457 • dgrilley@parksandrrails.org
4. Star of the North Chapter Gerald Johnson · (612)789-7965 · johns018@umn.edu
5. Itasca Moraine Chapter Carter Hedeen • (218)732-9226 · hedeencf@wcta.net
6. Kekekabic Trail Club (Affiliate) Terry Bernhardt · (800)818-4453 · info@kek.org
7. RoversOuting Club (Partner) John Elliott · (612)829-5142
8. Superior Hiking Trail Association (Affiliate) Gayle Coyer · (218)834-2700 · suphike@mr.net
Affiliate Organizations:
The NCTA enters into affiliate agreements with other organizations who envision rhe completed trail. Trail Maintaining Affiliates are independent organizations who also work to build, maintain, and promote sections of the trail. Supporting Affiliates are independent organizations who work with us to help fulfill our Mission, bur are not responsible for a specific section of trail. 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 Affiliates directly.
Trail Council Officers:
Our Chapters and Affiliates work together to achieve common goals through statewide Trail Councils. Each state has its own Trail Council, though Wisconsin and Upper Michigan share the "Great Lakes Trail Council." Trail Councils have one or more officers, typically including a Chair and a State Trail Coordinator.
GREAT LAKES Trail Council Chair: Vacant State Trail Coordinator:Doug Welker • dwelker@up.net 9. Brule-St.Croix Chapter David Zosel · zosel@cenruryrel.net
10. ChequamegonChapter Marty Swank · (715)682-2254 · marty808@cenruryrel.net
11. Heritage Chapter Kevin Steffens · (262)878-0220 · sreffens@wi.net
12. Peter Wolfe Chapter Doug Welker · (906)338-2680 · dwelker@up.net
13. North Country Trail Hikers Chapter Denise Herron · (906)225-1030 · dherron906@aol.com
14. Grand Marais Chapter: Vacant 15. Hiawatha Shore-to-ShoreChapter Roger Morrison · (906)322-0993 · rmorrison@sault.com
LEGEND -chapters 11111 Partners =Not Yet Adopted
LOWER MICHIGAN
~ 24
Trail Council Chair: Lyle Bialk · lylebialk@sbcglobal.net
State Trail Coordinator:
PENNSYLVANIA Trail Council Chair: Bob Tait · wandercwo@comcast.net
Joan Young • jhy@t-one.net
16. Harbor Springs Chapter Jerry Keeney • (231)526-9597 · keeneylO@ charter.net
State Trail Coordinator: Ron Rice • ricel@nauticom.net Butler Outdoor Club (Affiliate): Joyce Appel • (724)526-5407 • joyceappel@arm-tek.net
Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy(Affiliate):
17. Tittabawassee Chapter Gary Johnson • (989)842-3478 · gwj2@charcer.net
18. Grand Traverse Hiking Club Chapter John Heiam • (231)938-9655 · johnheiam@charcer.net
19. Spirit of the Woods Chapter Richard Krieger • (231)398-9193
• rndkrieger@jackpine.com
20. Western Michigan Chapter Charles Vannette · (616)456-9725 · cvann30643@aol.com
21. Chief NoondayChapter Larry Hawkins · (269)945-5398 • hawkeyemd@cablespeed.com
22. Chief Baw Beese Chapter Steve Vear · (517)439-5485 • steve@vear.com
Patty Brunner • (412)366-3339 • info@rachelcarsoncrails.org
28. Wampum Chapter Richard Lurz • (724)652-8185 • lutznctl@losch.net
29. Butler Chapter Jerry Hoffman • (714)625-2056 • jhof27027l@hotmail.com
30. Greater Pittsburgh Chapter Michael Kaizar · (412)421-0842 • gpcncta@yahoo.com
31. Rock Chapter Greg Koller • (724)794-3498 · gbjk48@zoominternet.net
32. Clarion County Chapter Ed Scurry • (814)437-1168 · edsdc85@yahoo.com
33. Allegheny National Forest Chapter
OHIO
Keith Klos · (814)484-7420 • klos@westpa.net
Trail Council Chair: Garry Dill · vetfarm@starband.net State Trail Coordinator: Rick Adamson • rmadamson@earchlink.net 23. NW Ohio Rails-to-Trails Association (Affiliate) Tom Duvendack • tduvendack@earchlink.net
24. Buckeye Trail Association (Affiliate) Garry Dill • (937) 834-2891 • vetfarm@starband.net
25. Adams County Chapter Myrna Hixson • (937)544-4808 · myrna@bright.net
26. Ohio Valley Chapter Ryan Smith • (740)374-5666 · rsmith365@hotmail.com
27. Great Trail-Sandy Beaver Canal Chapter Brad Bosley • (330)227-2432 • bbosley@cceng.org
NEW YORK Trail Council Chair and State Trail Coordinator: Howard Beye • fltc@fronciernet.net
34. Finger Lakes Trail Conference (Affiliate): Gene Bavis • 585-658-9320 • information@fingerlakesrrail.org Additional Maintaining Organizations Coordinated by FLTC:
Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK), ADK-Genesee Valley Chapter, ADKOnondaga Chapter, ADK-Niagara Frontier Chapter, Adventure Recreation Club at Ithaca College, Cayuga Trails Club, Fillmore Boy Scour Troop 748, Foothills Trail Club, Genesee Valley Hiking Club, Hammondsport Boy Scour Troop 18, and Town & Country Bushwhackers
35. Central New York Chapter: Kathy Eisele • (315)492-2273 • eiselek@dreamscape.com
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Trail Supporters
Thanks to all of our supporters for their donations and membership renewals! Businesses, Foundations, and Agencies $10.000 or more
Lowell Area Community Fund National Park Service $1.000 to $9.999
Booth Newspapers • Frey Foundation The Conservation Fund • Universal Forest Products $250 to $999 North Country Trail Relay • Sedona Trading Company • T & C Markets IM, Inc.
$150 to $249 Campmor, Inc. • Lee's Sports and Sportswear • North Country Brewing The Outfitter • Villaume Industries Inc.
Organization Members Adirondack Mountain Club - Onondaga Allegheny Outdoor Club Barnes County Wildlife Federation Buckeye Trail Association Bureau of Reclamation Butler Outdoor Club Finger Lakes Trail Conference Foothills Trail Club Friends of the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery Kent County Parks
Michigan Mountain Bike Association Moraine Sailing Club FS 80 North Dakota Forest Service North Dakota Game and Fish Dept. Northwestern Ohio Rails-to-Trails Association Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota Scoutmaster Troop 60, Scarsdale, N.Y. Superior Hiking Trail Association USDA Forest Service W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest Valley City Convention/Visitors Bureau
Matching Gift Companies ExxonMobile Foundation Kimberly-Clark Foundation GE Foundation
Harris Bank Foundation 3M Foundation
Trail Supporters
Individuals $1.000 or more
r
James Baldwin Sonja & Andy Buertsch Dave & Jan Cornell Donald Cornue Kathryn Denhouter Roy Dray Bobbie Hineline Bobby & Deborah Koepplin Christopher & Margo Light William Lynch & Barbara Manger Derrick Passe Frederick & Eleanor Winston
$250 to $999 Betty Benson Carl Boesel Jerry Allen & Connie Pausits Allen Len & JoAnne Baron LeRoy Bliven Kristen & Glen Bruxvoort John Diephouse Loyal & Bonnie Eldridge Daniel Gold Peggy Jones & Andy Zeek Sarah Julien Lou & Sandy Kasischke John & Pat Leinen Margaret MacRae James & Elizabeth Mackey Linda O'Donnel Martin O'Toole Atley Oswald Raymond & Elaine Papp Aaron & Sharon Phipps Rep Joe Schwarz Harmon Strong Rolf Swanson Irene Szabo David Tattan David Tonnies
$100 to $249 David & Jean Adams Walt Alexander Michael & Holly Angileri Daniel & Constance Arnold Brian & Elizabeth Bachynski Frances C. Barnes John Barrows Dan Baumhardt & E. Joyce Krause Eugene Bavis Brian Becker Mitzi Beckman Lewis & Mary Bender Dawn Bennett Howard Beye Lyle Bialk Bert Bleke David Blewett Richard & Sue Boettner Ren & Carol Brander
Doug & Kathy Brehm Joshua Buchman Robert Burpee Brian Burt James Byrne Joe & Sharon Callahan Benjamin Carlson Janet Carpenter Richard Causley Fred Chadwick Rose Clack William Clark Bill & Mary Coffin Pearl Compann Tim & Christine Conners Robert & Romayne Corbett Gene Cornelius William Currie Carl Daiker Mary & Bill Davis Robert Davis Tim Davis Dale DeGirolamo Claire Dedow Jeffrey Dennis Garrett Dill William Dixon Jack & Karen Dixon Joe & Stephanie Dixon Erich & Alex Drescher Steve & Betsy Duede Kathleen Eisele William Eisenman DuaneElenbaas Gerard Engler Paul Erisman Alan Fark James Filiault Joan Filla Herb Finke William Fletcher Joanna Frank Eric Frick Pam Salaway David Galbreath Tom Garnett Sandhill Marketing Tom & Janis Gilbert George Girod James Glockner Donald Gore Richard Gray Paul Haan & Julie Nietling Scott & Gail Haebich William Hamilton Chuck Hayden Denise Herron Gail Hill & Jim Overzet J Daniel Hitchens Chris & Alicia Hoffarth Carolyn Hoffman James & Mariah Hope Tom & Mary Hord Keith & Katherine Horngren Anne Hoyt
Lucy Hulme Noel Jackson Ken Jeffery Richard Jester John Judd Thomas Kaiser Hans Kappus Jerry Keeney L Bill Kick Chris Klein Stephen Kobylarz Ray Kuzia Jeff & Janet Lalonde Kurt Landauer Paul Lane Al Larmann & Mary Kunzler-Larmann Terrence Larrimer John Lawther Raoul & Jan LePage Robert Leedle Jacqueline A lindskoog Carl Linna Michael Lorente John & Marianne Ludwick Mary W. Lunt Gary & Barbara Lyall George & Patricia Maas Tom Mack Ann Maddox Raymond & Kristen Majkrzak John Malcolm Rick Marek Guyer & Kimberly McCracken Stephen L McKenney Laurie McMurray Hugh Melling Denise Simon Bill & Donna Menke Larry Meyer Bernie Miner Diane Morand Roger Morrison John & Ruth Morton Joan Newberry John Norlund Anthony & Kim Notario Timothy O'Rourke Glenn Bing Olbum Eugene Ollila Chris Olson Bob & Laura Otwell Roberta Padur Bob & Annette Papp Fred Peachman Richard & Kaye Pfeiffer Thomas Pflueger Thomas & Diane Piquet Chris Puehler Holly Puk Jett Craig & Sue Quimby William & Avis Rambo Joseph Raught John Regenhardt Paul & Evelyn Reid
John Restall Douglas & Kathleen Rhine Neil Rinne Michael Rochowiak Walter & Jodell Rockenstein Robert & Grace Rudd Christine Rundblad & John Brander Ronald Saccol Paula Sagala Michael & Erica SanDretto Edward Scanlan Rolland Scheels Merl & Pat Schlaack William & Linda Schmidt Peter & Emily Schmitz Mary & Carl Schroeder John Schroeder Fred & Susan Schultz Richard Schwaab Stephen Selden Perry Severance David & Elvera Shappirio Jeffrey & Frances Shepard Tim Shepardson Randy Shoemaker Nick Smith Kevin Smith Donald Snowdon & Lynn Moon James Sprague Wayne & Nancy Steger Nancy Stewart John & Nancy Strom Nancy Sussex David Swanson Fredrick Szarka Betty Tableman Robert Tafel Brian Taggart John & Mary Lou Tanton Mike Thompson Bruce Thompson Jerry & Beth Trout Roger Tuuk Betty Van der Smissen Gail Van Haren Yerian VanRheenen John & Diane Vanderveen Steve Vear Michael & Diane Veen Raymond Vlasak William Wagner Peter Wester FT Weyerhaeuser Neil Whitbeck Donald Wickstra Kevin & Robin Wilson Dewey & Kay Wobma Gary Wright Michael Yff Gaylord Yost Gary & Nancy Zebko
Happy trails to you. Our eight newspapers across Michigan cover the great outdoors, including the best nature walks, day hikes and overnight backpacking trips. Read us, then find a slice of heaven of your own on foot. Booth Newspapers: The Ann Arbor News, The Bay City Times, The Flint Journal, The Grand Rapids Press, The Jackson Citizen Patriot, The Kalamazoo Gazette, The Muskegon Chronicle and The Saginaw News.
NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE
PAID North Country Trail Association 229 East Main Street Lowell, Michigan 49331
Grand Rapids, Ml Permit 340