North Star Vol. 23, No. 2 (2004)

April - June, 2004

The Magazine of the NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIA

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EDITOR'S ~(Q)l:S~ WERNER VEIT

Metal Rod Trail

A Plea: Build Your Fires the Native American (or the Hiker's Way) e call it a 'white man's fire," Kathy said as I grumbled about the remains I found of a huge bonfire, a foot off the segment of North Country Trail I maintain in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, north of White Cloud, Mich.

Kathy is Kathy Bietau, outdoor recreation planner at the BaldwinWhite Cloud Ranger District and is unhappy but necessarily philosophical ¡ about abuses along the trail. "No, there are no regulations about setbacks from the trail when building open fire, but you'd think people would use more sense. I don't know; maybe a regulation would be a good idea. Why not talk it up at your chapter and ask what members think?"

"I bet it wasn't a hiker," she added.

I bet it wasn't either. There was no scar there before the deer season and I found the debris just after it closed.

I keep telling everybody "some of my best friends are deer hunters," but the trouble is that deer season does seem to bring out the odd slob who thinks a free country means he can trash a public forest.

Besides the unsightly mess-there was even a huge, metal arch left behind too heavy for me to carry outthere is also the worry of fire when you set logs alight, probably with gasoline or something. Native Americans, or today's hikers build fires, if they build them at all, as small as possible and certainly away from anywhere others are going to walk.

W

men. I was beginning to think only women were studying in our geography departments. They come from two local instituTiffany with her new Interns, Calvin's Brad tions, Calvin College Schrotenboer (left) and GVSU"s Ryan Bosscher and Grand Valley State University.

Still, hunters are our natural Our Calvin intern is Brad Schrotenboer, a senior from the Bay conservation allies in this age of govArea in California, who expects to ernmental indifference to the environment. If only the sloppy minority graduate in May with majors in both learned some manners ... Personally, I geography and Spanish. He worked have never met a hiker who didn't show for the National Geographic Society deep respect for his surroundings, who last summer. failed to pack out trash, his own as well His initial project is to create a as that of others. Have you?

1: 100,000-scale hiking map covering from State Game Land 95 in Despite my grumbling, I still admit that cleaning up somebody else's Pennsylvania to the Ohio border. His project will complete the Pennsylvania mess is a small price to pay for the series of maps, available from the great privilege of adopting a stretch of trail, of minding it, caring for it, yes NCTA's Trail Shop.

Our Grand Valley intern is Ryan loving it in every season and wanting to protect it, of sharing it with family, Bosscher, a senior geography major who hails from Cascade Township, friends and respectful strangers and future generations who'll walk up "my just down the road from our headquarters in Lowell, Mich. He'll graduridge," and along "my pond," years and years after I'm gone and will hear the ate this spring with a minor in city chickadees that call to me and marvel and regional planning as well as with at the Dutchman's britches that come his geography major. up in the spring, the mushrooms that His first project is particularly pop in the fall and the maidenhair timely given the location of our ferns that cool the summer. annual NCTA conference in August.

Ryan is creating a 1: 63,360-scale hik• WHO'S NEW: Two new cartoging map of the NCT in the Marietta raphy interns are working in the office unit of the Wayne National Forest with Tiffany Stram, our GIS special(Map OH-105), east of Marietta, site of this year's conference. ist. This time we have two young

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A Glance Inside

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•ASSOCIATION•

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

North Country Trail Association · National Board of Directors Terms Expiring 2004 John Leinen, Jr., President, At-large Rep. 14205 St. Croix Trail, Stillwater, MN 55082 (651) 433-4456 · patleinen@msn.com

Irene Szabo, Vice President, East, At-Large Rep. 6939 Creek Rd., Mt. Morris, NY 14510 (585) 658-4321 · treeweenie@aol.com

Gaylord Yost, At-Large Rep. P.O. Box 1013, Milwaukee, WI 53201 (414) 354-8987 · gaylyost@aol.com

Garry S. Dill Jr., Ohio Rep. 4070 Tradersville-Brighcon Rd., London, (937) 834-2891 · vetfarm@starband.ner

OH 43140

Bob Tait, Pennsylvania Rep. 380 West Park Rd., Portersville, PA 16051 (724) 368-3709 · bobtait@zbzoom.net

Terms Expiring 2005 Derek Blount, At-Large Rep. 906 N. Alexander, Royal Oak, MI 48607 (248) 548-1737 · djb@sbcglobal.net

Helen Coyne, At-Large Rep. 212 Willow Circle, Cranberry Township, PA 16066 (724) 776-0678 · hcoyne@zbzoom.net

Mary Lucas, Secretary, At-Large Rep. 753 Davenport Sr., Rhinelander, WI 54501 (715) 362-0616 · dsmlucas@newnorth.net

Howard Beye, New York Rep. 202 Colebourne Rd., Rochester, NY 14609 (585) 288-7191 · fltc@fromiernet.net

Dave Cornell, VicePresident,Finance.At-Large Rep. 514 Cordes Rd., Delton, MI 49046 (269) 623-8659 · onestep@mei.net

Alicia Hoffarth, North Dakota Rep. 435 Fifth Ave. NE, Valley City, ND 58072 (701) 845-0286 · alicia@hellovalley.com

Terms Expiring 2006 Al Larmann, At-Large Rep. 7169 Forbes Road, Canastota, NY 13032 (315) 697-3387 · larmann@worldnet.att.net

Daryl Wiiiiamson,

Vice President, West, Minnesota Rep. 5901 Timberglade (952) 835-2186

Dr., Bloomington,

MN 55438

Columns

Articles Fort Custer National Cemetery What is the FLTC 2004 Annual Conference: Highlights Schedule Registration Form Examining Wilderness Areas Heart & Sole Board Elections

6 8 11 14 15 17 22 26

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

9 16 29 35 36 39

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

2 .4 20 24 25 34

Election Time!

Vote now for your Board of Directors.

Official Balloton Page 26.

Aboutthe Cover Dinner and a ride on the Valley Gem paddleboat will be a highlight of the North Country Trail Association's 2004 Annual Conference in Marietta, Ohio.

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

The North Star, Spring Issue, Vol. XXIII, Issue 2, is published by the Norrh Country Trail Association, a private, nor-for-profit50l(c)(3) organization, 229 East Main Street, Lowell, MI 49331. The North Star is published quarterly for promotional and educational purposes and as a benefir of membership in the Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without wrirten permissionof the North Country Trail Association.

RelocationsProduced New Certifications in 2003 (Editor's Note: This is the first of a series of articles by Fred Szarka of the National Park Service that focuses on trail development and trail certification.

The first installment looks at all the segments added in 2003. Succeeding articles will showcase the additions certified since the previous issue.)

T

he year 2003 was a year of relocations, route changes and definitions that made strong impacts on the list of certifications without adding materially to trail miles. As we look forward to the 2004 construction season, we anticipate a lot of help from volunteers to assure that we have new segments to certify.

The accompanying table lists the new segments as shown on the Certification report.

In April, we added four new or relocated segments to the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST). Let's begin with Fallasburg County Park in western Lower Michigan. This eight-tenth mile segment, submitted by the West Michigan Chapter, has actually existed for quite some time. However, we (the NPS) require a concurrence from the landowner for certification so it took a little time and a lot of paperwork by Tom Learmont and Kent County Parks to concur officially with the application.

The trail joins a covered bridge in historic downtown Fallasburg with a double decker McPherson bridge (when the auto bridge was built, farsighted Kent County officials had a foot bridge built beneath it specifically for the NCT when it eventually reached there). The new segment winds through a forested section of the park and along the Flat River.

Next we look at Ohio where the Buckeye Trail Association (BTA) has relocated three segments of the Buckeye/North Country Trail where they share the same route. At Piedmont Reservoir, managed by the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, the BTA had made a number of small

National Park Service

adjustments over time to the trail, originally certified in 1983, which were added to the database giving a net increase of 1.5 miles. Hikers familiar with the Piedmont Reservoir area may already have hiked these additions without knowing that the trail had been extended. Also on land owned by the MWCD, the BTA built 3.6 miles of trail at the Tappan Reservoir property, relocating it away from a heavily used horse trail and yielding a net gain of 2.4 miles of trail. The trail passes through mixed forest overlooking Tappan Lake and is now much more scenic and nicely benched.

Finally the BTA and Ohio DNR relocated the Buckeye Trail at East Fork State Park from the north side of the William H. Harsha Lake to the south some time ago and the NPS agreed to the changes for the NCNST, which until recently remained on the

old alignment. This new route abandons 7.6 miles of trail that were heavily and destructively used by equestrians and adds 22.l miles of new trail for a net gain of 14.5 miles in the state park.

Don't get excited about having the trail completely to yourself; it is still open to horses, but far fewer make the trek south of the lake so there is less conflict. East Fork State Park is a rather large park surrounding a substantial U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir.

When August rolled around we made a number of changes to the records, but only one segment of new construction. Many of you who attended the Annual meeting in 2002 recall the hike up the hill at Valley City State University (VCSU) to the Medicine Wheel park as steep, straight and eroded. Several chapter members accompanied Bill Menke and me as we flagged an alternative route up the hill. The Sheyenne River Valley Chapter worked over the winter with the administration ofVCSU to get permission to use the flagged route and eventually won permission. In June the chapter assembled an impressive number of volunteers to work with Bill and the BSC Roving Trail Crew and I was fortunate to work along with them. The new route is slightly longer (0.1 miles) and more scenic. One of VCSU's concerns was that it might be too scenic, but strategic plantings by the chapter after construction was com-

New Certified Trail Segments ~ 2003 Date

State Segment Name

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Chapter/Afilliate

~9Jls:isbqfg,co\:!nty P~rk Piedmont Reservoir R Taf:!pan R~!?ervoir R East Fork State Park R VCSU Rel.s;t$atio11 Lake Ashtabula addition J~rut~~RiV!i[•.S~F.. additf~n Onondaga County Highlgnd ijcest Cattaraugus County ggrtl§QSLgg!JJ}tY Bayfield County Forest H. ammond f:lJ.l.lfRobinson HollowS.F. Paul Bunyan State Forest

WM.L BTA

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= Relocation

Highland County Forest Morgan Hill State Forest

Newly Certified Sections of the North Country Trail

Piedmont Reservoir East Fork State Park

pleted provide additional screening for the nearby women's dorm.

It seems appropriate to comment here that many of the changes in the Certified Segments come about as a result of actions other than trail building. Trail segments may be changed as a result of improved data such as GPS data or other improved measurement techniques. Segments may be decertified because of inappropriate use such as motorized travel. In 2003 we had a large number of these small changes and overall trail mileage barely inched up between December of 2002 and August 2003. I do not intend to detail those changes or even list them in the table but they do affect total mileage, so if you add the additions to the previous total, the number will be different from the official total.

November brought a diverse group of additions to the trail from chapters and affiliates in North Dakota, Wisconsin, and New York. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Sheyenne River Valley Chapter submitted an additional five miles of new trail at Lake Ashtabula. Although I haven't seen the new section, I hiked a few miles along the lake in 2002 and it is a really great area. Scenic with great bird watching, Lake Ashtabula is a tremendous resource and it is really u-n-c-r-ow-d-e-d out there. Summer brings pelicans, lots of ducks and other waterfowl and many smaller birds as well. And then there are the cattle: remember that bulls have the right of way when you cross these grazing lands.

The Brule St. Croix chapter submitted two separate applications for certification, one with the Wisconsin DNR Brule River State Forest and the other with the Bayfield County Forestry Department. Both segments add to the trail between the Chequamegon National Forest (home of the original North Country Trail) and Solon Springs, Wisconsin. The country is hilly, not far from Lake Superior and on the watershed divide between the Great Lakes/St. Lawrence and Mississippi River drainages. The trail passes through a variety of northern forest types with both evergreen and hardwood trees. Key features of the area are the unusual "frost pockets" where boreal vegetation predominates in the cool shady environment. Total mileage in these additions is 2.8 miles.

The Finger Lakes Trail Conference submitted four additions for certification in November. Many of these miles are on private property where land owner agreements were obtained. In Onondaga County four landowners granted permission for four sections of trail to connect with the Morgan Hill State Forest, a distance of 1.6 miles.

Also in Onondaga County 2.5 miles of FLT located in the Highland County Forest were certified. In Cattaraugus County, three landowners granted access for 1.4 miles on their private property. In Cortland County three landowners granted permission for four sections of trail for a total of 1.9 miles.

These segments are all in a rugged and forested region.

Finally in December we certified two additional trail segments, in Minnesota and again in New York.

Returning to New York, the FLTC added NCT certification to 6.5 miles of existing trail in the Hammond Hill and Robinson Hollow State Forests.

These trails on public land provide a valued link across lands being reforested by New York Department of Environmental Conservation and Cornell University.

In November, I visited the Itasca Moraine Chapter to attend a chapter meeting and inspect sections of trail submit for certification. One section of 4.8 miles was ready to go and the chapter and Minnesota DNR submitted the application in time for our last update.

This section extends the trail west of the Chippewa National Forest bringing the total outside the Forest to about 9.5 miles. It is hilly with interesting second growth forest, sometimes thick stands of young aspen and other times mixed vegetation including maple, oak and the ever-present hazel thickets. It is easy hiking and offers overlooks and vistas occasionally. Should the chapter wish to apply, this section could easily qualify for the new "Certified to Standards" or "Gold Star" certification.

As I prepared this article, I was amazed at the variety and complexity of trail we certify. I apologize for not being able to describe many of the segments in more detail. In the future, we should be in the field inspecting segments and getting first-hand impressions of the trail.

In Ft. Custer, Becomes a Tr

by Tom Garnett President, Chief Noonday Chapter

T

hey seemed to be standing at attention, as if waiting for a command instructing them to "move out" for their next mission. Arriving to hike the North Country Trail this early fall morning, gave me a strong feeling of pride, honor, and privilege to be there in the midst of these tall and rugged yet elegant soldiers of the forest.

To some perhaps, this grove of red pine is only a stand of trees that somehow was planted here for a special reason. It is not possible to come into their presence however, without wondering why and who? Individuals of the Civilian Conservation Corps, in the 1930's, were responsible for this beautiful setting of nature.

I believe they would be proud to know that the pines they planted today guard the east 'gate' of the North County Trail's entry into the Ft. Custer National Cemetery located west of Battle Creek, Mich. near the rural town of Augusta.

These beautiful conifers, planted nearly 70 years ago, stand vigil today over hallowed ground; as if biding timefor history to determine their next assignment. They embrace those who walk along this section of the North Country Trail.

The trees were planted here by others on a special assignment, in preparation of a final resting place for men and women from Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota who served their country - over 16,000 proud to date.

Each one of them were warriors and protectors of freedom, who wore the uniform of one of our armed services, soldiers who said "Yes" when asked to serve.

A single Civil War soldier is also buried here. He was disinterred in Grand Rapids, MI and reinterred in the Ft. Custer cemetery on November 11, 1986 with much ceremony, the

Above: Avenue of the Flags provides a grand entrance to the Natlonal Cemetery.

Right: Red pines planted In the 1930's by the Clvlllan Conservation Corps welcomes hikers to the NCT as It enters the Natlonal Cemetery from the east.

only Unknown Soldier buried at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

But there are the others who paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country - representing every war and most military conflicts since the Civil War. Many of the veterans buried here who did not die on their mission's assignment, chose this plot of land as their final resting place.

Each deserving of this special place.

That is why all who visit it, along the NCT, should do so with solemn appreciation and gratitude for being given the privilege to be here.

As a veteran, I felt closeness that morning to the peaceful atmosphere

_____...

Armstrong Rd.

Grave sites are gently embraced by the NCT as It passes by to the north.

that is intended for these sacred 770 acres. It all started in 1917 when the Army purchased 'the land for $98 per acre from the local chamber of commerce. In five months, 2,000 buildings were constructed to house 36,000 troops who trained as part of the military mobilization for World War I. During World War II, the camp was enlarged to a 14,000-acre military training base. At that time, it also included a prisoner of war camp for German prisoners captured in Tunisia, Italy, France, Belgium and Germany.

They became farm laborers during the war because thousands of American's enlisted, or were drafted to defend their country and could not work the land.

In September 1981 Congress officially recognized the Fort Custer National Cemetery and the first burial took place on June 1, 1982, while it was still under construction.

The cemetery was formally dedicated on September 23, 1984. Today this National Cemetery is the third largest of the 120 national burial grounds and is managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Cemetery Administration.

Determined by the number of annual interments, Ft. Custer National Cemetery is today the 10th most active National Cemetery.

The North Country Trail was given the privilege to traverse this

national shrine after much discussion and careful consideration by the administration of the cemetery. The agreement to allow the N CT access was predicated on a few key and very sensitive conditions-there were to be no bicycles and no dogs, only people on foot. If visitors fail to comply, the privilege of having the trail here could be revoked.

Leaving the woodland grove of red pine, the trail meanders along to the north of the burial sites, passing through other interesting topography including an abandoned apple orchard.

In the fall, with careful scrutiny, you can locate a delicious bite or two from

one of the historians of farming efforts past.

As you trek along the trail in this richly forested area you will come .to another natural feature, a beautiful marshland located near the trail's western gateway. Watch your step for it will live up to its billing as a marsh soon after spring thaws depart. With the financial assistance of "cost share funding" from the National Park Service, planking and some modest bridging have been laid in place to assist you as you enjoy walking through this special place nature has provided.

On Saturday, May 1, another chapter begins for this National Cemetery with the official opening of NCT through this section. (Details of the event are available on the Chief Noonday Chapter's web site at www. northcountrytrail.org/ CND .htrn.)

The 2.7 miles of the NCT that passes through this place of dignity is one of the trail's most significant features along its 4,600 mile-length. You are invited to visit and hike this place too - by yourself or with others; with a deep sense of reverence and respect for what this National Cemetery means to veterans and their families - the final resting place for our nation's heroes.

(For information regarding the Ft. Custer National Cemeterygo to www. fortcusternationalcemetry.com or to view a video '.ti Sacred Trust- The Story of the National CemeteryAdministration;" to obtain complete information regarding National Cemetery burials, go to www. cem. va.gov/sacred.btm.)

This stone, h3 tmlsfate cabin was buift 6e{ore the ;tl.merican 'R#vofu!ion anl current§ serves aJ the 'Penm1/vania State I:.o':Je {or North Count"!} Trai( 1/JJOcia!ion vofunteers antf hikfn_9 refatel ouftfoor 3rou(!s. £.ocatelin Moraine State 'Park ryht on the North Count"!} TraiT!! facilities include 11 hunk beds.full kitchen, 1-1/2 baths with shower and a areat room with fireplace. Tent pads and lean-to shelter are availol;.le for hikers on the North Countrq Ti'(lil. Make the cabin the site of lJOur next trail-related outina, or rese~e a ~inale hunk for lJOur PA hike! for infonnation:' 1-868~HikeNC1' '''.0 o/;,mail. Linda Matdiett

What in the (White) Blazes Is the Finger Lakes Trail Conference?

Editor's Note: In the early years of the North Country National Scenic Trail, two major trail organizations gradually embraced the notion of hosting the North Country Trail along trail routes that they'd been developing and managing for decades. One was the Buckeye Trail Association, the other the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC).

Active in New York State, the FLTC is unique among North Country Trail Association's affiliate organizations in that it represents an assembly of trail clubs. This composition, like that of no other partner of the Association, is explained by our associate editor, who serves as the President of the Conference.

By Irene Szabo Associate Editor

T

he Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) was built from scratch, and started from one man's dream of a footpath across upstate New York like he had hiked in other states. In 1962 our founder Wally Wood convened a meeting of existing local hiking clubs from all over upstate New York in order to plot the dream into reality. We were fortunate that Paula Strain (even now a member of both the FLTC and the NCTA) was working in New York for a few short years, absent only temporarily from her normal haunts in Maryland where she had been, and still is, active with the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC).

PATC maintains a long portion of the Appalachian Trail (AT) in Maryland and Northern Virginia, plus a few other trails, as one of the list of local groups whose trail-tending activities make up the "labor force" which built and still maintains the AT. The confederation which coordinates all those local groups has been called the Appalachian Trail Conference since 1925, so when our fledgling trail group was fumbling for an organizational rubric Paula suggested a model which had already proven useful for decades.

Thus we became the Finger Lakes Trail Conference (FLTC), the umbrella organization that coordinated this new association of a host of hiking clubs and outdoor groups, often very different from one another, into the instruments by which an eventual 880-mile trail system came into being and stays open and enjoyable by the public.

While the FLTC is primarily funded by individual memberships, the clubs which tend trail sections may or may not contribute financially to the operation of the organization, absolutely their choice. The FLTC publishes maps and guidebooks, coordinates the efforts of all these disparate volunteers, and administers the membership functions of the organization including a quarterly news magazine sent to all members, appropriate public agency personnel, AND to permitting landowners. The FLTC also provides information to the public by answering inquiries, coordinating outreach and publicity, and providing programs to groups.

Much like the combined efforts of the NPS and the NCTA, the FLTC provides uniform signage and trail standards to all trail sponsors in order to present a consistent trail condition that the public can follow using our maps, also uniform in style and scale.

While each club may arrange their own trail work projects among themselves as they choose, some by means of group work sessions and others by means of individual stewardship adoptions, the trail is still uniform enough in blazing and signage that any hiker should be able to follow it. The FLTC also makes applications to the National Park Service for Challenge Cost Share programs along that portion of our trail destined for the NCT route, for expensive projects like bridges, shelters, outhouses, or bog bridging that club sponsors are not expected to fund.

Three work weeks are organized each year by the Conference to provide special volunteer labor forces for needs other than routine maintenance or for

Gene Bavls, executive director, of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference.

post-storm disasters that require additional workers. These are the "AlleyCat" crews featured in The North Star article in the fall of 2003.

So who are the "sponsors" of our miles of trail? 45 segments and 196 miles are tended by 39 unaffiliated caretakers, either individuals or pairs which include couples, sisters, and friends. Four Boy Scout troops are in charge of 13 trail miles, while a high school and a college outdoor group each tends some Finger Lakes Trail.

The Catskill Outdoor Education Corps operating from Delhi College, which endures fluctuating federal funding, tends one of our easternmost segments, while the staff of the Finger Lakes National Forest does much of the maintenance on our Interloken Branch Trail and the short NCT portion within their borders. Atypical small groups tend some special branch or loop trails: for instance, there is a group called the Friends of Queen Catherine Marsh which tends the FLT branch through that very special area.

The eight local hiking clubs which already existed when Wally Wood started this ambitious trail are still there, forty-two years later. Foothills Trail Club, centered in the Buffalo area and also founded in 1962 just happened to be working at the very same time on a new trail they called the Conservation Trail from Allegany State Park (where the NCT enters N.Y. now) to Niagara Falls. They still are in charge of a staggering 59 miles of main trail (also NCT) plus 126 miles of what is now the Conservation Branch off the main FLT, and also part of the whole FLT system, for a total of 185 miles. Foothills, like most of the other

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This lean-to In the Shindagln Hollow State Forest near Ithaca, N.Y., on the Finger Lakes-North Country Trail was already scheduled to be replaced by the Finger Lakes Trall Conference's Alley-Cat crew in August when a tree crashed on It during the Winter. Stlll, the condition of the structure after the crash demonstrated the sturdiness of the design.

clubs, has hosted many of the FLTC spring and fall weekends and provided dozens of board members and officers to the FLTC. Another group centered in the NW corner of the state around Buffalo is the ADK-Niagara Frontier Chapter.

The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) is another membership organization, but vastly larger at some 40,000 members, whose primary concern is the immense Adirondack forest preserve within N.Y., including heavy trail care commitments, with chapters in cities throughout N.Y. and even in neighboring states.

Chapters in the areas around Buffalo ("Niagara Frontier"), Rochester ("Genesee Valley"), Corning - Ithaca ("Finger Lakes"), and Syracuse ("Onondaga") were among the earliest subscribers to the cross-state dream of the FLT, thereby adding a big responsibility to their commitments already in place to Adirondack projects.

Today the AUK-Niagara Frontier Chapter tends 30 miles they built back in the sixties in southwestern N.Y., picking up near where the Foothills Trail Club branches off the main trail (also NCT) toward Niagara Falls. Two individual sponsorships are between the two clubs' sections.

The Genesee Valley ADK Chapter sponsors five miles, while the Finger

Lakes Chapter is responsible for 28 miles westward from Watkins Glen.

The Onondaga Chapter, historically very ambitious, is responsible for 99 miles of the existing Finger Lakes Trail system, and is deeply involved in efforts to complete 20-some new miles linking the FLT with the accomplishments of the Central N.Y. Chapter of the NCTA. Only bureaucratic tangles within policy snarls on public land are holding up the opening of so much new trail, an ongoing frustration for the chapter's trail builders. Soon?

ADK-Onondaga efforts toward extending the NCT route beyond the original FLT are often reported in these pages.

Long sections of the FLT, some of them almost as old as the trail, are well cared for by several other local clubs.

The 75-year-old Genesee Valley Hiking Club, centered around Rochester, built and still maintains the main trail from the Genesee River to Hornell, and has added the Letchworth Branch Trail to their responsibilities, for a total of 72 miles.

The Cayuga Trails Club cares especially well for 91 miles on both sides of Ithaca in the center of the state, and is noteworthy for their appreciative attentions to their permitting landowners. Such ongoing effort has resulted in a number of permanent trail easements from their landowners, who have been

gently led to realize how delicate our trail route is on private land.

The NCT route leaves our main trail to go northward on the Onondaga Branch Trail, beyond which the ADKOnondaga chapter is trying to complete their extension. However, our main FLT continues eastward another 185 miles, all the way into the Catskill Mountains, where it meets the Long Path on its rugged way from New York City toward Albany. On the way to the Catskills the Triple Cities Hiking Club (Binghamton area) built and tends 46 miles of fine trail in Chenango County, followed by segments under the care of the Tri-Town Hikers, more of our individual sponsors, and one more ADK chapter, the Mid-Hudson.

Unlike NCTA Chapters, all of our trail-sponsoring clubs have reasons other than the FLT for their existence.

Many of them are hiking clubs only, with schedules of weekly hikes for their members, and slender budgets that cover only mailing a quarterly two-page schedule. These clubs, with annual dues typically in the $6 to $8 range, often take advantage of the FLTC's standing offer to provide reimbursement for blaze paint or other materials, and some borrow from our considerable cache of tools stored strategically around the state.

Cayuga Trails Club, on the other hand, has amassed a tidy treasury by offering for sale an excellent guidebook, now in its ninth edition, covering a section in the middle of the FLT even bigger than their own club's miles.

ADK Chapters are more like NCTA Chapters, only lots bigger, but their primary activity and fiduciary relationships are with the parent Adirondack Mountain Club, and their chapters offer a wider range of activities ... climbing, winter camping, canoeing for instance. The ADK even pursues conservation issues statewide and supports a lobbying presence in the state capital.

Individual sponsors also may apply for reimbursement for their expenditures, although not all do: some regard the materials they buy, in addition to their many hours, as a worthy (and taxdeductible) contribution to the trail.

All sponsors, whether groups or individuals, may receive any standard FLT signs they need at no cost, but there

was an early day when they had to pay for them!

Howard Beye, Vice President of Trails, and a person often mentioned in these pages for his simultaneous longtime involvement with the NCTA, keeps all of these 60-odd sponsors coordinated and supplied, collects their annual reports of hours and accomplishments, keeps our 30-some maps updated, and keeps detailed records of all trail sections, landowners, and mileages. He also handles the bales of paperwork required by the Challenge Cost Share program, plus organizes every one of the Alley-Cat work weeks.

In a fit of belated good sense,

our Trail Management Committee is beginning to distribute some of Howard's many tasks to squads of helpers to relieve this one hard-working volunteer.

steph Spltjal, FLTC office manager and a past President, presents a reptile and amphibian show to an¡ audience a llttle skeptlcal of the snake In her

hands.:

So that's what a "trail conference" is all about. And the "white blazes?"

Because the FLT main trail had already been blazed in white for almost twenty years when the NCT was first authorized in 1980, it remains the only part of the NCT that is not blueblazed until the Onondaga Branch

Aprll 18 - Brule St. Croix Rovers,

New trail construction, Bayfield County Forest', Bill Menke, bdmenke@charter.net April 24 - North Country Trail

Association, spring board meeting, Lowell, Mich, www.northcountrytrail.org Aprll 24-25 - Buckeye Trail Association annual

membership meeting, Hocking College, Ohio, www.buckeyetrail.org April 30-May 2 - Superior Hiking Trail Association annual

meeting, Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Finland, Minn., suphike@mr.net April 30-May 2 - Finger Lakes Trail Conference, annu-

al meeting, spring outing hosted by Onondaga Chapter, Adirondack Mountain Club, Mary Coffin, mccoffin 721@worldnet.att.net May 8-9 - Pennsylvania State-wide Trail Design,

Construction and Manitenance Workshop, Davis Hollow Outdoor Center, Moraine State Park, Penn. Rob Corbett, robcorbett@northcountrytrail.org May 13-17 - Brule St. Croix Rovers, New trail con-

struction, Bayfield County Forest, Bill Menke, bdmenke@charter.net May 15-16 - Ohio Trails Expo, Hocking College, Ohio,

www.buckeyetrail.org May 16-22 - Volunteer vacation, Moraine and McConnells

Mills State Parks, Penn., www.AmericanHiking.org May 16-22 - Volunteer vacation, Pictured Rocks

takes off on its northward jaunt.

Irene Szabo, President ofshe Finger Lakes Trail Conference and a director . of the North Country Trail Association: has been a trail sponsor on the FLrsince 1987.

National Lakeshore, Mich. www.

AmericanHiking.org May 23-29 - Volunteer vacation,

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Mich. www.AmericanHiking.org June 5 - National' Trails Da{ June 21-35 - Brule St. Croix Rovers, ..• , New trail construction, Bayfield County Forest, Bill Menke, bdmenke@c;harter.net July 17-19 - Brule St. Croix Rovers, Bridge construction

and trail rehabilitation, Brule River State Forest, Bill Menke, bdmenke@charter.net August 5-8 - North Country Trail Association annual con-

ference, Marietta, Ohio. www.northcountrytrail.org Sept. 10-14 - Brule St. Croix Rovers, New trail con-

struction, Bayfield County Forest, Bill Menke, bdmenke@charter.net Oct. 4-8 - Brule St. Croix Rovers, New trail con-

struction, Bayfield County Forest, Bill Menke, bdmenke@charter.net Nov. 8-12 - Brule St. Croix Rovers, New trail con-

struction, Bayfield County Forest, Bill Menke, bdmenke@charter.net

For the latest trail-relatedevents visit the North Country Trail Associationweb site, www.northcountrytrail.org

Hikes In the Wayne National Forest wlll be among the highlights of the conference.

It's Time to Register for the Annual Conference in Marietta, Aug. 5-8 ven though it's only spring in the air, it's already time to think of summer and to register for the North Country Trail Association's annual conference, three or four days of hiking, fellowship, workshops, river cruising, museum visiting, historic reconstructions, awards, trail tales, and the hysterical annual live auction.

It all comes to pass Aug. 5-8 on the campus of Marietta College, the Ohio River, Wayne National Forest and downtown Marietta, Ohio. Registration and the Association's Trail Shop will open at noon on Thursday, August 5th.

It will pay to register early.

The first 125 to sign up will be able to dine aboard the sternwheeler, Valley Gem, while cruising the Ohio River. Sign-up is

E

easy. Fill in the form on page 15 and mail it with your payment to the NCTA headquarters. Or, sit poised with your credit card and register online by logging onto the NCTA's web site at www.northcountrytrail.org, or call toll-free 866-HikeNCT. In any case, don't delay too long. We have to give our hosts, Marietta College, a firm count of attendees so we have to set a deadline, too. Be sure we hear from you no later than June 28.

The Buckeye Trail Association, host for the conference, and your Association have put together an educational, fun-filled, worthwhile agenda.

It opens with a half-day hike on Thursday afternoon and closes with a final visit to the popular Trail Shop Sunday morning. In between, these are some of the

Annual Conference • Marietta, Ohio • Aug. 5-8, 2004

The first 125 attendees who register wlll dine aboard the Valley Gem Sternwheeler while cruising the Ohio River.

highlights: After supper on Thursday: David Paige, in the costumed persona of Commodore Abraham Whipple, an early settler of the Virginia Military District, forerunner of Marietta, will recount tales of the early days of the Ohio River shores with a historical, theatrical re-enactment complete with old sea songs, flags, guns and swords.

On Friday, the hardiest will embark on a daylong hike led by our Buckeye hosts. Other hikers can participate in one or both halfday hikes. Those needing or craving instruction will attend a workshop

by Bill Menke, trail foreman, on "Trail Design and Improvement."

I~ the evening therewill be a treat for the 125 who signed up early, a dinner cruise on the Ohio River aboard the Valley Gem that

i2--ih~--N~rth-st~-~-·-A"~~-i-t: _i~~~-~~~~---- -----

Marietta College Convention Site (Reserve on Registration Form) Lafayette Hotel (800) 331-9336 (Member of the National Trust of " Historic Places)

Annual Conference • Marietta, Ohio • Aug. 5-8, 2004 c, c,

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Walklng bridge over Muskegum River could become part of the NCNST. Saturday Hike will scout a potentlal route.

will feature a buffet and bar.

Before we dock, the Association will also hold part one of its annual awards ceremony when members are honored for being named Trail Builder of the Year and Trail Maintainer of the Year. Other honors to be celebrated will be the Sweep, Outreach, Leadership and Rising Star awards.

We will also honor those who have reached the 100 and 400-hour volunteer hours plateaus.

The NCTA's most prestigious awards, those for Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished Service, will be presented at the annual banquet on Saturday night.

The ceremony will precede what That's the ghost of Commodore Abraham Whipple who will be recounting history for us. has become a hilarious tradition at the annual conference, Executive Director Bob Papp's always-successstrations and exercise. In the morning, there will be another recreational hike ful attempt to extort money for the and three themed hikes running simulAssociation's coffers by getting bids on the most outrageous items. There will taneously. These will be: be good stuff, too, donated by our supA photography hike, led by some of the NCTA's most talented camera porting merchants and members.

Some of these items will be availwielders; a GPS hike led by Tiffany able for bids in our usual silent auction.

Stram, NCTA GIS specialist, and a unique "trail planning hike," the outThe items will go on display Friday morning and will be available for growth of an idea to take the North inspection and bids until before banCountry Trail through Marietta, made possible by the availability of a footquet time on Saturday.

Earlier Saturday, the day will be bridge over the Muskegum River. filled with instruction, history, demonParticipants in the GPS hike will

Guided tours will visit Marietta's historic downtown.

have an opportunity to practice with their handheld GPS units during the morning and then attend Tiffany's workshop after lunch when she will download the readings and demonstrate the process.

The "trail planning" hike will follow a possible route through town, including a crossing of the Muskegum River. Local partners will hike with us to create a vision for the route. After the morning hike and lunch at a Marietta restaurant, a workshop back on the campus will discuss and possibly initiate the planning process for the route.

There also will be two minipresentations running simultaneously that afternoon-one a program on the American Hiking Society's Volunteer Vacations program and the other a panel discussion of "Backpacking Techniques," by our most experienced hikers.

Also on Saturday there will be a daylong tour of downtown Marietta and a visit to its many museums.

Lunch will be at the historic Levee House, a stop on the Underground Railroad before the Civil War. Rooms during the conference will be available at affordable rates in McCoy Hall on the campus of Marietta College. You may also consult the list of nearby commercial accom-

- - -A~;ii~j~~~-;~~~-·-Th~-N~rth-St~-~-i3

Annual Conference • Marietta, Ohio • Aug. 5-8, 2004

2004 Conference Schedule

See the July issue of The North Star for last minute changes

6:00

Free time Supper (on Campus)

7:30

Evening Program: Meet the Ghost of Commodore Abraham Whipple

7:30

Breakfast

8:45

Day-long Hike (with bag lunch)

>-------<

(on Campus) Discussion and Education Hike: Trail Design and Improvement (with bag lunch)

Half-Day Hike >---------------<

Lunch {bag)

Half-Day Hike

Day Long Tour: (with bag I u nch) - Blennerhassett Island - Henderson Mansion

1:00 5:00 5:45 6:30 8:00

Free Time Depart for Valley Gem Stern Wheeler Supper (on the riverboat) Annual Membership Meeting (on the riverboat)

8:30 9:00

Awards Part 1 (on the riverboat) Return to Campus or take "Self-Guided Evening Tour of Marietta Establishments"

7:30

Breakfast (on campus)

8:45

Hike (with bag lunch)

2:00

Free Time

3:00

Workshop: Big Help on Big Jobs Tapping Outside Groups

5:00 6:00

Cash Bar and Live Music

7:00 7:30

Awards Part 2 Live Auction

Themed Hike: Outdoor Photography (with bag lunch)

Themed Hike: Route Planning for a Trail Town Case Study: Marietta (restaurant lunch)

Themed Hike: GPS on the Trail (with bag lunch)

Workshop: Ohio Trails Partnership - Finding Common Ground

Workshop: Backpacking 101, 201 and 301

Workshop: GIS Tools and Using GPS data

Supper (on Campus)

Trail Shop and Check Out Close

Walking Tour: Downtown Marietta (with bag lunch)

Heritage Tour (with bag lunch) - Campus Martius (fort) - Mound Cemetary - River Museum - Fearing House - Fenton Art Glass Company

NCTA's 2004 Conference Registration Form Each registration package includes meals, a conference collectable, and program and registration fees. If you are staying on campus, the package also includes lodging. Certain tours require an additional fee, as described below.

Full Conference packages cover Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning. Partial Conference packages cover up to three days participation and, for those staying on campus, up to two nights lodging.

Name(s):

_

Address:

_

City:

State:

Phone:

__________

Zip:

_

E-mail:

_ Number of People

Cost per Person

Total Cost

Ce1mpus Full Conference (3 nights) Single Room

$190

Share a Double Room*

$160

Partial Conference (2 nights or less) Day of arrival:

Thur

Fri

Sat

Single Room

$160

Share a Double Room*

$140

Full Conference (4 days) Partial Conference (3 days or less) Day of arrival:

Thur

Fri

$110 $105

Sat

One Day Package Thursday Friday Saturday (includes banquet)

$45 $

70

$

60

$

20

Check payable to NCTA enclosed Please charge my MasterCard, Card#: Name as it appears on card:

VISA or American Express Exp.Date:

_ _

Signature: -----------------------Mail your registration to: NCTA, 229 E. Main St., Lowell Ml 49331 â&#x20AC;˘ Fax credit card payment to (616) 897-6605 â&#x20AC;˘ Register by phone 866-HikeNCT

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

Trail Building Progress on the North Country Trail The National Park Service certifies those completed miles that satisfy its standards.

In addition, there are many more completed miles that may be enjoyable to hike but cannot be certified for a variety of reasons.

Change Other Since Last Off-Road Issue Miles

Percent Done and Certified

Miles Certified

Minnesota

27.4%

102.6

5.1

Totals

42.2%

1,748.1

29.6

State

Total Off Road Miles

Marked Road Miles

2.7

105.3

0

289.0

2,037.1

21.0

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. Our declines this issue mainly reflect annual changed in membership cycles.

M~~~

Minnesota

242

~~~

225

-17

-7.0%

Wilderness and the North Country National Scenic Trail

We All Cherish Remoteness and Solitude: How Much Should We Protect Them?

By Bob Papp Executive Director, NCTA

ilderness is a necessity ... They will see what I mean in time. There must be places for human beings to satisfy their souls. Food and drink is not all.

There is the spiritual. In some it is only a germ, of course, but the germ will grow."

-john Muir

W

Even now, a century later, John Muir's words probably have a ring of truth for most people who enjoy the North Country Trail (NCT). We follow the trail away from our mechanized, scheduled lives and we enter the embrace of wilderness, seeking renewal.

True wilderness, though, is a little more rare than many of us may realize.

Fortunately, this article will not present an esoteric discourse on the nature of true wilderness. While each of us may have our own vision and understanding of wilderness, a national vision for wilderness already exists. In fact, September of this year will mark the 40th Anniversary of the signing of the Federal Wilderness Act, which provides us with the definition shown in the sidebar on this page.

Basically, the Federal Wilderness Act established "wilderness" as a formal designation for federal lands. Land may be designated as Wilderness only by an act of Congress. So while you may be standing on the trail thinking to yourself, "It sure is nice to be out in the wilderness," you might be only partially right.

If we look at our National Forests, the process for setting aside a portion of a Forest as a federally designated Wilderness Area is complex, but straightforward. Every ten to 15 years, each of the National Forests is required to revise its Forest Plan. As part of

the process, the Forests must consider 路possible Wilderness designations.

After much study and public involvement, any recommendations for new Wilderness designations are forwarded to Congress.

Congress then either declines to accept the recommendation, or passes legislation to establish the new Wilderness Area. The processes for other federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management and the National Park Service, are similar.

Though Congress also may reverse a designation, this never has occurred.

Management practices for each Wilderness Area conform to the requirements of the Wilderness Act. As you might expect, these include stipulations against the development of new roads and permanent structures, the harvest of timber, and the use of mechanized or motorized equipment or vehicles. In general, natural processes are allowed to dominate, and intrusions of human impact are minimized or eliminated. Management from one Wilderness to the next may show some variance based on requirements of the legislation that created each Wilderness, and local policies and philosophies of the managing agency.

Since the Act was passed in 1964, more than 600 federally designated Wilderness Areas have been established, protecting more than 100 mil-

lion acres. More than half of these acres are in Alaska. As implied above, federally designated Wilderness Areas along the NCT are not common. In the seven states of the trail, there are only 35 Wilderness areas totaling about 1.1 million acres.

The North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) currently passes through three of these federally designated Wilderness areas. These include Rainbow Lakes and Porcupine Lakes Wilderness Areas in the Chequamegon National Forest in Wisconsin, and the McCormick Wilderness in the Ottawa National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Eventually, we expect that the trail also will pass through the extensive Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota.

Studies currently are underway that could add to the number of Wilderness Areas along the NCT. In Pennsylvania, the Friends of Allegheny Wilderness have assembled a Citizens' Wilderness Proposal for Pennsylvania's Allegheny National Forest. This proposal seeks Wilderness designation for three separate parcels of the Allegheny National Forest through which the NCT passes: the Tionesta Scenic Area old-growth, and the Morrison Run and Tracy Ridge areas along the Allegheny Reservoir. A summary of this proposal is available online at www.pawild.org.

Wilderness and the North Country National Scenic Trail

Chequamegon National Forest

In upper Michigan, a number of groups are proposing Wilderness designation and other forms of protection for the Trap Hills in the Ottawa National Forest. The NCT runs for 35 miles through the Trap Hills, and many of those miles would be in the proposed wilderness. Also in Upper Michigan, the National Park Service is considering Wilderness designation for a portion of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The Draft General Management Plan and WildernessStudy Environmental Impact Statement far Pictured Rocks (July, 2003) includes a preferred alternative that would designate as wilderness an area that includes several miles of the NCT along the Lakeshore Trail.

Where we face the potential for new Wilderness Areas along the NCT route, we must work closely with the appropriate agency to identify expectations and develop special management plans for the trail. Federally designated Wilderness Areas definitely offer outstanding recreational opportunities.

Yet, in combination with a National Scenic Trail, Wilderness Areas also raise some unique management and recreational quandaries for trail volunteers, land managers and hikers.

When following the NCT through a Wilderness Area, trail users should expect to face a greater challenge than they typically would find on other segments of the trail. Typical trail features, such as blazing, bridges, and signage, may be infrequent or non-existent. Due to Wilderness restrictions, volunteers cannot mow the trail or use power tools to remove fallen trees. Bridges, if any, generally are built from natural materials. Paint blazes may be prohib-

ited, Clearly, good maps and a familiarity with compass use are necessary!

To demonstrate the challenges of planning and hiking the NCT in Wilderness, let's take a closer look at the McCormick Wilderness area in upper Michigan's Ottawa National Forest. Our Chapter in Marquette, Michigan, and in particular Gene Elzinga, advocated long and hard for permission to route the trail through this Wilderness. The president of our Peter Wolfe Chapter, Doug Welker, provides a first person account of the planning and development of this section of the NCT: "The National Park Service's 1982 Comprehensive plan for the NCT identified a general route for the future NCT through the McCormick Tract, a former getaway for the son of Cyrus McCormick (of McCormick Reaper fame) and his heirs. Upon federal designation as Wilderness in 1987, the Tract became McCormick Wilderness.

The Wilderness, and a small adjacent area across a county road, are the only federal land in the area.

"During subsequent Wilderness planning and concurrent planning for the NCT route, it became apparent that adjacent private landowners were reluctant to allow passage of the NCT across their lands if public lands were available. There also was strong sentiment among Forest Service personnel involved that the NCT could be accepted in the wilderness, even though it would run through a quite pristine area, provided it was as close to the wilderness boundary as possible, that it was a low-standard trail, and that it not be blazed. Axe blazes were discussed (these are sometimes found in Western

wildernesses), but were rejected largely because such blazes, unless done extremely carefully, can look unsightly and damage trees.

"Finding a route for the NCT did not prove to be a big issue, but providing an unblazed, followable route, largely through old growth hardwood forest, was. When building the trail, we used a variety of techniques to help delineate the route. We pulled up maple seedlings to create what appeared to be a path. We placed brush piles and logs at a number of confusing spots. We left cut ends of logs and branches visible. We placed cut logs in short wetland crossings. What we did not do, though, was create a tread.

While subsequent use by hikers and trail maintainers has created tread in many areas, it is still quite possible to get lost. Even though I helped lay out and build the trail, and have hiked it close to 20 times, on my last hike through I lost the trail once. I knew where the trail went from where I was standing, but there was no sign of it because of high bracken ferns."

This past summer, after our Annual Conference in Marquette, Irene Szabo also set out with some companions to discover the NCT in the McCormick Wilderness. Her experience echoes Doug's sentiment, that hiking the NCT in Wilderness Areas should not be undertaken lightly.

"Determined to sample a segment of the NCT where no blazes guided the way, our small band of intrepid New York and Arizona hikers set out, bolstered with directions from Denise Herron, president and gracious annual meeting hostess from the NCT Hikers chapter of Marquette. From the begin-

r

Wilderness and the North Country National Scenic Trail ning, our mission would have failed without the advice from Denise, once we left the well-marked parking lot trailhead. There is an obvious dirt lane that crosses a sturdy bridge over the wildly beautiful Peshekee River.

That lane continues three miles northeast to the remains of the cabins at McCormick's 'Grand Camp,' but not a single speck of blue paint or even a tiny plastic disk hints at the departure of the NCT. "In fact, as Denise told us, the NCT leaves that dirt lane just after the bridge, to the right on an initially well-used footpath, but without her hints, we would have been nervous about launching our walk eastward into the woods without knowing this was indeed our trail. To our surprise, the tread was decently pounded into a path, out here in the relative middle of nowhere in an area with slender population. The route has obviously been cleared out from intruding branches for several years now, and obviously does get picked up and trimmed at least once a year, so the way was not hard to follow for the first mile and a half.

"We were astounded at the beauty of the place: sugar maple vied with red oak, white pine and balsam fir perfumed the air, birch, hemlock, and Tamarack provided occasional surprises. Ferns, lowbush blueberry, running ground pine, staghorn club moss adorned the ground, punctuated with a few trailside samples of an orchid, rat-

tlesnake plantain. Best of all, immense house-sized rocks rose from the forest, each draped with a wild variety of vivid green mosses and tiny ferns where seeps dripped, or capped with carpets of the stiff light green 'coral reefs' of reindeer moss, or sided with rubbery gray 'potato chips,' a bizarre lichen. The trail dipped and rose, curved round and round these monuments to glaciers and weather's caprice. It reminded our band of New York travelers of our own Adirondacks, where the NCT will end in the east ... dense, dark, damp and redolent of the remote northwoods.

"Gradually, though, the trail dwindled away and, less than two miles in, we gave up trying to find it. The decently used tread faded away where the understory opened up a little, providing no clear channel to follow through low bushes. Any further travel would have been guesswork, starts and stops, searching, false attempts, in other words, not a hike but a puzzle.

So, the usage the trail does receive is from casual walkers who enter the mystery trail from the lane and walk for a while, but no further."

Clearly, hiking the NCT through federally designated Wilderness is a different type of experience from that found on much of the rest of the trail, and may require different skills. On this topic, Linda White, manager of the Hickory Creek and Allegheny Island Wildernesses, stresses that the 1975 Eastern Wilderness Act deter-

Just over six miles of the North Country Trail pass through the Rainbow Lakes Wiiderness In Wisconsin's Chequamegon National Forest. This autumn view of Hall Lake Is typical of the splendid sights from the NCT.

mined that Wilderness should be a place of mental and physical challenge.

Pointedly, she explains: "A map and compass is the best way to find your way around in Wilderness.

Of course, it's always best to know how to use them before you go into the Wilderness area. Some people use those new-fangled GPS devices, which aren't illegal in Wilderness, but we think they take some of the mental challenge out of Wilderness navigation, and hence, some of the fun. After all, it's just one more technical gadget telling you what to do, and didn't you come here to get away from technical gadgets and things telling you what to do? But go ahead and do it the 'easy' way if you like. We'll still challenge you as you climb over all the trees we've left."

Where the NCT does pass through Wilderness, one of the biggest issues we wrestle with is how or even whether to blaze the trail. Normally, the trail is blazed with 2"x6" blue rectangles painted on trees, but there is some question as to whether such blazing is permissible or desirable in Wilderness areas. Many trail advocates feel blazing is appropriate, and refer to technical documents and precedence found in other Wilderness areas to support their point of view. Even so, as we think about the values of wilderness, it's not hard to sympathize with those who would argue for no signs at all of human impact.

Management of the NCT through federally designated Wilderness areas certainly presents us with some complex and somewhat ambiguous challenges. Similarly, hiking the trail in these areas should not be taken lightly.

Such treks present the opportunity for memorable and deeply satisfying experiences, but such experiences do not come easily. As we continue to work with our agency partners on Wilderness management issues affecting the trail, we'll strive to keep a sound balance among challenge, opportunity, and satisfaction for NCT hikers.

Thanks to Kirk Johnson, Bill Menke, john Muir, Glenn Oster, Linda White, Irene Szabo and Doug Welkerfor their thoughtful contributions to this article.

········· ··"A~-~ii~j~~~-;~~~···rh~-N~~-th.st~-~-i9

Dealing with Our 'Dietary Indiscretions' "\Vlinter does strange and unappealW ing things to the body. I seem to do all right through the holidays and even into about the middle of January but then the winter spirits start catching up with me. My pants get tighter and my shoelaces get harder to reach. I even get winded running up the steps at night. To date, the buttons of my shirts have not started to pucker so I am still within striking distance of fit-and-trim if I get back on the trail before February is out.

My dog, Odhinn, seems to suffer the same seasonal disorder. Right now he's pretty porky having feasted on his brown kibbles all covered in lamb broth or chicken drippings throughout the winter and not spending nearly enough time outside tearing from tree to tree in the woods. A Dalmatian, he doesn't have a winter coat that lets him stay out for long periods when the temps are in the low teens or single digits.

On his morning and evening walks, if I try to get him to do another lap along the Lowell River Walk he just starts looking at me, and looking toward home and looking back at me again. If I stand there long enough he looks like one of those bobble-head dogs you see in people's cars. I tried outfitting him with a dog sweater (actually one of mine with slight modifications) but he just looks at the sweater, looks at me, looks at the sweater again and then rolls around trying to get it off, or, just sits down and proceeds to chew it off Sometimes, when the sun is out he is game for longer walks, but since he won't wear dog booties, his feet get cold and he starts the alternating three-legged stance. A couple of times, when he's walked through the slush in the parking lot and got paws about frozen through, he can even manage brief two-legged stances with one front and one back leg off the ground. One day I'll get it on film and you'll believe

ON THE ~~ lm!ill!!!!li--11

with Rob Corbett

Director of Trail Management

me. What I am getting at is that this seasonal roll around my belly is really my dog's fault. If he would wear the right gear or grow some real fur, we could be out longer and get more exercise. As a result the both of us put on a little extra fat every year.

The belly roll seems to be receding some now that we are back out walking trail. Since I haven't been out on the road visiting the chapters and talking to the forests (actually it's the Forest Service I talk to rather than the trees themselves) I have focused on getting to know the trail in and around the headquarters here in Lowell. The Western Michigan Chapter recently formed the Lowell Area Team to address trail issues here.

My wife is a member of the chapter and joined the team since we live here in Lowell, so when the team started scouting trail for reroutes to take sec-

tions off the road and into the woods, we gained the chance to get out and tromp around some.

Currently North Country Trail Association (NCTA) is negotiating with a railroad corporation for the purchase of approximately six miles of abandoned rail right of way that will take the North Country Trail south out of Lowell, through some beautiful rolling farmland and some tremendous apple orchards and under Interstate 96 into Bowne Township. Getting this section of trail established is a critical step toward linking up with the work Chief Noonday Chapter has been doing down south in the Middleville State Game area because it would get the trail past the interstate without a tricky and dangerous road walk or bridge crossing.

Last month we gathered the team and trudged the rail corridor to look for encroachments by adjacent landowners, dump sites and other issues that could mean a lot of work if and when we get the corridor into the hands of the Township and trail starts to be made. We gathered at the Lowell office and carpooled down to Pratt Lake where the Michigan DNR has a nice boat access for sport fishing. From there we split up. A team consisting of two snowshoers, a cross-country skier and a hiker headed south to cover the three miles that head into Bowne Township. A second team consisting of four hikers headed north toward Lowell. With clear blue skies and

Old buckshot ridden truck In the Lowell State Game Area. From left, Rob Corbett, Gordon Lachniet, and Ben Nickson.

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Many joined in the group hike through the Lowell State Game Area. From left, Tiffany Stram, Mark Stram, John Lawther, Ann Ingersoll, Jack Post, Jack Amelar, Gordon Lachnlet, Ben Nickson, Nan Nickson, Dave Goodman, and Aaron Phipps. Four legged hikers from left, Angel, Dutchess, Nikita, Odhlnn.

about 18 inches of snow on the ground we had a wonderful opportunity to see the backsides and woodlots of West Michigan's farms. The rail bed runs through woods and wetlands and open field so as you would imagine, turkey and deer tracks were plentiful. A more surprising find was one set of tracks that were clearly that of a bobcat!

Aside from the views big and small, there was the walking. Hiking at a good clip through 18 inches of snow with a few good snowdrifts here and there will give you a good workout. It felt good to stretch and get the sedentary kinks out of the limbs. Had I thought to bring the dog I could have gotten an upper body workout too since I'd no doubt have ended up carrying his 85 pound carcass four-fifths of the way. Certainly he is glad I didn't.

In addition to the rail corridor, we managed to hike all of the segments of the trail through Lowell State Game Area and Fallasburg Park in consecutive Saturdays since our rail corridor hike. Blessed with good weather and more than our normal allotment of sunny skies, we scouted some new land for segments that could replace the current on-road portions of the trail through residential areas where no sidewalks exist. Getting the trail off the streets and into the woods will be a great improvement that will

secure Certification approval from the National Park Service.

Scouting the potential new route is just plain fun. Much of the land in the outskirts of town is a patchwork of public and private land overlooking the Flat River. Large plantations of white pines quilted with stands of mixed hardwoods and old fields now giving way to red cedar, viburnum and other pioneer species all give a good variety of sights and a profusion of local winged wildlife. If we are lucky, and get the cooperation of the city, the township, and a couple of key private landowners, the road walk leaving Lowell will be mostly in the woods.

Our most recent walk was the signal that spring is officially here.

We assembled, as usual, behind the Headquarters building and carpooled out to the State Game Area for an inventory of maintenance needs for the Chapter's first trail workday. There were robins in the library lawn, redwinged blackbirds on the Flat River and thirteen hikers accompanied by four dogs all itching to get going.

We walked five miles of trail and noted all the deadfall trees, some potential for turnpike work (raised trailbed) and a 1950s vintage flat bed Ford that would have to be dealt with.

While the trees and the turnpike can be accomplished in a couple weekends,

the truck is a different matter. Resting on a bench of a ridge overlooking the Flat River, it will have to be cut up and lifted out, or floated in pieces down the river, since dragging it out with a winch would do terrible damage to the soft sandy slopes and young trees there. The truck, along with the reroutes, will provide some interesting problems to chew on this year.

After the walk everyone seemed satisfied. The hikers got to see the woods and examine the trail while the dogs got to sniff out old dens to discover the coveted frosty shrewcicles and winter-kill squirrel snacks.

Everyone got what they wanted and all is right with the world again. With any luck the weather will hold for my son's first Boy Scout campout and we'll have a less than soggy April for trail maintenance and maybe some backpacking in Ohio.

In any case, my wife and I got a jump on the conditioning and the pants are fitting better all around.

Regular hiking and a discrete approach to food consumption is all it takes. As for the dog, he agrees with the hiking but wants no part of the calorie control. For Odhinn, "dietary indiscretions" are as serious an endeavor as hiking and backpacking. In fact, all too often for him, they seem to go together.

Smorgasbord, In Many Senses?

bringing people together to work toward this connection are resulting in 18 miles of new trail across both public and private land. But Bill is never one to sit and feel satisfied with present accomplishments. Now he's wondering who will take on the task in the Adirondacks.

Bring on the food! Who doesn't like all the choices to be found at a smorgasbord? And we do have food in abundance to mention in this column. But "smorgasbord" also connotes great variety in a resource. That is certainly what these three volunteers bring to the table: a variety of talents to share with the trail community.

Western Michigan Chapter

Finger Lakes Trail Conference Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack Mtn. Club Although BILL COFFIN has hiked in Switzerland, Norway, and Spain, has scaled Mt. Kilimanjaro, is an Adirondack 46'er, and done the Northville-Lake Placid Trail twice, he says that a long time ago he used to wonder "Why build long trails?" Most people just hike for an hour or an afternoon or a weekend. But over time he came to realize that they are needed by those people who are "seized by wanderlust."

Long trails "take you somewhere; they connect resources, people and cultures." And he's spent literally thousands of hours over the past several decades working hard so that you can walk your dog, or walk to the next state if you so desire.

Since the early 1970's Bill has volunteered with the Biii Coffin Finger Lakes Trail (FLT). And the North Country Trail (NCT) found him, when it was commissioned in 1980. The list of trail organization offices he's held, local and state-wide, fills an entire sheet of paper! 300 words are not going to skim the surface of his accomplishments. He's promoted foot trails with the public, with legislators and agencies. Bill has been a trail steward, and one who oversees others in this position. He's made many contacts with landowners seeking and receiving permission for trails to cross their lands.

One particularly rewarding area that has been a focus of his energy is working to connect the FLT to the Adirondacks.

Bill was a leader in the formation of the highly active Central New York Chapter. A smorgasbord of route ideas through that area has now been refined to the Onondaga Branch-Link Trail combination which the NCT will follow. His skills at

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Now we'll welcome you to the literal smorgasbord.

STEPHANIE BLACK's mother-in-law bought her an NCT membership about six years ago, and she attended the Chapter Christmas party. She's been involved ever since. She says she's always loved the outdoors, but didn't realize until recently how much she liked hiking.

'Tm intrigued by putting everything on your back and just going ... " she mused. Members say, "she cooks a lot ... like at every event!" This alone boggles my mind. And when Stephanie told me that her full-time occupation is that of a chef, kitchenStephanie Black o-phobic I could barely complete the interview. But if you come to a Western Michigan event, Stephanie will make you "feel welcomed, very welcomed," and enjoy doing it. She may cook on a camp stove out of the back of a pick-up, on a park grill, or bring things made at home. Her favorite is the "challenge of cooking over a foe." She delights in trying different things. She casually mentioned things we don't usually expect as trail food: fresh vegetables, continental breakfasts, hors d'oeuvres ... Your meal may be rustic (she liked the one she served in white crockery bowls), or fancy with colored picnic cloths and flowers. But at the end of a long work day you can look forward to a wonderful dinner she has prepared. Now Stephanie comes to the Christmas parties armed with homemade jams and breads as presents for other people. Keep in mind that this is the largest chapter in the Association. She's not just kneading dough for 3 or 4 loaves of bread!

And by the way, she's Chapter Vice President, and also helps with trail maintenance. Another of her priorities is working with youth at her church. We have to wonder with one of Stephanie's friends (in between bouts of rejoicing and rubbing our happy tummies), "Where does she find the time?"

Mark Halvorsen, right, explaining Day event.

the NCT at a National Trails

Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore MARK HALVORSEN brings his own smorgasbord of talents to the Trail. He works full time as a clinical social worker with the county mental health department. But he likes being in the wild forest. "Walking is healing," he commented. "It's very different from what I do all day long. It gives me a different perspective." And he's walked 114 of the 122 miles maintained by this new chapter. Tracking him down for an interview was a challenge too since in his other spare time he has a lead role in a play nearly an hour away from his home in St. Ignace .. I say "other spare time" because the NCT obviously owns a chunk of his life. He was a key member of the group who formed this Chapter in 2002. He had come across the NCT often while out walking, hunting or fishing with friends. The idea "percolated in all our heads," he said, and finally they made the

SPONSORED

contacts and received their charter. He's taken the Forest Service training to be certified as a "feller" in chain saw use.

He worked to secure roadway trail-crossing signs. He also designed the chapter brochure.

Mark explained that right after the chapter formed they realized that they "had a million things to do" but that they had nothing concrete to give people to tell them about the trail. So Mark wrote some text, applied skills from his degree in geology that helped him include a map, and then sketched some beautiful art work to complement it all. The result is a Chapter brochure they are proud to distribute. "Now that more people know about the trail, it's easier to have a meaningful conversation, " Mark offered.

Mark's most personally rewarding contribution has been the Adopt-a-Section project. With 122 miles of trail some members were getting discouraged. Mark decided to divide up the miles into manageable sections, with reasonable expectations of walking, marking, and reporting problems on the trail. This has worked very well. "People have developed emotional ownership of a section, so they choose to put in even more time than we ask," he commented. There's a motivational lesson that we all need to learn!

Well, step right up to that smorgasbord. Bring your forks and your boots. Help yourself to some wild huckleberry cobbler or a trail brochure. Follow the trail through National Forests, or through a farmer's wood lot. Say, while you're here why not bring a talent of your own, dig in and develop some of that emotional vision for this whole trail? There's a lot here to love.

All three of this month's volunteers invited me to come hike their sections and enjoy their talents and hospitality. I'm sure they invite you too. What are we waiting for?

To nominate someone for Heart & Sole contact me, Joan Young, 231-757-2205 or jhy@t-one.net.

MEMBERSHIP

FORM

Our Sponsored Membership Program allows current members to sign up new members at an introductory rate of just $18.00. To qualify, Sponsored Members must be new to NCTA, or not have been members for at least two years. The $18.00 rate is good only for the first year of membership. To use the program, just fill your name in the "Sponsored by" box.

Then, give the form to a friend to finish.

Please choose your Chapter afflllatlon:

D Member of a specific Chapter : ------------

â&#x20AC;˘ASSOCIATIONâ&#x20AC;˘

0 Member of my closest Chapter (If one exists) O At-Large Member (Not affiliated with any Chapter)

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

Sponsored by

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Name (Please Print)

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Plone

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Address

City

State

Skills to Volunteer

E-mail Address

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WillingSeller Bill Moves Forward JFROM

s many of our members know, when Congress authorized the North Country National Scenic Trail in 1980, it specificallyprohibited the federal government from buying land or easements for the trail outside the boundaries of certain areas such as National Forests.

Of the 26 Congressionally designated trails in the National Trails System, nine share this prohibition.

For the North Country Trail (NCT), this restriction is particularly debilitating. We have more than 2,000 miles of trail yet to build across what currently is privately held land. So for the past several years, we've been working diligently with other trail groups to pass an amendment to the National Trails System Act that would allow the federal government to buy land and easements from willing sellers.

It's important to note that this specifically would not allow condemnation or "eminent domain" taking ofland.

Instead, it would mean that the law would be changed to allow the government to buy land for the trail only if the landonwer wanted to sell.

Those who've been with us a while also know that we've been fighting this battle in Congress for a long time.

Though we passed a bill in the House of Representatives in two previous Congresses, we never were able to get a bill passed in the Senate. The way Congress works, identical versions of a bill have to pass both the House and the Senate before the President can sign them into law. Every two years, any pending bills that have not been signed into law are thrown out and a "new" Congress takes over.

When the current iteration of Congress took office in January 2003, we decided to focus our attention on the Senate first. This past summer, with the help of Senators Levin (Mich.) and Allard (Colo.) we finally passed a National Trails System Willing Seller bill in the Senate, and turned our attention back to the House to start over there.

Fortunately, Congressman John Peterson from Pennsylvania took an interest in the issue and agreed to introduce a bill for us that would

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match the version passed in the Senate last summer. This new House bill was introduced in late February, and now the push is on to convince the House of Representatives to pass it intact.

WE NEED YOUR HELP to do this! Election years can get pretty dicey when it comes to passing legislation, so we need to act quickly to move this bill. Our success will depend on two things. One is our ability to convince other Representatives to "co-sponsor" the bill, and the other is our ability to encourage the appropriate House committee to move the bill intact to the floor for a vote, instead of letting it languish.

We've added some information to our website to show you how you can help. Basically, an e-mailed or faxed note to your Congressman and/or the House committee chair is all we need.

You'll find a link to this information on the main page of our website: www. northcountrytrail.org. Letters sent by U.S. mail probably won't help because it may take weeks for them to arrive due to added security screening in Congress.

The information on the web site also will show you which Representatives already have agreed to co-sponsor this bill for us. If you find that yours is one of these, a note of

Despite all you hear about the influence of highly paid lobbyists, a few simple ''thank yous" or pleas for help from constituents really do go a long, long way in Congress.

thanks from you would be extremely helpful. Despite all you hear about the influence of highly paid lobbyists, a few simple "thank you's" or pleas for help from constituents really do go a long, long way in Congress.

It's important to note that getting this authority doesn't mean that the National Park Service will start buying land right away. We'll still need to secure funding appropriations from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) for this purpose, and public involvement and planning processes will need to take place in most areas of the trail. Fortunately, even with the grim budget situation in Washington, the President's budget includes commitments to fund the LWCF at $900 million, which is significantly higher than in past years. Also, the National Park Service is looking into the possibility of doing more streamlined planning.

All this means that things are really corning together for the North Country National Scenic Trail!

â&#x20AC;˘ Speaking of things corning together, we've now completed our new three-year fund development plan. This plan marks the beginning of our efforts to generate the high level of funding we'll need to tackle the significant trail planning, construction and protection projects we'll face on those 2,000 plus miles of trail that remain to be built.

The first step in this plan is to raise the money to hire a new coordinator for our fund raising program. We'll be looking for funds from foundations and corporations, and also are hoping that our members will choose to contribute toward this important goal. Our target is to raise enough to cover payroll and program expenses for the first two years, with the expectation that the program will be paying for itself by the time those two years are up.

Starting in April, those interested in contributing toward this new phase of the NCTA will find on our website information on our progress and goals and an on-line contribution form. I hope you'll take a look. As always, thanks for your interest and support of the trail!

Winter-time Blues Lead to Thoughts of Spring Hikes and Trail Work s I sit here and search out the window into the pale white sky yielding a steady light rain and near forty-degree temperatures, I can almost believe that it's early spring and iceout is just around the corner. A glance to the ground and the piles of snow there quickly return me to mid-winter and this year's January thaw that's taken until mid-February to arrive.

Oh, and what a nasty winter it's been, punishing any who'd been lulled into thinking the milder past winters were becoming the norm. While every year about this time we do seem to have doubts as to why we've chosen to reside in the "North Country," we know that existing without all four seasons really isn't possible for us.

I have discoveredthat getting away from winter for a couple of weeks (hopefully the coldest part of winter) does help it pass by. While gone, I like to explore and take a few hikes.

There's nothing quite like a stroll in the sun through the forest to arrive at a great view or maybe discover a waterfall. After a few weeks' respite, it's stiff upper lip time when you land at the airport and you better hope your winter coat is handy before you hit the airport door. But you've gotten this far and the end can't really be that long now.

In these pursuits I make use of county, state and federal parks and trails and they seem strained. At a state park beach, I inquired about hiking opportunities that I had read about in a guidebook. A member of the park staff told me about a trail that followed the coast on both sides of the beach that was closed now due to surf damage and the state had no money for repairs. It seemed as if just about all entities were relying on their "Friends Groups" to help fill the gaps and to be their advocates in the legislativeprocess.

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I guess I found that it was a lot like it is in Minnesota where I live, and a lot like the process that we are undertaking to build and maintain the North Country Trail (NCT).

But I'm back now. My vacation is over and I know that it's just a matter of time before the temperature drops a little and the rain changes over to snow. A few inches overnight and another great morning commute.

But the spring tease is enough to get a body considering how they will be spending their time on the NCT once winter relents. Of course we can snowshoe or maybe ski on the NCT in the winter (there's not much of the Trail in Minnesota that I'd be comfortable skiing on). It's a lot of fun now but getting any trail work done is pretty much impossible. We can still plan, though. And our "Friends Group" has a large mission and plenty of great opportunities for you to join in, help out and have fun.

If you like trail work or if you're curious about this rewarding pursuit, spring provides the first and best opportunity to join in. All of the Affiliates and I'm sure most of the chapters will have trail work outings/days/trips in late April and May that they would love to have you join them on. Here in Minnesota, the Itasca Moraine Chapter will be continuing to build the NCT west through Paul Bunyan State Forest towards Itasca, and the Minnesota Wilderness Trails Alliance has many

Visit the NCTA web site, www.northcountrytrail.org far upcoming trail work opportunities in your state.

trips scheduled to maintain the footpaths in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area including the Minnesota Reroute trails, the Boundary Route Trail and the Kekekabic Trail. Check the NCTA web site at www.northcountrytrail.org for upcoming trail work opportunities in your state.

Spring is one of the best times to enjoy the NCT (my wife Pat says all of the time is the best time for me). A short hike anywhere on the NCT is sure to be enjoyableand a few days under pack, well, count yourself among the lucky. If you're looking for a surefire way to enjoy trails this spring you may consider attending the annual meeting of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, the BuckeyeTrail Association or the Superior Hiking Trail Association. These NCTA partners are all holding their annual meeting this spring and I can tell you after attending two of the three that these are great events, They include a lot of opportunity to hike and explore the natural world, plus the chance to meet with and be part of a great group of people, trail people. The presentations, workshops, meals, meetings and the hiking always make these unforgettable weekends.

If you're idling away a mid-winter's afternoon planning/ dreaming your year's activities on the NCT, when you get to summer make sure that the first thing you do is mark down the NCTA Annual Conference, August 5 to 8, Marietta, Ohio. This is not to be missed. I'm especiallylooking forward to this year's conference, because it will provide me with the opportunity to have hiked on the NCT in all seven states. The conference is always great fun. Long and short hikes planned for all full conference days, short hikes other days, non-hiking outing opportunities and workshops fill our days while great evening cuisine, a community welcome, interesting presentations and lastly, our infamous Saturday evening live auction provide evening entertainment. The Conference is an event we always enjoy and alwayslook forward to. I hope that you'll be able to join us; I'm looking forward to hiking with you a bit and visiting while we stroll down the NCT.

Election Time!

It's Time to Vote for Your Board of Directors

T

he North Country Trail Association's nominating committee offers the following candidates as nominees for election to the Board of Directors of the NCTA. This year, our two at-large candidates are incumbents. John Leinen, Jr. currently serves as President of the Board, and Irene Szabo currently serves as Vice President, East. We also have three regional candidates,

nominated by their respective Trail Councils. This year's Trail Council nominees include: Carl Boesel representing Ohio, Bert Nemcik representing Pennsylvania, and Mikel Classen representing our Great Lakes Trail Council. All would be new to the Board.

The ballot for voting is reproduced on the opposite page. Please note that our bylaws treat each mern-

bership as a household, and allow only one vote per membership.

Two other new members already have joined the Board. These were appointed by our President to fill vacancies. The appointees are Jim Baldwin, a member of our Chief Noonday Chapter, and Sarah Julien, a member of our Western Michigan Chapter. For details, please see the article on page 28.

At-Large Seats

huge growth of the North Country Trail Association during his involvement. He is committed to continue to help strengthen the organization so that it is capable of building and maintaining this wonderful national treasure. Currently he is focused on improving the NCTA's communication program and its fund raising ability so that we will have the means available to complete this huge trail.

Great Lakes Trail Council

John Leinen, Jr., Minnesota A life-long resident of Minnesota, John and his wife Pat have lived in the St. Croix River valley for the past 27 years.

A general contractor by profession, he has 25 years expenence operating his own company. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota since 1992 and currently is a member at-large of the Council's John Leinen, Jr. Executive Committee. John is a co-founder of the Minnesota Wilderness Trails Alliance and was their coordinator for their 1994 "Trails for Tomorrow" project.

John was chosen as the American Hiking Society's Minnesota Trail Volunteer of the Year in 1997. John has served three terms as Director for the North Country Trail Association, his first beginning in 1995, and currently is President.

John has been gratified by the

Irene Szabo, New York Irene is currently Vice-President East, ending her first three-year term on board.

She is President of Finger Lakes Trail Conference Board, an NCTA partner, contributing editor to The North Star, fanatical caretaker for more than 20 trail miles since 1987, chair of N.Y. State Trails Council, and author of several FLT guidebooks.

"I am interested in contributing Irene Szabo my own little incremental share to the ongoing 'growing-up' of the NCTA as an organization, and to the outreach effort to market the North Country Trail as a worthy hiking destination. Won't know what to do with myself after three more years when I won't have two drives yearly to Michigan!"

Mikel B. Classen, Michigan A thirty year resident of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Mikel Classen has been involved with environmental and recreational issues throughout the peninsula. As a journalist and photographer, he has first hand perspective of the area and its uniqueness.

Mikel is an avid hiker, backpacker, canoeist, fisherman, historian and traveler, and publishes articles on all of these activities. Mikel also occasionally works as a guide for hikers and backpackers. Last year, he co-founded the Pictured Rocks Hikers and Backpackers Rendezvous and Symposium, an annual event in Grand Marais. He also served for four years on the board of the Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition.

Having spent time over the past years exploring and hiking the Grand Marais area, particularly on the NCT, Mikel saw the need for a local NCTA chapter. Working with David Beckwith, Mikel founded the Grand Marais Chapter. The Chapter adopted a large section of trail along Lake Superior to close a gap between two other NCTA Chapters. Mikel was elected President and is working on getting the Chapter organized and running.

"For me, the Upper Peninsula is one of the last true bastions of wilderness in the Midwest and the diversity of ecosystems that exist between the Eastern U.P. and Western U.P. overwhelm the senses. The North Country

National Scenic Trail takes the hiker right through the heart of this diversity into areas that few ever experience. I feel it is the single most important recreational project for our area."

Ohio Trail Council Carl Boesel, Ohio Carl Boesel, a retired pathologist (from Ohio State University) who still works part-time, is a life-member of. the Buckeye Trail Association, and has been a Trustee for five years. He is a maintainer of off-road trail on his and his wife's 133-acre property and adjacent trail, and is Section Supervisor of the Old Man's Cave Section of the Buckeye Trail. Other memberships include the NCTA, the Land Trust Alliance, and the advisory board to the Hocking Hills Land Trust of Appalachia Ohio Alliance. Interests include trail maintenance, environmental restoration, and land conservation.

"I believe the primary goal of the

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NCTA should be to strive to improve the quality of off-road trail by assuring good maintenance, improving existing trail, and relocating trail that is poorly designed. In summary, I would like to be on the Board to help the NCTA accomplish the following: 1. Work with property owners to improve and develop off-road trail.

2. Initiate ways to minimize the impact of off-road vehicles and horses by, for example, providing alternate routes and at the same time limiting access to the foot trail.

3. Assure continued and improved quality of off-road trail by a trail inspection program.

4. Work with conservation and land trust organizations to further common goals."

Pennsylvania Trail Council Bert Nemcik, Pennsylvania "I've been hiking and backpacking for the past 34 years, most of

,

Official Ballot 2004 Election Board of Directors

This is the official ballot for the 2004 election to the Board of Directors of the North Country Trail Association. You will not receive a separate ballot in the mail.

Each NCTA membership is categorized as a household, and our bylaws permit only one ballot per membership. Please mark the ballot and mail or fax to:

North Country Trail Association - Election 229 East Main Street, Lowell, Ml 49331 Fax Number: (616) 897-6605

At Large $eats - Vote for Two D John Leinen

D Write-In

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D Irene Szabo

D Write-In

_

Trail Council Reeresentatiyes- Vote for One Per Region

L

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Great Lakes

D Mlkel Classen

D Write-In

Ohio

D Carl Boesel

D Write-In

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Bert Nemcik

it near my home in the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) in northwestern Pennsylvania.

"In 1998, my wife, Cheryl, our dog, Bernard, and I hiked the 97 miles of the NCT in our forest. At the time, I didn't appreciate all the volunteer work that went into building and maintaining the trail. The trail was just there for us to use. At the time, trail community didn't mean much to me.

"When I returned from my Appalachian Trail (AT) thru-hike in 2002, I wanted to do something to give back to the trail community. My first thought was to volunteer working on the AT, but the nearest section is 200 miles away.

"The NCT is right in my own back yard, crossing over Henrys Mills Bridge just 12 miles away from my home. I knew that the ANF section of the NCT was certified but not yet adopted by a chapter.

"I contacted Bob Tate, who was the Penn. Trail Council Chair and an NCTA board member, and expressed my desire to form a chapter in the ANF. He welcomed me to the NCTA and within three months, we held our first chapter meeting. One year later, we've grown to 32 members and are working on promoting the trail in the ANF. "There is much more to do. I would like be a board member so I can continue to contribute to the work of the NCTA. I hope in my lifetime the trail will be completed from end to end, all 4,175 miles.

"Leaving such a legacy for our children and grandchildren seems like a just and noble cause. I want to be a part by contributing my energy, enthusiasm, creativity, knowledge of trail comrnunlity, and wanderlust for America's great wild places in service to the NCTA."

·A~~ii~j~~~·~~·~~·-·;:h~.N~~th.st~~·27

2 Members Named to Board Vacancies B I

esides the at-large directors being elected this year by the membership, NCTA President John Leinen Jr., has appointed two other new directors to fill out the terms of directors who resigned or whose seats were vacant.

The appointees are James G. Baldwin, a member of the Chief Noonday Chapter, and Sarah Julien, a member of the Western Michigan Chapter, who both fill out terms that has been vacant. Their backgrounds:

Jim Baldwin Jim is a resident of Richland, Mich., and Scottsdale, Ariz. He is an avid day hiker in west Michigan and the mountains and canyons of the desert southwest, and also enjoys alpine skiing, landscape photography and flying. He worked for large manufacturing companies in production planning, manufacturing and general management positions.

In 1982, he started a urethane foam manufacturing business, and in 1990 a mold and tool making business. Retired in 1994. Currently he is a SCORE counselor helping people interested in starting small businesses.

Jim agreed to accept an appointment to the NCTA Board because he is impressed by the enormous impact volunteers have had on the success of the trail movement across the country, and wanted to contribute to that effort. He hopes to bring to the NCTA board additional help in building membership, long range planning and financial stability.

Sarah Julien Sarah Julien, a member of the Western Michigan chapter, is an enthusiastic outdoorswoman who has hiked all over the West and the Superior Hiking Trail with her husband, Michael, as well as the North Country Trail in Michigan.

She has served several kinds of civic organizations in Kent County, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Forest Hills Education Association, a member of the board of Voigt House, a Grand Rapids historical landmark, and as President of the Forest Hills Cultural Arts Committee. She has also worked as a docent at the Public Sarah Julien Museum of Grand Rapids, organized races for charity, written grants and has had experience in fund raising. Of possible service on the NCTA Board, Sarah wrote: "In my opinion one of the biggest challenges facing the NCT is its lack of recognition. I am surprised how many people don't even realize that the NCT exists almost literally in their back yards. ".. .I feel that my experience as a Trustee for the Forest Hills Educational Foundation and other organizations I have worked for will help me as a Board member for NCTA. I have headed and been a participant on many committees. I would like to help the board and the Association continues its efforts to inform the public about the Trail and especially to broaden its base of support.

"I appreciate being considered for a Board position."

HATS

SHIRTS

A. Royal Mesh-Back Cap (c201)

G. Trail Crew T-shirt ( c102)

Mesh back, cotton twill front, royal blue, plastic snap strap $10.95 B. Light Khaki/Navy Cap (C207) Trail emblem design. Low profile washed cotton, unconstructed. Light khaki crown with washed navy bill. Adjustable buckle on fabric strap .

A trail crew shirt for volunteers! 50/50 blend.

Two color design on front with map and a "fired up" volunteer. Color: tan.

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$14.95

C. Denim Blue Cap (C203) Pro-wash cotton twill with extended bill, deep blue crown and bill (looks like denim), adjustable buckle on a leather strap

$15.95

L, XL

T-SHIRTS

$10.95, XXL.. $12.95

H. NCTA T-Shlrt ( c101) Pre-shrunk cotton "Beefy-T", Three-color NCTA logo on front and two-color map on back which reads "Going the Distance on the North Country National Scenic Trail," includes seven state map.

Color: natural.

Rediscover Nature

S, M, L, XL.... $11.95, XXL ... $12.95

D. Grey-Moss Green Cap (C206)

I. Sweatshirts

Low profile distressed washed cotton twill.

Adjustable buckle on fabric strap ....... $14.95 E. Sun Protection (C210) Wide bill, Supplex® tan nylon, soft and breathable. Adjustable clip back $18.50 F. The Aussie Hat (C209) Natural color, cotton canvas with full brim and rope cord with adjustable slider. $24.50

M, L, XL..

$34.95, XXL. $37.95

Goldenrod (M & L sold out) ( C107A) Khaki Green (L sold out) ( C107B) Denim (L sold out) ( C107C) Light Raspberry (XXL sold out) ( C107D) J. Polo Shirt (c106) Embroidered association logo. Color: tan

M, L, XXL..

The 100% cotton "leaf" shirt available in: Dusty Blue : (C.110) Pale Plum (C.110A)

S, M, L, XL: $15.95, XXL: $17.95

$31.95

K. Fleece Vest (cios) Embroidered trail logo. Color: grey

M, L, XL, XXL

$38.95

L. Blue Shirt ( c112)

"Blue Blazes" 50150 Poly Cotton blend on ash gray shirt.

Embroidered NCTA logo. 100% cotton, collard polo shirt. Color: blue

J S, M, L, XL, XXL

(C.109)

Short sleeve

$39.95

S, M, L, XL: $1195, XXL: $13.95 (C.109A)

Long sleeve

M, L, XL: $15.95, XXL: $17.95

1E

······· · · "A~·;;i~j~~~-;~~~---;:t;~-N~~th.st·~-~-29

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NCT TRAIL MAP SETS 1:100,000 SCALE

CERTIFIED SECTIONS Of THE NCT

MINNESOTA Chippewa N.F. to Paul Bunyan S.F.

Printed in full color on durable paper, this pocket size map unfolds to a full n'' x 17", doubleside.

These maps do not come in a plastic bag.

NEW YORK

$3.50

(MN-09)

NORTH DAKOTA Showing four sections of trail (ND-SE)

$3.50

Rome to Finger Lakes Trail

1:24,000 SCALE

$3.50

(NY-04)

PENNSYLVANIA Allegheny National Forest

$3.50

(PA-01)

Allegheny National Forest to State Game Land 95

$3.50

(PA-02)

Printed in full color on durable paper these new maps come in a clear plastic bag to assure complete water protection. They have been carefully field checked for accuracy. Each map unfolds to a full n" x 1]''.

MICHIGAN

Detailed information and maps highlighting the longest and best off-road segments of the Trail. These are accurate route descriptions by experienced guidebook writers who have walked the sections with a measuring wheel. In easy to use looseleaf form.

PENNSYLVANIA NCT in Pennsylvania, 37 pages

$6.00

(M201) ........................•.........................

PENNSYLVANIA

Marshall to Bowne Township

McConnels Mill and Moraine State Parks

$3.50

(Ml-02)

$5.00

(T201)

MICHIGAN

Bowne Township to M-37

$3.50

(Ml-03)

Freesoil Trailhead to Cedar Creek Road (Ml-05)

By Byron and Margaret Hutchins

Huron-Manistee N.F.: South Segment (T403)

$8.00

$3.50

r ••••••••••••

Cedar Creek Road to Charlevoix County

$3.50

(Ml-06)

Charlevoix County to Mackinac Bridge

$3.50

(Ml-07)

Mackinac Bridge to Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway

$3.50

(Ml-08)

Map shown: Grand Marias to Au Train Lake

Curley Lewis to Grand Marais

$3.50

(Ml-09)

Grand Marais to Au Train Lake

$3.50

(Ml-10)

Au Train Lake to Little Garlic Falls

$3.50

(Ml-11)

Alberta to Cascade Falls

$3.50

(Ml-13)

Cascade Falls to Ironwood

$3.50

(Ml-14)

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

$3.50

(Wl-01)

Long Mile Lookout to Solon Spring

$3.50

(Wl-02)

N

NO<th Country Trait (Certttled)' North Country Trail (Not Certified) Temporary Connector

A

Selected Other Trail

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Miles Between Paints Highway Paved Road GraveVOirt Road

UTM GOO and 2002 Magnejjc Norlh

Other Road

D00i:l1idion

Two Track

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Oiagram is approximaiu

Public Land Fishing Ranger Station

8

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e-mail: hq@northcountrytrail.org

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OHIO Wayne National Forest, 14 pages (M301) $3.00 From Burr Oak State Park to Milford on the Buckeye Trail, 38 pages (M3032) $14.00 Milford to Lake Loramie S.P., 42 pages (M304A) $7.00 Miami & Erie Canal from Lake Loramie State Park to Napoleon, 30 pages (M305A) $5.00

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

$12.50 $13.00

STATE PATCHES 2.00 ea.

VOLUNTEER PATCHES2.ooea.

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Volunteer 2000 Volunteer 2001 Volunteer 2002 Trail Crew Hike Leader Trail Mapper Organizer

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

(P133) (P134) (P135) (P136) (P137) (P138) (P139)

WISCONSIN Iron County Forests; Chequamegon N.F., Brule River S.F., 27 pages (M501A) $4.50

NCTA PEN

Labeled with North Country Trail Association and web site (P106)

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MINNESOTA Chippewa National Forest, Itasca S.P., 24 pages (M601) $4.00

NORTH DAKOTA NCT in North Dakota 15 pages (M701)

$5.00

NCT PATCH Patch of Trail Emblem 3\6 " bottom measure North Country Trail emblem triangle design (P125)

$3.50

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

A. Painted color (P105) B. Brass (P104) C. The Trail Emblem cloisonne

$4.00 $4.00

pin is 7/8' and features the updated North Country triangle design. (P102)

$3.00

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

Ohio State Line at Waldron to Augusta (M411A)

$4.00 Pictured Rocks Natlonal Lakeshore

by Olive Anderson rict!illto llOCM

Augusta to Rogue River State Game Area (M412A)

$4.00

Rogue River State Game Area to M-115 West of Mesick (M413A)

$4.00

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

$4.00

M-32 West of U.S. 131 to Mackinaw City (M415A)

$4.00

St. Ignace to SE Marquette (M416A)

$4.00

Marquette to Ironwood (M417A)

$4.00

WoodMd Scene on pebbletat (C-105) S, M, 1, XL: $10.95, XXL: $11.95

An illustrated guide to the l'l.llTJOl'llll. ~JllmmoKt centerpiece of the North A GUIDI! Country National Scenic Trail. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a rug ged, beautiful, and unique coast on the Lake Superior Shore. Revised in 2002, thi guidebook includes maps and excellent descriptions of recreational opportunities available at Pictured Rocks.

56 pages (L110)

$6.95

路- - - - -- . -- . A~;ii~j~~~-;~~~ 路路-rh~. N~~th-st~~. 3i

Take a Hike

Great Wisconsin Walks

by Rich and Sue Freeman

by Wm. Chad McGrath

Explore the Finger Lakes and Genesee Valley with ease and convenience. 51 walks are completely described. 264 pages (L119) $16.95

Describes some of the state's most beautiful and interesting paths. Includes walks in the woods and in the cities. 160 pages (L116) $16.95

First Aid and Family Emergency Handbook This compact book tells you what to do in emergency and then what to do to protect a victim. 252 pages (L125) $6.00

Great Minnesota Walks Peak Experiences

by Wm. Chad McGrath

Lipsmackin' Backpackin'

by Gary Pallesen

by Tim and Christine Connors

A guide to the highest points in every New York county.

Includes maps, directions to trailheads, and some alternate routes. 288 pages (L120) $16.95

Dine on spaghetti, chicken salad, and cheesecake in the backcountry instead of gorp, cereal bars, and jerky. 232 pages (L118) $15.95 路

50 Hikes in Michigan

Describes some of the state's most beautiful and interesting paths. Includes walks beside river rapids and scenic overlooks. 168 pages (L117)

$16.95 America's National Scenic Trails

by Kathleen Ann Cordes

by Jim DuFresne

Hiking with Kids

Describes the best trails in the Lower Peninsula.

Includes access, parking, hiking times, contour maps, and explicit trail directions. 252 pages (L109) $17.95

Introduce your children to the wonders of hiking. This answers any questions and gives valuable tips. 70 pages (L123) $6.95

by Robin Tawney

History, the present condition, points of interest, and other details for each of the eight national scenic trails. 306

$19.95 Babes in the Woods

by Bobbi Hoadley PorcupineMountains

by Jim DuFresne

The Country Doctor, Alive and Well

Describes the Porkies for hikers, campers, skiers, and backpackers. Includes history, cabins, camping areas, day hikes, and waterfalls. 160 pages (L108) $11.95

His stories will entertain and charm you. Has advice on home remedies and alternative medicine for self-care.

363 pages (L115) $19.95

Hiking Minnesota

Hiking!

by john G. Hipps M. D.

The women's guide to eating well, sleeping well, and having fun in the backcountry. 125 pages (L131) $12.95

Edible Wild Plants

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

$5.95

by John Pukite This edition has descriptions, maps, and basic elevation profiles for 87 hikes in Minnesota. 273 pages .(L132) $14.95

Atlas of Michigan

by Dennis R. Hansen This third edition has for over 600 hiking, biking, skiing, and nature trails in Michigan. 789 pages (L102A)

$34.95

Hih inz

"' Minnesota

by Philip Farranti and Cecilia Leyva

Backpacking Wisconsin

A fresh look at hiking including its philosophy, health aspects for kids and seniors, and stronger family ties. 245 pages (L106) $14.95

by jack P. Hailman & Elizabeth D. Hai/man

The Appalachian Trail Food Planner

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) $19.95

Follow the Blue Blazes

by Lou Adsmond

by RobertJ Pond

Proven food tips for a short backpack to a six-month rhru-hike, Includes recipes for easy trailside cooking. 128 pages (L126) $15.95

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

'---~~~~~-'--~-'

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ORDERTOLL FREE! 1-888-HIKE NCT

Buck Wilder's Hiking & Camping Guide

by Tim Smith and Mark Herrick

Hikeable Segments of the North Country National Scenic Trail

Guide to NCT, Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota

by Roderick MacRae

This new 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

Great color illustrations filled with humor with tips and trivia. Appears to be a book for kids, but adults find it's lots of fun and informative. 64 pages (L103) $12.95

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& TRAIL

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Description and trail log written by an expert.

12 pages (M611) $1.25

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路-----------"A~路;;i~j~;~-;~~~---;:h~-N~rth-st路~-~-33

The Work of the NPS Office, Part VI: Coordinating the Work and Setting the Standards

T

he North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) passes through seven states, more than 100 counties, and hundreds of park, forest, and other public land areas. There are so m;my partners working on various portions and aspects of the NCNST that without some ongoing coordination among the partners and decisions on standards for trail development, signing, maintenance, and use, the trail could become a hodge-podge of different-looking, disconnected individual trails.

The National Trails System Act states that the federal administering agency should involve all of these jurisdictions, as well as private interests, in the development and management of the trail. It charges the federal administering agency-in this case, the National Park Service (NPS)-with coordinating the work of willing partners and consulting with partners to make decisions about the trail. Consultation with federal, state, local, and private interests by the administering agency is mentioned numerous times in the Act. Coordinating (not controlling, as all participation is voluntary) the work of the many North Country Trail (NCT) partners is the most basic element of the work we do in Madison, Wis. It pervades or underlies every task we do, every communication we make, on a daily basis. Whether we are on the phone, responding to a letter, writing an email message, reviewing a certification application, looking over a map, or writing a section of a planning document, threaded through what we are doing is the goal of making it all work together to result in more miles of high quality trail and hiking experiences. It is such a constant, continuing aspect of our work that we are usually not specifically conscious of the fact that we are doing our job of coordination.

Sometimes, however, our coordination activities take on a more distinctive and/or formal flavor, as when we gather together with partners to discuss one or more trail development

34··-rh·~--N~rth".st~~-·-A·~~-ii~j"~~~-~~~~---·

National

Park Service

and management issues, or when we meet with highway planners and engineers to discuss how the continuity of the trail will be ensured across a new expressway, or when we hold public open house meetings in conjunction with trail route planning work.

Coordination occurs in a more formal way when we enter into written agreements with partners that describe our respective roles and responsibilities for the trail.

As the North Country Trail Association (NCTA) has grown in its staff and capabilities over the years, it has quite naturally taken on responsibilities for coordinating work among partners, particularly as it relates to volunteers and resources for building and maintaining the trail.

Consequently, the amount of time we spend coordinating the work of volunteers has decreased, except when policy issues arise or federal financial support for a project is involved. We still get plenty of calls from volunteers, but more and more of their needs are being directly met by the resources of NCTA and other private partners such as the Buckeye Trail Association and Finger Lakes Trail Conference.

Coordinating the work being done on and for the trail implies that there are some mutually agreed upon targets we are all working toward-and there are. They are now more clearly defined than when the efforts to establish trail began nearly 25 years ago.

The NPS's 1982 Comprehensive Plan for Management and Use of the Trail contained very few standards. It had some general guidelines, but recognized and allowed for the varying trail standards being used by the many land management agencies and private trail

organizations whose trails would make up parts of the NCT. The plan did not even specify a single color or shape for the paint blazes used along the trail.

As work on the trail progressed and matured during the 1980s and early 1990s, the identity of the NCNST grew in importance in the perspectives of its partners and there was a growing sense that more continuity, in some cases even uniformity, in the design, management, and signing of the trail was needed so that the various segments looked like they belonged to each other. Reviewing the various practices along the trail and consulting its public and private partners, the NPS developed and debuted in 1996 a set of standards for the trail entitled, "North Country National Scenic Trail-A Handbook for Trail Design, Construction, and Maintenance." Through the promulgation of these standards, the NPS was hoping to engender what it sometimes calls a "thread of continuity" in the appearance and experience provided by the trail. Many partners have embraced these standards and adjusted aspects of their trail development and management activities in the interest of greater continuity along the trail.

Other aspects of the trail also need consistent policies and standards, such as uses permitted on the trail. The National Trails System Act prohibits motorized use, but there have been concerns about bicycle and horse use.

The NPS communicated recommendations about such use to its partners in 1996 under its responsibility to permit only those uses "which will not substantially interfere with the nature and purposes of the trail." In December 2003, the NPS reiterated its position and more thoroughly explained the rationale for limiting bicycle and horse use on footpath segments.

Other areas of work for which the NPS offers standards are trail interpretation signs, use of the official trail emblem, and safety equipment and practices for volunteers.

Bridges Ready for Hikers in Michigan's U.P.

By Doug Welker Upper Peninsula Coordinator

A little work remains at the sites this ./"\spring but for the most part two splendid new bridges are ready for hikers in the Western Upper Peninsula of Michigan. They are part of a 13-mile section eastbound from Porcupine Wilderness State Park, one of the wildest stretches of the North Country National Scenic Trail.

Entirely on public land and lacking any road crossings or nearby roads, the stretch parallels the West Branch of the Big Iron River for much of its length, and crosses two sizeable streams, the Big Iron River and its West Branch.

When the segment was first built, those two streams were unbridged, resulting in potentially dangerous highwater crossings.

More than 20 years ago, the Ottawa National Forest contracted for two high arching bridges to be built, providing safe crossings. Standing on these bridges, I could easily make them sway a bit from side to side, but they did not seem dangerous.

But it was later determined that the bridge design was flawed. In 1997, the Ottawa was informed that the bridge over the West Branch had collapsed. Shortly thereafter, the Big Iron Bridge, of similar design, was officially closed. From 1997 until 2003, hikers once again had to contend with fording these streams.

In August 2003, the bridges were removed, and new ones were installed in late October. Almost immediately, Peter Wolfe Chapter members arrived to check them out, and we were thoroughly impressed. Both are lovely, gently arching structures that fit perfectly into their surroundings.

For the Big Iron and West Branch bridges the lengths are 120 and 100 feet, respectively. Steel bridge components are rust-colored, due to a "prerusting" process that helps seal the steel's surface and reduce future corrosion.

Katterman Trucking installed the bridges, designed and fabricated by Wheeler Consolidated in Bloomington, Minn., at a cost of $240,000. Seventy

New bridge over the Big Iron River, east of Porcupine Wiiderness State Park.

HIKIN~~ 1

percent of the funding came from restitution from the firm that built the original bridges with the flawed design.

The one-way haul to the Big Iron Bridge was 3.5 miles, and 5.5 miles to the West Branch. The former was originally designed to be only 100 feet long, but severe flooding in the spring of 2003 caused major scour damage at the west end of the bridge site, a testimony to the dangerous conditions that could potentially be encountered by hikers when the streams still needed to be forded.

In addition to the bridge construction, the contractor performed stream restoration on Hooded Creek and on an unnamed creek. Because of wet weather and soft ground, tracked equipment was needed to bring in materials; on our visit, their tracks were still quite visible, though in some places they were covered by straw. There is still more to do at the sites next spring, but hikers should feel free to visit the sites at any time.

There are excellent potential campsites near each bridge. The West Branch Bridge has a particularly remote feeling, with campsites located west of the bridge, both along the stream and

in old growth hardwoods. Highway M-64, at the east end of the segment and closest to the bridges, is open yearround, and the terrain makes access on skis or snowshoes possible in winter if snow conditions are good.

The area is covered by map Mil 4, Cascade Falls to Ironwood, available from the NCTA Trail Shop. On the Peter Wolfe Chapter website go to http: //www.northcountryrrail.org/ pwfI mapsandtrailconditions.htrn and click on segments 2 and 3. \ I

CNY Gets $1,000 Award The Chittenango Garden Club has donated $1000 to the Central New York Chapter from its Kathryn "Trink" Pullen Memorial Fund for trail construction and maintenance of the Link Trail/NCT, including an optimized connection to the Village of Chittenango.

As part of an overall plan for the NCT/Link Trail in the greater Canastota area, the Chapter, with substantial support from both the Village of Canastota and the Town of Lenox, expects to define an attractive trail route that will provide good urban hiking and more,including dose-spaced connections at several points with the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park in Canastota. One of thes/ will serve as a gateway to nearby Chittenango and its attractions via the canal towpath route.

-Al Larmann, past President of the Chapter

Who's Who Along the North Country Trail?

NORTH DAKOTA Trail Councll Chair: Alicia Hoffarth • alicia@hellovalley.com 435 Fifth Ave. NE, Valley City, ND 58072 State Trall Coordinator: Lisa Ringstad · lisaringstad@invisimax.com P. 0. Box 155, Cooperstown, ND 58425 1. Lonetree Chapter: Elden Ehrman · ejje@ndak.net 2. Sheyenne River Valley Chapter: Lisa Ringstad · lisaringstad@invisimax.com

MINNESOTA Trail Councll Chair and State Trail Coordinator : John Leinen • patleinen@msn.com 14205 St. Croix Trail North, Stillwater, MN 55082-9587 3. Star of the North Chapter: Vacant, contact NCTA office 4. Itasca Moraine Chapter: Jerry Trout · jbtroutts'tds.net 5. Kekekablc Trail Club {Partner): Peter Sparks • pjsparks@isd.net · (800) 818-4453 6. RoversOuting Club {Partner): John Elliott · (612) 829-5142 7. Superior Hiking Trail Association {Partner): Gayle Coyer • suphike@mr.net · (218) 834-2700 P.O. Box 4, Two Harbors, MN 55616

GREAT LAKES State Trail Coordinator : Doug Welker · dwelker@up.net 26344 Tauriainen Road, Pelkie, MI 49958 8. Brule St. Croix Chapter: Chuck Zosel · ezosel@pressenter.com 9. ChequamegonChapter: Tana Turonie • tjt@baysar.net 10. Heritage Chapter: Jim Burow · glorim@core.com 11. Peter Wolfe Chapter: Doug Welker · dwelker@up.net 12. North Country Trail Hikers Chapter: Denise Herron · dherron906@aol.com 13. GrandMarais Chapter:Mikel Classen · clawbeck@jamadots.com 14. Hiawatha Shore-to-ShoreChapter: Kirt Stage-Harvey · stahar950@lighthouse.net

LOWER MICHIGAN State Trall Coordinator:Joan Young · jhy@t-one.net 861 West US 10, Scottville, MI 49454 15. Harbor Springs Chapter: Jerry Keeney • keeney@freeway.net 16. Tittabawassee Chapter:Jerry Allen· conniepausits@yahoo.com 17. Grand Traverse Hiking Club Chapter: John Heiam • johnheiam@charter.net

LEGEND Chapters '""" Partners =Not Yet Adopted

18. Spirit of the Woods Chapter:

Richard Krieger • rndkrieger@jackpine.com 19. Western Michigan Chapter: Werner Veit · wvl2@aol.com 20. Chief NoondayChapter: Tom Garnett • garnem@trinity-health.org 21. Chief Baw Beese Chapter: Steve Vear · steve@vear.com

OHIO Trail Council Chair: Garrett Dill • vetfarm@starband.net 4070 Tradersville-Brighton Road, London, OH 43140 State Trail Coordinator:James Sprague · jimsprague@msn.com 4406 Maplecrest, Parma, OH 44134 22. NW Ohio Rails-to-TrailsAssociation (Partner): Gene Markley · norca@hotsheet.com • (800) 951-4788 P.O. Box 234, Delta, OH 43515 23. Buckeye Trall Association (Partner): Garry Dill • vetfarm@starband.net · (937) 834-2891 4070 Tradersville-Brighton Rd., London, OH 43140 24. Great Trall·Sandy Beaver Canal Chapter: Brad Bosley · bbosley@sky-access.com

PENNSYLVANIA State Trail Co-Coordinators: Bob Needham · nomountaimoohi@aol.com 746 Jefferson Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15229 Ron Rice · ricel@nauticom.net 111 Ash Stop Rd., Evans City, PA 16033 25. Wampum Chapter: Paul Henry · joyceappel@arm-tek.net 26. ButlerCounty Chapter: David Myers · davmyers@state.pa.us 27. Greater Pittsburgh Chapter: Michael Kaizar · gprncta@yahoo.com

28. Rock Chapter: Robert McCafferty · diggermccafferty@cs.com 29. Clarlon County Chapter: Ed Scurry · edsdc85@yahoo.com 30. HostelllnglnternatlonalUSA- PittsburghCouncil(Partner): Bob Roth • (412) 279-6219 80 Rose Leaf Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15220 31. Allegheny Natlonal Forest Chapter: Bert Nemcik · bnemcik@csonline.net

NEW YORK Trail Council Chair and State Trail Coordinator: Howard Beye · fltc@frontiernet.net 202 Colebourne Road, Rochester, NY 14609 32. Finger Lakes Trail Conference (Partner): Gene Bavis · information@fingerlakestrail.org · (585) 658-9320 6111 Visitor Center Rd., Mt. Morris, NY 14510 AdditionalMaintaining Organizations Coordinated by the

FLTC: Adirondack Mm Club (ADK)-Finger Lakes Chapter, ADK-Genesee Valley Chapter, ADK-Onondaga Chapter, ADK-Niagara Frontier Chapter, Adventure Recreation Club at Ithaca College, Cayuga Trails Club, Fillmore Boy Scout Troop 748, Foothills Trail Club, Genesee Valley Hiking Club, Hammondsport Boy Scout Troop 18, and Town & Country Bushwhackers 33. Central New York Chapter: Kathy Eisele · eiselek@dreamscape.com

,,.

Newest Chapter Adopts Favorite Lakeshore Trail

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NCTA Members form Michigan's Grand Marais Chapter

By Sharon Phipps Western Michigan Chapter

O

ne of the popular stop-off places for hikers in the Upper Peninsulaof Michigan over the years has been the Lake SuperiorBrewingCompany in Grand Marais, home of splendid root beer and cream soda, prepared on the premisesand, naturally, superior ale. The Scotch eggs aren't to be sneezed at either.

Today, the premises are even more associatedwith the North Country National Scenic Trail. The house is the usual monthly meeting place of the North Country Trail Association'snewest chapter, the 26th, whose charter was approved by the Association's Board of Directors in 2003.

The new chapter, called the Grand Marais Chapter, has responsibilityfor about 130 miles of the NCT, beginning in the east at the mouth of the Two-Hearted River in Luce County and then running to the Rock River Road west of Munising in Alger County.

The segment includes Deer Park, runs west to Grand Marais, through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, into Munising, then heads south into the Au Train basin and over to the Rock River Road at the beginning of the Rock River Canyon Wilderness Area. From there the responsibilityfor the trail is taken over by the North Country Trail Hikers Chapter in Marquette. .....-----------------------.

Most of the Grand Marais Chapter's section of the NCT follows the Lake Superior Shoreline along what is known as the "ShipwreckCoast."

Remnants of the past, such as shipwrecks,lighthouses, lifesaving stations, homesteads, logging camps, and historic communities are common all along the way.

The chapter is particularly proud to be the custodian of the 42 miles through one of the nation's greatest treasures, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshorewith its spectacular views and overlooksalong the rugged shore of Lake Superior. There are 200 to 300-foot drops to the lake in places.

The Chapter was started by a group of hikers who, according to Chapter President, Mikel Classen, " ... were very distressed with the conditions of the NCT east of Grand Marais. There had been some clear cutting and washouts that had obliterated not only the trail, but the markings as well.

Dave Beckwith and I got talking about it and decided to do

38--rh-~--N~~th-st~-~---A~~X~i~~~-~~~~-----------

The new Grand Marais Chapter is responsible for over 100 miles In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, including the aweinspiring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

something about it.

"I used to be a member of the Marquette NCT group when I lived there and we started to investigatehow to get a chapter started. After finding out the particulars we held a meeting just to see if there was enough interest to begin a chapter of our own."

As it worked out, they had about 20 people show up at a first meeting, as well as representatives from the Hiawatha Shore-to-ShoreChapter in St. Ignace who helped walk them through the organizational procedures. l''"'' Classen said, "They were a major help in getting us up and M running, especiallyKirt Stage~ ~ Harvey. Since our organization, :x: ~l our membership has grown steadily and we are really lookGrand Marais Chapter ing forward to the future."

State Forest The new Grand Marais Chapter elected the following officers: Classen, President; Mike Breyers, Vice-President; Dave Beckwith, Secretary; Mary Underwood, Treasurer; Roger Pilon, Newsletter and Public Information Chair; and Al Wissenger, Trail and Trip Coordinator. The chapter will hold its annual meeting in April.

The members are really looking forward to the 2004 construction season. They hope to finish their trail assessments, engage in some fund raising, and begin establishing some campsites to the east of Grand Marais.

"We want to be a very active chapter and we intend for our section of trail to be one of the finest," Classen said.

111

Trail Supporters We gratefully acknowledge the support of all our members and donors, and especially wish to recognize the following individuals, businesses, foundations and agencies, for their generous contributions over the past 12 months":

Businesses, Foundations, and "gencies $250 to $999

,fl'f1tfM.oun11ln lport1,

$1.000 to $2.499

Chlttenan•o Garden Club lr11•1I Forest .llroduota Adirondack Mountain Club, Onondaga Chapter, Chrlt met!,. cu Twp, Ml ,

LH'• Sport• and Sportawaar,

Dewitt, NY

arbor Sprin .• Ml - 231-526-2594

nc,i,i pper Saddle River, NJ - 201-825-8300 Dentaf Attoolattt of:lMarquette, Marquette, Ml - 231-395-3780 D Wind Sporta iouth, lne., Marquette, Ml - 906-226-7112 ntlal Commun[oatlon1, Hayward, w1 - 715-934-2338

Bert Bleke Derek and Margaret Blount Richard and Sue Boettner Ren and Carol Brander B9b and 1uQltt'l Bredeweg and Batb' BOChanan Bill Buell Brian Burt Robert Cable John Campa Robert Campbell Michael Cannella Ed and Nancy Chappel Frances and Steve Cheyne Charles Church Daniel Dardio William Davis Robert Davis Mary DeGroot John Diephouse Jack and Karen Dixon Joe and Stephanie Dixon Clifton and Kay Edwards Kathleen Eisele Duane Elenbaas Gerard Engler John Fenner,

Fl.Ila Fleming Richard Flinn Don Flyckt Kurt Frlstup Tom and Judy Garnett William andJoanne Gerke :rom and

re Gil rge

Erie, PA

General otora Poundatlon, Princeton, NJ Marquette General Hospital, Marquette, Ml National Cherry Featlval, Traverse City, Ml Northe.rn Michigan University, Marqµette, Ml Pepsi Bottllnl Group Foundation, somers, NY Strlders, Inc., Grandville.Ml T le C Marketa IM Inc., Marquette, Ml Wella Fargo BanK Ml, Marquette, Ml

Portage, Ml 269-381-7700

Mead Weatvaco, Dayton, OH 203-461-7400 IJan. M~unteln like Aatoclatlon, Waterford, Ml 248-288-3753 paedlc Surgery Anoe. of Marquetto, Marquette, Ml 906-225-390

James Glockner Daniel Gold Donald ·Gore William Hamilton Rich Harris Joy Marie and Joe Harvey Paul and Jerry Henry Denise Herron Bobbie Hineline Daniel Hitchens Alicia and Chris Hoffarth f 0

and Gladys Hoogterp Keith and Katherine Horngren Larry Huston David Irish Peggy Jones and AIJdrZeek Lois Judd Thomas Kaiser tjans .~app~s • BrooR's and Ma Karen Kress Hal Lambdin Kurt Landauer Paul Lane ).1 Larmann and Mary l(\unzlerLarmann Ned Liddle Christopher and Margo tight John Lindholm John and Marianne Ludwick Gary and Barbara Lyall William Lynch ge and Patricia Maas n Mabee ngus MacDonald

Pottal Connectlon11 Lowell, Ml 616-897-2650 Tho Outfitter, Harbor Springs, Ml 231-526-2621 Track •n Trail,

Rockford, Ml 616-866-7346

James and Elizabeth Mackey Cynthia Maczuga Raymond and Kristen Majkrzak John Malcolm Guyer and Kimberly Mc(; Laurie McMurray Roger and Glory Meyer James Mihalik Pat and Kathleen Miller Bob Norlin Jol)n Norlund 'Antfiony Notario and Kim Geyman-Notario Michael and Virginia O'Keefe '.

Timothy O'Rourke Martin O'Toole Eugene Ollila Derrick Passe St Kaye Pfeiffer n Phipps Andy Poineau Pat Prosser Scott Radtke William Richmond Michael Rochowiak Dan Regalia Michael and Erica SanDi~tto,, Edward Scanlan

*Includes cumulative gifts, membership contributions and grants received between March l, 2003 and February 29, 2004,

P

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