Your Adventure Starts Nearby.
2014 ANNUAL REPORT
Photo: Josh Vissers
From the Executive Director and President of the Board
e hope you have seen the video celebrating the volunteers of our Red Plaid Nation, and so you already know what a great year 2014 has been for the North Country Trail. This music video, just one of our 2014 accomplishments, started with a crowd-funded Kickstarter campaign last January, raising all the funds needed to produce it. This Annual Report details many of the accomplishments of the North Country Trail Association and our volunteers and partners trail-wide in 2014.
Check out our video at: https://vimeo.com/106299493, or visit northcountrytrail.org and click the lower left link.
Yet truthfully, while all of this matters a lot, it mostly matters because the North Country Trail provides an opportunity for people to connect with special places, and each other. Whether it’s the satisfaction felt at the end of a sweat-filled day driving trail markers deep enough into the North Dakota prairie soil so cows can’t knock them over, or the rush you feel snowshoeing along 22-Mile Creek in the Valley of the Giants among all those incredibly tall pines and hemlocks that just suck your breath up into their branches… the volunteers and members of the NCTA make it so. They make these and countless other experiences possible. This 2014 Annual Report shares your accomplishments. Photo: Irene Szabo
•• Our overall 2014 volunteer contribution kept pace with 2013’s high level and contributed $1,724,000 in volunteer time – which is $5.17 for every federal National Park Service dollar in NCTA base operations.
our NCTA family. We also have challenges on Capitol Hill and in the state houses in our seven (and hopefully soon to be eight) states through which the trail passes. We need more volunteers committed to advocacy work to make sure our voice is being heard with our legislators and land managers.
•• Volunteers continue to be recognized and honored at the highest levels for their service. •• Completed trail mileage continues to grow, including over 100 miles of new and re-routed trail last year. •• A growing emphasis on trail protection is showing promise. •• NCTA’s Board of Directors and staff worked hard to complete a comprehensive strategic plan for the next three years, and the NCTA staff and board are now busy implementing it. We have our challenges as well. We’re as tired as anyone of hearing the North Country Trail described as “the nation’s best-kept secret.” Our fledgling marketing efforts aren’t close to what we need to promote the benefits of this great trail across the northeastern tier of the USA. We need to get much better at communicating the values associated with identifying with
Cover Photo: Marcus Schaeffer
Tom Moberg President of the Board
Bruce Matthews Executive Director
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Photo: NCTA Photo Collection
2014 Program Highlights The North Country Trail Association is a young organization by trail standards but the amount of energy and activity in 2014 demonstrated an organization that is clear in its purpose, invigorated by its vision and very active in fulfilling its legacy. Our volunteers do it all. They build and maintain the trail, promote its use and stewardship in their communities, and advocate for its protection. In 2014, our volunteers continued to build more miles of new trail and upgrade hundreds of miles of existing trail, giving our hikers 2,791 off-road miles of the North Country Trail. To help promote the trail we launched the inaugural National North Country Trail Day, a video series and continued to grow our Trail Town program.
perpetuity of the North Country Trail. The NCTA continued to expand its trail protection program in 2014, including awarding its first grant from the recently created Trail Protection Fund. The trail provides countless ways to enjoy the outdoors. Whether hiking with family or looking for solitude, photographing wildlife or fishing nearby rivers, a growing number of outdoor enthusiasts are finding new ways to experience all the North Country Trail has to offer. These pages tell our story.
Securing trail access as well as protecting the corridor is one of the most challenging aspects of our mission to ensure the
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2014 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Photo: Mary Moberg
Volunteers build and maintain the North Country Trail, promote its use and its stewardship in their communities and advocate for the protection of the trail and the surrounding areas that make it special. IN 2014: •• 1,022 volunteers contributed a total of 76,450 hours of their time, valued at $1.7 million by the Independent Sector. •• Eight NCTA volunteers won the Presidential Call to Service Award for accumulating more than 4,000 hours of volunteer time. Congratulations Keith and Karen Klos, Mick Hawkins, Lorana Jinkerson, David Brewer, Larry Pio, Tom Moberg and Rolf Swanson! •• Rick Pomerleau and Mary Stenberg were awarded the National Park Service’s Individual Volunteer Hartzog Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service. •• 46 volunteers completed chainsaw certification training.
VOLUNTEERISM
•• We hosted an American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacation crew in the Sheyenne National Grasslands that attracted new volunteers from California, Ohio and North Dakota.
Photo: Matt Davis
In 2014, our volunteers continued to build more miles of new trail and upgrade hundreds of miles of existing trail, giving our hikers 2,791 off-road miles of the NCT that are ready to enjoy. HIGHLIGHTED PROJECTS FROM 2014 INCLUDE: •• The new Dakota Prairie Chapter with funding from the North Dakota Outdoor Heritage Grant Fund installed 17 puncheons, 16 stiles or gates, 21 signposts, and 175 Carsonite or urban signs. •• The Laurentian Lakes Chapter completed five miles of new trail through Hubbell Pond, a state Wildlife Management Area in Minnesota. •• The Brule-St. Croix Roving Trail Crew built nearly three miles of trail near the University of Wisconsin-Superior’s MacQuarrie Wetlands near Marquette, Michigan. •• The North Country Trail Hikers Chapter teamed up with the Great Lakes Conservation Corp to close the gap from Coles Creek to the Silver Lake Basin. •• The Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club completed a 1½-mile trail reroute near Baker Schoolhouse State Forest, eliminating a five mile road walk. •• Buckeye Trail Association built a 2-mile segment in The Nature Conservancy’s 16,000 acre Edge of Appalachia Preserve System, two miles at the Boch Hollow Nature Preserve at the edge of the Hocking Hills and reopened a section of the Miami & Erie Canal Towpath into the old canal town of Ottoville.
TRAIL BUILDING & MAINTENANCE
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2014 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Photo: Matt Davis
Securing trail access, as well as protecting the surrounding corridor, is one of the most challenging yet inspiring aspects of our mission to ensure the NCT is available to future generations. NCTA CONTINUED TO EXPAND OUR TRAIL PROTECTION PROGRAM IN 2014: •• NCTA’s Trail Protection Grant program funded its first project, which covered the cost of due diligence on a property of interest in Pennsylvania. •• Completed a feasibility study to connect the trail between two major state parks in Pennsylvania. •• Worked with the NPS to adopt and train our volunteers in the Optimum Location Review (OLR) process. •• Worked with the Partnership for the National Trails System to submit parcels as part of the Collaborative Landscape Planning Initiative, a $66 Million proposal to the Land and Water Conservation Fund for national scenic and historic trails.
TRAIL PROTECTION
•• The NCTA strengthened its partnership with land trusts in Michigan in an effort to protect locations of interest to both groups. •• NCTA staff and volunteers participate in the review and public comment on proposals and plans, from energy transmission to land management proposals which impact the trail, its corridor and the hiker’s experience.
Photo: NCTA Photo Collection
Spreading the word about the North Country Trail is fun! In 2014, we launched a new event, a video series and continued to grow our Trail Town program to get people outside and show off the trail as a great recreational resource. IN 2014: •• The First Annual NCNST Day was celebrated with more than 25 events held across the trail, attracting more than 525 participants. The largest event, hosted at Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Michigan, attracted 200 hikers. •• Long distance hikers got a major information update including a sample itinerary, list of all post offices along the trail and links to previous hikers’ journals available on NCTA’s website. •• We continued to develop our Trail Town program, adding five new Trail Towns for a total of 17. •• Our Minnesota Chapters worked together to publish a Guide to the North Country National Scenic Trail in Minnesota, covering in detail the 160 miles of continuous trail from Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge to the Chippewa National Forest.
TRAIL PROMOTION
•• NCTA developed a new series of videos – a short Introduction to the NCT video, as well as two training videos plus a music video produced as a thank you to all of our volunteers. •• Web maps, mapping applications and resources were upgraded on the website, making it the main hub for all of our mapping and GPS info. North Country Trail Association / 2014 Annual Report
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2014 PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Photo: Florence Hedeen
The NCTA’s trail advocacy team, made up of staff, board members and volunteers, follow legislation on the national level that affects the trail and takes action on important issues in Washington, D.C. and at home. IN 2014: •• We agressively worked to get the North Country Trail Route Adjustment Act introduced in the House and Senate. •• Through our advocacy efforts for Land and Water Conservation Fund projects along the trail, the NPS now has $519,000 for land acquisition projects in Michigan.
ADVOCACY
Minnesota Representative Rick Nolan (on right) attends a trail work day in northern Minnesota.
Photo: Mike Toole
The trail provides countless ways to enjoy the outdoors. Whether hiking with family or looking for solitude, photographing wildlife or fishing our many rivers and streams, outdoor enthusiasts are finding great ways to experience all the North Country Trail has to offer. IN 2014: •• Twelve hikers joined us for the Extended Outings programs backpacking on the Finger Lakes Trail in New York and the Brule and St. Croix Rivers in Wisconsin. •• The Allegheny 100 continued to grow this year with 89 hikers completing the 25, 50 and 100 mile hike through the Allegheny National Forest. •• Several hikers accomplished long distance hikes on the NCT in 2014 – Amy Kwiatkoski hiked with her dog, Faith, to raise awareness for pet adoptions, Tom Ackerman hiked the entire Lower Peninsula of Michigan, and Gail Lowe received End-to-End certification.
TRAIL USE
Happy Allegheny 100 participants in northern Pennsylvania.
NCTA MISSION: The North Country Trail Association develops, maintains, protects and promotes the North Country National Scenic Trail as the premier hiking path across the northern tier of the United States through a trail-wide coalition of volunteers and partners.
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Photo: NCTA Photo Collection
Decade Member Club
In 1981, the North Country Trail Association was incorporated as the official “friends” organization for the North Country National Scenic Trail. Since that time, thousands of individuals and households have been members. Some of those members have gone above and beyond, maintaining their membership and actively volunteering with the NCTA for decades. Every year, as we add more members, it is so encouraging to see the lists continue to grow of 10, 20 and 30 Year Club members. Our 30 Year Club list grew to a total of 16 households and individuals this year, up from only 11 last year – welcoming Anthony Haswell, James Kenning, Robert Krzewinski and Sally Allen Lunn, James and Mary Richards and Dewey and Kay Wobma to this special group of long-time NCTA supporters and members. What an achievement! Still going strong and growing after two decades, 17 new member households joined the
ranks of the 20 Year Club, bringing that total to 113 members. And finally, our 10 Year Club group swelled to over 778 with 81 new decade members joining the 10 Year Club! We have always said that it is our members and volunteers that are the backbone of this organization, and the legacy these members are building is proof. Read through the lists and know that these are the stalwarts who faithfully renew year after year.
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NCTA DECADE MEMBER CLUB Photo: Doug Welker
30 YEAR CLUB MEMBERS Pat Allen and Mark Miller Donald Beattie Cecil and Joanne Dobbins Kenneth Gackler Tom and Janis Gilbert Anthony Haswell John Hipps and Barbara Smith Byron and Margaret Hutchins Milton Jones James Kenning Robert Krzewinski and Sally Allen Lunn Kalista Lehrer Harlan Liljequist Glenn Oster James and Mary Richards/Maplelag, Inc. Dewey and Kay Wobma
20 YEAR CLUB MEMBERS Dwain Abramowski Alan and Lou Adsmond Jack Amelar Charles Axthelm Marieanna and Earland Bair Barnes County Wildlife Federation JoAnne Baron Lyle Bialk Derek Blount Steve Boehm Doug and Kathy Brehm Joseph Brennan Eugene and Mary Briggs Buckeye Trail Association Donald Bussies Tim Calloway Robert Campbell Pat Carlson Frank Casenhiser Donnan Christensen Rose Clack Dave and Jan Cornell DeWayne and Joan Cox Patrick Delaney Mary Dineen
Stewart DeWitt Dinger Lon Dobson Donald and Brita Dorn Carol Durling Bruce Eckert Donald and Gregory Edwards Kathleen Eisele Donald Elzinga Gene Elzinga Elwood Ensor Finger Lakes Trail Conference Art and Virginia Fish Peter Gradoni Wayne and Shirley Gross Martha Hale Chris and Helen Haller Mary and Kathy Hamilton Dennis Hansen Eric Helfrich Denise Herron James Hoogesteger Dan Hornbogen Lou Ann Johnson Kent County Parks Ronald Killebrew Peter and Paula Klima Shirley LaBonte Gordon Lachniet Don Lee Gary Leff John and Pat Leinen Martha Leppanen Janice Lindstrom Zora Longworth Ron Lovasz Margaret MacRae Richard Magyar and Lyria Palas Eugene Majerowicz Hugh and Georgia Makens Susan Makrianis Arlen and Arlene Matson Gary McIntyre Bill and Donna Menke Roger and Glory Meyer Richard and Cheryl Naperala
Gary Nichols Martin O’Toole Leo G Paveglio Ralph and Barbara Powell Michael Reed Thomas Reimers David and Joyce Salisbury Bill and Sue Sanger Mike Schaeffer and Debby Page Marguerite Schubert Marcia Seaman John and Lynn Seirup Louis Shainker Maynard Shier Shoreline Cycling Club, Inc. Edward Sidote James Siegel Jeffrey and Denise Smith Scott Smith James Sprague Lucy Stopher Superior Hiking Trail Association Robert Suss Janette Sweasy David Tattan Thomas Taylor Stella and George Thelen Clinton Tompt Turkey’s Café Donald Ulsh Michael Unsworth Raymond Vlasak Charles and Janet Wagner Lynn Waldron William Weiss Doug Welker and Marjorie Johnston Gail Werner Gary Werner and Melanie Lord Kevin Wilson and Robin Raley Chris Wise Patricia Wodarek Gaylord and Marlene Yost Mary Zuk Domanski
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NCTA DECADE MEMBER CLUB 10 YEAR CLUB MEMBERS Jay Abercrombie Barbara Abrahamer David and Jean Adams Rick and Juanita Adamson Phoebe Alden Walt Alexander Allegheny Outdoor Club Jerry Allen and Connie Pausits Allen R. Marie Altenau Galen Anderson Clyde and Jane Anderson John Andersson Catherine Andrews Cindy Angerhofer Joyce Appel Daniel and Constance Arnold Patricia Arvilla Richard Ashbacker Todd Ashby Fred Austin Larry Baar Brian and Elizabeth Bachynski Lori Baker and David Koski R. Alan Baker Steven Baker Terry Ballinger Dan Bandrowski William J. and Jennifer Bandy Randy Barnes Steve Barrows Deena Barshney Patt Bartig Jim Bartlett Mark Batchelor Dan Baumhardt and E Joyce Krause Thomas Bausman Gene and Liz Bavis Sondra Beach Jeriel Beard Brian Becker Mitzi Beckman Bill Belitskus Kevin Bell Raymond and Elizabeth Bell Jim and Linda Belote Lewis and Mary Bender Bob and Nancy Benham Dawn Bennett Henry Bent Jim Berch Nelda Bergsten Joe and Willi Bevirt Bob Beymer Bill and Paul’s Sporthaus Anne and Greg Billiard Sandy and Cathy Bingham Bruce Bishop Mark Bissell Vee Bjornson Stephanie Black Paul D. Blanchard David and Nancy Blewett Richard Bliley Frank Blumenthal Mary Jo and David Bobholz David Boboltz
Matt Boes and Colleen Orwine-Boes Carl Boesel Richard and Sue Boettner Susan Bond Doug and Pam Boor Bruce Booth Robert Borak Andrew Todd Borsum Doris Borthwick Heinemann Evert Bos Brad and Cheryl Bosley Lynda Bouwsma Leslie Bowen Ryan Bowles and Laura Skibbe Richard Boyak Nancy Bradbury Jim Brady Ruth Brandel Bob and Judith Bredeweg David Brewer David Briggs Dale Brokaw Bob and Ruth Brown Charles and Janet Brown Keith and Dorothy Brown Jim Bruce Nancy Brucken Jerry Brucksch Mike and Bonnie Brunett Patricia Brunner Annette Brzezicki Joanna Buboltz Brian and Barb Buchanan Jack and Elaine Buege James and Sharon Buhr Laura Bulleit Dorothy Buquo Bureau of Reclamation Marilyn Burfiend David Burgan Michael Burgess Walter Burgess Robert Burris Sharon Burtrum David Busse Bruce and Julie Busta Butler Outdoor Club David Byrne James Byrne Krista and Marco Cabrera Jonathan Call Joe and Sharon Callahan Raymond and Sara Camilli Peter Cann Melissa Cardon Theresa Careaga Janet Carpenter Marilyn Chadwick Steve Chapman Ed and Nancy Chappel Kay Christensen Sharon Christensen Charles Church Kingery Clingenpeel Stephen Cobb Sara Cockrell
William and Mary Coffin Suzanne Cohen Donald Collins Dennis Collison David and Jan Conley Tim and Christine Conners Joan Conway Bob Cooley John Cooley and Victoria Kelly Gene Cornelius Susan Cotant Linda Coughenour Bert Courson Brian Cox Gayle Coyer Helen Coyne John Craig John and Nancy Crowley William Currie Tom Dahle Carl Daiker Elizabeth Daly Tom Dandridge and Lynn Martin James Darabi Cameron Dasch Verl Dasher Kenneth and Maura Davenport Thomas and Barbara Davidson Mary and Bill Davis Robert and Barbara Davis Bruce and Sandra Davis John and JoAnne Davis Robert C. Davis Don and Bonnie Dealing Laura DeGolier Ray and Barbara Dereske Roland Derksen Jacob Detrie Roderick Dibble John Diephouse William Dietrich Garrett and Sydney Dill Kathleen Disque David and Carol Dixen Tom and Janet Dohr Tim and Janice Donahue James and Debbie Donaldson Dan and Ruth Dorrough James and Maureen Doull Roy Dray Erich and Alex Drescher Mark and Pam Dryer Steve and Betsy Duede Tom and Marianne Duvendack Ron and Jane Dziurda Scott and Terri Edick Carolyn Edmunds Erik Edoff Martin Eggener Loyal and Bonnie Eldridge Peter and Michelle Eldridge George Elliott Tom Elliott Jim Elzinga Lynn Emerick William Endres North Country Trail Association / 2014 Annual Report
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NCTA DECADE MEMBER CLUB 10 YEAR CLUB MEMBERS (CONTINUED) Barbara Enger Stephen J. Eno Jacque Erdman Jake and Lotta Erhardt Myron Erickson Robert Erickson and Cathy Bulinski Lynn L.M. Evans Paul and Sherri Ewing Eileen Fairbrother Alan Fark Edward Fenelon Mark Fierschnaller Joseph Finley Frank Fishman Douglas and Catherine Flanagan Jeff and Mary Fleming Nancy Fleming Peter Fleszar William and Barbara Fletcher Charles Fletcher Richard Flinn Kathleen Foote Foothills Trail Club Geoffrey Force Marge and John Forslin Ken Fowler Dwight and Janet Fox Joanna Frank Jerry Freels Mervin and Rachel Frey Charles and Anne Frihart Bettina Frisse Thomas Funke Catherine Gadbaw David Galbreath Laurence Galen Mary Gall Earl Garn Tom and Judith Garnett James Garthe Fred and Nan Gaunt Louis and Mai Geeraerts Patti Gehring Daniel Geiger William and Joanne Gerke Terry Giarrosso Ruth and Dennis Gilgen Anita Gilleo John E. Gilrein Chris Gladieux Curtis Glasoe Curt Gledhill Mark Glendon Donald and Lynn Godfrey Daniel Gold Aubrey and Martina Golden Dave Goodman Timothy Goodman Carol Gorton Lorna Goshman DeAnn Graham and James Medacco Bill Grau Larry Grauvogel Great Lakes Adventure Club James and Jane Gregoire John and Carol Gregory
Jim and Brecken Gries Gerald H Groebe Richard Grossman Paul Haan and Julie Nietling John and Ann Haglund Matt Hahnfeld Richard Halbert Mark and Sarah Halvorsen Patrick and Mary Hayes William Hamilton and Susan Heathfield Marshall Hamilton Nancy Hamlin Carolyn Sue Hammers Jeff Hammond Ronald Hand Harvey Harris Laurance Harwood Tim and Ellen Hass Dan Haugen Carol A Haupt Larry Hawkins Myron Hawkins Chuck Hayden Lee Hayes D. James and Mary Heaton Carter and Florence Hedeen James Heffner and Donna Hagan John Heiam and Lois Goldstein Jerry L. Heiman Phyllis Heinze Becky and Daryl Heise Paul Henry David and Frances Herring Douglas Heym and Debra Huff Steven Hicks Gerard Hilferty Gail Hill Miriam Hilton Bobbie Hineline Bill Hinton Myrna Hixson Alicia and Chris Hoffarth Carolyn Hoffman Mark Hoffmann John Hofrichter Matson and Deborah Holbrook Bill Holland and Kim Steffes Marilyn Holmes Tim Holschlag and Lyn Verthein Alice Holwerda Gladys and Jim Hoogterp Carl and Karen Hooks James and Margaret Hoover Jan Horak Tom and Mary Hord Ronald Horn Ken Howell Patricia Hudelson Peter Hudelson Theodore and Joan Hullar Herbert and Suzanne Hulls Mike Humphreys Brian Huschle Grace and Ronald Hutchinson Lita Ihle David Irish
Barbara Isom and Charles Todd Randall Jacobson Martin and Leslie Jan Darleen Jarman Ken Jeffery Mark Jenness Eunice Jennings William and Rob Jindra Karen Johnson Paul and Linda Johnson Gary and Cindy Johnson Kirk Johnson Gerald Johnson Mark and Mary Johnson Peggy Jones and Andy Zeek Ronda Jones Tom Jones Caroline Jordan Lois Judd Sarah and Michael Julien Thomas Kaiser Michael and Eloise Kaizar Carol and Hans-Peter Kappus Roger Karsten Mike and Sherry Keeler Brenda Keener Jerry Keeney James and Joanne Kelly Linda Kermeen John and Barb Kersey Robert Kibbe Verlyn and Dorothy Kicker David Kinnamon Robert Kirkland Lynn Kistler Susan Kitchen Peter Klaver Barbara Kletzke Paul & Joyce Kline Keith and Karen Klos Pollie Knight Kenneth Knight Gary Kocher A.A. Koeller Bobby Koepplin Keith Kolarosky Cheryl Konkol-Broullire Charles and Verle Krammin Thomas Krog John Kroha Ray and Marj Krumm Mary Krupp Mikie Kuhman Stanley and Kay Kujawa Ronald and Marilyn Kulak Ronald Kustra Neoma Laken Cal and Jean Lamoreaux Michael Landry Paul Lane Harold Lane John Larch and Mary Campbell Al Larmann and Mary Kunzler-Larmann Gayle Larson John Laughrey Edward and Catherine Lawrence North Country Trail Association / 2014 Annual Report
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NCTA DECADE MEMBER CLUB 10 YEAR CLUB MEMBERS (CONTINUED) John Lawton Joan and Dana Leach George Lee Lee’s Adventure Sports Robert and Jane Leedle Edwin Deane and Judith Leonard David LeRoy Laura Leso and Family John and Lisa Letarte Kenneth Lewaine Christopher and Margo Light Richard Lightcap Ellen Lightle Carl and Marie Linhart Mona Liska John Lohse Eric Longman Pat and Sharon Loomis Gail Lowe Terry Lowery Lorraine Lund Carolyn Lundberg Gary and Barbara Lyall Mike and Donna Lynch George and Patricia Maas Susan and James Mabee Mary MacDonald Edward Mackus Bill Majernik John Malcolm Carol Mallison William and Swea Manthey Jerry and Karen Marek Rebecca Marjonen Henrietta Mark Marquette Board of Power and Light Marion Marsh Jim and Arlene Martin Pat Martin
William and Shirley Martinus Robert Maruna William and Bonnie Mathias Jim and Norma Matteson Dave Maxwell Dan and Mary Mayhew Tom Mayhew Fred and Kathy Maynard Steve and Kathy McBride Nancy McCain Maureen McCarthy Timothy & Susan McCoy Chuck McCready Dennis McCurdy Rufus McGaugh Michael McGraw Charles McKay E. Anne McKinsey Patrick J. McNabb Robert and Pat McNamara Scott McNaught Karen McNew Stephen McPherson Kim and Terry Meacham Nelson Meade Peter Melcarek James and Marcia Mellen Hugh Melling and Denise Simon Larry Meyer and Sharon Schaafmeyer Heino F. Meyer-Bahlburg Emily Meyerson Jean Miewald Jack Miller Catherine B. Miller and Bernie Winter Don and Joan Miller Steve Miller Mike Minium Lisa A. Mink Dan Mixer
Al and Jean Moberly Tom Mohler Chuck Moll Diane Morand Jean-Pierre Moreau James and Susan Morford Bethann Morgan John and Carol Morris Roger Morrison Edwin and Nancy Morse Larry and Sophia Morton David Moscatello and Ann Dixon Dan and Peggy Mourer Craig and Nancy Mullenbrock George and Judith Mullison Mark Murphy Karen Myers Andrew and Elwira Mytys Robert Nagelkirk Peter and Lynne Nason Joshua Nast Ronald Navik Bert and Cheryl Nemcik Erik Nielsen Mary Lee and Steve Nielson Philip Nolt Peter and Deb Nordgren Kent and Jill Nordin Robert Norlin John and Ann Norlund North Dakota Forest Service North Dakota Game and Fish Dept. Edna Northrup Northwestern Ohio Rails-to-Trails Association Michael and Virginia O’Keefe Eugene Ollila Ruth Olsen Timothy O’Rourke Merry Ossenheimer Photo: Keith Hedges North Country Trail Association / 2014 Annual Report
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NCTA DECADE MEMBER CLUB Photo: Deb Koepplin
10 YEAR CLUB MEMBERS (CONTINUED) David Otto Dale and Kathy Painter Jeff and Sandra Palmer Edgar Palmer Byron Panasuk Bob and Annette Papp Scott Parker Richard Parks Brian Parks Derrick and Cheryl Passe Bob and Janet Patton Brian and Barb Pavek Wayne Peel Mark and Heidi Pengra Peggy L. Penny Mary Peters Orville Peterson Denny and Jennifer Peterson Dale Petty Stephen E. Pew and Kathleen Keelan Pew Heather Peyton Thomas Pflueger Aaron and Sharon Phipps Kathy Pilon Larry Pio and Suzanne Darling Randal Podoll Chuck Polonowski Robert and Constance Pond Rense Jack and Virginia Post Tim and Gail Poterack Dennis and Roxanne Potter
Richard and Elizabeth Pratt Thomas Prieto John Pulver Bruce and Cheryl Pummell Craig and Sue Quimby John Radloff Scott Radtke William and Avis Rambo Ralph E. Ramey Patricia Rathmann Val Rauceps Julia Rawlings Thomas Reeber Thomas Reed Robert Reeves John Regenhardt Daniel Rehner Rick and Deb Reis Eugene and Arlene Renico Nancy Reschke John Restall John Rethman Stephen Rhodes Thomas Riccio Ron Rice Mary Rifkin Neil Rinne Christina Rizzo Keith and Ardath Robertson Michael Robinaugh Michael Robinson
Walter and Jodell Rockenstein Anthony Rodriguez Dan and Betty Rogalla Kathleen Rollins Edward Ronkowski Sandra Roobol Peggy Roth James Rowe Robert and Grace Rudd John Rudnicki Paul Rudolph E. Alan Rumbaugh James and Vivian Runk Ginny Ruppe Gregory Russo Jane Ryan Bill Ryding Arthur Saari Ron and Nancy Saeger Roy Salmon Don and Karen Sandberg Michael and Erica SanDretto Daniel Sathre Kari Sauer Ruth Saunders Sharaza Saur Michael Saxton Edward and Sheila Scanlan Daniel and Nancy Schiebel Firman Schiebout Kurt H. Schindler North Country Trail Association / 2014 Annual Report
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NCTA DECADE MEMBER CLUB 10 YEAR CLUB MEMBERS (CONTINUED) Merl and Pat Schlaack Lewis Schlanbusch Douglas Schleef Tina Schmidt Dennis Schoenick Jackson Scholl Bob Schrems John Schroeder Michael Schultz Tony Schwaller Bruce Schwenke Ed and Norma Jean Scurry Carol Seacord and Tracy Baij Heide Seaman-Mahlke and Ernest Mahlke Doug Seaney Peter Seed Brian Seely John Seidel and Deborrah Frable Stephen Selden Bernard and Phyllis Senske Van Serrell Perry Severance Thomas Shaffer James Shaum Dana and Kari Sherry Randy Shoemaker Allen and Mary Shoup Carl and Mary Shroeder Frederick Silver Brett Simmons Martha Sjogren Harold Slater Carol Smith Dena Smith Edwin Smith Joseph and Karen Smith Martyn Smith Nancy Smith Robert Smith G. Warren Smith Don and Mary Snitgen David Snoek Ronald and Amy Snyder John Sobaszko Arnold Soderholm Ted and Alice Soldan Tom and Liz Solka Dominic Sosnowski James Spencer Sandra Spiewak and Otto Bacon Mike and Terry Stafford Judith Stalder Mike and Carol Stasik Robert Stein Robert and Linda Steiner Bill and Karen Stellema Mark and Barbara Stender Ellen H. Stephenson Carol Stetter Jim and Jan Stewart Susan Stimmel George Stojic Jan Stowman Philip and Brielle Stoyke Tiffany and Mark Stram Michael Streibel
Margaret Strobel and Bill Barclay Jim Sunstrum Marty and Vickie Swank Rolf Swanson Robert Swanson Irene Szabo Douglas Szper Thomas Szpond Bob Tait Jay Taylor R.W.W. and Jo Taylor Thomas N. Taylor John Teitsch Kenneth Terpstra Michael Terrell June E. Thaden Bruce Thompson Charles and Frances Thompson Stuart Thompson Susan Thompson Jere Thompson David Tonnies Anne Townsend Frank Trautman Anthony Travis and Jeannie Hosey John Tremore Jocelyn Trepte Fred and Chris Tritschler Jerry and Beth Trout Peter Trussell Gerald Trzybinski Tana Turonie Roger Tuuk Robert Ulrich Valley City Convention/Visitors Bureau David A. Van Baak Rudy and Nancy Van Donk Gail and William Van Haren Sarah Van Leer John and Ayleen VanBeynen David VanderBee Mark VanHornweder Charles Vannette Jeffrey and Nancy VanWinkle Mike Veen Brenda Veilleux Werner and Marianne Veit Mary Jo Vent Lewis Vespoli Leonard and Joan Vetrone Connie and Steve Vorenkamp John Vose Christopher Vreeland Jerry Wachter Murray Wagman Ed and Monica Wallen Jon and Judy Walter Donald B. Watkins G. Neal Watson and Patricia Yale Cindy Webreck Steve and Barb Webster Lois Weed Jim Weiske John and Lynn Wellinghoff David Wells Frederick Wenn
James Wessel Walker Steven Wester Neil C. Wester Ted and Nancy Weyerhaeuser Margaret and Patrick Whaley Mike and Deb Whelsky Arthur Wick Jerry and Mary Wick Donald and Lynn Wickstra Ronald and Peggy Wiley John Williamson Jack and Sanda Willsey Daniel Willshire Gene Wimmer David Wingrove and Ann Borkhuis Chad Wise David Wissink John and Patti Wojtowicz Rodger and Denise Wolf Douglas and Barbara Wood James and Shirley Wood Kathryn and John Woodruff Andrew Wright Gary Wright Ronald and Laurie Wurst Peter Wybron Richard Wynalda Jeffrey Yoest Joan and Omer Young William and Lynn Young George Zacharek John Zadvinskis Walter Zarnoch Charlene Zebley Richard Zeman Rolf Zerges and Lynda Rummel Gary and Nancy Zebko Paul Zielinski and Sharen Furman Kenneth Zimmer William and Jan Zimmermann Dana and Lisa Zintek Chuck Zosel
We have made every effort to make these lists as accurate as possible. If we have omitted or incorrectly reported anyone, please accept our apology and contact Jill DeCator, Membership Coordinator at (616) 897-5987 ext 4.
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Photo: John Heiam
Philanthropy and Financial Highlights The 2014 fiscal year ended very strong for the North Country Trail Association. As you read through the following pages you will find not only strong philanthropic support but also solid financial management and stewardship. As the mission and reach of the organization grows, so does the need for financial support to operate a budget of nearly a million dollars. The NCTA is debt-free with a strong cash position as of December 2014, the end of its fiscal year. For the second year in a row, the Founders Circle grew by 17%. Our Founders Circle members are those generous donors who make gifts totaling $500 or more during one fiscal year. Total private donations grew by 19% and grant revenues by 24% in 2014. Together these two areas accounted for nearly 35% of all revenue for the year.
Lastly in 2014, the NCTA received a Better Business Bureau Accredited Charity rating that qualifies us as a Charity Seal Program member. This program reviews financial, programmatic, fundraising and administrative practices and data, looking for certain standards in disclosure, transparency, balance between program and fundraising costs and good management, among other things. The Seal program offers a highly visible accountability tool that will encourage greater confidence in giving and will assist charities in establishing their commitment to ethical practices.
We still depend on our partner, the National Park Service as our largest single source of revenue each year (44.8%) but 2014 marked the third year in a row where the Park Service percentage of overall revenue was less than 50%.
We are grateful for all of our supporters who helped make 2014 the successful year it was. Without you we would not be able to share all the great accomplishments celebrated in this report. Thank You.
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NCTA PHILANTHROPY
True North Society $25,000 and up Anonymous (1) Lux Foundation REI Foundation
Founders Circle
TRAIL CHAMPION $10,000-$24,999 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Lorana Jinkerson* Tom* and Mary Moberg Janette Sweasy Laura Bethany Thomas
TRAIL LEADER $5,000-$9,999 Betty A. Lewis Environmental Charitable Trust Mark and Gail McCensky Nicholas Fund Scheels All Sports - Appleton Store - Dakota Square Store - Eau Claire Store - Fargo Store - Grand Forks Store - Kirkwood Store - River Hills Store - St. Cloud Store
TRAIL GUARDIAN $2,500-$4,999 Peter Bennett and Julie Davey William and Mary Coffin John Heiam* and Lois Goldstein Scott Holman James Noble Rita Oswald Traverse City Track Club Raymond Vlasak Gaylord* and Marlene Yost
TRAIL BLAZER $1,000-$2,499
TRAIL BUILDER $500-$999
Anonymous (2) Pat Allen and Mark Miller Hilton Bakker and Carol Schnell Robert and Sandra Bridge Kenneth Buran Coles Family Foundation Dave and Jan Cornell Garrett and Sydney Dill Cecil and Joanne Dobbins Doosan Bobcat Company Dan and Ruth* Dorrough Tracy Dulak and Dominic Bragg Jerold Fennell* Finger Lakes Trail Conference Teri Foust Timothy Goodman Richard Gray Ed and Rennae Gruchalla Carter and Florence Hedeen Jim and Gladys Hoogterp Donald and Kay James Bob Jennings and Barbara Bott Cindy Jones Thomas and Betty Keiser Joseph and Cindy Krueger Lakeshore Striders Margaret MacRae Jim and Norma Matteson Melinda and Jerry McCarty Jaron Nyhof* Brian* and Barb Pavek Pfizer Foundation Larry Pio* and Suzanne Darling Richard and Leslie Platte, Jr. Vivian Ruosch Steve and Tiffany Scheel Bob Schuelke Jeffrey Seiple Ronald and Linda Sootsman Superior Hiking Trail Association The Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall Foundation Doug Thomas* United Refining Company United Way of Washtenaw County Mark and Rachel VanHornweder Werner and Marianne Veit Walmart Foundation Jim Weiske Larry Willis and Robyn Ellis Mary Kay and Stephen Wysham
Adirondack Mountain Club - Onondaga Chapter Raymond and Elizabeth Bell Lewis and Mary Bender City Of Duluth Parks and Recreation Thelma Boeder James and Hope Bradley Butler County Tourism Joe and Sharon Callahan Chequamegon Boiler & Furnace Works Inc. Conserve School Roy Dray Richard Flinn David Galbreath GE Foundation Tom and Jan Gilbert Community Foundation - Traverse City Track Club Endowment Larry and Diane Hawkins David Irish Itasca Mantrap Co-Op Electrical Association Trust Sarah and Michael Julien Bobby and Deb Koepplin Stan and Kay Kujawa Ron Lovasz Bill # and Donna Menke Michigan Mountain Biking Association Northern Chapter Minnesota Power Travis and Mink Neely Thomas Reimers David Schlosser John Schrock and Mary Berube Donald and Karen Stearns Jim and Jan Stewart Township of Thorpe MN Jerry* and Beth Trout Roger and Rebecca Tuuk Upper Peninsula Sustainable Forest and Wildlife Fund John and Sandra Wagner NCTA Wampum Chapter Gary Werner and Melanie Lord White Cloud Rotary Club Todd and Jennifer Winnell
* Indicates a Director of the Board # Indicates a NCTA Staff Member
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NCTA CONTRIBUTORS $100-$499 Anonymous (6) 3M Foundation Judy Abrams Tom Ackerman Dave and Jean Adams Akeley Township Walt Alexander Jerry Allen Edward Altenritter Kim Amthor John Andersson Daniel and Constance Arnold Arlyn and Sandy Aronson Todd and Mary Ashby Kenneth Axelrad Charles Axthelm Loren Bach and Dave Martus Bad Medicine Lake Area Association and Jim Eisele R. Alan and Lois Baker John and Nancy Barrows Dan Baumhardt and E. Joyce Krause Gene and Liz Bavis Bearcub Outfitters Donald Beattie Brian Becker Larry Bell Jim and Linda Belote Bob and Nancy Benham Betty Benson Henry and Anne Bent Megan and Josh Berlo Patricia Bielke Bill and Paul’s Sporthaus David and Nancy Blewett John Bley BNY Mellon Community Partnership Matt Boes and Colleen Ortwine-Boes Richard and May Bohjanen Ken Bordwell Evert Bos Julie Bradford Robert and Morena Brady Ralph Bremigan David Brewer Lynn Broaddus Gordon and Rebecca Bruns Kristen and Glen Bruxvoort Larry Bryan BSA Troop 212 Robert Burris Bruce and Julie Busta Edward and Linda Calhan David and Mabel Casey Julie Caswell Ed and Nancy Chappel Blake Clark Mary Jo Clark John and Christine Clement Fred and Mary Clinton Cochran & Zandi Lumber LLC Del Compton Margaret B. Corcoran Linda Coughenour Robert Courtois
Bill Courtois and Anne Finlayson Gayle Coyer James and Miriam Crandall Thomas Crew Tom and Jeanne Crosby Carolyn Crump William Currie Bill Curry Carl Daiker Bill and Margie Darooge Robert and Barbara Davis Robert and Patricia Davis Mary and Bill Davis John and JoAnne Davis Matthew and Stacy Davis Laura DeGolier Kathleen Delao John Diephouse Charles Dobis David Dosland James and Maureen Doull Skip Duchesneau Michael and Pam Dundas Robert and Patti Dunning Henry Eckhardt Gregory Edwards John Edwards Kathleen Eisele Loyal and Bonnie Eldridge Cheryl Emoto Randy Eshenroder Harold L and Eleanor Fairbanks Eileen Fairbrother Alan Fark Frank and Laura Farwell Catherine Ferguson John and Patricia Fey Jeff and Mary Fleming Nancy Fleming Peter Fleszar William and Barbara Fletcher Richard Fowler Joanna Frank Mark Frankland Greg and Marilyn Franzen Peter and Eileen Freiburger Friends of Tamarac, Inc Bettina Frisse Louis and Mai Geeraerts C. Mitchell George Amanda Gibson James Gilkey Anita Gilleo Jean Ginop Lynn Glesne James Glockner Tom and Sue Graf Great Lakes Adventure Club Great Lakes Electrical Plus James and Jane Gregoire Tim and Lauren Groenhof Paul Haan and Julie Nietling Mary and Kathy Hamilton Dan and Margaret Hamilton Robert Harris
Chuck and Martha Hayden Gerard Heer Keith Hein Randy Heldt Denise Herron Brian and Kay Hicks Timothy Hicks Raymond Hoag Joel and Arlea Hoffman Marianne Hooker and Philip Tamdack Tom Hord and Mary Wieter-Hord Bob and Merrill Horswill Hubbard County Patricia Hudelson Theodore and Joan Hullar Gilford and Nelda Ikenberry Todd Ingstad Itasca Moraine Chapter Randall Jacobson Philip Joanisse Paul and Linda Johnson Curt Johnston Andy Zeek and Peggy Jones James and Roxanne Jordan Robert Kahl Michael and Eloise Kaizar Carol and Hans-Peter Kappus Terry Kaser Thomas and Betty Keiser James and Joanne Kelly Donn and Kristine Kipka Bob and Pat Kjolhede Laurel and Jon Kniskern Nicholas Knobel Steven Krause Joseph J. Kravetz Cheryl Kreindler Reginald and Lucia Krueger Richard and Martha Kudner Wendell and Judy Kurr Brian and Gwen Laarman Lake Superior Trading Post Jeffrey Landon Michael Landry Lands End Inc Aaron Lane-Davies John Larch and Mary Campbell Harold and Pam Lassers Edward and Catherine Lawrence Robert Lazar David Lee Robert and Jane Leedle Lee’s Adventure Sports Kalista Lehrer Bruce Lemmons and Anna Belu Christopher and Margo Light Phillip and Laura # Lindstrom Daniel and V. Skinner-Linnenberg Tom and Marge Lorentzsen Bruce Lowing Mary W. Lunt George and Patricia Maas Tom and Pat Macholan David Mackley Tim Makinen
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NCTA CONTRIBUTORS $100-$499 John Malcolm Mark and Cami Mann Rebecca Marjonen Marquette Board of Power and Light James and Sydney Massee Phyllis Matthews Eric and Jon Maturi Dan and Mary Mayhew Fred and Kathy Maynard Steve and Kathy McBride Bob McCafferty Chuck and Bev McCready Leslie McGregor Charlotte McIvor and David Lawrence Karen McNew Larry Meyer and Sharon Schaafmeyer Carl and JoAnn Meyer Steven Meyers Daniel Milan Steve Miller Eeva and Bob Miller Mike Minium Clair Morud and Sheila Mitchell Jim and Eleanor Mitton Al and Jean Moberly Diane Morand Roger Morrison Edwin and Nancy Morse David Moscatello and Ann Dixon Dan and Peggy Mourer Timothy* and Sue Mowbray Craig and Kathi Mulder Craig and Nancy Mullenbrock Tess Mulrooney Lee and Debra Mundy Theresa Neal Emily Nietering Noquemanon Trails Network Peter* and Deb Nordgren Joel O’Connell Wendy Ogilvie Michael and Virginia O’Keefe Eugene Ollila James and Amy Olmsted Kevin Omilusik Charles Otis Martin O’Toole Mikelyn Otten Jane Pajot Edgar Palmer Bob and Annette Papp Alan Gillotte and Paige Patterson Bob and Janet Patton Viviana Pawlick Karl Pearson Pennsylvania General Energy Co, LLC Brian Peppler William Peterson Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation John Pinto Plum Creek Timber Co Gregory and Jill Post Ralph and Barbara Powell Richard and Elizabeth Pratt
Paul Praus John and Patti Prusila Catherine Pumford William and Avis Rambo Mary Ann and Larry Rebert Joel Reed John Regenhardt Daniel Rehner Rick and Deb Reis John Restall Nicholas Rhodehamel James and Mary Richards Christina Rizzo Brian and Susan Roberts Patricia Roberts Michael Robinson and Donna Daines Darrel Rodekuhr and Roy Jurina Barb and Mike Rodenberg John Rogers Tim Romenesko Thomas Rossberger Robert and Grace Rudd Gregory Russo Larry Sampson Michael and Erica SanDretto Deb Schimmel Merl and Pat Schlaack Douglas Schleef Robert and Jennifer Schlick Joann Schmidt and Roy Schwarz John and Marge Schmitt Michael Schoenleber Donald Schott John Schroeder Karen Schwartz David Scripps Ed and Norma Jean Scurry Deborah Sears William and Mary Seeger Stephen Selden Perry Severance Thomas and Carol Shaffer Tim and Mary Shepardson Judith Shepelak Shooting Star Casino, Hotel and Event Center Frederick Silver Mary Sisak SLT Production LLC Thomas Smith Tom and Liz Solka Heidi Sposito James Sprague Patrick St. Germain and Maggie MacDevitt St. Ignace Visitors Bureau Dave and Mary Staley Mike and Carol Stasik Robert Steeneck Robert Stein Pamela Steketee Mark and Barbara Stender Susan Stewart Kay Stremler and Ron Sell Marty and Vickie Swank David and Nancy Swanson Irene Szabo
Dick Taylor TBA Credit Union June E. Thaden The Voyageur Trading Post Stella and George Thelen Robert and Carol Thompson Brian Toole Sara Tucker Doug and Daphne Turner Sherry and Dave Ulrey Robert Ulrich Douglas and Debbie Vandenberg John VanderWal James and Ellen VanIwaarden Jeffrey and Nancy VanWinkle VFW Post 1835 William Vogt and Claire Eberwein Connie and Steve Vorenkamp Nancy and Mark Wadopian John and Mary Jo Wagar George and Dorothy Wallace Edward Walsh Ryan Ward Jay and Darlene Warren Thomas Warth Dennis Weaver William Welch Jacqui Wensich Ted and Nancy Weyerhaeuser Keren Wheeler Neil Whitbeck Jan and Glenn White Donald and Terrie Wicks Donald and Lynn Wickstra Marshal Wied Dennis and Carrie Wiggins Marilyn Wilkie William Wilson Gene Wimmer Frederick and Eleanor Winston Alan Wiseman David Wissink Mike Wolesky and Susan Lindoo Rodger and Denise Wolf Douglas and Barbara Wood James and Carole Wortley Quinn Wright Gary Wright Jack Wykoff Resha Wyman and John Shillinglaw Bill and Maggie Wyman Mary Zuk-Domanski
* Indicates a Director of the Board # Indicates a NCTA Staff Member
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NCTA CONTRIBUTORS UP TO $99 Anonymous (4) Kay Adams-Fleig and Jack Fleig Adirondack Mountain Club Glens Falls-Saratoga Chapter David Adler Alan and Lou Adsmond Stephen and Gay Alcenius Phoebe Alden Allegheny Outdoor Club Dave and Judy Allen Jack Amelar Randall Ames Clyde and Jane Anderson Philip Anderson and Valerie Kozlovsky Linda and Howard Anderson David and Joyce Anderson Cindy Angerhofer Joyce Appel* Patricia Arvilla Larry and Karen Baar Brian and Elizabeth Bachynski Bob and Lynda Backman Don Backus Steve and Karen Bade Greg and Laurie Bailey David Koski and Lori Baker
Ken Ballema Terry Ballinger William and Jennifer Bandy Zane and Carole Bard JoAnne Baron Carl Battaglia and Virginia Bacheler Mel Baughman Steven Bay Sondra Beach Tanis Beadle Ronald J. Beavers Timothy Beck Mitzi Beckman John R. Beguhn Tom Behan Donald and JoAnn Belanger Steve Bender and Carolyn St. George Caleb Bennett Dawn Bennett James and Carol Berch Terry Bernhardt Tim Berquist Betts Industries Inc Joe and Willi Bevirt Anne and Greg Billiard Sandy and Cathy Bingham
Sue Birnholtz Bruce and Roberta Bishop Norm Bistodeau Richard Bliley Derek Blount Mary Jo and David Bobholz Marc and Camille Bobinsky Andrew Boddy Richard and Sue Boettner Darlene Bond Paula Boot Debra and Joe Borer Bob Bork Doris Borthwick Heinemann Shelly Boruta Brad and Cheryl Bosley Chris Botkin and Holly Jennings Robert and Constance Bouchard Larry Boulger Stephanie Boullin Jane and Richard Bovard Jeff Bowen Ed and Karla Bowen Joel and Betsy Boyer Eugene Branigan Bob and Ruth Brown
Photo: Tom Moberg North Country Trail Association / 2014 Annual Report
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NCTA CONTRIBUTORS UP TO $99 Charles and Janet Brown Mary Jo and Tom Brown Nancy Brucken Chuck and Pat Brumbaugh Antoon and Godelieve Brusselmans Joanna Buboltz Jack and Elaine Buege Larry and Nancy Buege John Buerkle Bureau of Reclamation Edwin Burman Terry Burns and Claire Duquette Connie Burns Sally Burroughs David Byrne Miguel and Rosa Cabanela Richard Callender Raymond and Sara Camilli Robert Campbell Steven and RoseMarie Canfield Robert and Agnes Carrier Stephen Catherman Dan Caviston Glenn and Barb Cazier Charles and Dianne Chandler Charlevoix Lions Club Jim Charvat Chief Noonday Chapter Michael and Kristen Chill Marie Chilman Jerome Werner and Catherine Chilton-Werner Kay Christensen Sharon Christensen Erica Christianson Budd and Sandra Cicciarelli Alecia Clark Peter and Beverly Clover Timothy and Mary Clulo Barb Coleman Mike Collins and JoAnn Brede Donald Collins Walter and Kathleen Colyer Cate Concannon David and Jan Conley Tim and Christine Conners Judy Conrad Joe and Ann Constance John Cooley and Victoria Kelly Donna Coon Debra Costello Collette Coullard DeWayne and Joan Cox Judy Crabtree Crandell Funeral Homes Inc. Thomas Crew Wendy and Michael Crist Dennis and Bonnie Crossley David and Marian Crossman Diane Crowell Peter Dady Diane and Larry Dahl Tom Dahle William Daines Tom and Lynn Dandridge Cameron Dasch
Eugene and Joanne Dawson John and Dove Day The Dayton Hanson Household Dayton Foundation Depository, Inc. Don and Bonnie Dealing Jeffrey and Susan Dean Dennis and Barbara Dean Robert and Sally Decker Dan DeHoek Timothy DeJong Bruce Dennis Brian Derisley Charlene and Marvin DeWitt Roderick Dibble Cynthia and Terry Dickey Donald Dickmann and Kathleen McKevitt Stewart DeWitt Dinger Mark and Mary Dingman Ted and Melissa Dohnal Tom and Janet Dohr Tim and Janice Donahue James and Debbie Donaldson Donald and Brita Dorn Paul and Mardy Dovre Eric and Kathleen Dreier Elizabeth Dropp Michael Duchek Betsy and Steve Duede Rick Duemling John Dulik Robert Dumas Tom and Marianne Duvendack Bruce and Kathy Dziadzio Fred and Jean Eckel Alison and David Edgerton Scott and Terri Edick John Edmands Carolyn Edmunds Michael Effron Bill and Cathy Egerer Martin and Kathy Ann Eggener Richard and Sherry Eiler Jim and Jill Eisele Peter and Michelle Eldridge Joan Elias Jean Eloranta Jim Elzinga and Linda Halford Mat and Deb Emerick Nina Ende Gordon and Lynnette Engdahl Stephen J. Eno Douglas and Jacque Erdman Myron Erickson A.R. and Denise Evans Debra Evashevski Paul and Sherri Ewing June Fait and Herbert Coles James and Peggy Falk Tom and Carolyn Fehsenfeld Jay and Margene Fennell Grant Fenner Don and Terri Feola Bob Finley Suzanne Finney Sarah and Jeff Fisher
Frank Fishman Faith Fishman Jack and Jerry Fitzgerald Douglas and Catherine Flanagan James Flick Terry and Lori Foster Dwight and Janet Fox William Franz Jerry Freels Doug and Cheryl French Friends of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park Charles and Anne Frihart Deborah and Todd Fritz David and Claudia Fry Susan Funk James Funke Bobbi Jo Gamache Shelby Gangloff Fred and Nan Gaunt David and Dianne Gayhart Darcie Gayken Duane Gebhard and Jennifer Therkilsen-Gebhard William and Joanne Gerke Joseph Gerstle Fred and Elaine Gewirtz Terry Giarrosso Layne and Susan Giering Ruth and Dennis Gilgen Richard and Alisha Glasgow Curt Gledhill Mark and Gail Glendon Donald and Lynn Godfrey Kent and Judith Goeckermann Paul Goellner Paul and Kathy Good Lorna Goshman Toby Grabs John and Carol Gregory Jim and Brecken Gries Robert and Sheridan Haack John and Cindi Haag George Haberer Marcia Haddox Michael and Jacci Hadfield Sheryl Hagen John and Ann Haglund Richard Halbert Chris and Helen Haller Mark and Sarah Halvorsen Roger and Laurie Hanson Thomas Miller Harris and Cynthia Harris Harvey Harris Bob and Tarin# Hasper Tim and Ellen Hass Anthony Haswell Susan Hauser Lou Haveman Patrick and Mary Hayes Thomas Heinrich Phyllis Heinze Becky and Daryl Heise Bruce and Susan Henke William and Nancy Henke
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NCTA CONTRIBUTORS UP TO $99 Alan Herdzik Douglas Heym and Debra Huff Steven Hicks Gerard Hilferty Gail Hill Miriam Hilton and Ann Hilton-Fisher Bill Hinton Kurt Hochstein and Nancy Davis Marc and Christine Hoeksema Alicia Hoffarth Mark Hoffmann Jason and Carissa Hofstede Daniel Hojnacki Matson and Deborah Holbrook Bill Holland and Kim Steffes Tim Holschlag and Lyn Verthein Tim and Beth Holst Lori Honrath Carl and Karen Hooks James and Margaret Hoover James and Tena Hop Jan Horak Ronald Horn Jim and Kaye Houk Steve and Nancy Howard Herbert and Susie Hulls Dean Hulse Brian Huschle Grace and Ronald Hutchinson Barbara Isom and Charles Todd Mary and Bruce Jacobson Barb Jauquet-Kalinoski and Greg Kalinoski Mark Jenness Barbara Jennings Karl Jensen Mark and Mary Johnson Bruce and Linda Johnson Matt Johnson and Erika Johnson-Bailey Kirk Johnson Karen Johnson Johnsons Superior Shoes Inc Ronda Jones Janet and William Joswiak Connie and Larry Julien Jason Juth Eileen Karnavas Roger Karsten John and Laura Keenan Jerry Keeney Robert and Carol Keller Scott Kelly James and Liesa Kerler Linda Kermeen John and Barb Kersey Andrea Ketchmark# Verlyn and Dorothy Kicker Susan and Michael Kielb Linda Kielty Dawn Kindel William D. King David Kinnamon Steve and Anne Kinne Eric Kirchner Lynn and Marie Kistler Peter and Paula Klima
Peter and Lonhilt Klose Pollie Knight Dennis and Joanne Kondro Derrick Kooistra Jessica Koster Charles and Verle Krammin Sue Kranz Elizabeth Kroll Thomas Kron Brad Krumpolz Angelique Kube Quinton and Pat Kuebler Steve Kueffner John and Kathy Kwapinski Andrew LaFleur John and Karen LaFond Donna Laine and Bill Reid Neoma Laken Jarrett Lambright Cal and Jean Lamoreaux Harold Lane James Langemo Al Larmann and Mary Kunzler-Larmann John Latterell and Rebecca Svatek Dean Lawrence John Lawton Duane Lawton Don Lee John and Pat Leinen Bryan Leininger Edwin and Judith Leonard John and Lisa Letarte Mary Letts Harlan Liljequist Mark Lindsay James and Betty Line Gene and Shirley Link Long Lost Lake Area Association Stuart and Shelley Lowe Terry Lowery Jim Lucas and Charla Gordon Hank Ludtke Adriane Ludwick Paul Lukens and Nancy Hoeft Jim and Linda Luttrell Gary and Barbara Lyall Mike and Donna Lynch Frank Lynn Steve and Carol Maass James and Susan Mabee Mary MacDonald Doug and Kathy Maginity Richard Magyar and Lyria Palas Hugh and Georgia Makens Stan and Judy Malaski Joseph and Denise Malovich Rosie Manning Abigail Manson William Manthey Michael Marsden and Mary Ryder-Marsden Gil and Judy Martin William and Shirley Martinus Arlen and Arlene Matson Bruce# and Linda Matthews Jerry Maynard
Curt and Betty McCabe Lucy McCabe Steve and Linda McCallum Diane McCarthy Maureen McCarthy Dennis McCurdy Jeff McCusker Michael McGraw Doug McKain Charles and Judith McKay Tamara McLain Todd McMahon Patrick J. McNabb Robert and Pat McNamara Elizabeth McRae Marjorie McRoberts Mead Oil LLC Anna Megyesi Peter Melcarek James and Marcia Mellen Hugh and Denise Melling Eric Menendez Paul Meyer Heino F. Meyer-Bahlburg Emily Meyerson Miami and Erie Canal Corridor Association Richard and Jeanne Micka Paul Miedona Jean Miewald Jack Miller and Karen Campbell James and Jennifer Miller Susan Miller Lisa A. Mink Susan Mischler Andrew Mitchell Chuck Moll Mary Ann Moore Jean-Pierre Moreau James and Susan Morford Bethann Morgan Larry and Sophia Morton William and Regina Moulden Bethany Mueller Ruth Mueller Lawrence Mulligan Marcia Murphy Mark Murphy Denis and Carol Nagan Robert Nagelkirk Peter and Lynne Nason Robert and Marjorie Nelson Bert and Cheryl Nemcik Gordon and Vernie Nethercut Helga Neugebauer Erik Nielsen Steve and Mary Lee Nielson Jeff Nieman Scott and Claudia Nightengale Philip Nimps Mark Nischalke Gail and Jerry Noller Kent and Jill Nordin Thomas and Jane Norton Daniel Nydick Fritz Ohnsorg
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NCTA CONTRIBUTORS Photo: Bart Smith
UP TO $99 Amber Oien Andrew and Megan Olds Roger Olsen Ric and Pam Olson Douglas Olson Timothy and Debra O’Rourke Merry Ossenheimer Eric Ott David Otto Dennis Pace Dale and Kathy Painter Jeff and Sandra Palmer Brian Parks Derrick and Cheryl Passe Chris and Jennifer Patselas Delbert and Rebecca Patterson Greg Paulson John and JoAnn Pearson Scott A. Pendleton Pamela Perry and William Toth John Peters Mary Peters Denny and Jennifer Peterson Orville Peterson Dale Petty Stephen E. Pew Ellen and Robert Pisor Sam and Judy Pobst Randal and Rebecca Podoll Jim and Cindy Polega Tim and Gail Poterack Chris and Brenna Potter Pride Printing and Mailing Services Inc Thomas Prieto Darcy and Kyle Puckett Holly Puk Jett
Craig and Sue Quimby John and Peggy Rademacher Scott Radtke Daniel Raish Jim and Jeri Rakness Donald and Jeanette Rantala Joseph Rapacz and Mary Stodola-Rapacz Patricia Rathmann Edward Rebman Barbara Reed Linda Rehorst Larry Reitz Eugene and Arlene Renico Don Richard Mark Roberts Keith and Ardath Robertson Janie Robertson Walter and Jodell Rockenstein James Rohloff Yvonne Rolandson Dottie Rosenberg Stephen Ross Tim and Karen Roth Round Icecracking Lakes Association Ken and Linda Rubin John Rud and Maria Tillanrud Helen Rudie John Rudnicki Arthur Saari Ron and Nancy Saeger Roy Salmon Don and Karen Sandberg Bill and Sue Sanger Daniel Sathre Kari Sauer Ruth Saunders
Mike Schaeffer and Debby Page Paul Schemanski Daniel Schiebel Firman Schiebout Rick and Mary Schlauderaff Jim Schmid and Debra hayden-Schmid Lona Schmidt Tina Schmidt George and Sharon Schmit Brian Schneidewind Steve Schnell Dennis Schoenick Jackson Scholl Dale and Linda Schroeder Walter and Mardene Schuiling Barbara Schumacher Willliam and Donna Schumell Bill Schutt Mike and Cindy Schwehr Lee and Polly Scotland Sally Scripps Brenda Scurry Carol Seacord and Tracy Baij Marcia Seaman Doug Seaney Marshall and Gail Secunda Peter and Linda Seed Scott and Nancy Sellers Theresa Semmens and Jerry Wieber Bernard and Phyllis Senske Gary and Susan Sexton Nessia Shafransky and John Fugelso Ron Shavalier Patrick and Amy Shellenbarger Aaron, Sunny, and Amy Sherk Randy Shoemaker North Country Trail Association / 2014 Annual Report
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NCTA CONTRIBUTORS UP TO $99 John Shreves Carl and Mary Shroeder Mike and Theresa Sickles Edward Sidote James Siegel David Sileo Martha Sjogren Harold and Karen Slater Mike and Kim Slette Eileen Smit Dena Smith Robert and Danielle Smith Ann and Mark Smith Brian and Kevin Smith Lynne Smith G. Warren Smith Edwin Smith Joseph and Karen Smith Arnold Soderholm Anthony Sokol JoEllen Sokoloski Steve and Pat Somers Stephen and Betty Sondrol Betty Jo and Wes Sorenson Dominic Sosnowski Sharon Southall Leslie and Bonnie Spitz Doug Springborn Michael and Michelle Springer Benjamin Stabler Mike and Terry Stafford Judith Stalder Jim and Nancy Stamm John and Alice Stehle Robert and Linda Steiner Bill Stellema Mary Stenberg and Rick Pomerleau David and Sarah Stevens Susan Stimmel George Stojic Emily Stone Pam Stonehouse Philip and Brielle Stoyke Michael Streibel Margaret Strobel and Bill Barclay Carol Stuht Roseann and Barry Sullivan Craig Swaggert and Tanna Moore Robert Swanson Fred and Judy Swartz
Michael Sweet Rod and Deb Syverson Douglas Szper Michael Tam Jay Taylor Thomas Taylor Dave Teitsma Gabriel Templeton Randolph and Linda Thomas Jim Timmerman Jim and Beverly Tobin Mike and Tina Toole Anne Townsend Duane and Gay Travis Anthony Travis and Jeannie Hosey John Tremore Mike and Cheryl Trieschmann Fred and Chris Tritschler Tyler and Emma Tufte Gail Tufte Turkey’s Cafe Dave Ulring UBM, LLC David A. Van Baak Tim and Nancy Van Nest John and Ayleen VanBeynen David VanderBee Philliop and Betty VanNoord Audrey VanStrien Theresa Vanveelen Tammy Veloski Lewis Vespoli Paul and Deena Vlasak Deb Vomhof John Vose Christopher Vreeland Richard Wachter Ed and Monica Wallen Ginny Wallis Jon and Judy Walter Jeffrey Ward Dave and Patty Warner Jan and Cynthia Warren Nancy Warren Paul Warrender Neal and Patricia Watson Sheila Watson Mark and Stephanie Weaver John Weber John and Lynn Wellinghoff
Frederick Wenn Gail Werner James Wessel Walker Charlie West Johnny Weting Maureen Whelan Mike and Deb Whelsky Ellen Whitehead Donald Whitney Michael and Linda Wilkey Dave Whitlock and Amy Wilks William Willemstyn Kevin Schram and Eleanor Williams Steve Williams and Lesley Beebe Nancy Williams Jack and Sanda Willsey Kevin Wilson and Robin Raley Magnus Wilson David Wingrove and Ann Borkhuis Vince and Antoinette Winklerprins Diane Winston Bernie Winter and Catherine Rogers Dewey and Kay Wobma John and Patti Wojtowicz Kathryn Woodruff Julie Wright Stephen Wright Andrew Wright Ronald and Laurie Wurst Scot Yarnell Hugh Yeman Dale Yerkes Deborah Zampini David Zavadsky Gary and Nancy Zebko Richard Zeman Paul Zielinski and Sharen Furman Kenneth Zimmer Gail Zink Dana and Lisa Zintek Chuck Zosel Rick and Teresa Zweering
* Indicates a Director of the Board # Indicates a NCTA Staff Member
Photo: Bart Smith North Country Trail Association / 2014 Annual Report
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Photo: NCTA Photo Collection
Tribute and Memorial Gifts
The generous support of the North Country Trail community continues to build and grow the mission of the organization. Without these faithful contributions, we could have never accomplished all that we did in 2014. We sincerely appreciate the sacrificial giving and thoughtful support of all of our donors.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR CONTRIBUTORS
MADE IN HONOR OF Chequamegon Boiler & Furnace Works Inc. In Honor of Robert Norlin Katrina Hayes In Honor of Ken Kelsey Todd McMahon In Honor of John and Judith Hutchinson’s 35th Wedding Anniversary Brenda Scurry In Honor of Ed Scurry Pamela Steketee In Honor of Mary Macdonald James and Ellen VanIwaarden In Honor of Jerry Trout Susan and Larry Wolfe In Honor of Bruce and Linda Matthews
MADE IN MEMORY OF Sherry Adams In Memory of Ginny Wunsch Barbara and Robert Anderson In Memory of Ginny Wunsch Dorothy Buquo In Memory of Chet Buquo William and Mary Coffin In Memory of George Zacharek William and Mary Coffin In Memory of Christine Lightcap Coles Family Foundation In Memory of Matt Manger Crandell Funeral Homes Inc. In Memory of Ginny Wunsch Cindy Jones In Memory of Martha Jones Kathie Major In Memory of Wade Brown Darcy and Kyle Puckett In Memory of Ginny Wunsch John and Ailene Pugno In Memory of Ginny Wunsch Dottie Rosenberg In Memory of Ginny Wunsch Vivian Ruosch In Memory of Atley Oswald Harold and Barbara Thatcher In Memory of Ginny Wunsch Laura Bethany Thomas In Memory of Bill Thomas Jacqui Wensich In Memory of George Zacharek Jan and Glenn White In Memory of Ginny Wunsch
We have made every effort to make these lists as accurate as possible and to publicly acknowledge all of our donors in accordance to their wishes. If we have omitted or incorrectly reported your gift, please accept our apology and contact our Development Director, David Cowles at (616) 897-5987 ext. 5. North Country Trail Association / 2014 Annual Report
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Photo: Matt Davis
Planned Giving Program
The North Country Legacy Society recognizes those individuals who have made a planned gift to the North Country Trail Association through their estate plan or some other planned giving vehicle.
NORTH COUNTRY LEGACY SOCIETY
In 2014, one couple and four individuals informed us that the association had been named as a beneficiary of their estate plan. Four of these gifts are set up as bequests; gifts of a percentage or set amount of financial assets in these individuals’ will. The fifth gift is a donation of property. These new gifts represent a 24% growth in the planned giving program in 2014.
We are extremely grateful that these trail supporters would consider the North Country ES 10 TA 0 Trail Association when they consider what their 2 B LISHED legacy will be. These gifts are critical to the future stability of the organization. Unrestricted planned gifts are directly invested in the Endowment Fund which is a fund that supports association operations. To gain membership in the legacy society, one must simply make the association aware of your intent to benefit the organization with your estate plans. There are a variety of planned gifts recognized by the IRS, and the NCTA accepts many of them. Let us know if this is something you might be interested in and we can determine a planned gift that will provide the legacy you desire and benefit the North Country Trail Association at the same time.
LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS Anonymous (2) Pat Allen Steve and Karen Bade Cecil and Joanne Dobbins Tom Funke Tom and Jan Gilbert John Heiam* and Lois Goldstein Martha Jones† Beth Kelonova Betty A. Lewis† Bruce# and Linda Matthews Roderick† and Peggy MacRae Tom* and Mary Moberg Jaron Nyhof* Bob and Annette Papp Gerald Phillips† Ron and Linda Sootsman Walter Srogi† Harmon Strong † Irene Szabo Doug Thomas* Jere Thompson Roger Tuuk Joan Young Deceased *Indicates a Director of the Board # Indicates a NCTA staff member †
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Photo: NCTA Photo Collection
How to Get Involved and Support the Trail The North Country Trail Association and North Country National Scenic Trail are going strong because of the generosity of our many dedicated members and supporters. Isn’t it time you joined this great group and got involved? Thousands of hours of volunteer support are poured annually into trail building and maintenance, chapter leadership, and administrative help. And then there’s the financial support that makes all of these physical improvements and the promotion of the trail possible. Perhaps this Annual Report has inspired you to join the many others who support the trail, and you would like to make a meaningful contribution. Take a look through the list below and consider getting involved in the trail today. It truly will make a difference.
Planned Gifts – Deferred or planned gifts such as bequests, charitable remainder trusts or retained life estates can make great tax sense for you and your heirs, and benefit the mission of the NCTA well into the future. Talk with your tax or estate planner about this option.
Become a Member – Join the 2,800 members already involved nationwide. You can join a local chapter if you wish. The easiest way to sign up is at our website: www.northcountrytrail.org.
Corporate Giving – If you represent a corporation or work for a corporation that is interested in the mission of the NCTA and would like to support that mission there are a number of marketing and philanthropic opportunities that will give maximum exposure to your corporation.
Volunteer – Whether it’s building trail or stuffing envelopes to get the message out, we need your help. Call us at (616) 897-5987 and let’s discuss how we can match your interests to our needs. Gifts of Cash – This area of giving – outright gifts of cash – benefits the trail immediately and helps us leverage other grants and funds for the work we need to do each year. Gifts of Land and Stock – A gift of land or stock is often a very tax-wise way to make a generous gift to the trail and receive a significant tax benefit. Call David Cowles, Director of Development to discuss this option.
Company Matching Gifts – One great way to double or even triple your giving power is with matching gifts from the company you work for. It’s easy to do. Check with your human resources department before you give your next gift.
If you still have questions or want to make a special donation to the NCTA but want to talk about the best way to go about making the gift, contact David Cowles, our Director of Development, at dcowles@northcountrytrail.org or call him at (616) 897-5987 ext. 5.
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2014 NCTA FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS The 2014 financial overview provided in this report illustrates another strong year of extensive mission-focused activity and solid fiscal management. Following are some of the year’s financial highlights: ••The year ended in a strong financial position, showing a net income of $45,500. ••For the third year in a row the percentage of total revenue received from the National Park Service was under 50%. This is important as the association seeks to diversify its income sources and reduce its dependence on the Park Service’s financial support. ••Major income sources – private contributions and private grants grew by a strong 6.4% or approximately $57,000. These two donor revenue sources provided more than 35% of the total income for the year. ••Key mission activities – Outreach and Trail Management remained the two highest expense areas in 2014 at 27.5% and 25.7% respectively. Trail Management costs more than doubled from the previous year indicating robust activity in this critical trailrelated expense area. ••Our Endowment Fund now stands at $49,000 and recorded some minor growth this past year through a combination of dividends and directed contributions. As the official partner of the North Country Trail Association, the National Park Service has been a reliable source of base income ($333,600) and special project funds on an as-needed basis. They provide funding for trail equipment, materials for trail structures and signage and occasionally, much-needed administrative funding. The NCTA and the National Park Service work closely on key shared priority areas such as trail protection, land acquisition, mapping and trail location and certification. The absence of all debt and the strong cash position that the NCTA has been able to maintain in 2014 are both solid indicators of the fiscal health of the organization. The generous and growing support of our donors combined with the reliable financial assistance from our National Park Service partner have put us in a sound position heading into 2015.
INCOME AND EXPENSE
INCOME BY SOURCE
Year Ending 12/31/2014, in $1,000’s 1.2% 2.6% 2.1% 13.8% INCOME 12.1% Membership 128.40 Donations 216.00 NPS Base Support and Projects 416.20 23.3% Grants 112.00 Trail Shop Sales 24.40 Programs and Events 11.20 Other Income 19.90 44.8% TOTAL INCOME 928.10 Membership EXPENSE Donations Salaries and Benefits 460.80 NPS Base Support and Projects Administration 100.40 Grants Communication and Outreach 133.90 Trail Shop Sales Programs and Events Trail Shop Cost of Sales 13.80 Other Income Trail Management and Projects 110.00 Travel and Meetings 60.40 Advocacy 1.50 Depreciation 1.80 TOTAL EXPENSE 882.60 E X P E N S E S B Y C AT E G O R Y 1.6% 13.8% NET INCOME 45.50 1.2%
25.7%
11.9%
BALANCE SHEET As of 12/31/2014, in $1,000’s 13.2%
ASSETS Checking / Savings 350.4 Investments 49.1 Accounts Receivable 0.0 Other Current Assets 13.0 Total Current Assets 412.5 Fixed Assets 22.7 TOTAL ASSETS 435.2
27.5%
5.1%
General Support $122.0 13.8% Govt. Relations $10.70 1.2% Chapters $104.90 11.9% Development $116.60 13.2% GIS / Cartography $45.10 5.1% Outreach $242.30 27.5% LIABILITIES Trail Management $227.20 25.7% Other Current Liabilities 52.2 Trail Shop CoS $13.80 1.6% TOTAL LIABILITIES 52.2 TOTAL EXPENSE $882.60 100.0%
TOTAL EQUITY 383.0 TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY 435.2
Due to the timing of this report, these numbers reflect our unaudited financial statement. An audited financial statement is available upon request. The North Country Trail Association is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
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Photo: NCTA Photo Collection
NCTA Chapters, Partners, Affiliates, Staff and Board Members
Official Federal Trail Partner
Federal Land Management Partners
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
•• U.S. Forest Service •• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service •• U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Chapters, Partners and Affiliates of North Country National Scenic Trail NORTH DAKOTA •• Sheyenne River Valley Chapter •• Dakota Prairie Chapter MINNESOTA •• Star of the North Chapter •• Laurentian Lakes Chapter •• Itasca Moraine Chapter •• Arrowhead Chapter •• Kekekabic Trail Chapter •• Border Route Trail Association (Trail Maintaining Affiliate) •• Superior Hiking Trail Association (Trail Maintaining Affiliate) WISCONSIN •• Brule-St.Croix Chapter •• Chequamegon Chapter •• Heritage Chapter MICHIGAN •• Ni-Miikanaake Chapter •• Peter Wolfe Chapter •• North Country Trail Hikers Chapter •• Superior Shoreline Chapter •• Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter •• Harbor Springs Chapter •• Jordan Valley 45° Chapter •• Friends of the Jordan River National Fish Hatchery (Trail Maintaining Affiliate) •• Grand Traverse Hiking Club Chapter •• Spirit of the Woods Chapter •• Western Michigan Chapter •• Chief Noonday Chapter •• Chief Baw Beese Chapter
OHIO •• NW Ohio Rails-to-Trails Association (Trail Maintaining Affiliate) •• Buckeye Trail Association (Trail Maintaining Affiliate) •• Adams County Chapter •• Little Cities of the Forest Chapter •• Ohio Valley Chapter •• Great Trail-Sandy Beaver Canal Chapter PENNSYLVANIA •• Wampum Chapter •• Butler County Chapter •• Butler Outdoor Club (Trail Maintaining Affiliate) •• Clarion County Chapter •• Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy (Trail Maintaining Affiliate) •• Allegheny National Forest Chapter NEW YORK •• Finger Lakes Trail Conference (Trail Maintaining Partner) •• Central New York Chapter VERMONT •• Middlebury Area Land Trust (Trail Maintaining Affiliate)
North Country Trail Association National Board of Directors Tom Moberg, President, North Dakota Jaron Nyhof, First Vice President, Michigan Doug Thomas, Treasurer, Minnesota John Heiam, Secretary, Michigan Gaylord Yost, VP West, Wisconsin Lynda Rummel, VP East, New York Joyce Appel, Pennsylvania Ruth Dorrough, New York Jerry Fennell, Wisconsin Lorana Jinkerson, Michigan Kirk Johnson, Pennsylvania Tim Mowbray, Wisconsin Peter Nordgren, Wisconsin Brian Pavek, Minnesota Larry Pio, Michigan Jerry Trout, Minnesota
North Country Trail Association Staff David C. Cowles, Director of Development Jill DeCator, Administrative Assistant/ Membership Coordinator Tarin Hasper, Administrative Assistant Matt Davis, Regional Trail Coordinator – Minnesota/North Dakota Andrea Ketchmark, Director of Trail Development Laura Lindstrom, Finance Administrator Bruce Matthews, Executive Director Bill Menke, Regional Trail Coordinator – Wisconsin Matt Rowbotham, GIS Coordinator
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Photo: NCTA Photo Collection
The North Country National Scenic Trail connects America’s northern heartlands, passing through forest and field, town and lakeside. Stretching 4,600 miles across seven states, this National Park Service trail is the longest in the country and is built and maintained by an army of dedicated volunteers from New York to North Dakota. For hikers young and old, this national trail treasure is the adventure that starts nearby.
North Country Trail Association 229 East Main Street Lowell, MI 49331 (616) 897-5987 www.northcountrytrail.org hq@northcountrytrail.org www.facebook.com/northcountrytrail www.twitter.com/NCTrail
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