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New CllAflCiationstructure
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NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the Norlh Country Trail, June-September
2000
Trail Supporters Contributions,
DONATIONS American Express American Hiking Society Charles E Axthelm Donald G Beattie Chase Manhattan Foundation Donald A Edwards Raymond Epskamp Robert Hirseman Gene Johnson Jerry D Keeney Peter and Paula Klima Phillip Nolt Jan L Overman Lorraine Petersen Rolf R Swanson Stella K Thelen Werner Veit U.S. Inc United Way of King County
Auction Donors: Campmor Cascade Designs CLG Enterprises, Ltd Coleman Company
Special Renewals
and New Members
since our last issue of the North Star
Columbia Sportswear Company Globe Pequot Grabber Warmers Lee's Sports and Sportswear Minnetonka Moccasin Patagonia The Mountaineer Books National Geographic Maps Tubbs Snowshoe Company Wilderness Press
Brooks and Margie Kindel Laura Bulleit Michael Burgess Trail Leaders: Ray Canale Daniel and Constance Cheryl Cheadle Arnold Tim and Christine Conners Clifton and Kay Edwards Carol Danly Frank and Susan Johnson Alfred T Delo Stefanie Lawler Phyllis Devlin Mark LoPatin Garrett S Dill Susan and Robert Nelson Marcia Eib Peter D Nordgren Christopher R Fee Judy Robinson Anita Foss William E Schmidt Todd Gawel Kelvin Smyth David Goodman MEMBERSHIPS Tom Sutter Elizabeth Grades The Kevin Wilson Family Camille Hammer Businesses: Paul Worfel Bob Henry Lee's Sports And Sportswear Lita Ihle New Members: Sherpers, Inc. Scott R Johnson Cynthia Allen Kevin Kisor Larry Baar Organizations: Mark Knutson and Beth James and Sue Barr Adirondack Mtn Club Storaalsi Onondaga Chapter Michael A Benson Joe Ledvina Bureau of Reclamation Chris Bethke Mark LoPatin Jane Bibbler Bob Luoma and Jody Pathfinders: Lynda Bigelow Bennett Baxter Brings Paul D Blanchard Tim and Lee Ann Lutz Matthewand Denise Herron Ken Blinn Linda Matchett Keith and Katherine Lewis Brooke Duane McDougall Horngren
Anne M Michelon Sam Minor Ed Morse Amy C Murphy James P Noel Patty O'Donnell Wendy Patton Dale Petty Bill Powaser and Julie Jackson Pat Prosser Carlton and Debbie Rauch Judy Robinson John Romanowski Bob and Kris Ryan Ronald Sacco! Lyndon D Scott Bob Selent William Shepard Kirt Stage-Harvey Bill and Lennie Steinmetz Miles Trumble Donn Vitek Ruth Weir Jim Weitske Daniel J Wessels Sandy Wilhoit Paul Worfel
We gratefully acknowledge the support of all our members and donors who share with us the vision of the North Country National Scenic Trail!
$15 Introductory Rate • Who Do You Know? Our Sponsored Membership Program allows current /Sponsored by: members to sign up new members at an introductory rate of just $15. To qualify, Sponsored Members must be new to Name(s) of New Member(s): NCTA, or not have been members for at least two years. The $15 rate is good only for the first year of membership. To Address: use the program, just fill in your name in the "Sponsored by:" City, State Zip: box. Then, give the form to your friend to finish.
Member of a specific chapter:
_
D Member of my closest local chapter (if one exists) D Member-at-Large (not affiliated with any Chapter)
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~
Phone:
Please choose your affiliation (check one):
o
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I'd like to volunteer the following skills (optional):
WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS! To begin your membership, please complete this form and send it with your $15 payment to: North CountryTrail Association• 49 Monroe Center NW, Suite 2008 • GrandRapids,Ml 49503
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NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
Executive Director Bob Papp Project Manager Margie Kindel Public Servll=es Coordinator Glory Meyer Office Manager Heidi Daane Bookkeeper Joan Buenavista
Editor: Wes Boyd 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach, Ml 49253 (517) 547-7402 • wesboyd@dmci.net Contributing Editor: Joan Young 861 US 10, Scottville Ml 49454 (616) 757-2205.•jhy@t-one.net
OFFICERS President: Werner Veit 49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B, Grand Rapids Ml 49503 (616) 454-5506 • wv12@aol.com Vice President (Financial): David Cornell 514 Cordes Rd., Delton Ml 49046 (616) 623-8659 • janc128@aol.com Vice President of Trails (West): Pat Miller 15737 65th Ave., Milaca MN 56353 (320) 983-5643 Vice Presldent(Tralls East): Lynn Waldron 8133 Norris Rd., Delton Ml 49046 (616) 623-5340 • lwaldron3@juno.com Secretary Joan Young 861 West US 10, Scottville Ml 49454 (616) 757-2205 • jhy@t-one.net Published four times annually in January, April, June, August and October by the North Country Trail Asscx:iation,a private, non-profit 501 (c)3 organization as a benefit of membership in the organization. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the North Country Trail Asscx:iation. Distibution of this issue is 2430 copies.
Features Annual Conference in Minnesota
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The NCTA's annual conference in Two Harbors, Minnesota, held jointly with the Superior Hiking Trail Association, proved to be a big success.
Annual NCTA Awards presented
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The North Country Trail Association honors people who have given exceptional service to the trail
The Bear Facts
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Bears are interesting to talk about, and part of the magic of the wilderness, but because of their power, they probably tend to grab our imagination more than they should.
USFS proposes ending road construction
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Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck On May 9, 2000 proposed ending road construction in nearly one quarter of the 192 million acre National Forest System.
National Millennium Trail Celebration
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To celebrate the honor of being named one of only sixteen National Millennium Trails, the Association is holding a special event in Mackinaw City, Michigan over Labor Day weekend. Plan to be there!
New Association Structure proposed
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The relationship between the NCTA Board of Directors and the Trail Council is adjusted in this proposal currently under consideration by the Association.
Regular Departments Keyboard Trails Trailhead Hiking Shorts Executive Director Report North Country Trail Shop
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CoverPhoto:The NCTATrail Shop had a busy time at the AnnualConferencein Two Harbors,Minnesotain May. Photo by Roger Meyer
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NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
Keyboard Trails by the Editor The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association and theNorth Star have grown and changed in the time since I had this challenge handed to me a dozen years ago, and the changes have been reflected in this publication. We have come a long way. The North Country Trail Association has grown and changed, a lot since I first got involved with it fifteen years ago. Where at one time I knew many, if not a majority, of the people in the Association or working on the trail, by reputation if not personally, it's become steadily harder to keep up on who is who and who is doing what. As the Association has grown, leadership and management have become less volunteer oriented, and more concentrated in the Grand Rapids office. That's not necessarily bad -- it's to be expected as the organization grows and matures -- but in recent years and especially since I've been off of the Board of Directors, I have found myself increasingly out of touch with what is happening with the organization, and in what's happening in Grand Rapids. Very simply, ifl don't know what's going on, I can't pass that information on to the membership. When I took over doing the Newsletter, former editor John Hipps told me that "The newsletter is the most important connection between the organization and the membership." I've tried very hard to keep the flow of information going, and I think I've done a good job of it. But, it has become increasingly more difficult to do the job that it deserves. In addition, my own interests, available time and situation have changed too, as they must with time. I once was a fairly active hiker, but have done less and less as time goes on, to the point where I feel a little out of touch with the needs of the readership, as well. So, what with everything, I've reached the conclusion that the time has come to move on. After twelve years of holding down this seat, and fifty some issues of theNewsletter of the North Country Trail Association and the North Star, as it became, this is my last issue as the editor. I've been mulling this for over a year or more, and at the first of the year told Bob Papp that I wanted to give up the editorship, but have stayed with it, mostly to try and take a little of the load off of his shoulders. Even now, I take this step reluctantly, for that reason. One of the major problems that the Association faces is that we have given Papp a huge job, and have not kept him supplied with the staff, funding, space or time to do it
adequately. While there's a staff that does a terrific job in the time available, many things that really should get done go undone, mostly because there aren't the hands to do it or the hours in the day to get it done or the space to do it in. The organization needs to find a way to come to grips with this problem, and soon, or there are going to be real problems out there. While no one is irreplaceable, the trail association would lose an awful lot of ground in the process. As a part of the solution to this problem, there's going to have to be more responsibility taken on the part of the membership for projects in their local areas. We can't expect the people in Grand Rapids or Madison to do it all for us. They can help, they can guide, and to an extent they can lead, but the real development of the trail has to be done on the basis of local leadership. The easy trail on public lands is pretty much done, and we're going to have to develop the organization and the spirit to get on to the next project, or all we're going to have is a chain of steppingstones, and not a complete trail. This was becoming true when I first started with the Association, and it's much more true today. I have also said since the beginning that sooner or later we' re going to have to submit to the reality of marking connection sections of trail on roads, and we're little closer now to submitting than we were when I first started saying it fifteen years ago. So, it's time to move on. The decision to do this was made long before I was informed that I'd been given the NCTA's Lifetime Achievement Award, for which I'm profoundly grateful. I'm going to miss working frequently with a number of people I've come to respect and cherish, especially Bill Menke and Tom Gilbert at the National Park Service, and a number of people who have been friends, co-workers and frequent contributors -- the list is far too long to name them all. I'll maintain a degree of interest in the North Country Trail, and will occasionally do articles for the North Star, work on various projects as needs and interests allow. I'll make it to a meeting or two on occasion to see old friends that I've missed, and I will look forward to seeing each new North Star, to see what progress has been made and who is doing what. The best of luck to everybody, and happy trails. -- Wes
Editorial Change As part of ourtransitionto a new editor, theNorth Starwill become a quarterly publication,rather than five times a year. This means that the next Issue will be the October-December Issue, and the deadline will be September 1. Items for the North Star should now be mailed directly to the NCTA Headquarters, c/o North Star, 49 Monroe Center, Suite 2008, Grand Rapids, Ml 49503; e-mails shouldgo to NCTAssoc@aol.com.
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September2000
Trail Head by President Werner Veit Like so many of our members, I belong and have belonged to a number of outdoor and environmental organizations. In my case, The Nature Conservancy, Audubon, the Land Use Institute, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and I support a number more with financial contributions, effort and time. Lots of my colleagues and friends belong to the Sierra Club, the Wilderness Society, Trout and Ducks Unlimited, the Wildlife Federation, the Rails to Trails Conservancy, the National Parks Association, Friends of the Forest -- I could go on and on. The members of all these groups as the members of the North Country Trail Association share many ideals, a love of the outdoors, a determination to make the earth just a little more pure, to preserve just a little more of what we cherish in nature, to pass on to our grandchildren just a little more of the treasurers we have inherited. We share one other characteristic: We're almost all white. I think about that occasionally, but not often enough. The reasons for our single color dimension are certainly understandable. The concerns of public-spirited minorities frequently are the most basic: decent housing, quality education, meaningful jobs, end to discrimination and safety in neighborhoods. That there's little energy left to worry about completing a foot trail through the Northern U.S. is self-evident. It's certainly true that everyone shares the concerns paramount in the minds of many minority groups. But it is further true that our efforts on behalf of the outdoors have a moral and spiritual dimension as powerful as care for the seemingly more basic needs of society. And if we truly care about the preservation of our outdoor ideals, as we continually say we do, than we must enlist all our brothers and sisters in such an effort to our benefit as well as theirs. These thoughts are brought to mind by an application the North Country Trail Association made to the Grand Rapids Foundation for a grant to help us to finance an intern program to benefit both geography students and the cartography program that is creating the new series of topographical maps of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Among the questions asked by the Foundation dealt with the composition of the NCTA's Board of Directors. As you all know, we' re reasonably gender and geographically di verse. But no minorities, no Afro-Americans, no one of Hispanic or Oriental background and, of course, no native Americans. In answering the question, it occurred to me, again, that our Board truly represents our membership. Although it's difficult
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to tell because we don't keep records on race or ethnic background, there is little doubt that there are relatively few minorities among our general membership. And that's a shame. We would be strengthened in so many ways were we more ethnically and racially diverse. So, !call on all ofus, to change things.We won't accomplish much overnight but we won't accomplish anything if we don't start. As a beginning, I will appoint a committee to create a plan to make us more diverse. Members of the committee will consist of current members of the Board as well as minority members from the academic world, and minority employees from the agencies we commonly deal with: foremost, of course, The National Park Service, as well as the U.S. Forest Service and any State Conservation Departments. They will also have available for study, plans other organizations have drafted to help make their membership more diverse. That will begin the formal part of the effort. The informal component, and perhaps an even more important one, I hope will come from our membership. If you were able to attend our annual conference at the beginning of May, you will have heard me raise the issue there. First, I solicit your ideas. Send me e:mail at WV12@AOL.com or write to me at: North Country Trail Association, 49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Second, make it your responsibility to try to recruit at least one minority member for our association. I will do the same. Third, if you are a minority member of our Association, annd would like to help, write to me, or call me at (888) 454NCTA and enlist in the recruitment campaign. You can also help with another diversity issue-geographical distribution on our Board of Directors, particularly if you live in Ohio. Our Ohio board member recently moved to New York so the Buckeye State is no longer represented on the NCTA Board. If you know of an Ohio member who would make a good director, please pass on her or his name to Gaylord Yost, chairman of the nominating committee. His e:mail address is Gaylyost@AOL.com. You'll find his mailing address and telephone number in the Board listing in the centerfold of this North Star. Aside from diversity, the other big issue discussed at the annual conference was the composition and role of the various trail councils which, under the present arrangement, are regional-that is they represent more than one state. As our association grows and our work multiplies, it is becoming increasingly apparent that we need to become more efficient in communicating ourneeds and more effective in our relationship with state and federal agencies. Consequently, we are considering a proposal that would provide at least one trail council for each of the states where we have trail. You will find more about this proposal in this issue of the North Star. We would value your opinion. If you have a , comment, or opinion, again please use e-mail or write to the 路 Association at the address listed above.
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
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Hiking Shorts Eagle Scout Project for Central New York Chapter The Link Trail within the Nelson Swamp Unique Area just southeast of Cazenovia will soon have a fine information kiosk-with Travis Slocum and some ofhis fellow scouts from Troop 18, Cazenovia volunteering their efforts to get the job done by Memorial Day. Troop 18 is within the Land of the Oneidas Council, with its headquarters in Utica, NY. J.P. "Pete" Moreau, an accredited Boy Scout Leader and supporter of the CNY Chapter, will act as the Chapter Advisor and mentor. New York State DEC personnel are cooperating with us for this project. After completion of work on the kiosk, the scouts plan to participate in the construction and installation of several
Your GPS got better May 1 The Clinton administration has decided to make militaryquality signals available to civilian and commercial users of the satellite-based Global Positioning System. The decision means a fivefold to tenfold increase in the accuracy of satellite-based navigation systems used by a range of consumers, from commercial truckers and shippers to fishermen, hikers, surveyors and emergency-response systems. The improved signal, which provides time as well as location coordinates, should also allow faster and cheaper data transmission. And it will help the cellular-telephone industry meet a new Federal Communications Commission requirement that it provide so-called E-911 services that allow police to pinpoint the location of emergency cellularphone calls. U.S. officials said the military has developed an ability to jam the civilian signal in a focused region during a time of crisis, denying complete access to any enemy while still providing the improved signal to the rest of the globe.
puncheon bridges that will greatly improve trail conditions in an area near the Village of Cazenovia that is normally quite boggy during our Spring Season. We will report on our joint progress shortly.
Certification Report The National Park Service is not reporting any significant major certifications since the last report, but a number of smaller ones, along with other mileage adjustments. In New York, there were adjustments to the length of nine separate sections as a result of GPS mapping, but with no change in mileage. In Pennsylvania, GPS mapping was responsible for in increase of 1.3 miles in Cook Forest State Park, but a cut of 0.5 miles in Clear Creek State Forest. In Michigan,two tenths of a mile of new trail connecting existing sections in Porcupine Mountians Wilderness State Park was certified, along with 0.6 miles in the state park due to refined trail information. In addition, 0.8 miles of new trail in Rogue River State Game Area, and 3.5 miles in Lowell State Game Area were certified. In Wisconsin, GPS mapping was responsible for an increase of 0.2 miles in Pattison State Park, and also an increase of 0.2 miles in Brule River State Forest. GPS was responsible for a decrease of 0.1 mile in Lucius Woods County Park. The actions bring the total certified distance of the North Country Trail to 1607.0 miles. In addition, there are 21.8 miles of marked ¡connecting sections, bringing the total marked length of the trail to 1628.8 miles. Other certification action was reportedly pending at press time.
Now Available: The new, third edition of
Following the North Country National Scenic Trail by North Star Editor Wes Boyd The standard overview of the trail, newly revised and updated Includes a new section on the history of the trail. • Lots of Photos! $4.95 from the North Country Trail Association 49 Monroe Center, Suite 2008, Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 Phone (616) 454-5506 FAX (616) 454-7139 Email: NCTAssoc@aol.com
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
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Hiking Shorts Don't let ticks ruin your fun
April Showers For Link Trail
Lyme disease affects many people each year. Spring and summer weather provides opportunities for limitless fun in the great outdoors, but it also offers ticks the ideal conditions for expanding their number of troops. In order to assess your risk of getting Lyme disease, it is important to know whether your neighborhood is ground zero for tick communities. Residents of the northeastern and southwestern United States report the highest number of lyme disease infections, and the number steadily is rising. The black-legged and deer ticks are the prime culprits for spreading the disease. Baby ticks, nymphs, wreak havoc throughout the spring and summer, while the adults are active in the autumn. Ticks will be on the go anytime the temperature is above 35 to 40 F. No bigger than a pinhead in size, nymphs can go virtually undetected on the body, making it much harder to assess if a host has been infected. Lyme disease symptoms can range from painless rashes to severe arthritic suffering. Symptoms may not appear until years after a host is bitten by the tick. The best way to prevent Lyme disease is by stopping tick bites altogether. The American Lyme Disease Foundation offers these tips to reduce the risk of coming in contact with a tick. •Avoid infested areas - Avoidance of tick-infested areas is the best precaution. Campers, hikers, outdoor workers and others who spend time in wooded, bushy and grassy places are most likely to be exposed to ticks and should learn how to protect themselves. Ticks that transmit Lyme disease also are found in lawns and gardens, especially at the edge of woodlands. • Dress appropriately - Chances of a tick bite can be lessened by dressing appropriately when going into areas where ticks are likely to be present. Ticks must attach to the skin, and they climb upwards. Tuck your pant legs into your socks or boots, and your shirt into your pants. Wear lightcolored clothing so that you can spot ticks more easily. <Use repellents - Use insect repellents which are effective in repelling ticks (use with caution on children). Remember, protective clothing alone may not be an effective preventive measure - use it with a repellent. •Examine yourself - It is extremely important to examine yourself, children and pets several times a day. When you go indoors, shower and check yourself for ticks that may be on your skin - particularly in the areas of the groin, back of knees, armpits and back of the neck. Look for ticks and also for a rash that may be a symptom of Lyme disease. Remember that if you remove a tick before it is attached for more than 24 hours, you greatly can reduce your chances of getting Lyme disease.
Noting that April rainfall in Central New York was well above normal, a reversal of recent years, Trails Chair Kathy Eisele alerted all trail stewards to check their assigned segments for damage by mid May or sooner. To date, it appears that some erosion and a few downed trees are the major challenges-they will be overcome. A second task will be the placing of "rustic but rugged" trail registers crafted by Dick Palmer. The trail use information and other comments they expect to derive from these registers will be used for trail improvements and membership leads. One register in place within the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park in Cazenovia has yielded a surprising number of entries-we are pleased.
Vision for the North Country National Scenic Trail Our vision for the North Country National Scenic Trail is that of a premier footpath of national significance, offering a superb experience for hikers in a permanently protected corridor, traversing and interpreting the richly diverse environmental, cultural, and historic features of the northern United States.
SOMETHING'S AFOOT 67 Robinglade Dr Toronto ON Canada M9B2R2
ALL-INCLUSIVE SIX DAY WALKING/HIKING TOURS IN THE NIAGARA AREA • • • • • • •
Natural wonders The Bruce Trail & others Comfortable lodgings Gourmet meals Wineries Van support Small groups Fun attractions
www.hikingniagara.com Or ask for brochure: Phone or fax: (416) 695-1838 Somethingsafoot@home.com
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
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Annual Conf ere nee held in Minnesota by Joan Young
If the definintion of "news" is that which is new, previously unreported, then this year's Annual Conference served to provide us with much that is news indeed. New friends were met, new (to the North Country Trail Association) miles of trail were visually and muscularly explored, a new conference format was tried, and even traditional or familiar formats were, of course, new in time. Right out of the starting gate, er, make that.. .. just leaving the trailhead .... there was a major deviation from the familiar path. This year's conference was held in May rather than late summer. This was part of an overall plan to become better acquainted with our new Affilliate, the Superior Hiking Trail Association. The Superior Hiking Trail parallels the North Shore of Lake Superior heading northeast from the Duluth, Minnesota area for more than 200 miles. This is the eastern leg of what we North Country Trail folk have come to nickname "The Arrowhead Reroute." The SHTA's normal annual conference schedule has settled on the spring date, so we decided to join them in their regular cycle for this year. Those of us who have become used to rustic cabins or dormitories, cozy campgrounds or lodges at annual conferences were awed at the spiffy Superior Shores resort with it's polished accomodations and up-scale northwoods decor. SHTA's welcome was genuine with conference shirts offering to "Share a Superior North Country Adventure." Most of Friday's activities were focused on North Country Trail business. The day began with continental breakfast staged at the vintage stone Lady Slipper Lodge at Gooseberry Falls State Park. A crackling blaze from the huge fireplace helped dispel the chill morning air. Sister stone building, the Lake View Lodge, provided plenty of Dining In Lake View Lodge space for the Chapter Presidents/ Trail Council meeting followed by the meeting of the Board of Directors.
While these meetings were taking place other folk were beginning to learn North Shore geology by participating in guided hikes. Late in the afternoon most of us North Country members enjoyed a tour of historical Split Rock Lighthouse. The high volcanic cliffs of the area allowed the light to be positioned 168 Split Rock Lighthouse feet above the lake level, but the structure only needed to be about 40 feet tall, making the building itself one of the shorter lighthouses on the Great Lakes. Dinners were served in the luxurious banquet rooms of the Superior ShoresConvention Center where we felt quite pampered to have our meals delivered by efficient waitstaff. SHTA President, Rudi Hargesheimer, DiningRoom welcomedusall to the North Shore and Vice-President Daryl Williamson added his greetings. Daryl also serves on the NCTA Board of Directors and so is well-positioned to fuction as liaison officer. Dinner was followed by a slide presentation, "Sentiments from the Heart," by Hargesheimer. Comments about experiences on the Superior Hiking Trail taken from logbooks along the route were matched with accompanying images from his ex tens iv e photo f i1 e s . Rudi Hargeshelmer The Superior Hiking Trail is a magnificent pathway threaded between rocky promontories and hardwood hollows. The North Country Trail is certainly enhanced by the addiDaryl Williamson tion of this trail to its route. Rudi's
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
Presentation of award by Tom Gilbert
excellent pictures set us all to longing after walking rather than watching! Following Rudi's presentation was our annual membership meeting and update. Tom Gilbert of the National Park Service presented the staff with a framed copy of the original federal order creating the North Country Trail. On Saturday, there were a number of hikes from which to choose, and also some trail work in the Doug Welker receives award form of bridge maintenance. Thus many of us were enticed into returning on some future date to more completely experience the Superior Hiking Trail. The afternoon featured a silent auction benefitting the SHTA. Another fine evening meal was followed by a program, "Flora and Fauna of the AuctioneerBob Papp North Shore," by author Mark "Sparky" Stensaas. Following the program, NCTA awards were presented. Doug Welker was a surprised recipient of the Distinguised Service Award. Martha Jones also received the Distinguished Service Award. Wes Boyd received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The evening ended with what has become a favorite tradition- the NCT live auction with Bob Papp as auctionDaryl Williamson eer. Bob was ably assisted by and Peruvian hat
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a cat-burgler. Er, no ... that's Daryl Williamson, modeling a Peruvian hat gone up for bids! Trail Shop Manager, Glory Meyer, usurped the mike to announce that the staff had purloined Bob's prize office tool, his Smoky Bear ruler! Bob whined and wheedled, and tried to convince us that we should let him buy it back" it has a nick in the edge and the first inch Glory and Bob's Ruler doesn 'tworkrightanyway" ... anything to allow him to regain his beloved red ruler. We all laughed in glee at Bob's pain, and Werner paid dearly to preserve Bob's anxiety. Of course, it's all in fun for that good cause known as the Land Trust Fund. We're sure Bob and his Smoky the Bear rule have now been re-united. Bob hurting The conference ended Sunday morning. Some folks chose to stay for one last hike, a long but enjoyable one. Most of us headed for home with our new purchases, memories of new friends, hopes for new miles of trail to hike in the future, and new shirts sporting that theme "Share a Superior North Country Adventure." One final note of promise. Jerry Allen and Connie Pausits display their new shirts. But they W erner saves th e d ay have plans to open a new category of North Country Trail adventures. Theirs will be the first (that we knowof)weddingto take place on the NCT, later this summer. Best wishes to all of us as we share the trail, and especially to you, Jerry and Connie, as you plan to share your Jerry Allen and Connie Pausits lives.
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NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September, 2000
Wes Boyd Receives NCTA.'s Lifetime Achievement Award This should come as no surprise to anyone who knows Wes or has been with our organization for more than a year or two. Wes has been one of the Association's most dedicated and reliable volunteers for over a decade. His contributions have been wide-ranging, and have had a tremendous positive impact on the trail and the NCT A. If you've read Wes' column in this issue, you know that Wes is stepping down as editor of the North Star, after 12 years and more than.ft.fly issues! Given this momentous decision, we were especially pleased to have recognized Wes as the recipient of our Lifetime Achievement Award for the year 2000, during our Annual Conference this past May. Wes Boyd first joined the Board of Directors of the North Country Trail Association in 1987. He served on the Board for eleven years, contributing creative ideas, historical perspective, and a sharp sense of reality to a Board struggling with the needs and challenges of a rapidly growing organization. During this time, Wes also wrote Following the North Country National Scenic Trail, the first book to provide an overview of the status of the trail in each of its seven states. Wes' book, now in its third edition, continues to be an excellent resource for trail users. In late 1988, Wes took on his most visible role, as the new editor of the "Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association." Under Wes' direction, the Newsletter added features, pages, and many other improvements. Now called North Star Magazine, our newsletter's quality, popularity, and utility are all due to Wes' dedication, passion and vision. Though we will greatly miss him as editor of the North Star, we look forward to his continuing contributions to the magazine. His interests in communications also led Wes to develop the NCTA's first official website in 1995. More recently, he donated countless hours compiling information from various sources to develop a detailed guide to the trail, which is available for free download on our current website. Wes also chaired our Awards Committee, and helped plan our Annual Conferences. Frankly, it's impossible to give justice to everything Wes has done for the trail and the NCTA in so small a space. We are extremely grateful to him for all his contributions, and are very proud to recognize him with our Lifetime Achievement Award.
Martha Jones & Doug Welker Given Distinguished Service Awards Martha Jones served on the NCTA's Board of Directors from 1987 through 1995. While on the Board, she filled many roles, including that of membership chair. In 1990, Martha accepted the position of President of the Board of Directors, when the organization was facing the major hurdle of hiring its first part-time executive director. Martha donated a tremendous amount of time and energy working with other trail organizations and the National Park Service to develop a job description and resolve the many issues associated with shifting from an entirely volunteer-based organization to an organization that employed professional staff. Martha also worked hard to promote the trail, taking advantage of every opportunity she could to build public awareness. In addition to her administrative roles, Martha also has served as a tireless worker on the trail, often traveling from her home near Detroit to Michigan's Upper Peninsula to help build and maintain segments of the North Country Trail. Though less active today, Martha is still a welcome face at our Annual Conferences and continues 'to contribute good ideas to help us keep on track. Congratulations, Martha, and thanks for everything you've done!
Doug Welker also is a former Board member (serving from 1990 through 1996) and a long-time volunteer for the North Country Trail Association. If some of what follows sounds familiar, it's because Doug was a featured volunteer in last issue's Heart and Soul section. Following his six years of service on the Board of Directors, Doug more recently has been focusing his energies on local trail efforts in the western upper peninsula of Michigan. Here, he founded a new Chapter of the Association, the Peter Wolfe Chapter. which has been hard at work, driven by his leadership and enthusiasm. Through the Chapter, Doug is breaking new ground and setting new standards in the areas of signage, maps, and shelters. Doug also is an active and valued member of our Great Lakes Trail Council, and is serving as interim Trail Coordinator for the Michigan's entire upper peninsula. In all his roles, past and present, Doug has been a highly valued team member, a great source of ideas and insight, and a resourceful and staunch supporter of the North Country Trail. Thanks very much for all your work, Doug, and congratulations on an award that was well-earned!
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
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The Bear Facts by Wes Boyd There are words that raise the emotion level of nonoutdoors people. Words like "mosquito" -- or "outhouse" -- or "bear". There's no doubt that mosquitos can be a problem in the outdoors, especially when you're headed to the outhouse on a warm summer's night. But what do you do if you encounter a bear along the way? The chances are that you won't see one. Despite a lot of concern about bears and their danger to campers, the fact is that in most parts of the country you're far less likely to be injured in a bear encounter than you are to hit the lotto for big, big bucks. Bears are interesting to talk about, and part of the magic of the wilderness, but because of their power, they probably tend to grab our imagination more than they should. In North America, we have three main bear species -- the black, the brown or grizzly, or the polar bear. We're not going to talk much about the polar bear here, even though he's the most dangerous of the three to humans, for the simple reason that few of us are ever going to be in polar bear country: the Arctic Ocean and its coastline. The brown, or grizzly bear, is actually the same species -- the brown is the coastal subspecies of the grizzly. The browns are bigger than the grizzlys, weighing up to 1000 pounds. They are mostly found in Alaska and the Canadian Rockies, although there are populations of them in the Pacific northwest, and a few scattered through the subarctic barren lands of Canada, as far east as Quebec. The most common North American bear is the black bear, which weighs up to 400 pounds. The black bear is widespread throughout the wilder parts of the country, but only in rare places can they be called common. Though there are black bear present along much of the route of the Appalachian Trail, for example, they're only considered a problem in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Remember Yogi Bear, eternally swiping picnic baskets? It may have made for a cute cartoon, but Yogi was a problem bear for the same reason that other bears become problems they've become used to having people around, know that people often have food with them, and have learned how to get it. Those "Don't Feed the Bears" signs mean what they say! Most bear problems occur around campgrounds where bears are common, and have become used to seeing human encampments as a food source. Not every bear is a problem
Stringinga llne high between two trees -- at least fifteen feet off the ground -- and hangingyour food from It Is generallya safe way to keep bears from your dinner.
bear, nor is does every campground have a problem bear-- but it helps to know which ones do. Ask ahead of time! Someplaces that have bad bear problems, like the Smokies, go to extra lengths to keep hikers and bears apart. If you're hiking in the Smokies, you have to stay at or near one of the shelters, which have bearproof wire fences around them. Other campgrounds with bear problems will have bearproof lockers for you to put food and other bear-attractive items in, or poles where you can hang your food out of the bears reach. In other places, you may have to handle your own bearproofing. If you're car camping, food in a car trunk may be safe from bears, but a bear can do a number on your paint job trying to get to its dinner! Bears are capable of opening kayak hatches, or tearing open the kayak itself. Some people advocate sealing your food inside several layers of plastic, or in a bearproof plastic container, and hiding it some distance from your camp, but the safest way is probably to hang your food. Since bears can climb trees, it takes a little effort to hang food. For black bears, you should hang food at least ten feed off the ground, flve feet below the limb it is suspended from, and six feet from the nearest tree trunk. It always seems like there's never the perfect bearproof limb around, and sometimes you have to rig your own between two trees. Find a couple of trees about 15 to 20 feet apart, with limbs, or even stubs of limbs that have enough clearance to throw a rope over. Take a rope that's about 60 to 80 feet long, and tie a small loop with an overhand knot in the middle. Tie a second rope, about 50 feet long, to this loop.
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
Page 12
Snap a carabiner through the loop, and a second one over the short rope about ten feet from the first 'biner, then run the rope back up through the first carabiner. Now, tie a rock to one end of the longer rope throw it over a branch on the first tree, and tie it off where you can reach it. Do the same at the other end, pulling the rope as tight as you can. What you now have is a rope strung between two trees, with what climbers and whitewater kayakers call a Z-drag hanging from the middle -- it's known as a block and tackle to the rest of us. Tie your food pack or packs to the bottom carabiner, pull everything tight and tie it off, leaving your food bag high in the air. That will deter most bears that haven't learned to attack the lines themselves. Did we say that you don't want to hang your food right in the middle of your camp? Having a bear stomping around under your food bag in the middle of your camp might disturb your sleep, to say the least. In fact, it's best to do your cooking at a good distance from your tent, a hundred yards or more "away. In real backcountry conditions, you want to have your latrine well away from your camp, too. Burn garbage completely, and pack out the remains -- bears don't see much difference between food and garbage. Of course, you do have to carry your food between camps. Generally, black bears won't be a problem if you don't corner them in any way, and don't get between a mama bear and her cubs. Black bears will generally try to avoid you, at least during the daylight, so give them some knowledge that you're there -- talk, sing, or carry small bells on your pack. Banging on a cooking pot is a time-honored way to drive off bears on the trail or campsite. Remember that you're in a bear's country, and sometimes you will have to wait them out or avoid them. Grizzlys and brown bears are bigger bears, and have a worse temperment than black bears. Lewis and Clark were the first Americans to enounter them. They got lucky and killed their first one easily, and thought that their reputation among the Indians was overrated. The second one, however, absorbed a pound of lead and caused some of the more exciting moments of the whole expedition. Further bears were as bad, until finally Lewis dryly wrote, "We find that the curiosity of our party with respect to this bear has been pretty well satisfied. Still, as one old Alaska hand said, "I'll take wild grizzlys every time over camp-smart black bears. Fortunately, grizzlys and browns are concentrated in a more limited range. In the lower48 states, they're pretty much concentrated in the northern Rockies, in Montana, Idaho, Washington and Wyoming; only about 4000 bears are estimated to survive there. Most of the stories we hear about problems come from Yellowstone or Glacier National Park, and mostly the latter. However, they're a concern in the inside passage of Canada and in much of Alaska. They're quite concentrated in some places, especially along streams when 11
11
11
11
the salmon are running. All the rules for dealing with black bears, about hanging your food, camping some distance from it, not getting between a sow and her cubs and never cornering a bear apply with the black bear's bigger cousins. Again, with the grizzly and brown bears, you're in his territory, and he's the one at the top of the food chain, so you have to act like a creature that doesn't want to get eaten. Avoidance is the best policy; make noise so you won't surprise them. Pick your campsite wisely -- don't bed down next to the salmon stream, or right next to that patch of tender grass, or the old dead log full of tasty grubs. In a bear encounter, it's best to move out of reach as nonthreatingly as possible. Do not run; a bear can sense the fear and is faster than you are. Climbing a tree may be a possibility, but bears can climb trees, too. Many authorities recommend carrying pepper spray to deter a bear's charge. A charge by a black bear is not unknown, but a grizzly or brown is somewhat more likely to charge, rather than run away. Make sure it's specifically bear spray - it has more punch than the somewhat weaker mixtures used for two legged creatures. It needs to be a kind that squirts a steady stream, not a mist. In the case of a charge, you have to get the stream into a bear's face -- not easy to do in perhaps a couple of seconds available. The spray does not have a lot of range, and can be carried back towards you if not used carefully. Pepper sprays are not repellants -- they'll actually tend to attract bears if sprayed around camp. They are nearly a last resort. The bear is going to be close, and the user is going to have to be a cool cucumber to spray a bear effectively, and then then the outcome isn't a sure thing. If that fails, about all . you can do is roll yourself in a ball and hope for the best. Bears may make bluff charges, and only get within ten feet or so. The ultimate last resort is a gun, of course. Packing iron as a defense against black bears just isn't necessary, but it's possible to get into a real debate on the subject when the topics of browns and grizzlys comes up. Even some people that are generally against the idea will concede that it makes sense in areas of high concentrations of brown bear -- and then only if you're trained to use a gun and comfortable with it. Carrying a gun may be illegal in sorrie areas of high bear concentrations, like some national parks. If you choose to carry a gun, make sure it'll do the job -- some Alaskans consider even a .44 magnum to be inadequate against grizzlys in some situations. Again, local knowledge and expertese applied ahead of time is the key. Encounters with a charging bears are fortunately rare. Part of the magic of the wilderness is the opportunity of seeing an animal like a bear. Most of the time, in most places, they'll be unseen. Bears are solitary, secretive animals, and you'll be lucky to see one. When given the chance, they usually do not choose to interact with man. Stay alert, practice clean camping, and most of the time you'll be just fine.
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
Page 13
USFS proposes ending road construction Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck On May 9, 2000 proposed ending road construction in nearly one quarter of the 192 million acre National Forest System. The proposal addresses more than 54 million acres of inventoried roadless areas and additional unroaded areas on national forests and grasslands. Also released was a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) explaining the basis for the proposal. The proposal: prohibits new roads in 43 million acres of inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest System; provides opportunities for additional protection for the inventoried areas and other smaller unroaded areas through local forest planning; and defers until 2004 the decision on providing additional protection for an additional 8.5 million acres on the Tongass National Forest. "Rapid development and shrinking open space make our remaining roadless areas increasingly valuable to many people," said Dombeck. "New roads pose the most immediate threat to the many social and ecological values of these areas." The proposal "seeks to balance local needs with maintaining the values of our
'
remaining roadless areas. At the same time, roadless areas would remain open for public use, access and recreation." To help people review, understand and improve the proposal, more than 300 meetings are scheduled throughout the country. Every national forest and grassland will host two types of meetings. Written public comment will also be accepted at both types of meetings and throughout the public involvement period. All comments must be received by July 17, 2000. Comments can also be faxed directly to 877-7032494 or mailed to: USDA Forest Service-CAET; Attention: Roadless Area Proposed Rule, PO Box 221090, Salt Lake City, UT 84122. People can also comment directly at the roadless website, roadless.fs.fed.us. The proposed rule, DEIS, a summary, maps and appendices are available at the roadless.fs.fed.us website. This information will also be available for review at the public meetings, all Forest Service offices, and at major public libraries. People can also call the roadless toll-free information number, 1-800-384-ROAD (7623).
What Do You Want From Your Roadless Areas? by Bob Jacobs, Regional Forester Eastern Region of the USDA Forest Service Tremendous controversy surrounds a national Forest Service Proposal to consider what to do with the remaining roadless areas in this country. When Europeans came to the new world, they faced a frontier of overwhelming wilderness and intimidating possibilities. Their homes and their communities were the refuge they carved from the darkness. During the 1800s the federal government "disposed" of lands to encourage development of a country that must have seemed vast and untamable, as if the frontier could go on forever. Since then, America has changed from a vast wilderness with occasional outposts, to a vast development with occasional wildlands. It is no longer the frontier that is intimidating. The wild places have now become the refuge from our busy lives. As a nation, we developed some areas for homes, some for commerce, some for agriculture, and some for roaded access in our National Forests. As a society we have also chosen to maintain wild characteristics by designating Wilderness Areas. In the Eastern Region of the Forest Service - defined by the area bounded by Minnesota, Missouri, Maryland, and Maine - the nearly 12 million acres of National Forest exist
as islands of green in a sea of people. Approximately six percent of the land within these National Forests is Roadless. As long as we have wild areas, we will have choices to make about them. We must continually revisit these choices based on the needs and values of our society at the time. National concerns about ecological health and continued development suggest that now is one such time. So the question is, "What do we as a society want from our roadless areas? This is a timely question. What activities and access should be allowed in Roadless Areas? Consider that the best answers may not be as simple as all or nothing. A draft Environmental Impact Statement on Forest Service Roadless Area Conservation will be published soon. Based on public concerns and ideas, the report describes several options for managing roadless areas. I'd like to hear from you on the options before we write the final report and make a decision.Yes, there is tremendous controversy over the roadless proposal. This is how it should be with issues of national importance in a democracy. "The National Forests are to be managed for the greatest good, for the greatest number of people in the long run," said the first Forest Service Chief, Gifford Pinchot. "National . Forests exist today because the people want them. To make them accomplish the most good, the people themselves must make clear how they want them run." Now let us hear from you, by contacting us at the above addresses and numbers.
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
Page 14
North Country National Scenic Trail Contact Inforrnation
Great Lakes Trail Council Trail Council Chair: Pat Miller I 5737 Sixty-fifth Ave., Milam, MN 56353, (320) 983-5643, pkmiller@ecenet.
West End Trail Council
Ading
Trail Council Chair: John Leinen 14205 St.Croix Trail North, Stillwater, MN 55087-9587, (651) 433-4456, jleinen@mtn.org
Upper Ml State Trail Coordinator and President, Peter WoHe Chapter
Doug Welker Rt#l, Box 59A, Pelkie, Ml 49958-9715, (906)338-2680, dwelker@up.net
To be assigned:
/lovers Outing Oub Kekekabk Trail Oub
North Country Trail Hikers Jan Wester (906)225-1295 Shirely LaBonte (906)228-6666 Bettie Daly (906)228-9018 .
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Sheyenne /liver Valley Chapter Lisa Engel, President P.O. Box 100 Cooperstown, ND 58425 (707)797-3530
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'>o,,., Superior Hiking Trail Association
""'.~...:::~~../. __ ,...,W"'".g_,,,.,-HeritageChapter
Nancy Odden Exec. Director & Council Rep. 731 7th Avenue, Two Harbors MN 55616 (218) 834-2700
Steve Frye, President P.O. Box 172, Jefferson, WI 53549 (414) 593-2694, ryerok@idcnet.com
Chequamegon Chapter Tana Turonie, President Box 475, Mellen, WI 54546 (715) 274-2521 tturonie@centuryinter.net
Headwaters Chapter ND Stat11 Coordinator Jon Lindgren 2001 N 7th St, Forgo ND 58102-5075 (70 I) 231-8809, jlindgre@badlands.nodak.
Brul.. st.Croix Chapter Peter Nordgren, President 11260 E. Timber Ridge Rd. Lake Nebagamon, WI 54849 (715) 394-8340, pnordgre@stoff.uwsuper.edu
WI State Coordinator: Gaylord Yost 2925 W Bradley Rd, River Hills, WI 53217-1719 (414)354-8987, gaylyost@aol.com
Terms Expiring in 2000 At-Large: At-Large: OH-Ml Trail Council Chair: West End Trail Council Chair: West Division:
Werner Vei~ 49 Monroe Center Ste 200B, Grand Rapids Ml 49503 Joan Young, 861 West US 10, Scottville Ml 49454 Lynn Waldron, 8133 Norris Road, Delton Ml 49046. John Leinen, 14205 St. Croix Trail North, Stillwater MN 55082-9587 Daryl Williamson, 5901 Timberglade Drive, Bloomington MN 55438
(888) (231) (616) (651) (612)
454-NCTA, wv12@aol.com 757-2205, jhy@t-one.net 623-5340, lwaldron3@juno.com 433-4456, jleinen@mtn.org 835-2186.
David Cornell, 514 Cordes Rd, Delton Ml 49046 Bob Tait, 212 E. Metzger Ave., Butler PA 16001 Pat Miller, 15737 Sixty-fifth Ave., Milaca MN 56353 Gaylord Yost, 2925 W Bradley Rd, River Hills WI 53217-2052
(616) (724) (320) (414)
623-8659, janc128@aol.com 287-3382, BobTait@zbzoom.net 983-5643, pkmiller@ecenetcom 354-8987, gaylyost@aol.com
Terms Expiring in 2001 At-Large: At-Large: Great Lakes Trail Council Chair: West Division:
Terms Expiring in 2002 At-Large: Mary Lucas, 753 Davenport St, Rhinelander WI 54501 At-Large: Arny Clark, 1646 Capitol Way Apt.101, Bismarck ND 58501 At-Large: Derek Blount, 906 N Alexander, Royal Oak, Ml 48067 Allegheny-Adirondack Tr.Council Chair: Current chair is ineligible to serve until mid-year 2000 East Division: Helen Coyne, 212 Willow Circle, Cranberry Twnshp. PA 1~72
(715) 362-0616, dsmlucas@newnorth.net (701) 223-8659, aclark@state.nd.us (248) 548-1737, djblount@aol.com (724) n6-0678, hcoyne@zbzoom.net
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
OH-MI Trail Council Trail Council Chair, LowerMl State Coorrllllllfor, Chief Noonday Chapter CouncilRep: Har/Jor Springs Chapter Jerry Keeney, President 238S Manitou Trail, Harbor Springs, Ml 49740 (231) S26-9S97 keeney@freewoy.net
Lynn Waldron 8133 Norris Rd, Delton, Michigan 49046 (616) 623-S340, lwoldron3@juno.com
Page 15
Allegheny-Adirondack Trail Council Trail Council Chai/, NY State Coordinator. Howard Beye 202 Colebourne Rd, Rochester, NY I 4609, (716) 288-7191, fltc@axsnet.com
ChiefNoonday Chapter T1"abawassee Chapter:\ Jerry Allen, President I S6 I Bomonville Rd., Gladwin, Michigan 48624 (SI 7)34S-2677
Grand Traverse Hiking Club (Chapter) Richard Naperala, President 1086 Quaker Valley Drive Traverse City, Ml 49684 (231) 223-7903,Nopper@alien.com
I
Dave Cornell, President S 14 Cordes Rd., Delton, Ml 49046 (616) 623-86S9, joncl 28@ool.com
Baw Beese Chapter Richard Saur, President PO Box 673 Hillsdale, Ml 49242 (SI 7) 437-2S74
Joan Young, President 861 West USlO Scottville, Ml 494S4 (231) 7S7-220S, jhy@t-one.net
Gene Markley, Council Rep. PO Box 234, Delta, OH 43SI S (800) 9Sl-4 788, 140years@powersupply.net
Central New York Chapter Clarion Chapter
Al Larmann, President 7169 Forbes Rd. Canastota, NY 13032 larmann@worldnet.oll.net (31S)697-3387
Rock Chapter
Westem Michigan Chaple
Northwestern Ohio Ra/ls-to-TrailsAssociation
Harmon Strong, Council Rep. 76 Shellwood Dr., Rochester, NY 14618 (716) S86-3846
Don Landfried, President H.C.I. Box 176 B, Leeper PA 16233 (814) 744-932S Donl@csonline.net
Spirit of the Woods Chapter
Tom Leannont, President I OSS4 Colby Rd, Gowen, Ml 49326 (6 I 6)984-S917 Len Baron, Council Rep. 10822 26th Ave Grand Rapids Ml 49S44 (616)677-3S98
Finger Lakes Trail Conference
Great Trail - Sandy Beaver Canal Chapter Brad Bosley, President S0900 Pancake-Clarkson Rd. Negley, OH 44441, (330) 227-2432
Bob Tait, Acting President 212 E. Metzger Ave. Butler, PA 16001 (724) 287-3382 BobToit@zbzoom.net
Wampum Chapter --,~3"11f路~ Richard Lutz, President Rt I Box 1341, Wampum, PA 161S7 (724) 6S2-818S, lutznctl@lcix.net
Buckeye Trail Association Dana Zintek, Council Rep. 2369 Suncrest Dr., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 (330) 928-8931
OH State Coordinator Jim Sprague 4406 Maplecrest, Parma DH 44134, (216) 884-47S7
About the North Country National Scenic Trail Directory: Chapters of the North Country Trail Association Oisfed in blue) ore like local trail clubs. They build and maintain the trail, host hikes and other events, and work to promote the trail and the Association in their areas. For information about local activities and volunteering, contact Chapter representatives. Portner organizations (we coll them "Affiliates") ore independent nonprofit organizations that ore working to build and maintain certain sections of the frail. They also ore good contacts. We encourage you to support their work by joining their I organizations as well as the NCTA. Each state also hos o State Trail Coordinator, whose job it is to coordinate the work of Chapters and other partners in the state. Finally, all of these representatives ore grouped info "Trail Councils," to further coordinate their work improve communication and cooperation across the trail.
Pittsburgh Chapter Bob Needham, President 7 46 Jefferson Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15229 bobneedham@troco.com (412)369-0777
Ron Rice, President 111 Ash Stop Rood Evans City, PA 16033 (724) S38-847S rice l@nouticom.net
PA State Coordinator
American Youth Hostels Pittsburgh Council
Bob Tait 212 E. Metzger Ave., Butler, PA 16001 (724) 287-3382 BobToit@zbzoom.net
Bob Roth, Council Rep. 80 Roseleof Rood Pittsburgh, PA I 5220 (412) 279-6219
National Park Service (Madison Trails Office): Bill Menke, Manager North Country National Scenic Trail 700 Rayovac Drive, Suite 100 Madison, Wisconsin 53711 608-441-5610, bill_menke@nps.gov
Page 16
National Millennium Trail Celebration Planned for Labor Day Weekend Plan NOW to be in Mackinaw City September 2nd-4th I I I I I I I The White House Millennium Council named the North Country National Scenic Trail one of only sixteen National Millennium Trails. The only other National Scenic Trail to receive this award was the Appalachian Trail. To celebrate this honor, the Association is holding a special event in Mackinaw City, Michigan on Labor Day weekend. The North Country Trail crosses from lower Michigan to upper Michigan on the 5 mile-long Mackinac Bridge. This presents a bit of a challenge to hikers, since the Mackinac Bridge is a four lane highway, with no sidewalks. For 364 days of the year, hikers must take a shuttle to cross the bridge. However, on a single day each year, two lanes are opened for people to hike the Bridge from St. Ignace on the north side to Mackinaw City on the south. The annual Bridge Walk draws a lot of attention. Typically, more than 60,000 people set out each Labor Day morning to join in the adventure. Traditionally Michigan's Governor leads the trek. This walk isn't for the faint of heart: at it's center, only a metal grating separates hikers from the choppy waters 200 feet below! To celebrate the designation as a National Millennium Trail, and to increase public awareness for the Trail, the Association is encouraging its members to show up for this unique event. Volunteers from NCT A are being sought to help "spread the word" about the Trail amongst the Bridge Walkers. Volunteers will wear special T-shirts and handout attractive informative bandanas to walkers seeking more information. Training will be provided! Much of the funding for this event came from a generous grant from American Express. Coordination for this celebration has involved the Mackinac Bridge Authority and Emmet County. Additionally, Cheryl Cheadle, owner of Tundra Outfitters in Mackinaw City has offered the Association space outside her store for a "traveling Trail Shop" and information booth. That site will be open Saturday
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September,2000
through Monday. On Monday morning, before the Bridge Walk, we plan to have a booth on the north side of the bridge to serve as a rallying point for friends and volunteers. In addition, the NCTA Board of Directors will be holding its fall meeting on Sunday morning in conjunction with this even . On Sunday night-the eve of the Bridge Walk-NCTA is hosting a Pre-Walk Party at The Headlands park just west of Mackinaw City. A salute to our status as a National Millennium Trail is planned by a guest from American Express. The annual Volunteer Recognition will take place that evening, plus all those interested in being a "Bridge Volunteer" on Labor Day will receive their T-shirts and "marching orders." All friends of the N CT A are invited to attend! ! Refreshments will be served. As you might guess, with this many people in town, lodging is difficult to find. NCTA has arranged for the use of two guest houses owned by Emmet County for the nights of Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 2-3, but space is limited. Cost is $20 per person per night and includes continental breakfast. In addition, the Association has reserved several tent sites at a nearby KOA campground. Cost per two-man tent is $30.00 per night. To reserve a space at either location, call our of-
fice at 888-454-NCTA. Suggestions for nearby motels, as well as Mackinaw area maps and a sign-up form follow! Plan NOW to join the fun Labor Day weekend at the Bridge!!!!
~,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,~ Lodging Suggestions South end of Bridge (888)454-NCTA The Headlands Call for availability (888)454-NCTA KOA Cal/for availability (800)528-1234 Best Western (3)-Mackinaw City Econo Lodge (2)-Mackinaw City (800)446-6900 (800)272-6232 Ramada(2)-Mackinaw City (800)465-4329 Holiday Inn - Mackinaw City (800)446-4656 Howard Johnson - Mackinaw City North end of Bridge (800)528-1234 Best Western-St. Ignace Comfort Inn-St. Ignace (800)221-2222 Econo Lodge-St. Ignace (800)446-6900 Howard Johnson-St. Ignace (800)446-4656 Approx. 45 min. south Comfort Inn-Gaylord (800)221-2222 Econo Lodge (800)446-6900 Days Inn-Gaylord (517)732-2200 Hampton Inn-Gaylord (517)731-4000 Holiday Inn-Gaylord (800)465-4329 No luck? Call NCTA (888)454-NCT A for more suggestions.
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September,
Page 17
2000
Bridge Walk 2000 September 2nd-4th, 2000 Location Tundra Outfitters 116 W. Central Ave./Mackinaw City
Saturday September 2nd-Monday, September 4th All day NCT A Traveling Trail Shop and Information Booth Sunday, September 3rd 9 :00 AM 6:00PM
Headlands Park-Guest House Headlands Park-Beach House
NCT A Board Meeting NCTA Pre-Walk Celebration includes light dinner and refreshments
Monday, September 4th 5:30-8:00 AM 7:00 AM
Mackinaw Bridge Authority, North End of Bridge North End of Bridge
NCTA Booth Bridge Walk Begins
Map to the Headlands
The Headlands of Emmet County is located on the Straits of Mackinac, just west of the .Villa.11e of Mackinaw City.
I: . _~·~
..... ...
North
I-75: Take exit. 338 - Welcome Center . Tum left onto Central }I.venue.· FoUow Central Avenue west to Wildcrncss.P!"k . Drive, tum left. .The main drive is oo the west {right} side of the road.
,..
J.EJZfiljQ _M.QinRo.aid6 --- Foot Tr-atle
*
~
Ouildlng6 Shipwreck
Motorized Vehicles, Including Saowmobiles, are PROHIBITED on Foot Trails.
--------------------------------------~---------------Bridge Walk 2000 Sign Up £~.~~1'~~ II.I Name(s):
-•ASSOCIATION•
9~
National Millennium
Address: State: __
City:
D
D
Trail
Zip:
Phone:
I/We plan on attending the Pre-Walk Celebration Sunday night. I/We would like to volunteer Monday T-shirt size(s):
Mail to NCTA, 49 Monroe Ctr., NW, Grand Rapids, Ml 49503. To request lodging at KOA or Headlands call (888)454-NCTA.
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country
Page 18
Trail, June-September
2000
New Structures Discussed for Trail Councils, National Board By Werner Veit A proposal to change the number, boundaries and the composition of the North Country Trail Association's four trail councils received considerable discussion at the annual conference of the NCTA at Two Harbors, MN in early May. The original draft had been sent to chapter presidents, state coordinators and trail council chairs for comment. Some replies were received before the conference; others were noted during a joint meeting of chapter presidents and trail council members. Those present asked that the comments at the conference be forwarded to the chapters and councils for further comment and that an amended proposal be prepared in light of all the suggestions before another draft is presented to the NCTA's Board of Directors. The original draft of the proposal would eliminate the current four regional trail councils and substitute eight new councils, one each for New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota and two for Michigan (One each for the Lower and Upper Peninsulas). Each chapter and affiliate would continue to have a representative on the trail council. In addition, each council would invite additional, non-voting members from the governmental bodies that manage the lands traversed by our trail in each state. Typically, that might include representatives from the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and State Departments of Conservation or Parks. Each council would elect a chair who would replace the current state coordinators. To start with, all our current State coordinators would automatically become chairs of the new trail councils. After a suitable interval, the councils could reelect their chairs or elect new ones. Each trail council chair would serve on the Board of Directors of the North Country Trail Association. The NCTA Board would have 17 members: the eight Trail Council chairs plus nine directors, elected at large. The
requirement for electing directors from east and west would be eliminated since the Trail Council chairs automatically would produce geographical representation. The proposal was drafted in response to feedback since the trail councils were created three years ago. They were established to: 1. Define the needs for trail construction, reconstruction or rerouting of trail in the region for which the council is responsible and to establish the priorities and to recommend a timetable for meeting those needs. 2. Participate actively with the National Park Service and/or other agencies in establishing the location for the trail where the planning process is not yet complete. 3. Coordinate the relationships between chapters and outside agencies. 4. Provide advice and technical assistance to chapters as needed. 5. Coordinate intra-chapter activities. 6. Serve as a conduit for information between the national board, the chapter and the affiliates. Reaction to the proposed changes ranged from outright acceptance of the proposal as written to the rejection of any change now since the current plan has only had a short test. Some highlights of the feedback: Proposal: Changing the Boundaries of the Trail Councils from Regional to State. There was general agreement that having the councils operate on a statewide basis is a good idea except there was some sentiment that the State of Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan may want to remain linked as the Great Lakes Trail Council. Proposal: Inviting representativesfrom public agencies we deal with to sit on the councils. Most of the respondents liked the idea in principle but
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
Page 19
called the proposal difficult to execute and unlikely to be accepted by governments representatives. Some suggestions were made that public agency representatives be invited, instead, to attend trail council meetings on an ad hoc basis.
BARGAIN ECOTRIPS Proposal: Having the current state coordinators serve as chairs of the trail councils and revise the bylaws to provide automatic seats on the national board of directors to these chairs. Reaction from those state coordinators who already serve on the national board was that adding the duties of chairing the trail councils to their current responsibilities would be too much of a load for a single individual. There were two counterproposals: (a) Keep the jobs separate. Maintain the current role of the state coordinator. The chair of the trail council would call and preside at trail council meetings. The council could decide whether the chair of the trail council or the state coordinator should serve on the national board of directors. (b) Change the bylaws to require that each state be represented on the board and that directors elected under such provision (and not at large) be required to serve on his or her trail council. The council would elect its chair who could or could not also hold the job of state coordinator depending on the individual situation. Perhaps the most important thought coming out of the discussion is the opinion of most of those commenting that we do not need to have a common plan for trail councils for all seven states. It should be possible, instead, a number of the attendees felt, to craft plans peculiarly suited to the needs of each state and region, as long as the overall objectives listed above are met. In that case, it was emphasized, the chapters and trail council members will need to play a key role in fashioning the way each state or region will operate. A complete report of the meeting will now go back to the chapters and current trail councils for further comment and suggestions. These will be incorporated into a second draft for further consideration of the chapters and councils and then finally submitted to the board. The views of the general membership are being solicited as well. Please e-mail comments and suggestions to NCTAssoc@AOL.com or mail to NCTA headquarters at 49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
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What's it for? NCTA's Schoolhouse makes an ideal hostel for your hikes through lower Michigan. It includes a shower, cots, and a kitchenette. Ifs also a great site for meetings or retreats!
Where ls it? 5 miles NW of White Cloud, Michigan, nestled in the southern region of the 1 luron-Manistee National Forest
Is it close to the North Country Trail? You bet! Just one and a half miles from U1e NCN~'T!
Who J'Ul18 it?
Heart and Sole has taken a hiking break!
Back next issue!
The Schoolhouse is maintained and managed by voluntecrs fromour own Western Michigan Chapter.
Where do I get more information?
*
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Page 20
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
Director'sReport Updates and Commentary to NCTA Members By Executive Director, Bob Papp
Field Grants As you may know, "Field Grants" are grants that the national NCT A awards to our Chapters or State Trail Coordinators for special projects. We now ask each Field Grant recipient to write a short article describing their completed project for us to print in the North Star. So, soon you'll be hearing about the outcomes of these grants directly from the volunteers who are using them. In the meantime, though, I wanted to tell you about three more grants just awarded by the Field Grant Committee. · All three grants awarded in this cycle were to assist with National Trails Day events, which took place during the first weekend in June. The Spirit of the Woods Chapter requested $350 to help with a multifaceted event including a hike and canoe trip. The Central New York Chapter was awarded $220 for their event, featuring ribbon-cutting ceremonies celebrating new trail certifications and openings. The Chief Noonday Chapter received $300 for their National Trails Day event which also included a variety of interesting activities.
Web Site As I mentioned last issue, we've decided to contract with a "webmaster" from our membership to take over leadership of the NCT A's web page. The web page is just too important to be worked on only sporadically, as I have been doing. So, after advertising in last
issue of the North Star, we've selected Joan Young as our new webmaster. You may recognize Joan's name as the editor of our Heart and Sole feature, and perhaps as president of the Spirit of the Woods Chapter. Joan also has hiked more than 1000 miles on the trail, and so will bring good perspective and insight to our web pages. Congratulations, Joan!
North Star On a sadder note, if you've read Wes Boyd's column "Keyboard Trails," you know that he is resigning as editor of the North Star after 12 years. He's certainly put an incredible amount of energy and heart into our newsletter over the years. Those of you who have been around for a while have seen how well all of Wes' work has paid off. I hope you will join me in wishing Wes the best, and in thanking him for everything he's done, and for how far he has taken us. As we shift to a new editor, you'll notice some changes beginning with the next issue of the North Star. The first is that all submissions for the magazine now should be addressed to the national office as follows: North Star, c/o NCTA, 49 Monroe Center NW,
•ASSOCIATI
Suite 200B, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. You also may e-mail submissions to NCT Assoc@aol.com (please put "North Star Submission" in the. subject heading). Although we haven't selected a new editor yet, we do have a couple of candidates and expect that whoever we select will live closer to our office, to improve communications. Lastly, we've decided to shift to a quarterly schedule for the North Star rather than five times per year. This will help us get each issue out on time and will give us more time to accumulate material to publish.
CartographyProgram I have great news to report here! We've been awarded a significant grant from the Grand Rapids Foundation that will allow us to hire a full-time cartographer later this summer. Beginning with fall semester, our new Cartographer will be leading and training interns to , produce many more of our new fullco lor topographic map sets. The Cartographer also will be available to assist volunteers by producing ad-hoc maps for trail planning, promotion and presentations. In addition, he or she will work to develop a "geographic information system" database on the trail, and will assist the National Park Service in processing geographic data. Over the next 2Yz years, we'll be phasing in permanent funding for the Cartographer, so this will become an ongoing part of our work. We'll have more on the Cartography Program next issue.
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
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By recruiting new members, you help our organization grow. We give awards for 10, 50, 100 & 250 members. Our top recNiters to date are:
Page21
Along the Way Along the way to building the longest continuous hiking trail in the country, we pass many milestones. Here are a few of the vital statistics that mark our progress!
Probably the biggest measure of our success is what we call "certified miles" of the North Country Trail. Here are the totals for each state of the trail: State
Miles certified
Change since last issue
% Done
176.5
0
37.2
Minnesota
90.0
0
24.0
100 Bob Tait
Wisconsin
87.3
+
0.3
43.7
70 John Kincaid
Michigan
585.8
+
5.1
50.9
51 Richard Saur
Ohio
303.7
0
28.9
0.8
43.0
0
37.5
North Dakota
32 Richard Naperala
Pennsylvania
29 Joan Young
New York
23 Gene Elzinga
TOTAL
129.1
+
234.6 1607.0.
+
6.2
38.5
21 Gaylord Yost 19 Al Larmann 18 Dave Sheldon
'
Membershipin the NCTA demonstrates public support and funds all types of work to benefit the trail. Here's how we're doing in each state:
18 Barb VanDyken
State
17 Dave Cornell
North Dakota
17 Bill Menke
Current Members
Change since last issue
44
+
0
ox
Minnesota
147
+
1
<1 io
16 Kathy Sabel
Wisconsin
187
+
1
<lio
15 Doug Welker
Michigan
1114
+
28
3io
12 Jerry Allen
Ohio
199
+
4
2io
12 lhlry Kllizler-Lartrain
Pennsylvania
276
+
8
3io
11 Carol Atwell
New York
159
+
1
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11 Amy Clark
Other States
100
+
3
3io
11 Geraldine Nault
TOTAL
2226
+
46
2%
9 David Adams 9 Len Baron 9 Derek Blount
Almost all trail work is accomplishedby our volunteers. Thanksgo out to the volunteers shown below, who reported the most hours since our last issue/ Mary Kunzler-Larmann 101
9 James Burow
Charles Krammin 165
9 Richard Grau
Al Larmann 136
Ed Chappel
9 Rod MacRae
Joan Young 130
Laverne Bebeau 91
8 Werner Veit
Neil Juhl 126
Gaylord Yost 84
97
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
Page22
Proceeds benefit the North Country Trail Assodation in its efforts to build, maintain and promote the North Country National Scenic Trail.
NCT Map Sets NEW TRAIL MAPS 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 11" x 17". (T401) Michigan Huron-Manistee National Forest: North Segment (T-402) Michigan Battle Creek to Chief Noonday Road (T-201) Pennsylvania McConnells Mill and Moraine State Parks \I. Silo (T-202) Allegheny National Forest ~~.., North Section $6.50 1'~~ (T-203) Southern Allegheny National Forest 4 IL" and Cook Forest State Park $8.00
HATS (Clockwise from bottom) A. NaturalColored"BucketHat" (C208) ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
$16.95
The North Country National Scenic Trail compass point design on a bucket hat in a tone on tone khaki color. Washed cotton, one size fits most.
B. "Denim" Blue Cap (C203)
$15.95
"Pro-wash" cotton twill with extended bill, deep blue crown p.I,id.bitl (looks like denim), adjustable buckle on a leatlier,$-ap.
Certified Sections of the North Country Trail by Byron and Margaret Hutchins Detailed informa-~tion 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
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Michigan NCT in Lower Michigan, 66pp (M401) NCT in Upper Michigan, 88pp (M402)
$12.00
fNcTA
*~c,OU~1'J?y
$3.50
~
I Front Design
Minnesota Chippewa National Forest, Itasca S.P., 24pp (M601)
$4.00
North Dakota NCT in North Dakota 15pp (M701) ......... $5.00
Back Design
$10.95
Beyond Your
Bbckd'ei;i;.,
:rt's made of heAvy::: ~. "'weight 100% .cotton,;· 'color sage, and feat;Wes'' 'a front design in brick red, forest: g're.en,) and' ivory. The trail line ori . the. map is actually a listof all. seven state names. (color: sage) · ... ' ·' ,.,~,.. ' :· Was - S, M, ·L~,XL:,$1:0:95-' XXL.: $tt:9'5' .,
Now S, L, X,L: $~.25 X){L: $8.95
~
$12.50
$14.95
North Couzitzy Natioua,l Scenic :frail ·.;1i/1{<•.,f )J.
I
Pre-shrunk cotton "Beefy-T". Threecolor NCTA logo on front and two-color trail map on back. Slogan on back reads "Going the Distance on the North Country National Scenic Trail" and includes the seven state map of the trail. .. I (color: natural) S, M, L, XL:'$1,1.95 (color: natural) XXL: $f2~95
~
.......
Sage NCNST T-shirt (c-103)
T-Shirt (c101)
Wisconsin Chequamegon N.F. and Brule River S.F., t9pp (M501)
D. Light Khaki/NavyCap (C207)
Trail emblem design. Low profile washed cotton, unconstructed. Light Khaki crown with washed navy bill. Adjustable buckle on fabric strap. Mesh back, cotton twill front, royal blue, plastic snap strap.
M
NCT in Pennsylvania, 37pp (M201) ,, ....... ·$5.25 Ohio . Wayne National Forest, 14pp (M301) ...... $3.00 Burr Oak - Sinking Spring, 51pp (M302) .. $7.00 Sinking Spring to Milford, 38pp (M~03),,;$5.50 Little Miami Scenic Park, 19pp (M304) $3.00 Miami & Erie Canal, 14pp (M305) $3.00
$14.95
Embroidered association logo. Low profile distressed washed cotton twill. Constructed with soft lining. Adjustable buckle on fabric strap.
E. Royal Mesh-BackCap (C201)
T-Shirts
~' -
C. Moss Green Cap (C206)
Trail Crew'. · '.· T-shirt (c1~2) A TRAIL CREW shirt for volunteers! Tan 50/50 blend. Two color design on front with map and a "fired up" volunteer. (color: tan)
~-,-~ ~, L, XL: $8.95
XXL: $9.95
NORTH STAR: TheMagazineof the NorthCountryTrail, June-September 2000
Page23
Michigan Map Sets by Arden Johnson An excellent reference for the entire North Country Trail in Michigan. Includes all off-road segments and suggests on-road routes where the trail is . incomplete. Also provides good general information about access points, terrain, markers, camping and water, etc. $4.00 per set (M411) M412) M413) ~ M414) (M415) (M416) (M417)
BuckeyeTrail (Ohio) Section Maps These convenient and detailed maps cover the North Country Trail where it overlaps with the Buckeye Trail. they are published by the Buckeye Trail Association. Each map $3.50 Belle Valley
(M311)
Morgan, Noble and Guernsey Counties (M312) Harrison, Carroll and Bowerston Guernse}!koUrlties Caesa..rl"=ree~''M'>lJl G,r.eeo-illd Wa~en Counties Defian e (M314}"-'0efiance, Paul ing, Putnam, Henry and Wo d Counties Delph s (M315) Putnam, Allen bnd Auglaize Countes (M316) Clermont, Wa en and Lovela d Hamilton ~oties Massilon (M317) Stark and Tu rawas Counties New S raitsville (M318) Athen~l:I eking, Morgan, Perty Counties H~kfug, Ross and Viihton Counties Scioto Trail oss and Pike Counties Adams, Pike and Sinking Spring Highland Counties St. Marys (M322) Auglaize and Shelby Counties (M323) Morgan, Perry and Stockport Athens Counties (M324) Greene, Miami and Troy Montgomery Counties West Union (M325) Adams and Brown Counties Williamsburg (M326) Brown and Clermont Counties
Canvas Tote Bag
SE Lenawee Co. to W. Calhoun Co. NE Kalamazoo Co. to SE Newaygo Co. SE Newaygo Co. to NW Wexford Co. NW Wexford Co. to SE Charlevoix Co. Charlevoix Co. to Mackinaw City St. Ignace to SE Marquette Co. Marquette area to Ironwood
(P124) Light blue silk screen pattern of trees with NCT blue blaze. 17" x 141/2" with bottom gusset. Webbed hand carrying straps. Great for groceries or books. $ 7. 50
Minnes ta: GuideJo the North C untry Trail~pewa :-f. Nation l Forest
by Roden k MacRae ( 611)
Descripti log, east written b Forest ex
n of the r~ te and trail o west. Wcmderfully a Chippew National ert. 12 pages $1.25
trie6fufl°r!::s
Hiking Stick Medallions Add the NCNST insignia to your hiking stick. Brass and silver colored metal. The silver medallion is painted in color.
7
/s" Pin of Trail Emblem
(P102) Our popular ~ cloisonne pins are back in stock! The new pin ''~ ...........~ is slightly larger and features the updated North Country Trail Emblem triangle design. $3.00 North Country National Scenic Trail Mug (P103) NEW plastic trail mug tapered to fit in cup holder $5.00
(P104)
- Brass Hiking Stick Medallion $4.00
(P105)
Volunteer Patch (P121) State Patches
Silver, painted in color Hiking Stick Medallion $4.00 ••••.•••....••••.••••.••......•.....••.•..•...•• $1.50 ea.
New York (P111), Pennsylvania (P112), Ohio (P113), Michigan (P114), Wisconsin (P115), Minnesota (P116), North Dakota (P117) •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• $1.50 ea.
3" Round Patches
North Country Trail Association
(P122) ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
$3.00 ea.
NCTA Trail Building and Maintenance Manual by Thomas Reimers (L101)
This great manual for volunteers provides helpful guidelines and suggestionsforplanning,construction and continued maintenance of the North Country Trail. It covers rural and roaded natural, semi-primitive and nrimitive trail 22nn ct? no
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
Page24
Buck Wilder's Hiking & Camping Guide
Hiking!
By PhiliP..
A truly fresh look at hilcing. Read about: philosophyof hilcing,stress management, One whole lot of fun! Buck Wilder and his pal Rascalthe Raccoonshare creativity and hilcing, and trail romance. Also, explore today's issues through their considerable wisdom and wit. hiking: strengthening family ties, Wonderfulcolorillustrations are filled improving communication, a healthy with humor and countless tips and lifestyle for kids, an inexpensive pastime trivia. Though at first glance this and providing seniors with a natural looks like a book for kids, adults also prescription for health. A new twist for find this guide irresistible and anyone who currently enjoys hiking and inform . .. 64pp, (L103) $12.95 for those who are thinking about starting out. 245pp, (L106) $14.95 Long Distance Hiking By Roland Mueser Dayhiker's Handbook By J. Long & M. Hodgson Lessons from the Ap- .nian Trail. By
Tim Smith and Mark Herrick
~~~~· ~~~=~
Blending sage adv · .: with personal experiences and anecdotes, this unusually thoughtful, highly readable account of long-distance trekking on the AT. Mueser draws upon extensive interviews to examine unorthodox yet relevant topics. He covers all the questions providing the basis for planning your ownlong-distancehike. 180pp, (L111) $16.95
g a map and compass, predictmg hike difficulty, when to turn around, managing food and water, weather lore, walking techniques, traveling with kids, first aid, and more. Many short features, fun tips and anecdotes. 216pp, (L107) $14.95
The Country Doctor, Alive and Well
Trails Across America
, ,!\1l'JBl111'R' S JUI ~~~pr~ . g.1~~~i~in . g , . HANDBOOK
Comprehensiveguide for be_ginning wanderers and those explonng new 'jJft
By John G. Hipps, M.D. Stories recount
By Art & Margie Miller Subtitled A Traveler's
the full spectrum of Guide to Our National humankind's experiScenic and Historic ences. Sometimes Trails, this book is informative and edthe first to provide ucational, frequentengaging descriply humorous, often tions and advice on whimsical,the stories all 19 trails in our will entertain and National Trail charm you with their System. Includes simple philosophy, North Country, wisdom and wit. MormanPioneer, PonyExpress, Appalachian, Includes advice on home remedies, herbal Iditarod, Lewis and Clark, PacificCrest, Trail and alternativemedicine that promotes the of Tears, Florida Trail, Continental Divide common sense caring of one's self. 363pp, and many others. 308pp, (L105) $19.95 (L115) $19.95
M·•··~···~-
;b.n Mt·Terroin. xnseoson Gvide
Porcupine Mountains By Jim DuFresne. This detailed guidebook provides backpackers, hikers, campers, and skiers with all the information they need to plan a trip to the tranquil Porkies in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Includes history, wildlifein the park, fishing opportunities, cabins and shelters, camping areas, family day hikes with complete informationon trails, access points, waterfalls and backcountrytreks. 160pp, (L108) $11.95
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Trail Atlas of Michigan
PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL 1.AKEsttoRE ---1.U.U-\l.frllr------1
By Dennis R. Hansen Michigan trail
enthusiasts, don't get caught without this atlas! 2nd Edition includes maps and descriptions for over 600 hiking, biking, skiing, and nature trails in Michigan. Search by location or types of use. 581pp, (L102) $29.95
A GUIDE
An Illustrated Guide by Olive Anderson.
The centerpiece of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a rugged, beautiful, and unique coast "on the Lake Superior Shore. This revised guidebook includes maps, and excellent descriptions of the many recreational opportunities available at Pictured Rocks. 56pp, (L110) $6.95
By Jim DuFresne From one of Michigan's leading outdoor writers comesthis comprehensive guide to the best trails in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Each hike write-up contains all the basic information you need: access, parking, trail distance and difficulty, hiking time, contour map, and explicit trail directions. Formerly titled 50 Hikes in Lower Michigan. 252pp, (L109) $15.00
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
Woman's Guide to Backpacking_ By Adrienne Hall You'llfind the knowledge and skills you need to become a self-sufficient backpacker. Yes, you can light a camp stove... set up a tent by yourself. .. take your kids with you and keep them entertained... survive (and even learn to love) a week in the woods without hot showers! Hall's fresh perspective and up-to-date presentation of techniques and equipment provide all the tools you need to become a confident, comfortable, capable backpacker! 160pp, (L113) $14.95
Trail Shop Order Form
'Following the NCT
Lipsmackin' Backpackin'
By Wes Boyd Third Edition of Following the North Country National Scenic Trail.
By Tim and Christine Connors
Tired of gorp, cereal bars, and A Classic! Includes jerky? Would you general descriptions like to dine on of the Trail and spaghetti, chicken efforts to build it in salad, and cheeseeach of our seven cake in the backstates. This new country? Here is edition also includes a guide to satisappendices on fying, sumptuous through-hiking the NCT and the history dining on the of the Trail and the Association. 96pp, trail. You no longer have to sacrifice (L112) $4.95 nutrition for taste. A new kind ofoutdoor ~ cookbook, this all-in-one guide is filled 7" COUNT}? with trail-tested recipes providing at~~ Y~ home preparation directions, trailside S;~ cooking instructions, and nutritional ..£)~~ ~ information. 232pp, (L118) $15.95 ~~ •ASSOCIATION•
~
Great Wisconsin Walks
NAME (Please Print)
~--; ~
<:; 1'1n '>*'
By Wm. Chad McGrath
ADDRESS
I
CITY
Daytime Phone:
(In case we have questions about your order.)
I
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I
Area Code
1-1~~~1-
D Check or money order enclosed (Made payable to "NCTA") DPlease charge my credit card
[ w~]
I
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STATE
I
I
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I
ZIP
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I
Merchandise Total:
Experience the serenity of a stately birch forest, the rush of a river in spring and the excitement of an urban amble as you discover Wisconsin's finest walking trails, In this book, Chad McGrathguides you to some of the state's most beautiful and interesting paths. Whether you are in search of a long, healthful hike in the woods or a short, casual stroll in the city. Great Wisconsin Walks will help you plan your route. 160pp, (L116) $16.95
Great Minnesota Walks
NCTA Members Deduct 10%: -
•
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'
.
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~
1'1 IL'>*'
By Wm. Chad McGrath Follow in
Subtotal After Discount:
+
the footsteps of the early voyShipping and Handling: + agers, ramble (See shipping info below) >--------< Expiration Date beside river Membership Dues (If Included):+ rapids, trek GRAND TOTAL: Name on Card through tall trees, and savor a scenic Signature Please mail, fax or phone your order to: overlook as you Reminder: We cannot process your order without a signature discover some of 49 Monroe Center NW, Suite 2008 and the expiration date. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Minnesota's finest Shipping and Handling Charges walking trails. In Toll free telephone: 888-454-NCTA Amount of Order S/H Charge this book, Chad McGrathguides you to up to $10.00 $2.50 (888-454-6282) $3.50 $10.01 to $25.00 some of the state's most beautiful and If ordering by credit card $25.01 to $50.00 $5.00 you may fax your order to: interesting paths. 168pp, (L117) $16.95 $6.50 $50.01 to $100 MI Residents Add 6% Sales Tax:
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$8.50
616-454-7139
Page 26
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
,---
-..-Yo-..Jur Help is Needed
.. ···.. . .... The story of the North Country 'Frail has only begun to be written. It is being written by dedicated public officials, citizen volunteers, and private landowners .... ··· captivated by the vision of the trail and the---many experiences it will offer to those who follow it in quest of the North Country's scenic treasures. You can help write that story by becoming involved as a volunteer, joining in the effort to build, promote, and maintain sections of the trail. The North Country Trail Association was formed in 1981 to organize and coordinate the massive volunteer effort necessary to establish and maintain segments across private lands, as well as assist public agencies in establishing segments on their lands. The association works closely with the National Park Service in promoting development and use of the trail. You can help establish, promote, and protect the North Country National Scenic Trail by joining or supporting the efforts of these organizations and other local groups working on the trail. Landowners along the route of the trail can make a significant contribution by giving permission for the trail to cross their lands or by donating lands or easements for the trail. Financial contributions can help support and accelerate the activities associated with establishing and maintaining the trail. Donations of money, land, and easements may qualify as tax-deductible gifts.
Membership Form If you are purchasing or renewing your membership please fill in the following information and add the amount to your Trail Shop Order Form if you are purchasing merchandise or send this form separately.
D $25 Regular D $35 NC Explorer
D $50 Trail Leader D $45 Organization
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D Member of a specific Chapter: 0 Member of my closest local Chapter
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Please mail, fax or phone your order to:
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616-454-7139
Page27
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
Thank You NCTA Business Members! Our Business Members contribute annual dues of $150 to the NCTA. In addition to supporting a worthy cause, our Business Members enjoy benefits including a reduced rate on ads in the North Star, and regular placement of a business logo and contact information both here and within our web site.
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Butler County Chamber of Commerce 281 S. Main Street, Butler, PA 16003
724-283-2222
TRecs Inc. {1't!t1mlmillling and Recreational ServiCt;'..\')
Prairieville Family Inn
( 1eamnu11am1: uncJ xccreanonot Seniice.\)
PO Box 1478 Portage, Ml 49081 (616) 327-5379
10484 S. Norris Rd., Prairie, Michigan (616) 623-6150
Cu11totni:t".cd corpoeuc 1c:11nb11ildi11g and team managementprograms learn management pro~rnm.s
(A favorite of the Chief Noonday Trail Crew')
Thanks also to our NCT Patrons:
Aackpacking Canoeing Rock Climbing Winter trips for Families
or Large Groups Weekend & Extended Wtckcnd & Extended
Walter M. Srogi and RobertJ. Schwartz
NCT Patrons are individuals or households that generously contribute $250 or more each year in membership dues!
We also have a group of members ... who aren't recognized very often, yet have made major commitments to our organization. These are our Life Members. Currently, Life Memberships are granted in exchange for a dues payment of $1000. As with all of our dues, 25% of this contribution goes directly to the Chapter of the member(s). The remainder is deposited in our endowment account, to generate earnings to support our work in perpetuity. Each Life Membership is considered a household membership, just as all of our memberships are. So, this issue we'd like to extend a special thanks to all of our Life Members, for their contributions and their unwavering faith in the cause of the North Country Trail!
Donald G Beattie Andrew Todd Borsum Joseph P Brennan Cecil and Joanne Dobbins Lon Dobson Donald R Elzinga Gene and Jean Elzinga Art and Virginia Fish Kenneth R Gack/er Wayne E Gross Martha E Hale Chris and Helen Haller Carolyn Sue Hammers Eric Helfrich John Hipps and Barbara Smith
Byron and Margart Hutchins Martha K Jones Milton Jones Tom D Labernik Rod MacRae Eugene Majerowicz Bill and Donna Menke Glenn L Oster Michael A Reed Marguerite M Schubert Lucy A Stopher Janette Sweasy Bob J Tait Werner Veit Lynn Waldron Gaylord and Marlene Yost
Page28
NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, June-September 2000
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Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Grand Rapids, Ml Permit 340 North Country Trall Association 49 Monroe Center, Suite 2008 Grand Rapids, Ml 49546