Even on a somber day, the Manistee River seen from Hlghbrldge,
ness areas when a route is needed to complete the trail and the location fits with the projected route of the trail. Wilderness designation should not displace or block the trail in any way. Because the North Country NST is designed to be a simple footpath, its construction and maintenance standards should be nearly the same as they are outside a wilderness area. • Clarifying the Use of the Footpath: The Forest should clarify the uses appropriate on the North Country NST, and strive to phase in strategically appropriate changes. While a healthy trail system should include a diversity of recreational opportunities. Because the NCT is one of only seven national scenic trails modeled after the Appalachian Trail, the North Country NST should fill the niche for
Is a haven of tranqulllt y In the Huron-Manistee
premier hiking opportunities within such local and regional trail networks. In an effort to facilitate this return to the original footpath uses on the Trail, NCTA offers its services in negotiating and developing limited re-routes in order to mitigate the impact on other users. The NCTA also intends to work with other user groups to identify and pursue issues of commonality within the Forest, and to further the concept of mutually supporting the development of diverse trail networks. We asked the forest planning team to consider these comments in each stage of the forest plan revision process and contact us with any questions they may have. Further, we asked for the opportunity to meet with the forest planning team to discuss NCTA's role in the revision process. Ultimately we seek a means
National Forest.
of involvement that leads to mutually beneficial outcomes. As a member of the NCTA, you have an opportunity to support NCTA in the forest plan revision process. The U.S. Forest Service provides public comment opportunities for exactly this purpose. Your comments really do count so please take a few minutes and support NCTA by addressing some of the points mentioned above in a letter to: James L. Schuler, Forest Supervisor Huron-Manistee National Forest 1755 South Mitchell Street Cadillac, MI 49601 \ ~ith this simple act, you can help ensure the North Country NST is enhanced, protected and properly managed in the Huron-Manistee National Forest. July-September
2003
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The North Star
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