Newsletter of the

North f,ountry Trail Association

. ;

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* * * The final assembly and trimming of tbe newsletter just prior to shipment is a dull job, and I do it largely on automatic, giving me time to think about things. As the last newsletter was in this phase, I found myself thinking about the article on active trail projects, to the point where I took a break and put some numbers together. They're interesting numbers, and there are some lessons buried therein:

I count 23 trail projects listed in the article. Five are in the planning stages, with little work on the ground done, 16 are active, and two are about complete at the time of writing.

Who runs the projects is an education: the prime mover for four is the US Forest Service, but in all these cases but one, these are rapidly moving toward completion. The NCTA or clubs affiliated with the association is the prime mover in nine other projects, and in three other projects, association repre­ sentatives play an· active part in projects with a large local participation of non-hiking clubs or governments. Six more projects are pretty much locally initiated, funded, and guided, either by private clubs or local or state governments, with NCT A participation only peripheral. (I'm not sure about one.)

I count 12 projects on public lands, and 11 on lands that are privately held, or were when the project started. Of those 11 projects, seven are local efforts, or local efforts with Association participation. Of the remaining four, two are only on the drawing board, one is very short, and one is completed.

Now that's great news! We know we're going to have to give increasing emphasis to projects on privately held lands, and to have nearly half of the projects under way on private lands, or where land was privately held is encouraging, to say the least. More interesting is that a majority of those projects in private land areas are results of local initiative and local resources - and that must be the wave of the future.

Like it or not, it's a pipe dream to imagine that we - the association - can build this trail in our lifetimes. There's just too few of us, and we're spread too thin. Wbat we can do­ what we must do - is to encourage local development of the trail, for whatever local motives, as part of the larger project. That's going to be more effective, anyway, in privately held land areas, since it will be local people contacting local people, using local money and local volunteers for a project to benefit local needs and users. A much better, easier job will result than if we try to do this under central control.

While it's nice to think of a long trail spanning thousands of miles, we're never going to see great crowds of long­ distance users. What we are going to see is much more use by joggers and posy-pickers and dog-walkers from the nearby area. And, as a popular project, that's how it should be, and we need to help it every way we can.

The deadline for the next issue of the newsletter is Decem­ ber 2, 1991. Copy received by the editor after that date cannot be assured of a place in the newsletter; receiving it well before that date is highly appreciated.For future reference the dead­ line for the spring issue of the newsletter will be March 1, ]992.

Keyboard Trails • by the Editor ~00 •• mrmmm~

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North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn 1991

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REGIONAL AFFILIATES New York: Finger Lakes Trail Conference, PO Box 18048, Rochester NY 14618-0048 Ohio: Buckeye Trail Association, PO Box 254, Worthington OH 43085

(608) 264-5610

(701) 232-8513

(612) 3n.0130 (612) 559.5994 (216) 375-4461

(414) 354-8987

(616) 452-4487 (517} 547-7402 (313) 548· 1737 (906} 225-1585 (616} 891-1366 (313} 853-0292 (313) 280-29'21 (616) 363-5966 (313) 231-1257 {616) 784-5050 (906) 338-2680 (616) 689-6876

(216) 884·0281 (216) 867-3371 (216) 884-4757 (614) 882-8023

(814) 968-5759 (814) 435-2371 (814) 435-2371 (412) 364-2864 (814) 723-5150

(607} 272·5119 (716} 288-7191 (607} 564-3548 (l?,P7} 272-8679 (607} 334-3872

(313) 200-2921 (814) 435-2371 (814) 723-5150 (616) 891-1366 (616) 689-6876

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North Dakota Linda Mieke, 1536 Second Ave. S, Fargo ND 58103

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR Tom Gilbert, National Park Service, 700 Rayovac Dr., Sui1e 100,

Madisoo WI 53711

Minnesota Rod MacRae, 1210 W. 22nd St., Minneapolis MN 55405 Harlan Liljequist, 1605 W. Medicine Lake Dr., Plymouth MN 55441 Jim Richards, Rt. 1, Callaway MN 56521

Wisconsin Gaylord Yost. 2925 W. Bradley Rd., River Hills WI 53209

Michigan Pat Allen, 2215 Sylvan Dr. SE. Grand Rapids Ml 49506 Wes Boyd, 14815 Rome Road, Man~ou Beach Ml 49253 Derek Blount, 906 N. Alexander, Royal Oak Ml 48067 Don Elzinga, 1010 Allouez, Marquette Ml 49855 Kenneth Gackler, 418 W. Johnson, Caledonia Ml 49316 Arden Johnson. 600 Tennyson. Ro::hester Hills, Ml 48307 Martha K. Jones, 1857 Torquay Ave, Rafal Oak Ml 48073 Ruth Sack, 2317 Foster NE, Grand Rapids Ml 49505 Vince Srnjth, Box 76, WMmore Lake Ml 48189 Darlene Snyder, 4067 Luxford, Comstock Park Ml 49231 Doug Welker, R1, Box 59A, Pelkie Ml 49958 Virginia Wunsch, Rt 1, Mundy Ave. Wh~e Cloud Ml 49349

Ohio Emily Gregor, 6502 Okle York Rd., Parma Hts OH 44130 Cecil Dobbins, 783 Cliffside Dr., Akroo OH 44313 Jim Sprague, 4406 MllP.lscrest, Parma OH Tomi Lou Spyker, 7040 Africa Rd., Rt 1, Galena OH 43201 R. Baird Stewart, 215 W. 12th St, Salem, Ohio 44460 (216} 332-1745

Pennsylvania Don and Brita Dorn, Star Rt, Box 476, Sheffiekl PA 16347 Barbara A. Smith, 11 W. Main St. Galetoo PA 16922 John G. Hipps, 11 W. Main St, Galstoo PA 16922 Glenn Oster, 784 Olive St, Pittsburg PA 15237 Nancy Schuler, PO Box 194, Warren PA 16365

BOARD OF DIRECTORS New York

Doris and Clifford AbbcXt, Rt 1, Box 259, Spencer NY 14883 Hcmard S. Beye, 202 Colebourne Rd., Rochester NY 14609 Laura McGuire, 1 Boylan Rd. Newf101d NY 14867 Thomas J. Reimers, 3C Wildllcmer Dr .. Ithaca NY 14850 Ed Sidde, 5 Clintoo St, Norwich NY 13815

OFFICERS President: Martha K. Jones, 1857 Torquay Ave, Rafal Oak Ml 48073 Vice Prealdent: Barbara A. Smi1h, 11 W. Main St, Galeton PA 16922 Secretary: Nancy Schuler. PO Box 194, Warren PA 16365 Treasurer: Kenneth Gadder, 418 W. Johnson St, Caledonia Ml 49316 Headquarters Mgr.: Virginia Wunsch, Rt. 1, White Cloud Ml 49349 President Emeritus: Lance Feik1

NEWSLETTER Page2

of the

North Country Trail Association PO Box 311, White Cloud, Ml 49349 Headquarters Phone: (616) 689·1912 Editor: Wes Boyd, 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach, Ml 49253

THE DETAILS aren't represented in the annual survey in this issue, but new certifications of trail bring total certi­ fied mileage to 996.59, according to late information received from the National Park Service. Certified in late August and early September were:

• An 0.9 mile segment in Manistee National Forest, from the southern Boundary of the Baldwin Ranger Dis­ trict to Cleveland Drive.

•A 2.379 mile segment of the Fin­ ger Lakes Trail in the Finger Lakes National Forest.

•A 36.1 mile segment on Ottawa National Forest, From Forest Road 2200 in Sec. t 5;T49N, R34E to Forest Road 733 in Sec. 8, T-49N, R39 W. in Baraga, Houghton and Ontanagon Counties.

Two more segments under consid­ eration could bring the total certified over 1,000 by the fall meeting.

* * *

* * * STA TES CAN SPEND up to $4.5 mil­ lion of federal highway funds for con­ struction of independent bike and walking trails, provided that the na­ tional c.ap of $45 million is not ex­ ceeded. However, the cap has never been approached, as few states have sought the funds aggressively. There is one catch: Trails must be designed primarily with .ransportation in mind, not recreation. That rules out many national trails, but certainly not all segments of every trail. Transporta­ tion uses of trail are especially rele­ vant in urban and suburban areas. The request for federal aid must come from the state's transportation department. For more information on the pathway program, contact John Fegan, Federal Highway Administration Bicycle Pro­ gram Manger, at (202) 366-5007.

report. A very successful meeting of interested Keystone State people was held at Cook Forest State Park on July 20; and another annual meeting is plannedforJuly 18, 1992,alsoatCook Forest. A meeting is planned on No­ vember 9 at 11 AM to discuss forming a Pennsylvania NCTA chapter.

Page3

* * * A PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER of the NCTA seems to be coming to­ gether, John Hipps and Barbie Smith

ARDEN JOHNSON reports that ini­ tial contacts with the Michigan De­ partment of Natural Resources about putting the connecting section of trail between the Manistee National Forest and the Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding-Hiking Trail along the north bank of the Manistee River look posi­ tive, and there is a possibility that trail work could begin there next summer.

* * *

THREE MEMBERS of the North Country Trail Hiker's Club of Mar­ quette, Michigan, received Certificates of Appreciation from. the US Depart­ ment of Agriculture recently. Gene Elzinga, Don Elzinga and Doug Welker were cited for "providing an outstand­ ing example of citizen participation by contributing to a sense of excellence in public involvement during the wilder­ ness planning process for the Sturgeon Gorge Wilderness and the McCormick Wilderness," where construction of the NCT is in progress.

* * *

* * * TRAIL PROJECT MANAGERS are reminded that to give trail workers "Volunteers in the Parks" protection, under the NCT A's agreement with the National Park Service, that "Daily Volunteer Trail Logs" must be filed with Nancy Schuler, PO Box 194, Warren PA 16365 at the end of each work week or weekend. Forms are available from Tom Gilbert's office, National Park Service, 700 Rayovac Drive, Suite 100, Madison, WI 53711. Log those miles and keep the NCT growing -- but make them safe miles!

support and work by volunteers," Susan Henley of the society said. "But the primary reason for the poor state of so many Of our trails is cuts in the federal budget."

* * * THEAMERIAN HIKING SOCIETY has named it "Trails in Trouble" list for 1991. The ten most endangered trails named by the society are:Acadia National Park System, Maine, due to diminishing funding for trail work; Park Butte Trail, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington, where erosion and overuse are destroying subalpine meadows and forests; Ala Kahakai Trail; Hawaii, where explo­ sive growth funded by foreign invest­ ment has made protection efforts diffi­ cult; Florida Trail, Florida, due to encroaching development and lack of staffing, funding, and government commitment; Jee Age Trail, Wiscon­ sin, due to threat of development and zoning problems; Foothills Trail, South Carolina, due to clearcutting and road construction; Long Trail; Vernwnt, due to changes in ownership leading to threatened trail segment closure; Ampersand Mountain Trail, Adiron­ dack Park, New York, due to overuse and eroision; Salmon Ranger District Trail System, Klamath National For­ est, California, overgrown and eroded to the point of abandonment; and Trail 220, Big Dry Canyon, Gila National Forest, New Mexico, no funding for maintenance. "All of these trails can be saved through a combination of restored federal, state and local fund­ ing and assistance, action, private

THEOPENINGCEREMONYforthe little Miami Trail between Xenia and Yellow Spring, Ohio, was held Friday, September 13, 1991. This multipur­ pose trail and bikeway follows ap­ proxiately nine miles of the old Little Miami Railroad between Xenia and Yellow Springs, and has a ten foot paved area for bicycles and an access road along side for horses. Pedestrians and hikers may use either the paved bikeway or the unpaved horse trail. Design engineering was funded by the City of Xenia, the City of Yellow Springs, and Greene County. Construe­

. ti on was funded by the Federal High­ way Administration through the Ohio Department of Transportation. Stargel Construction Company of Dayton is the prime contractor for construction.

_,._ North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991

HIKING PARTNERS wanted for through-hike of North Country Trail. Hike will begin about April 1, 1992 at Crown Point, New York. The goal is to reach Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota by December 1, 1992 at about a 15 mile per day average. For further information, contact Ed Talone, 605 Pershing Drive, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910.

;:;:;~:::::::::·:·;·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·.·:·:·:·:·:·:·:-:.:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·.·.·:·:·:·:·.·:·:-:-:·.·:·:·:·:·:-:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·>:·:<·:·:· .. :·:·:·:·.·:·:<·:·:-:·x·:·:·:·:·:·:·:-:·:·.·:·:·.·:·:·:·:·:·:·:·.·:<:-:·:· .. :·:"'::::;~~~ ·r HIKING PARTNERS WANTED ] s::::::::,..: ·.·····•······················ ·.•·•···•··· ·.•·•·•···········••··•··•··•···••···•·····•······················································•····•···•·······• · ., .• :.::::::~;:

_November 9: Pennsylvania NCTA Chapter Development Committee meeting, McBeth Bed and Breakfast, on route 36 between Sigel and Cook Forest State Park at 11 :00 AM. Interested Pennsylvania members and friends are invited to this information sharing, trail development maintenance plan­ ning for 1992, get-acquainted and organizational development meeting. All that plan to attend please RSVP to John Hipps or Barbie Smith, 11 W. Main St., Galeton, PA 16922 (814) 435- 2371.

Pennsylvania

October 19: The Buckeye Trail Association will work in the eastern portions of Pike State Forest, home to many of Ohio's "mountains". Trail changes in Tobacco Barn Hollow will im­ prove trail drainag~. thereby reducing erosion, and should improve the scenic value of the trail through the area. The BTA has permission to camp on the property of the Rev. Richard Van Tine. From Chillicothe, follow SR-772 south. Shortly after entering Pike County from Ross County, veer right onto Morgan's Fork Road (0.3 mi). In 1.3 mi., turn right onto Davis Road. Proceed 1.4 mi. and turn left into the Van Tine property via Van Tine Lane (gated) and Jimmy Blvd. If you have questions, call Jim Sprague at (216) 884-4757.

Ohio

October 18-20: North Country Trail Association Annual Fall Meeting, held at Fargo, N.D. Tour grasslands, historical sites, and give some focus to the western part of the trail. For more information, contact Linda Mieke, 1536 Second Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58103 (701) 232-8513 for details.

North Dakota

September 20-22: The annual Fall Campout of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference will be held in the Finger Lakes National Forest, near Watkins Glen, NY. The National Forest Service is hosting the meeting. A section of the Finger Lakes Trail that passes through the For est will be dedicated as official North Country Trail during the meeting. Several hikes on the Finger Lakes Trail, Burnt Hill Trail, Backbone Trail, and lnter­ loken Trail have been planned. Gaylord Yost, NCTA Board m em tier and eastern region trails coordinator for the USFS will be the featured speaker.

New York

Sept. & Oct.: Organized group hikes on the NCT/Chippewa. Small group of no more than 1 O with trail leader. Great food and fall color. Other hikes on Superior Trail, Porcupine Mountains. Contact Starting Lake Outdoor Center, Eden Prairie MN (612) 941-8336

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn1991

Sept. - Nov.: Campsite construction/reconstruction work par­ ties in Chippewa National Forest. Dates TBA; contact Rod MacRae, (612) 377-0130 for more information.

Minnesota

January 18-19, 1992: Western Michigan Chapter Snowshoe weekend. Contact Darlene at (616) 784-5050 for details.

January 11-12: Mackinac City Mush dog sled race, Mackinac City, Ml, on new segment of North Country Trail. Contact (800) · 666-0160 for more information.

December 4: Western Michigan Chapter meeting at Christ­ mas Party at the German Village restaurant in Standale. This is a fun social evening. Social hour at 6:30 PM and dinner at 7:30 PM. Reservations, please. Call Darlene (616) 784-5050 or Ruth (616) 453-8622 for details.

October 11-13: The Huron Valley Group of the Mackinac Chapter of the Sierra Club will sponsor a weekend trail building session near Kalkaska, Michigan, under the supervision of Vince Smith. For information, contact Vince Smith, Pox 76, Whitmore Lake, Ml, 48189 (313) 231-1257.

Octc;>ber 12-14: Backpacking and off-trail hiking in McCormick Wilderness Area with North Country Trail Hiker's Club of Mar­ quette. Use minimum impact techniques. Contact Gene or Don Elzinga (906) 225-1704 or (906)225-1585 for details.

November 3: Western Michigan Chapter reunion potluck and hike. Call Kay at (616) 949-6099.

October 6: Re-organization meeting of Southern Michigan Chapter of NCTA, Lansing, Ml. Contact Liz Fosberg, 550 Boichot Rd., Lansing, Ml 48906 for more information.

October 8: Fall meeting of North Country Trail Hiker's Club of Marquette, 12 Middle Island Drive, Marquette, 7 PM. Contact Gene or Don Elzinga (906) 225-1704 or (906)225-1585 for details.

September 28-29: Hike and trail work in Sturgeon River Gorge Area west of Marquette, Michigan, with North Country Trail Hikers Club. Overnight at campground. Contact Gene or Don Elzinga (906) 225-1704 or (906)225-1585 for details.

October 1 Western Michigan Chapter meeting, 7:30 PM. Call Darlene at (616) 784-5050 for details.

October 5: Hike NCT segment in Wildcat Canyon, west of Marquette, Michigan, with North Country Trail Hikers Club of Marquette.Contact Gene or Don Elzinga (906) 225-1704 or (906)225-1585 for details.

September 21-22: Backpack Pictured Rocks National Lake­ shore with North Country Trail Hikers Club of Marquette. Contact Gene or Don Elzinga (906) 225-1704 or (906)225- 1 585 for details.

Michigan

Page4

Newsletter getting better Wes:

It's time once again to comment on the development and excellence of the North Country Trail Association's Newsletter.

F.adt mue is ~ently high quality and getting better each time both in format and content.

I can recall so well the first few years of our organization'~ birth a.nd early growth when our wntten voice was an infantile, small voice in the wil­ derness of other, more mature trail asso­ ciations. Memory reminds me, too, of a quiet envy of those other newsletters .. But no more.

We can stand tall and proud now along with all others in our appreciation of the NCT A Newsletter, and with great thinks to the Editor, copy and contribu­ tions, our governing board and a mem­ bership; it makes it all happen.

John Hipps Former Editor

NCTA Newsletter

Editor's Note: The article, "Can Multiple Use Trails Really Wo~k?" ~ last winter's newsletter was reprinted m the Summer, 1991, American Hiker, retitled as "Looking for Common Ground." A segment of the same article was also reprinted in the Summer 1991 Pathways Across America.

One point made in this article is that invasive use by motorized vehicles is a major problem, and Yincecertalnly seems to be finding this true. It can be especially troublesome, as in this case, where motorized and non-motorized pathways have to share a very narrow corridor of public land. - WB

Road 612 and Pickerel Lake. We had 9 or 10 people the first week; only 2 or 3 the second. Had a ball, with people from Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Brooklyn, NY.

Congratulations on the space you got in Pathways Across America and American Hiker! Keep on pitching!

Vince Smith

Jordan River - Shore to Shore Trail progress Dear Wes:

I thought you'd like to know that the NCT is hikeable from Pickerel Lake all the way to Warner Creek. South of Pickerel Lake is partly done; it needs 20-30 man-days (like 10 people 2-3 days). Rough going; have to tightrope walk between a clearcut and a swamp with jungle growth.

Sand Lake is still out as far as I know, sowe haven't done anything there. There are existing trails the hiker can use.

Motorcycles have been trespassing, especially between Bocook Road and Scholl Road (where the trail enters Lakes of the North). The Cycle Conservation Club even put up signs for their Six Days of Michigan, this past week, di­ recting cyclists onto the NCT and Booook:. I took down the signs, put up NCT labels and "Foot Travel Only" signs, and pulled a bunch of logs across the trail. The blue diamonds apparently weren't enough of a hint. ·

At the power line south of S.cboll Road, someone mowed the NCT so it merged with the ORV trail, instead of crossing it at right ankles. So, riders coming up the ORV trail can take the left fork and be on the NCT! They threw aside the branches I put on the false trail, so I put them back with more added, and also put logs across the trail further north.

On our weekend outing October 11 we'll probably work between County

Liked multiple use story Dear Mr. Boyd:

Thanks so much for sending me the NCTA Newsletter. I particularly en­ joyed reading your article about mul­ tiple use. I found the article to be both informative and objective. Multiple use is often an emotionally charged, diffi­ cult issue to tackle. You handled it pro­ fessionally.

Keep up the good work as editor! Sincerely

Jack Amick

Trail needs work in Lake Superior State Forest Dear Wes,

I received the newsletter today and want to tell you how impressed I was with your description of our guidebook. Virginia Wuasch called last week and ordered 10 more copies so she is getting some sales.

We are going north in August to finish Ottawa National Forest and the new trail near Mmming built by Hiawatha National Forest West. We plan to stop at Mellen to see about the new section from Copper Falls State Park that joins Chequamegon National Forest.

We have written to Tom Gilbert and Martha Jones about our experience in hiking through Lake Superior State Forest. We started at Culhane Lake Campground and crossed two cut-over areas where we had to detour because the trees used for trail markers were gone. This was before we reached Lake Superior.

There has apparently been no main­ tenance since the trail was built. Downed trees have so cluttered the trail that it is almost impossible to follow. Trail mark­ ers are mostly faint, but a path is still visible much of the time. The greatest shock came when the trail ended when it reached the Sucker River east of Grand Marais, and I had to hike cross-country about five miles to reach the town, wading across the outlet of Sucker River as it emptied into Lake Superior. We were also surprised at Muskallonge Lake State Park when the park rangers knew nothing about the trail, even though it passed right in front of their park office ... I don't feel that I should include this section in the guide­ book until. it is improved. It is a beautiful section and it would be a shame to lose it from neglect.

Sincerely, Byron Hutchins

Editor's Note:· It looks like we have Michigan's own candidate for a "Trail in Trouble." I queried the Michigan DNR, which constructed the trail in the early '80s, about this letter,· they say they have no money for maintenance, andwouldlikevolunteers tohelp , --WB

Letters to the Editor Pages North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991

For Information, contact 1-800-666-0160 The Hikers Paradise

Moder•I• optlon•I length DAY hiking along akyllne tralla. 7-2 week tour• baaing at 15 mountain 3-4 atar hotels. All hlkH guided by NCT member Cecll Dobblna. For a free color brochure call (216) 867-3771, or writ• to:

ALPINE ADVENTURE TRAILS TOURS. lac.

swissairC 783 Y Clltfllde 0(. AKRON, OH 44313

Dog Sled Racing on the North country January 11-12, 1992 National

MACKINAC CITY MUSH

GRINDELWALO SAAS-FEE

GSTAAO FLUELEN

ENGELBERG LEUKERBAO

KANDERSTEG ZERMATT MURR EN LENK WENG EN BETTMERALP RIGl-KALTSAD

SWISS ALPS

Scenic Trail

Trip discounts help AHS volunteer vacations Dear Wes:

If you purchase plane or train tick­ ets through Cohasset Travel Service's 800 number, 1-800-624,1550, a portion of the ticket price will be donated to the American Hiking Society's Volunteer Vacations Program. For every $500 fare, AHS gets about $9.00.

I recently used their services to get airline tickets to Dawson City in the Yukon territory. The gals I dealt with, Sue and Nancy, went out of their way to check out every possibility for me. They even were able to reduce the fare from $1300 to $824, a big difference.

I think that as trailmakers we should consider the fact that they are support­ ing us through their donations and we in turn should support them.

By the way, nice article you wrote in American Hiker.

Sincerely Gerrie Caro

Editor's Note: see the article on the next page.

I was encouraged by the commu­ nity participation with the Baw Beese section of the North Country Trail. It is this volunteer effort that will guarantee tbe completion of this visionary project. The Hillsdale community should serve as a model for other communities to emulate when developing the North Country Trail.

I am dedicated to the success of the North Country Trail. Again, thank you for your efforts on behalf of the trail. Best wishes always.

Sincerely Carl Levin

Senator encouraged by community participation Dear Wes:

I enjoyed spending time with you hiking the Baw Beese Trail. I appreciate your efforts in organizing my visit to the trail.

Editor's Note: At press time for the newsletter, the naming of the new ex­ ecutive director has not been announced, apparently pending final arrangements.

To the membership: Some words of apology to our friends

of the Board and all other NCTA mem­ bers for our absence at the August 25, 1991 Grand Rapids meeting for selec­ tion of our executive director.

It developed that one member of the selection committee was neither notified nor invited to this meeting, and two others were unable to attend be­ cause of the unexpected and urgent ar­ rangements for the place, date and time of the meeting. Previous commitments that had been made months before in anticipation of the selection meeting for some time in September, rather than August, were not cancellable.

The selection committee, therefore, suddenly dropped from six official NCTA members to three.

None the less, we are confident in those who did perform the selection process and in the candidate, one of many very qualified individuals, who has been selected to be our executive director. We all look forward to the committee's report on the selection process, and in meeting our long-awaited and needed director.

Barbie and John Smithhipps

North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991

Editor's Note: I think Tom is talking about the "M-22 Gap" in that last sen­ tence. Closing that gap will be a major milestone in the development of theNCT and the FLT!

FLT 30th Anniversary Celebration planned Wes:

In the summer of 1961, Wallace D. Wood of Rochester, NY, hiked portions of the Appalachian and Long Trails in Vermont. It occurred to him that a simi­ lar trail system might be possible in New York. He presented the idea to the Genessee Valley Hiking Club, and a committee was formed to investigate the prospects for a long-distance trail in New York. The following year, approxi­ mately 100 people met at Keuka Col­ lege near Penn Yan, NY, on Saturday, March 17, for the opening session of the first annual meeting of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Inc.

Next year marks the 30th anniver­ sary of this historic event. The FLTC will celebrate the anniversary from June 19 to 22, 1992, at Ithaca College in Ithaca, NY. The organizing committee is actively planning many workshops, special programs, and hikes on the Fin­ ger Lakes Trail and certified sections of the North Country Trail. A highlight of the celebration will be a special cere­ mony to close the final gap in the 535- mile long Finger Lakes Trail.

Sincerely, Tom Reimers

MORE LETTERS to the Editor

Page6

add up to about 17 miles of continuous trail, virtually all on publicly owned land in an area where trail potential on public lands is minimal.

IL seemed to Nier that not only would development of the trail make for an important local recreation resource, having the national trail pass through the community would help to raise local interest . However, the city recreation department had other priorities at the time, and for two more years, Nier had to campaign to get something going.

One of the potential problems on the route was the need for a bridge across the St. Joseph River in the north part of town, in order to get ~hrough a critical bottleneck area. A local service club volunteered to go ahead and build the bridge, but after it was completed and the city made no attempt to make connections to it, the service club be­ came upset, and complained to the city council.

About that time, Mark Reynolds took over as city recreation director. Reynoldswasfrom Baulc Crcek.Michi­ gan, which has a spectacular urban lin­ ear parkway penetrating its downtown area, and the new recreation director was familiar with the potential for a

was the fact that Hillsdale has a city­ owned electric utility that owns a good deal of land in and around the city; it seemed possible to string together a combination of electric utility land, and city parks and sidewalks to make the connection across town. While the route seemed workable, upgrading it for tour­ ing bicycles was obviously goihg to be a big, expensive project, that seemed a little beyond the means of the city, cash­ strapped like many small urban areas, so the notes on the project found a home in a file drawer for several years.

One of the items that got the plans out of the file drawer came about three years ago, when an NCTA representa­ tive contacted Hillsdale City Utilities Director Ron Nier, and made him aware of the existenceofthe trail. It seems that among the land the utility owns is a stretch of former Penn Central railroad grade, purchased for eventual use as a power line right of way, stretching east from Waterworks Park, partly along an undeveloped lakeshore, several miles to near the village of Osseo. The utility owned land ended only am ile or so from the Lost Nations State Game area, an­ other potential steppingstone along the trail. Stringing all these together would

For the moment, the eastern end of the Baw Beese Trail is at Blackbridge Road, at this classic railroad viaduct. The other end is 10 miles of rail­ trail, urban linear parkway and roadside bikeway away.

Pagel

by Wes Boyd Turning trail potential into trail on

the ground can be a big project at any time. There are many places along the North Country National Scenic Trail where the potential for development of trail segments has been identified, but there just aren't the resources available to do the job.

Routing the trail through southern Michigan and northwestern Ohio ap­ pears to be one of the biggest problems facing the completion of the NCNST, but right in the middle of the problem area, an opportunity was noticed several years ago. Now, that opportunity is being turned into trail, through the strength of local interest and support, local financ­ ing, and local resources.

Since the 1981 certification of the first 650 miles of the North Country Trail, the M-99 bikeway has stood alone as the only bit of certified trail in south­ ern Michigan. The bikeway, paralleling the state highway connecting Hillsdale and Jonesville, Michigan, was origi­ nally built by the Michigan Department of Transportation, using money drawn from a special Michigan fund which earmarks I 1/2 percent of gas tax reve­ nues for non-motorized developments.

The problem was that the bikeway ended near the city limits of Hillsdale, with no sidewalks or other routes to get to the bikeway from town without get­ ting out on the busy highway. In addi­ tion, maintenance of the bikeway was poor, and there had been some difficul­ ties over just who was responsible for maintenance of the pathway.

Directly across town from the end of the bikeway is Waterworks Park, a huge city park that takes up most of one shore of a 1 1/2 mile long Baw Beese Lake. Even as the bikeway was being completed, the Hillsdale City Recrea­ tion Department realized that a bike path connecting the two would be a great recreational asset to the city, and planning to make the connection be­ came a line item in the department's long term planning process.

What made the plan seem feasible

Community support makes trail project come to life

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991

US SEN. CARL LEVIN (D-Micl:l) does some symbolic brush-trimming along the Baw Beese Trail during an August, 1991 visit to the project.

approvals, including word on the grant money from the DNR - which will determine the level of development to be undertaken on the downtown section - and working out an agreement for a bicycle grade crossing over an active railroad line, which has caused some liability concerns. The project is still moving ahead, and when Senator Carl Levin (D-Michigan) visited Hillsdale in August to walk a segment of the trail, he was impressed with the community support of the project.

It is this type of community support in local areas that the North Country Trail has long needed. The North Coun­ try Trail is not an end in itself to the people of Hillsdale that are making this dream a reality. Rather, the NCT is an asset to a project that is mostly local in focus, leadership, development and use. Keeping that local focus has allowed the Hillsdale trail builders to bring an awe­ some effort to bear on their part of the larger project, and it's a model of how similar projects could be developed in other areas.

Quite clearly, the community of Hillsdale does not see the project as a specialist hiker's trail- they see it as a comm unity recreational resource, bene­ fiting those that want to go out for a jog, a ride or a stroll along the lake and through the quiet rural countryside.

Several parts of the proposed river walk will have to cross private property, and some easements would have to be worked out. However, the Hillsdale project it a little unique along the North Country Trail, in that it is the only project where a local utility has taken a primary role in leadership - and utility people are no strangers to. easements and other land acquisition.

During the summer of 1991, work went ahead rapidly. The several miles of trail in Waterworks Park and to the east was already in a certifiable condi­ tion, but volunteer hours improved it, and a certification application has been filed and awaits National Park Service approval. Progress has been made on other parts of the project, but several key items are still awaiting various

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991 PageB similar linear parkway for recreation development in Hillsdale. Still, there was no money available - but Rey­ nolds found a couple of valuable allies in Nier and his assistant, Stacy Bullock, who had also been involved with a similar "river walk" project in Defiance, Ohio.

The key seemed to be the develop­ ment of the project through the city. Since the city did not have the money for the project, the three soon realized that funds would have to be raised else­ where. Through contacts at Hillsdale College, they were able to raise funds for a planning study of the project, and a class at the college undertook a mar­ keting survey to determine what kind of use the linear parkway could expect. A planning firm was engaged to develop plans for the parkway through town, the most difficult part of the project, as a first step toward applying for a state development grant- but much of get­ ting the grant would depend on the availability of local matching funds. The trio set out to raise interest in the project, and see what they could get donated.

Starting with a seed donation from the Hillsdale Board of Public Utilities, they sought pledges of either money or volunteer assistance. Though it took some time to achieve, they succeeded beyond their wildest dreams - over $50,000 raised in pledges of either cash or volun­ teer time!

Where did the volunteers come from? Almost universally from within the communit¥, and over 700 in all. High school and college students, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. A local industry's employees pledged hundreds of hours or time toward cleaning out the river, clearing brush, grading, and similar sweaty chores.

The cash donations were generally not large, most running from the $5 to $100 range - but there were a lot of them, from individuals, businesses and groups - enough so that work has been under way since last spring, and plans arc in place to go ahead with the project (although at a slower pace) even if the grant money is denied.

Even the more remote part of the railroad grade - which is not planned to be a paved bikeway - is getting some special attention. A plastic recy­ cling program is under way in the schools, with the plastic collected to be credited toward the purchase of park benches and picnic tables; there will be one or another of these every half mile from the park out to the current end of the project.

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn 1991 Page 13 Hiawatha NF - Maple Hll to bound USDA-FS 42.0 12/5/89 Tahquamenon Falls State Park DNA 20.0 5/16/89 Lake Superior State Forest DNA 24.6 8/2183 Muskallonge Lake State Park DNA 1.5 5/16/89

35.0 (4) Lake Superior State Forest DNA 18.1 8/2183 Pictured Rocks National L..kshore NPS 42.8 8/2183

24.4 (2) Pictured Rocks - Hiawatha Conn. NPS/USDA-FS Hiawatha NF -West Unit (1) USDA-FS 2.81 5/16/89

10.2 (2) Hiawatha NF - West Unit (2) USDA-FS 6. 76 5/16/89 4.0 B/2183 Marquette Bikeway MOOT

16.8 (2) Superiorland Trail NCTH/NCTA Craig Lake SP DNR/NCTH Superiorland Trail (Tibbits Falls) NCTH/NCTA Ottawa NF (1) USDA-FS 26.0 8/2183 Ottawa NF (2) USDA-FS 10.2 8/2183

3.3 (2) Ottawa NF (3) USDA-FS Porcuojne Moyntjao State Park QNB

3.4 (2) Cunwnt Total- MJchlgan (581.22 u-ble) 350.62

21.5 (3) ANNUAL CERTIFICATIONS BY STATE 23.6 (3)

6.5 (2) lJll 1H! W1 Ull lllZ HU lll.l HI.SI Iszlll 11.0 (3) NY 0 0 6.5 0 0 13.7 7.45 14.4 42.05

PA 119.65 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 119.65 .8(3) OH 250.57 0 0 3.92 0 0 23.5 0 m.99

Ml 215.55 0 7.0 11.0 0 21.6 59.07 36.4 350.82 WI 67.8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 67.80

9.4 (1) MN 0 0 0 0 0 68.0 0 0 68.00 7.5 (3) ND U 12 ll 12 12 12 12 ~~

154.57 0 15.0 14..92 0 103.3 90.02 71.1 953.11

Antic I- % of NCT Certified Other Total S1. State% pated

518 15.5 42.05 338.9 380.95 73.5 198 5.9 119.65 45.5 165.15 83.4 708 21.7 2n.99 380.7 658.69 93.0 872 26.8 350.62 230.6 581.22 66.6 155 4.8 67.80 15.5 83.30 53.7 373 11.4 68.00 94.0 162.00 43.4 m iaa ~ §2.Q ~ 2il 32511 953.81 1187.2 2140.81 15.1

STATE

(Notee) Listed as eligible for certification in 1982 Comprehensive Plan Usable but not certifiable due to allowed motorized use Project under development or completed, reported uaable Project under development, usability uncertain Not recognized as trail project but reported as usable

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

Current Total- North Dakota (109.5 uHble)27.5 82.0

953.61 TOTAL CERTIFIED MILEAGE

82.0 (S)

23.0(1) 4.0 (1)

12.0 (1)

6.0 (4) 8.0 (1)

20.0 (4) 17.0 (1) ...$Q.ill 94.0

2.0 (4)

1ll.!ll 15.5

68.8 (3) ~ 230.6

6.0 (3) 7.0 (3) 4.5 (3) 5.8 (3)

4.5 (2)

NORTH DAKOTA Sheyenne National Grassland USDA-FS 25.0 7/9/90 Sheyenne State Forest NDFS 1.0 8/2183 Fort Ransom State Park P&A Dept. 1.5 11 /8/85 McClusky canal - Sheyenne Lk-L..k Audubon C of Engrs

MINNESOTA Minnesota - Wisconsin Border Tr. MONA Jay Cooke State Park MONA Savanna State Forest MONA Chippewa National Forest USDA-FS 68.0 6fl2/88 Paul Bunyan State Forest MDNR/MNCTA Itasca State Park MDNR Bad Medicine Lake Trail MNCTA Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge USDl-FWS Maplewood State Park MQ.tIB Current Total- Minnesota (162.00 usable) 68.0

WISCONSIN Copper Falls State Park DNA 7.8 8/2183 Copper Falla - Mellen Connecter DNFVMellen Chequamegon National Forest USDA-FS 60.0 8/2183 Brule f3iyer State Forest QNB Current Total- Wltu:onsln (83.3 usable) 67.B

6.0 (3) NY PA

11.0 (3) OH 1 .5 (3) Ml 7.2 (1) WI 6.5 (3) MN

t:lQ. 7.0 (3) Tot

36.8 (2)

67.1 (2)

16.5 (2)

18.3 (2)

55.2 (5)

9.2 (2)

19.2 (2)

380.7

3.6 (2)

4.7 (2)

3.6 (2)

2.6 (2)

1.1 (2)

9.7 (2)

12.5 (2)

.9 (2)

3.6 (2)

MICHIGAN Baw Beese Trail Hillsdale M-99 Bikeway MOOT 5.0 8/2183 Battle Creek Linear Parl<way · Battle Creek Kellogg Forest MSU Yankee Springs St. Rec. Area DNA Siedman Perk & Egypt Valley Trail Kent Co. Rogue River State Game Area DNA 7.0 11/8/85 Manistee NF - Croton Dam - 40 St USDA-FS Manistee NF - 40tSt - Nichols Lake USDA-FS 28.0 4/2.5189 Manistee NF - Nichols -Cleveland USDA-FS 11.0 11/4/8J3 Manistee NF - Cleveland McCarthy USDA-FS Manistee NF - FR5327 - 1-igh Br. USDA-FS Manistee NF - High Br. - Beers Rd. USDA-FS 21.6 7/6/88 Shore-to-Shore Riding-Hiking Trail DNA 34.3 8/2183 STS-Jordan Connector NCTA/DNR Jordan River Pathway DNA 9.25 8/2183 Jordan River - Werner Creek Conn. NCT A/DNA W amer Creek Pathway DNA 1 .6 8/2183 Spring Brook Pathway DNA 1. 7 8/2183 Wilderness State Park DNA Wilderness SP-Mackinac City DNR/NCTNCity Hiawatha NF - Castle - Maple Hill USDA-FS 36.4 11/'2J90

6.3 8/2183

44.8 8/2/63

14.5 8/2183

17.0 8/2183 1.5 8/2183 4.07 8/2183

2.2 8/2183

1.5 8/2183

3.0 8/2/63

1.4 8/2/63

2.2 B/2183 14.5 10/13/89 4.2 8/2183

2.6 8/2183

4.1 8/2183

17.0 (2) 19.0 10/13/89 6.0 (3) 5.0 8/2183

6.5 8/2183

OHIO Beaver Creek State Park DNA-Parka 6.25 8/2183 Columbiana Trail Columb. Qnte. BT-Tuscarawas CR82 to CR109 BTA 52 8/2183 BT-CR1 09 to TR213 BT A BT-TR 213 to Deersville BTA BT-Deersville to US22 BTA BT-US22 to Guernsey CR893 BTA BT-Gurnsey CR893 - Salt Fork SP BTA BT-Salt Fork State Park BTA/DNR 7.8 8/2183 BT-Salt Fork SP - Seneca L..k RA BTA Wayne National Forest USDA/FS BT-TR23 to SR3n BTA BT-SR3n to SR555 BTA BT-SR555 to Morgan CA39 BTA BT-Morgan CR39 to CR101 BTA BT-Morgan CR101 to SR78 BTA BT-SR78 to Burr Oak SP BTA BT-Burr Oak State Park BTNDNR 8.0 8/2183 BT-Burr Oak SP to Athens CR92 BTA BT-Athens CR92 to Salem Rd. BTA BT-Wayne National Forest USDA-FS BT-Mann Rd to TR40 BTA BT-TR40 to Lake Logan Rd. BTA BT-Lake Logan Rd to Murphy Rd. BTA BT-Murphy Rd to Star Rt. Rd. BTA BT-Star Rt Rd -SR56(Hocking Hills BTNDNR 13.25 8/2183 BT-SR56 to Vincton CR47 BTA BT-Vinton CR47 to TR13 BTA BT-TR13 to TR11 STA BT· TR11 to SR327 BT A BT-SR327 to Clark Hollow Rd STA BT-Clark Rd - US 35 (Tar Hollow) BTA/DNR 17.6 8/2183 BT-US32 to Woods Hollow Rd BTA BT-Woods Hollow Rd.- Prussia Rd.STA BT-Prussia Rd to Davis Rd BT A BT-Davis Rd - Bell Rd (Pike SP) BTNDNR BT-Bell Hollow Rd - SR41 Pike SF STA BT-Fort Hill State Memorial BTNOHS BT-Fort Hill to Wamsleyville STA Shawnee Trail (Shawnee SP/SF) DNA BT-Swawnee SF to East Fork SP BTA BT-East Fork State Park BTA/DNR 6.6 B/2183 BT-East Fork SP to Little Miami Pk BTA Little Miami Scenic Park DNA BT-Spring Valley to Goes Station BT A Yellow Springs Segment Yellow Sprs. 3.921/16/86 BT-Yellow Springs to Statler Rd BTA BT-Statler Rd. to Piqua Hist. Area BTA BT-Lockington to Stoker Rd BTA BT-Miami and Erie Canal Trail BTA/DNR 42.0 8/2/63 BT-Delphos to Defiance BTA BT-lndeoendance Pam State Park .lllAlilli.8 I.Q ~ Current Total- Ohio (658.69 ussble) 2n.99

by John Hipps

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991

...

Tall Tales of the

North Country Trail

SPRUCEVALE OVERLOOK on the Sandy and Beaver Canal in the early spring; the North Country Trail follows the right side of the river. Volunteers from Columbiana, Stark, Carroll and Tuscarawas Counties, Ohio, led by NCTA Director Baird Stewart, are trying to work out a connection between here and the main Buckeye Trail, many miles to the west. The project has generated a lot of local support through a series of meetings and local presentations, and when completed, will be both a scenic and vital link along the North Country Trail, but completing this segment will take a lot of work to arrange the necessary private land crossings needed to complete the project.

Page14

The Nott Less Monster of Willow Bay The North Country Trail in the East makes exit from up in normal walking position. Others are widely and

the Empire State into its southern Keystone neighbor near wildly scattered around in helter-skelter fashion, upside the Willow Bay area of Kinzua Lake. From that point the down and all such which ways that gives cause to think Great Hiker can travel by canoe on an unofficial prosthesis the victims were scared out of more than their wits and of the trail along the eastern side of the waterway within a souls. long steep view of the ground trail. This leg takes The I must tell you now, before going on further with this Hiker southward some 20 miles to a point where the trail tale that the Nott Less Monster is not a physically ugly turns west, then south again, on its way to the Clarion and kind of thing as is the case with other legendary monsters Allegheny Rivers. like Big Foot and the Abdominable Snowman. There is a

This lake, also referred to as the Allegheny Reser- terrible force about its being, however, that generates a voir, was created some fearful power for all who bears any kind of witness to its 20 years ago when a presence, whether by hearing or seeing its evidence on the dam backed up the Willow Bay shores. It is an immense power which gener- waters of the Allegheny ates an intense sense of physical, mental and spiritual pain River as a flood control in reaction to the white man's destruction of life and land. project for the benefit Traveling the watery leg of the off-shore North of down-river homo- Country Trail by canoe is, indeed, an interesting way to sap-iens. experience the sights and sounds of this wonderful land. It

These waters buried is also risky in paddling your own canoe in the waters of 2600 acres of pristine the Nott Less monster. The Monster may suddenly appear

valleys, land of the Cornplanter Indian Tribe. The great and chomp off the flat end of your paddle or swallow the flood took place much to the consternation of the Indians whole thing. He has also been known to whip the canoe and all the Nature Gods of the land's streams, woodlands, around in increasingly rapid circles sufficient to give you flora and fauna .White man had his way as usual, but the a case of motion sickness as you swirl around in a original Chief of the Cornplanters was never able to rest in whirlpool of Nott Less power. Some have been known to his watery grave ever after. have their canoe upset and have to swim for shore

Now and again since. Chief Nott Less expresses his although the truth is that the monster has never been sadness and his grief in the form of a monstrous anger the known to swallow a canoe or a white man, Jonah or likes of which you will hear. otherwise. This is thought to be due to the fact that such a

It is not uncommon to walk along the usually quiet deed would nauseate him so much he would not be able to shores of Willow Bay and see footprints of the Nott Less, stomach it and would promptly throw it up. big and deep, in the sand; a sight that in itself is pretty At any rate, it can all be a scary enough experience scary. These prints measure a pretty mean size; one foot such that the white man in the canoe could continue from toe to toe and two feet from toe to heel. rapidly on his way without paddle power. The jet propul-

J\nother occasional sighr on the beaches of Willow sion from his own posterior end will get him the 20 mile Bay is pairs of shoes and items of clothing that have been distance to the end of the water trail in no time fla-tus- left behind by someone suddenly scared out of their flat. footwear as well as their pants. Some of these shoes are top

Forest Preserve. For some reason I have yet to recall, I asked him aloud then whether he thought he would finish it by June. Immediately the words escaped my lips I knew I had inadver­ tently goaded him into setting a cruel goal for himself: too late, the words were out ... and Bob was off!

This was during the black fly season, an usually warm May, and clouds of insects were so bad during the last days of May that Bob wore a mesh headnet, a light jacket and glove despite the humid heat of the Memorial Day weekend.

But the Possessed One did it anyway, finishing at 9:30 AM on May 27th, so early because the heat dictated an early start to his last four miles. Combining typical hikes of, say, five miles because of grueling forested hills with two or three road-walk miles in a different location in the same general area, mixed in with Gatorade breaks and car rides from his trail saints, made bearable days of his last hundred miles, but only barely.

On May 28th, the very next day, he worried aloud that his trail probably needed a lot of attention (certainly not by ordinary mortals' standards!), so he wouldn't be available to help on anyone else's trail section for a little while. In March and April he had contributed many a long and laborious day to the Letchworth Branch Trail clean-up after an ice stonn bashing.

Congratulations, Bob Muller. Had you ever calculated how long it was going to take you to finish before you met some trail saints and inadvertent inspirations? The way you dld more than half the trail, hiking both in and out each day, you would have been end-to-enders five AND six had you continued. You're a pip.

BOB MUELLER ends his FLT end-to-end hike.

Page 15

Seventy-one year old J. Robert Muller, fondly known as Bob the Environmental Artist, sponsor of the Harrisburg Hollow section on FLT Map 12, and stalwart helper every­ where else on M-12 and in Birdseye Hollow on the new M-13, keeper of the tidiest trail ever, has managed to fit a couple hundred miles of the FLT into his schedule over the last year to become the fifth hiker to finish the whole main 540-mile Finger Lakes Trail across New York.

A retired grocery owner and Kodak materials manager, Bob started hiking the FLT alone in 1975, with no particular goal in mind. Gradually, the more he hiked it in small pieces, the notion began to form that hem ignt just do the whole thing; end-to-end became a serious goal around 1984, he recalls. Until two years ago, he did it all alone, walking out typically four or five miles and then back to his car, so Bob Muller has walked more than half of the trail twice.

To say he did it alone is inaccurate, of course. Since 1982 he has been joined by Teddy the dog, all five mighty ounces of him, whose low ground clearance problems in snow or burdocks have sometimes merited him a ride in Bob's pack. Yes, Bob has done some days in snow without benefit of snowshoes: some people can stay in the house only so long in winter.

In 1988 Bob took on the task of reclaiming the trail on the west side of Map 12, a section that had been abandoned for years and had only been partially resurrected by Dick Harri­ son, at a time when M-12 was not even being published. By spring of '89 a map was published with Bob's seven-plus miles.

Significant for Bob's long-range hiking goals was the fact that his sponsorship of a trail section introduced him to others of the hiking ilk. Terry Giarrosso sent him an invitation to help create new trail on the east side ofM-12 in the summerof '89. Her fateful postcard not only brought in Bob's hundreds of hours of work on Birdseye Hollow, now a candidate for NCT status, bur-introduced him to Terry and Ed Sidote.

Over a year ago Ed ran articles in the FLT newsletter urging long-distance hikers to help each other with the logis­ tics of placing cars to avoid either Bob's two-way hikes or taking two cars long distances. The responses brought helpers, including Bob, to Ed and Rufus Perkins, who finished the trail last September well after their respective seventieth birth­ days, and Ed has gone out of his way to offer assistance to hikers in his half of the state. Terry, too, has spent whole days ferrying Bob and other hikers, whether they are day-hiking like Bob or beginning backpacking trips far from home.

At the beginning of this last May, Bob bad one hundred miles left, all of it at the every eastern end of the FLT, involving both road walks and very steep hills in the Catskill

Number Five: Another septuagenarian goes end to end on FLT

by Irene Szabo President, Finger Lakes Trail Conference

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991

Southern Michigan Chapter to reorganize

Paul and Liz Forsberg will be hosting an organizational meeting for a regional chapter of the North Country Trail association at their home, 550 Boichot Road, Lansing, Michigan, on Sunday, October 6, 1991, at 2 PM. Any questions? Give them a call at (517) 372- 5782.

completion date would certianly move closer.

I'm aware of a number of work groups along the trail route this summer, and I'm sure there were others, too. Don't forget to send your requests for Certification to the NPS for any com­ pleted sections. And, equally important, if you are a member of the NCT A living in close proximity to a section of trail just built, or recently finished, perhaps you and your friends close by could volunteer to maintain a few miles. What could be more enjoyable than hking a few milesofNCTand keeping it cleaned up for others to enjoy: a sort of "guard­ ian angel" over a piece of Mother Earth.

And, as fall and winter months approach, remember the NCT is great under a pair of skis or snowshoes.

--Martha Jones

This is not just another summer coming to a close for the NCTA, but rather the beginning of a new era -­ another giant step forward for our Asso­ ciation. Soon, we will no longer be a totally volunteer organization, but will have a paid Executive Director with an office to work from and the much needed time to direct toward the many projects required to insure the growth of the NCT, toward which we have all been working these past years.

Your search committee has pur­ sued the task all summer of finding the person best qualified to fill this position. With only a few remaining details to be worked out, we expect to have a full' report for you at the Fall Meeting and an introduction to the new Executive Di­ rector.

This is not a "Swan Song" for all you wonderful volunteers out there, but rather a "Helping Hand" to keep you all godirrg, and - YES - recruiting even more volunteers! It's the great work you volunteers have been doing along the trail that keeps us growing, and the new Executive Director will need all the support available.

Speaking of the Fall Meeting being held in Fargo, ND, this October-- I hope many of you plan to attend. LindaMeike has been hard at work putting together a very exciting meeting -- an opportunity for you to visit North Dakota and trav­ erse part of the Grasslands which are the NCT in our westernmost state.

Earlier this year I had the privilege of a visit to Hillsdale, MI, and the oppor­ tunity to walk, with the Honorable Carl Levin, a number of local officials, busi­ ness executives and "ever-faithful" vol­ unteers, on a portion of the NCT being built though this area. The enthsiasm of this entire community was contagious, and their success definitely worth emu­ lating. With a few more "Hillsdales" along our 3200 mile route, the NCT

-- John Lahoud and Will Barrett was sec­ ond. The women's team winner was the "VerMass Women" consisting of Dot Helling, Holly Massucco and Diane McNamara.

only known she was so close." In teams, the "Finger Lakes Ani­

mals" consisting of Powers, Shawn McDonald and myself were first. The "Finger Lake'n Good" team of Dion,

As in the preceding two years, this was no ordinary pre-race pasta feed. The site was Turback's restaurant, a historic many-gabled former mansion that locals call "The Painted Lady." Turback put on his usual great spread, an all-you-can-eat buffet style dinner: salad, pasta with three different sauces, and dessert. The restaurant and the food help with the recruiting of the needed many volunteers as they were also in­ vited to this pre-race feed. Turback's is "The" place to eat in Ithaca.

Unlike the previous two years, race directors John Sholeen and I could not welcome the runners to the "cool north­ east." The forecast called for the upper 80s, and high humidity on race day. Although most of the course is wooded, the gypsy moth caterpillars had caused nearly total defoliation along much of the course. These factors, with an hon­ est wheel-measured 50 miles and 8300' of climb contributed to a most difficult race.

The field was the best yet - Tom "You must be crazy to run 50 miles, but this race is in my back yard" Powers returned to defend his course record of 7:53:53 set last year. Another local, Gary Burdick, who last year led until two miles to go returned. John Lahoud, winner of the first FLT-50 two years ago, was back with his wife, Helga. Helga won the women's division two years ago and set the master's course record for women. The total field in­ creased from 50 starters last year to 62 this year.

Bob Dion led early in the race, but by half-way Powers had moved to the front, with Dion and Burdick close behind. All were on a course record pace. Then the heat hit. Powers limped in for the . win.

"The cramps set in," Powers said. "Mentally, I wasn't really bothered and l wasn't aerobically taxed at all, I was ready to go. But it didn't matter. There was just no way to put in enough fluid Lo keep the cramps away." The other lead­ ers agreed.

• In the women's race Helga Lahoud had a half hour lead over Dot Helling half way through the race. But at the finish, Helga was only one minute ahead of Dot. Dot remarked afterward, "If I'd

by Joe Dabes

Finger Lakes Trail - 50. Mile Trail Run

North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991 Page 16

shooting at before squeezing the trigger or letting the arrow fly."

The North Country Trail is gener­ ally open to hunting, and, in fact, may provide some hunters with a means of access to more remote areas. "Many public and private lands," the Compre­ hensive Plan for the North Country Na­ tional Scenic Trail reads, "through which the NCT passes are legally open to hunting during the proper seasons. IL is not in­ tended that passage of the NCT through these lands should in any way lead to their closure to hunting nor that the trail should be closed during hunting sea­ sons. Safety for hikers during hunting seasons can best be pursued through education of hikers to wear hunter's orange, and of hunters to avoid shooting near or across the trail. Regulations in some jurisidctions would require hikers to wear hunters orange. Managing au­ thorities responsible for public lands and NCT segments should post notices at trail entrances notifying hikers of any applicable regulations."

Hunter's orange caps and vests are available at almost every sporting goods store during the appropriate seasons, and the costs are quite reasonable. Or­ ange may not be in the wardrobe of every lover of the outdoors. But cer­ tainly there is something comparable, some intense red, sunny yellow, shock· iog pink.

Any bright color helps. "Neon" colored fashions are popular among the

Page 17

to to avoid the woods, ifthehikerwilldo two simple things: avoid paranoia, and be seen.

Linda Stein writes in the Pennsyl­ vania Game News: "As a hunter, I take my hunter safety knowledge afield even when I'm not carrying a bow or firearm. I know that whenever I go for a walk in the woods, any time of the year, it's possible I'll encounter someone who's hunting. Even if it isn't the "standard" smallorbiggameseason,gunners might be out after spring gobblers, ground­ hogs, doves, crows, fox, even frogs, or they might just be plinking with a .22. I don't let the possibility worry me. I just do what my hunter training and experi­ ence have taught me. I wear bright col­ ored clothing, especially on my head. I want any hunter who's out there to see me, even ifl don't see him. It's the best way I know to come home safe again."

While hunters can be encountered at any time of the year, fall is rightly thought of as the hunting season, and hunters can be expected to be encoun­ tered more frequently then. Syndicated outdoor writer Steve Hepker says, "In some seasons, such as the turkey or archery deer seasons, hunters may be well camoflaged and be hard to see -­ but the hiker can take comfort in the fact that the hunter that has gone to the amount of effort necessary to prepare for hunting in these modes will be aware enough of his surroundings to have a good sight picture of what they are

Whether our feelings about hunting are pro, anti or neutral, we still have to accept hunters in the woods as a fact of life and be safe during hunting and fall color seasons.

There are people around that won't go out hiking in the woods in the fall -­ and they're missing the best time of the year. The air is usually crisp and cool and clear, the bugs have pretty much departed, and the autumn colors, of course, are spectacular. But, hunting safety concerns cause many people to pass up the woods in this lime of year. It's their loss.

Attitude is an important factor. Colin Fletcher wrote in The Compleat Walker III, "Jn recent years, I've become in­ creasingly aware that certain men whom I like and respect, men whose knowl­ edge and even veneration for wildlife is at least as great as mine, find hunting a satisfying and natural pursuit consonant with their veneration. Furthermore, I often feel more comfortable in the company of men who I know are hunters -- even though I deplore what they do in that role -- than I do in the company of many 'ecologically aware individuals' who share my concerns but who never for one moment, by God, let you forget that they are the Chosen Defenders of the Earth."

Unwillingness to go into the woods while hunters are present will seal off much of the year for the hiker. In Michi­ gan, for example, there is one hunting season or another open from September through March, and the state has re­ cently added on a spring turkey season. Technically, some hunting seasons never close, like for woodchucks, so there is a possibility of encountering hunters in the woods at any time of the year.

Yet, except with the possibility of rifle deer seasons, hunting safety con­ cerns should not be a reason for the hiker

"Be Seen" is rule for fall hiking

North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Autumn. 1991

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don't want to be the odd one out, so I make sure by wearing a safety color."

There's no reason why hiking in the woods in the.fall can't be safe, if the hiker will have a proper attitude and take a few sensible precautions. Steine tells this story: I was told about a young woman who wanted to take her children for a hike at a local state park where hunting is allowed. This was during the last deer season, and the woman was petrified to take her family into the forest with the hunters there. Certainly one can't fault motherly concern, but her lack of knowledge about bunting made her overreact. I was told she was advised to put some bright clothing on herself and the kids and just go for a walk, that hunters and hikers could use the park at the same time, there was no conflict. That didn't suit her. She con­ sidered the hunters were "preventing" her from using the park, and she went home in a huff. It was her loss because of her misunderstanding of the sport, and because she wouldn't teach her children how to be safe in the woods. But I'm sure she will teach them bow to cross a road."

wearing hunters orange again applies during rifle deer seasons, hikers should avoid the colors white and brown like the plague. There are any number of stories about such slobs taking shots at white hankerchiefs, thinking that their shooting at a deer's white tail. These stories are common enough to hold a germ of truth. Don't wear white or brown in the woods during deer season!

Again, opening day of rifle deer season should be avoided, and hikers should give careful thought about hik­ ing in the woods during this period, Hepker says. "Common sense is the key to safety," be adds.

However, Hepker notes that hikers should avoid loud singing, whistling, radio playing, and that sort of thing. "This could be considered to be a vola­ tion of the recently-enacted 'hunter har­ rassment' laws."

"Hunting is statistically one of the safest sports around," Stiene writes. "Last year out of 1.2 million hunters afield in Pennsylvania, there were only eight fatal. accidents. In other words, anyone in the wilds while hunters are around has very little.chance of getting hurt. I, however,

North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Autumn. 1991 Page 18 younger set; hats, jackets, and shirts in various loud colors are readily avail­ able. These colors, popular in ski wear and summertime togs, are ideal. As a plus, their "fluorescent" quality makes them visible even in dim light. Adults whose own closets are lacking should check their kids for something that fits.

Columnist Hepker adds that choos­ ing where and when Lo hike is another important point. "Hunters do shoot other hunters," he says. "Opening day is an especially dangerous time, and hikers should avoid heavily gunned areas at this time -- especially the opening days of rifle deer and small game seasons. Hike in mid-day, and avoid hiking dur­ ing low-light or low visibility condi­ tions."

During the rifle deer seasons in the various states, considerably more cau­ tion is advised, Hepker adds. It is from these seasons that the stories of hunters "shooting anything that moves" are generated, and there are in fact some slob hunters out there, with low skill levels, that consider it a badge of honor to go out into the woods with a snootful of antifreeze. While the general rule of

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Building the North Country National Scenic Trail will be a big job. Much has been completed, but there's still a lot to do. You can help with making the dream a reality by joining the North Country Trail Association.

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Page 19 North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Autumn, 1991

·-------------------------------------~ I ORDER FORM •• NO'RtH COUNTRY TRAIL BOOKSTORE Name :............... I I __ copies of 'Fol/owing the North Country National Scenic Troll' Add I I $2.95 per copy ($2.00 per copy If ten or more) ress...................................................... I I __ copies of 'The North Country Troll - Manistee National Forest" I

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copies of Michigan mapsets (check appropriate ones:) $0.00 • $10.00 $2.00 I -- o Croton Dam - Hodenpyl Dem o Interlachen - Boyne Falls $10.01 · $25..00 $3.00 I I D St. Ignace - Harvey o Marquette - Ironwood $25.01 -$100.00 $4.00 I $5.00 per set. AH 4 sets, $18.00; Binder, $2.50 No wholesale Over $100.00 $5.00

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GUIDE TO THE PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE by Olive Anderson. Includes revised Lakeshore Trail Guide. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the centerpiece of the North Country Trail-- a rugged, unique toast on the wild Lake Superior shore. Updated in 1988, this 56 page book by Pictured Rocks enthusiast Olive M. Anderson gives the reader revised maps and up-to-date information about this Michigan section of the North Country Trail. $5.95 each; Wholesale (l 0 or more) $4.25 each.

THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL -- MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST by the Michigan Trailfinders. Offers a detailed description of the trail from the White Cloud troilheod to Big Star Lake; and from US 1 O to McCarthy Lake. Current through June, 1989. $2.00 each, no wholesale available.

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CERTIFIED SECTIONS OF THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL by Byron and Margaret Hutchins.The long-awaited start to a trail guide for the entire trail. Accurate route descriptions by an experienced guidebook writer who's walked the sections with a measuring wheel, covering many certified sections of the long enough to be a hiking destination, published in an easy to carry loose-leaf form. Individual map sets at various prices (see order form); whole set, including binder. is $15.40, plus $2.00 shipping. Sorry, no direct wholesale .

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