North Star Vol. 21, No. 1 (2002)

Turns out we were a little premature when we announced in the last issue the date of the 2002 annual conference . Since then, the date was changed to Aug. 15-18. The location is Valley City State University in Valley City, ND.

While we are in a mea culpa mood, let me say we regret that we misnamed the late Stanley Gregor, husband of Emily S. Gregor whose obituary notice appeared in the last issue. We called him "Ralph." We apologize to the family for the error.

We also apologize to the hard-work ing trail builders in Pennsylvania who constructed 14 excellent miles through the Pennsylvania gamelands. On our Milestones page, we inadvertently placed those miles under the heading, "Marked Road Miles," instead of under the head ing, "Other Off-Road Miles."

(Some excellently constructed trail cannot be certified for a number of rea sons that may have nothing to do with the quality of the trail, as Tom Gilbert explained in the last issue. Those are the miles we called, "Other Off-Road Miles.")

Happy New Year!

•

• Julie Jackson, author of the helicop

ter lift piece on pages 18 and 19, is a freelance editor and publisher who turns out trade magazines from her home near Battle Creek. Julie and her husband, Paul, enthusiastic hikers, joined the Chief Noonday Chapter after moving from Lansing, MI, two years ago.

Lakes Trail News, the quarterly publica tion of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, an NCTA affiliate.

That's not a Rose of Sharon our Sharon Froeligh is inspecting but only the lowly Joe-Pye weed to most of us and Eupatorlum Maculatumin to expert botanists like Joan Young who made sure the editor didn't make a fool of himself when cap tioning the photo.

Tom Reimers, who wrote the article describing the ATV problems along the trails in New York, is a former director and President of the Board of Directors of the North Country Trail Association. A longtime member of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, he was also one of the earliest NCTA members. He joined our association 15 years ago. Tom currently is the editor and publisher of the Finger

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I can't show you her face-she's hik ing up in the Porcupine Mountains as I write-but the young woman inspecting Joe-Pye Weed during our conference in Central New York, is Sharon Froeligh, who joined us this issue as a contributing editor. Like everyone else who helps with The North Star, she is a volunteer.

Sharon, an enthusiastic hiker and willing trail worker, recently was elected to the Board of Directors of the Western Michigan chapter. She received a minor in journalism in college and has free lanced for various publications since.

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about North Dakota. We'll be profiling the trail, our chapters and affiliates in each of the seven states where the North Country National Scenic Trail is located. Minnesota will follow.

But therein lies a problem. Joan Young's interesting "North Country Cache" series does not mesh with the states we plan to profile because her arti cles follow Joan's adventures chronologi cally and shift from state to state. They, typically, have spanned more than one issue with each hike she described. So, rather than change the vision of her series, regretfully we will have to halt it for now.

. - - - - . - - - . . . - . . . . - . - . - . - . . . . . . - . - . - . . - . . - - . 2 North Star* January-March 2002

Members of my Western Michigan chapter were highly amused to

learn of my unprowess while reblazing stretches of the trail we are responsible for in Kent and Newaygo County, Michigan. My paint wandered so erratically over the bark, it had to be scraped off so that a competent blazer could apply the regulation z-inch, by 6-inch rectangle of Nelson's boundary paint. Wiser heads then relegated me to bark scrape duty.

Vanity compels me to believe that surely I am not alone. There must be brother klutzers out there as clumsy with trail tools-or any other kind for that matter-as I am. Hence, from the privi leged editor's chair whose occupant gets to pick stuff for the magazine, comes the notion for a new series of articles starting in this issue called Trail Craft. Appropriately enough, the first piece is all about blazing. Like all the others will be, it was prepared by Bill Menke, trail foreman for the North Country Trail Association.

(Here in West Michigan we removed gray diamonds from more than 30 miles of trail this fall and replaced them with regulation painted rectangles. In the process we learned that Tom Gilbert, Superintendent of our trail and the Ice Age Trail, is eager to have such mileages reported to the National Park Service office in Madison. I don't always under stand all the bureaucratic niceties, but you can be assured that if Tom wants reports, there's a good reason, which will benefit the trail in the long run. So do send him blazing reports, please.)

Another introduction in this issue of The North Star is represented by the pages

From Messy Botch, a New North Star Series Gets Born

January-March 2002 * North Star 3

Published four times annually in January, April, July, and October by the North Country Trail Association, a private, nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organi zation for promotional and educational purposes and as a benefit of membership in the organization. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permis sion of the North Country Trail Association.

Werner Veit, Editor Sharon Froeligh, Contributing Editor Roger Meyer, Contributing Editor Joan Young, Contributing Editor Aaron Phipps, Art Director Jennifer Tripp, Production Manager

The North Star Staff:

About the Cover( s) The magnificent cover photograph was shot by Aaron Phipps, The North Star's art director while hiking in North Dakota. The inside back cover, showing the headquar ters staff and two of our many volunteers, was photographed by Werner Veit while hiking out the front door.

Departments Hiking Shorts 5 Where Is It 11 Heart and Sole 16 Who's New 20 Trail Shop 35 East & West. 40 Hiking Calendar .43 Milestones 45

Columns Editor's Note 3 Trail Head 4 View from Lowell 19 View from Madison .43

Features The ATV Menace 6 Bridge Drops from the Sky 8 Mountain Bike Update 10 Meeting Government Partners 14

Also New in This Issue Trail Craft, the art of building and maintaining trail, is the subject of another new series starting with this issue. Blazing, that seemingly simple task that often misses the mark, starts out the series on Page 12.

Showcasing North Dakota With this issue of The North Star we begin showcasing the seven states that provide a home for the North Country National Scenic Trail. We begin at the western terminus, in North Dakota, and its magnificent prairies and hills ... yes, hills. Then, we will work our way eastward until we reach New York. The next issue will feature Minnesota. You will find the North Dakota story on Pages 21 through 24.

Sheyenne Riverbank, south of Hannaford bridge.

A Glance Inside

Terms Expiring 2004 John Leinen, Jr., at Large· 14205 St. Croix

Trail, Stillwater, MN 55082-9587 · (651) 433-4456 · [email protected]

Irene Szabo, at Large · 6939 Creek Rd., Mt. Morris, NY 14510-9638 · (716) 658-4321 · [email protected]

Gaylord Yost, at Large · 2925 W Bradley Rd., River Hills, WI 53217-2052 · (414) 354-8987 · [email protected]

Bob Norlin, Great Lakes· PO Box 718, Iron River, WI 54847 · (715) 372-5229 · rnorlin@ironriver. baysac. nee

Garry S. Dill Jr., Ohio · 4070 Traitorsville Brighton Rd., London, OH 43140 · (937) 834-2891 · [email protected]

Bob Tait Pennsylvania · Box 2968 Butler, PA 16001-2968 · (724) 287-3382 · [email protected]

Terms Expiring 2003 Werner Veit, at Large · 229 E. Main Sr., Lowell,

MI 49331 · (888) 454-6282 · [email protected] Joan Young, ar Large· 861 W USlO,

Scorcville, MI 49454 · (231) 757-2205 · [email protected]

Richard Harris, ac Large· 974 SOM Center Rd., Mayfield, OH 44143 · (440) 449-7467 · richhohi@concen rric, nee

Daryl Williamson, Minnesota · 5901 Timberglade Dr., Bloomington, MN 55438. (952) 835-2186

Terms Expiring 2002 Derek Blount, at Large· 906 N. Alexander,

Royal Oak, MI 48607 · (248) 548-1737 · [email protected]

Helen Coyne, at Large· 212 Willow Circle, Cranberry Township, PA 16066 · (724) 776-0678 · [email protected]

Mary Lucas, at Large · 753 Davenporc Sr., Rhinelander, WI 54501 · (715) 362-0616 · [email protected]

Howard Beye, New York · 202 Colebourne Rd., Rochester, NY 14609 · (716) 288-7191 · [email protected]

Jon G. Lindgren, Norrh Dakota · 2001 N. Seventh St., Fargo, ND 58102 · (701) 232-7868 · [email protected]

North Country Trail Association National Board of Directors

NCTA Staff: Bob Papp, Executive Director

Margie Kindel, Project Manager Tiffany Halfmann, GIS Coordinaror Bonnie Wayman, Office Manager

Bill Menke, Trail Foreman Glory Meyer, Public Services Coordinator

Beth Ford, Bookkeeper

229 East Main Street, Lowell MI 49331 Ph. (888) 454-NCTA, Fx. (616) 897-6605

[email protected] www.northcountrytrail.org

('.~ C~;TJ?y r. ~ •ASSOCIATION•

By now, you should have received our Association's annual fund appeal. This year, the funds gathered from this effort are more crucial to the NCTA than ever before. The shocking and tragic disasters suffered in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania on September II caused much needless human suffering. They also, will result in large sums of federal money being devoted to the military and security actions in progress at this writing. Needless to say, priority for any private or public funds goes to aid victims of these disasters.

However, the Association will need funds to replace any lost because of the disasters and " ... usually given to us for cost sharing and other assistance. If you haven't already considered a donation, please consider providing the Association with as generous a gift as you can afford. We're hoping to maintain our organiza tion's forward momentum and with your help, we will. Thanks for your generous help."

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staff occasionally. Discuss with them how you can help them with their trail job.

A second item revolved around a dis cussion of the desired future condition of the Trail adopted by our federal partners three years ago. This vision, endorsed by the NCTA, sets the standard of making the North Country Trail a premier hiking and backpacking experience. As a result, the parties have committed themselves to reduce conflicting trail uses that serve to frustrate this condition.

This means a reduction of illegal motorized use and bicycle and horse use so the trail can truly become a premier experience for hikers and back packers. Forest Service managers will wel come information and assistance from our members as they use the trail and monitor problems or opportunities to move toward this goal. Without this involvement, the chance of attaining the desired future condition recedes into the distant future. Again, there is the opportunity for Association and affiliated members to maintain a presence with Forest Service managers and become their trail user eyes and ears. Hard working Forest Service employees are spread thin and can use help.

become an annual event. No, it wasn't a nighttime stroll across the Mackinac Bridge to get five more North Country Trail miles in between St. Ignace and Mackinaw City. I attended a meeting of the North Country Trail Association, the National Park Service, and the U.S. Forest Service. This meeting had its beginnings three years ago to do a better job of coordinating trail issues, needs and activities between the three partners. The North Country Trail passes through one National Grassland and nine National Forests on its way from North Dakota to New York. Thus, the US Forest Service serves as the manager of a major share of trail mileage on National Forest lands.

Several things were apparent from the meeting and I want to pass them on to you. The first is that we as an Association must maintain a presence with the National Forest managers who oversee the trail. Without our volunteers helping with maintenance, publicity, and recreation, the managers may justifiably feel a low priority for dollars and atten tion during times when their budgets are skimpy and high use in other National Forest recreation facilities appears to have a higher priority. So keep involved. Drop in and visit with the ranger or his or her

a ••• There is the opportunity for . . . members to maintain a presence with Forest Service managers and become their trail user eyes and ears. Hard working Forest Service employees are spread thin and can use help ... "

IL

4 North Star* January-March 2002

Last issue's North Star coverage of our annual membership conference

at Cazenovia, New York did a magnifi cent job of conveying some of the great scenery and experiences members enjoyed there. I have personally made these con ferences a must when I make up my year ly travel schedule. The North Country National Scenic Trail crosses such a vari ety of America's northern scenery that each conference has brought me some thing new and interesting. The NCTA takes great pride and care in trying to site the conferences in locations from one end of the trail to the other so that they always provide new views and to provide opportunities to sharpen the skills of members.

Further, these conferences have brought me into contact with many dedi cated people from NCTA and affiliated groups who organize and manage these events. These are folks who aren't afraid of a little work that leads to the enrich ment of those of us who visit their trail areas. So it was with the New Yorkers who worked so hard to make Cazenovia such a successful event. We're deeply grateful to Irene Szabo, Finger Lakes Trail Conference president, Mary Kunzler-Larmann and Al Larmann, Kathy Eisele, Kathleen Disque, Peg Whaley, Dawn Bennett, Cindy and George Zacharek, Nancy McCain, Pat Hudelson, Mary and Bill Coffin and Dick Lightcap and all the others who helped put the conference together.

Next year's conference will move to the great open prairie lands of our Midwest. Valley City, ND will be the site and August rp8 the dates. Valley City is just north of Interstate 94, 58 miles west of Fargo. The site is on the attrac tive, 55-acre campus of Valley City State University, just about on the trail itself. Keep tuned to the pages of this magazine for information on the conference as it develops.

The annual conference has not been held in North Dakota for a number of years. It will be great to get a dose of those wide-open spaces and blue skies and meet some of the folks who are the NCTA there. Get your bags packed and I'll see you there.

I've just returned from the Straits of Mackinac where I took part in what has

Looking Fondly Back and Ahead to the Annual Conference

=American Hiking Society ·----·-······· ·········--··


Our New Director In case you missed the announce

ment, the U.S. Senate has confirmed Fran P. Mainella as the Director of the National Park Service, which manages our trail. Ms Mainella has more than 30 years experience in the park management and recreation field, primarily in Florida. She became the 16TH director and the first woman to head the By-year-old agency.

Chapter elections Charles (Chuck) Zosel, formerly

treasurer, was elected chairman of the Brule-St. Croix chapter to succeed Peter Nordgren who will remain active oversee ing cost share grants, work with signs and handle some of the chapter's public ity needs. Peter Nason succeeds Chuck as treasurer.

The Greater Pittsburgh Chapter has elected Michael Kaizar, President.

The phantom hands belong to a grateful Bob Papp.

exterior appear- The check is held ances are required by Barbara VanDyken. to be in keeping with the architec tural spirit of the district.

The chapter presented Bob Papp, executive director, with a check during its November meeting.

Thank You to Noonday The North Country Trail

Association's headquarters staff wants to thank the Chief Noonday Chapter for helping to finance the striking new sign over headquarters' front door. A cost share grant from the National Park Service also helped to pay for the sign.

The Association head quarters is located in a historic dis trict in downtown Lowell, MI, where signage and other

in White Cloud; Pat Allen, current chair of the Association's Land Trust commit tee, and Ken Gackler, an active member of the West Michigan Chapter.

There were four regional chapters, as they were known then: Western Michigan, Southern Michigan, Minnesota and the Buckeye Trail Association.

Spring, 1987 issue.

The Way It Was ... Helen D. Haller, who lives in

Pittsford, NY, was cleaning out a filing cabinet when she ran across issues of the North Country Trail Association's Newsletters dating back to the 1980s and was kind enough to send them to the current North Star office. She and hus band, Chris, have been members since Jan. 1, 1987.

The oldest issue she sent is Number 2, Volume VI, dated Spring, 1987. Barbara Ann Smith and John G. Hipps, from Emporium, PA, were co-editors. John's book, The Country Doctor, is still available in the Association's Trail Shop. Robert E. Dreis was President of the Association. Among the other directors were a number of members still active today, like Thomas J. Reimers, of Ithaca, author of the article on ATVs in this issue of The North Star; Virginia Wunsch, now as then manager of the Schoolhouse

presented jointly by the National Park Service's Volunteer in the Parks program and the North Country Trail Association.

HQ sign In keeping with district's archi tectural spirit.

Five NCTA Members Get 400-Hour Awards

Association members were awarded monogrammed shirts with the National Park Service patch sewed on the shoulder, and the NCTA logo on the front for

having completed 400 hours of trail work on the North Country National Scenic Trail. They were presented at various events dur ing 2001. They were: Ron Rice, Butler chapter; Arlen Matson, Grand Traverse Hiking Club;

Arlen and shirt. John Leinen, Jr., Star of the North; Frank Cetera, Rock chap ter, Cora Killinger, Tittibawassee, and Kaye Erlenbach, at large. The awards are

Scott Laufer, hiking with seven com panions on the North Country Trail por tion of the Finger Lakes Trail, ran into Cader Olive, the through hiker featured in the last issue of The North Star, when reaching the Kimmie leanto. Cader, who started in Wisconsin, had nearly reached his goal in Cortland, NY when the group ran into him. Scott reported:

"He was settled in nicely at the leanto for the night, various clothes were hanging to dry and he was comfortable and pleased and eager to have other hik ers to talk to. He declined our offers of food and it was evident he had every thing he needed.

"But the poor guy had not encoun tered that many other hikers in his whole journey, and not once met up with another through-hiker. He's been living on dried food, oatmeal and trail mix for seven months and looked thinner than Ken Morgan, if you can believe that.

"His huge Kelty pack looked like it was far heavier than I would have wanted in my back for 2,000 miles. And he's on his second pair of shoes. He did say the FLT is the best developed and maintained trail system of all the other parts of the NCTA that he's hiked ... "

Cader Olive Nears Goal in New York

allowed by a posted sign. Nowhere is the NCT on public land in New York State specifically designated for ATV use, yet it happens in too many places.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has established special units in its nine regions across the state called Marine Off-road Recreation Enforcement (MORE) teams to enforce regulations regarding use of ATVs on DEC land. The DEC recommends the following if NCT and Finger Lakes Trail stewards are having persistent problems with illegal use of ATVs and/or snowmobiles:

Start keeping a log of when they observe or get reports from others on sightings of illegal use. Record day, date, time, location, direction of travel, and number of users. If stewards observe a vehicle that may have been used to transport ATVs or snowmobiles, record its parking location, vehicle make, and license plate number. By collecting these observations, trail stewards will have enough helpful information to discern patterns of use in an area.

When the trail steward feels enough observations have been made for a given area, he or she should contact the DEC regional office responsible for the area involved and ask to speak with the MORE team leader. The steward should give the team leader the information and request help in apprehending the viola tors of any DEC regulations. The steward also should ask for the leader's name and state that he or she would like to hear if

mentally sensitive areas. One forester who responded to the survey said, ''ATVs are probably the most intrusive problem that we face in managing state forest lands."

A friend of mine who maintains a section of NCT that was certified in 1985 (the first in New York!) puts it this way: "AAaargh! My blood pressure goes up to 240/!60 when I see what the ATVs and motorized dirt bikes have done in my Virgil NCT section of trail in the spring-when the ground is soft. These folks like to see the mud and muck fly! They are the first ones out after the winter thaw. They would do much less damage if they would only wait until the ground dries out, but they never do. I guess they get spring fever like the rest of us."

My friend suggested a solution. "The one we have used is to leave many logs across the trail-in particular multiple logs or branches in a very short area are effective. This has diminished the fun for these guys, and has diminished their pres ence on the trail. These logs can generally be easily stepped over."

Use of motorized vehicles by the general public along any segment of a National Scenic Trail is prohibited by Section 7(c) of the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1246(c)). At the local level, the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles regulations say that to operate an ATV on private land, users must have permission of the landowner or lessee. ATVers may not operate an ATV on public land unless it is specifi cally designated for ATV use, and it is

After 27 ATVs were through riding in Inman Gulf near Barnes Corners in the northwest corner of Lewis County, the photographer noted broken shale rock formations, oil slicks (with empty fuel containers left behind) and lengths of muddy water.


T ike most of The North Star readers, Lne of the main reasons I hike the North Country Trail or any other trail is to escape to quietness and solitude, to have an opportunity to think about trees, salamanders, wildflowers, mush rooms, birds, and other mammals besides the human kind. That escape has become even more important since September rr. So, I am greatly disappointed and angered when my time of peace is rudely-and often illegally-interrupted by a noisy, smelly off-road vehicle.

I doubt that abuse of pedestrian trails in New York State by all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) is any worse than in the other North Country Trail states. They are a problem everywhere. A study by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in the spring and summer of 2000 reported some startling results about ATV use there. A survey asking about legal and illegal ATV use was sent to all 20 of Pennsylvania's district foresters. Results of the survey indicated there were over IO times as many illegal ATV trails as legal trails in the forests. The total miles of unauthorized ATV trails on public land was estimated to be 2,535 miles!

According to the survey, almost every forest district in Pennsylvania indicated the need to at least double its enforce ment effort to deal with the problems of illegal ATV use. Areas that currently have authorized ATV trails had about the same amount of illegal activity as areas that do not allow ATVs. In other words, pro viding legal ATV trails did not decrease illegal trails.

As expected, the ATV problem is associated with "extreme environmental degradation" involving streambeds, popu lations of wildflowers and rare and threat ened plants, wetlands, food and cover for wildlife, vernal ponds, and other environ-

By Thomas J. Reimers Ithaca, NY

Trail Damage, While Serious in New York, Is Not Unique There

Menace The ATV

January-March 2002 *North Star 7

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Please choose your Chapter affiliation: Please mail your completed form with payment to:

229 East Main Street Lowell, Michigan 49331

•ASSOCIATION• D $30 Regular

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If you are purchasing or renewing your membership, please fill out this

form and send it with your payment to the address below. If you are also

purchasing merchandise, please add your dues to your Trail Shop Order

form and include the above form with your order.

MEMBERSHIP FORM

Deb Laun, a Syracuse resident who has visited the area often where the pic ture on the previous page was taken, says the small stream is lined in part with IOO+ foot cliffs on each side. There are many shallow areas where water passes over beds of shale with ledges and deeper pools interspersed ATV users, she notes, have crushed the shale in many areas, as well as the ferns and columbines along the sides when they detour around the deeper pools ... The Editor.

any apprehensions have been made. There was recent good news about

restriction of ATVs on public lands in New York. A proposed ATV trail system in the DEC's draft Treaty Line Unit Management Plan was given a negative determination and removed from the final management plan. State forest prop erties addressed in this management plan lie within three neighboring counties: Delaware, Broome, and Chenango. A portion of the Finger Lakes Trail mean ders through some of the state forests on the Delaware County side of the unit.

A news release of August 10, 2001,

from the DEC stated, "A proposal to develop an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) trail that was contained in the draft UMP has been withdrawn from the final plan. The Treaty Line UMP review team withdrew the proposal to develop an 80-100 mile ATV trail system from the plan due to unresolved environmental issues of air and noise pollution and potential negative impact of the trail system on the state

forests and surrounding communities." Of course, this is very good news for

hikers, birders, cross-country skiers, and non-motorized users of the state forests and also for adjoining private landown ers. This unit management plan has a direct impact on the Finger Lakes Trail in Delaware County, particularly in Arctic China State Forest. The trail also passes through Steam Mill, Barbour Brook, and Beech Hill State Forests, which are also part of the UMP.

Pennsylvania Report: Areas that currently have autho rized ATV trails had about the same amount of illegal activity as areas that do not allow ATVs.

Crews worked all morning to airlift the 28 foot long steel girder bridge a half mile into the preserve. Braving a forceful downdraft from the helicopter, Mesler kept a careful eye on the bridge as it was positioned across a creek to connect the northern and southern portions of the preserve.

By all appearances, the 1885 bedstead bridge--called that because of its resem blance to a bed headboard-looked new. That's because Mesler and his crew had spent the last three months unbending and re-riveting the structure until it was restored to its original condition. Mesler explained, "We took this all apart and straightened each piece; a lot of this was bent and in pretty bad shape."

Other improvements in the preserve, including a new boardwalk and park entry , will complete the project. Annette

acre Ott Preserve north of Michigan Avenue in Battle Creek. The trail through preserve is part of the North Country National Scenic Trail.

The park project is attracting atten tion from others in Michigan; there is a resurgence in the arts of forge-weld ing, blacksmithing, heat straightening and riveting in bridge restoration. Vernon Mesler, instructor at Lansing Community College and retired steel fabricator, has been the project manager for the bridge restorations for more than three years.

The fourth bridge restoration was lowered by helicopter into the Ott Preserve on a cool, rainy Tuesday morn ing last Fall. Workers, media, and visitors braved the nasty weather as Wayne Coughlin, chief pilot for Chicago-based Midwest Helicopters landed an industrial copter in the preserve parking lot.


Dennis Randolph, Managing Director of the Calhoun County Community

Development (CCCD) department has a vision that he is fulfilling. It all began with his love of old bridges. In 1997, Randolph came up with the idea of creat ing the Historic Bridge Park in a Calhoun County park along the Kalamazoo River. The park would display restored old iron and steel bridges. Now, his vision has taken on a life of its own.

According to Randolph, plans include restoring and erecting one his toric steel riveted truss bridge each year until the park capacity of 15 bridges is reached. The bridges and walkways will eventually connect the bridge park to Kimball Pines Park and the nearby 300

By Julie Jackson Chief Noonday Chapter

NCTA Link Drops from the Sky Historic Bridge Carefully Placed on the Trail by Helicopter

Helicopter is positioning to lift the bridge a half mlle Into the preserve. Spectators were not allowed near the bridge when the copter picked it up.


management," said Coury. "It's a real benefit to Battle Creek." It can also be added that it's a sustainable benefit to the North Country Trail.

More than a month later, my spouse, Bill Powaser, and I set out on the trail to inspect the bridge installation. The day was sunny, warm, and glorious with the remains of late fall colors. "Just follow the blue blazes, the bridge is a part of the trail now, it's there, we'll find it," I told Bill.

A half-mile into the nature preserve we spotted the bridge. It sat a hundred feet from the esker terminus, challenging us to cross a mucky mire to reach it. We master fully picked our way to the structure--over half sunken boards, fallen tree branches and mossy tufts, thankful that before too long a boardwalk will be in place.

The bedstead bridge looks as if it has always belonged in its new place. The steel, textured from old rust, is painted rustic red-orange, its floor planks and platforms are weathered, but strong. Nestled over a creek, the bridge connects the northern and southern trails of the preserve. On our return, we met a couple out enjoying the day with their dogs. We told them they were on the North Country Trail and briefly informed them about the bridge and the meaning of the blue blazes. We also congratulated them on completing a mile of the NCT and having only 4,599 miles to go!

Visiting the site are (left to right) Jim Coury, a member of the Friends of Ott Preserve; Bob Benham, Treasurer of the Chief Noonday Chapter; Dave Cornell, Chapter President; and Doug Sofia, President-elect of the Friends of the Ott Preserve.

organizations cooperate-and sometimes provide funds-with our trail builders. The interviews raised public awareness of the NCT through a front-page article in the Battle Creek Enquirer.

The Ott Preserve bridge project is an excellent example of how a public works agency can partner with local, volunteer organizations for the good of the com munity. The Ott Preserve bridge project's benefits extend beyond its immediate uses. First, through the leadership of Randolph and Chapman, the county agency has connected with local com munity organizations and the Chief Noonday Chapter of NCTA.

Second, the project opens educa tional and recreational benefits for the community. Doug Sofia, president-elect of the Friends of Ott Preserve said, "I hope more people come out. It's a very large piece of property to explore and it's not far from the city." The Chief Noonday Chapter is planning a group hike through the Ott Preserve as part of its annual 2002 Trails Day celebration event. The celebration will be held in nearby Kimball Pines, another Calhoun County park near Ott Preserve.

Lastly, the Ott Preserve project has sustainable benefits. "The improvements to the preserve should sustain it for sev eral years. The conservation plan is going to extend into the future because of good

Chapman, a member of the Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Trail Association who is Parks and Recreation Director of the Calhoun County Community Development Department said that the Ott Preserve project is funded with a $350,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The CCCD has been working with local community organizations and the NCTA on the development of a county trail system that will eventually link com munities from Battle Creek to Albion, and will be funded mainly through grants. Jim Coury, Friends of the Ott Preserve mem ber said, "We worked closely with the county, the Friends came up with a conser vation plan, goals and objectives; then, Ms. Chapman applied for a Michigan Trust Fund grant through the county."

The bridge is a link in the North Country Trail system of which the Ott Preserve is a small part. Representatives from the Chief Noonday Chapter of the NCTA were on hand to witness the bridge installation.

Chapter president Dave Cornell talked with local media reporters. He informed them about the history and length of our trail, pointing out, "The trail is built by NCTA member volun teers. Property owners, local communi ties, government agencies and outdoor

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Over the years, the issue of mountain bikes on the North Country Trail (NCT) has cycled from heated debate to wary respite. Our vision for the NCT is that of a premier hiking and backpacking trail, modeled after the Appalachian Trail. Yet, mountain bicyclists have long enjoyed access to certain segments of the NCT, and are loathe to lose what they view as outstanding biking experiences.

In recent years, this conflict mostly has simmered quietly, with no major confrontations to rouse either side. This changed, however, about a year ago, when the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) filed Freedom of Information Act requests with the USDA Forest Service and the National Park Service. The IMBA requests sought all docu ments filed by these agencies over the past 20 years involving mountain biking on the NCT.

A few months later, a consultant working for IMBA distributed a paper titled "Mountain Biking on the North Country Trail: IMBA's Perspective." To be blunt, the paper is filled with inaccuracies, misrepresentations of facts, and tell ing omissions. [Online at www.imba.com/resources/agencies/ nct_o4_01.html]

The issue of mountain bikes on the NCT is too complex to be settled through opposing public relations campaigns. Like religion and politics, people will believe what they choose, and will argue all the more vehemently if they feel their own views are being repressed. So, we do not wish to see this confrontation escalate further into an extended public battle that will only drain valuable resources and energy from both sides. At the same time, we realize that we would be naive to sit back and hope nothing further comes of IMBA's recent overtures.

So, we've sent a strongly worded letter to IMBA's president, outlining the numerous faults and falsehoods in the consultant's paper. We also are working with the American Hiking Society to prepare a show of public support for our vision for the NCT, bolstering our defense in case IMBA formally challenges use restrictions along the trail. For this, we are asking organiza tions, agencies and other bodies (not individuals) to "sign on" to the Statement of Support on this page. You can help by passing this along to prospective groups and asking them to contact NCTA to express their support (616-897-5987 or [email protected]).

These actions aside, the solution to this controversy is more likely to be found in synergism than antagonism. Fully implementing our vision for the North Country Trail will, ultimately, displace other users. Who can blame mountain bicyclists for reacting defensively to this realization? What hiker would not react with similar passion, if faced with potential prohibition from a favorite trail?

Despite our differences, we have much more in common with other trail users than we do with many people in our world. We share a community and a tugging at our souls to be outdoors. As a responsible member of that community, the NCTA must not turn away from those hurt by the pursuit of our dream. To engender the trust and support of other user groups, we must be prepared to help them meet their dreams as well. Without wavering in our vision for the North Country Trail, we must broaden our perspective, our circle of partners, and our interest in developing healthy and diverse trail systems.

-Bob Papp

Mountain Bike Update

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can satisfy their passion for hiking and cross-country skiing on the North Country Trail.

Margie was a nurse in the Twin Cities and continues to use her nursing skills at the Shingabee group home. Steve, a graphic artist and computer graphic designer in the Twin Cities now enjoys assisting in the Computer Lab and Art classes at the Bug-0-Na-Gee-Shig School where he also drives a school bus.

Mark O'Barski, a cook at the Redbird Cafe, has lived in the Longville area for more than 20 years. He is active in both the Adopt a Highway and NCT volunteer programs.

Can you identify this location? We'll give you a hint: "This outside location is also inside." As last time, members of the chapter in this location, are not eligible for the contest. In cases of a tie, Glory Meyer, custodian of the Trail Shop, will flip coins to determine a winner unless she proves compas sionate enough fo maybe award more than one prize. The rules are simple: Your guess has to arrive in The North Star office by Feb. 4.

Send it via e-mail to: [email protected], or

Via our website: www.northcountrytrail.org, or Via the U.S. Postal Service:

to North Star Editor North Country Trail Association

229 E. Main Street Lowell, Ml 49331

Maintainers Mark (above) and (left to right) Margie Ryan, Kit Arnquist and Steve Reiter.

tions of highways for adoption, Mark O'Barski, his friend, Gail Falgren and I picked the two miles closest to us. Later Margie Ryan and Steve Reiter joined us. Naturally, we called ourselves 'Friends of the North Country Trail,' since we maintain three sections of trail in the Chippewa National Forest."

Kit grew up in the Twin Cities but was introduced to the beauty of northern Minnesota at the age of II when her par ents built a summer cabin there. Having fallen in love with the Longville area, she purchased the place from them in 1979 after getting a teaching position at the local high school. Kit and her husband Tim, a high school coach, still live in the same cabin. Their black lab loves accom panying Kit when she's maintaining her section of the NCT, which is right behind their home. She and a few high school students also maintain the section of the NCT closest to the high school in Remer. The students think getting out of classes to spend a day in the woods is great!

Margie and Steve packed up their house in Forest Lake, MN and moved north permanently this year where they

Amanda wears her prize.

A manda Tikkanen, a junior studying ..l"\..recreation and park management at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI., was the winner of The North Star's first "Where Is It," contest. Glory Meyer, our Trail Shop Manager, rewarded her with a tee shirt. She was the only player who even picked the right state, Minnesota.

That was a cinch, Amanda explained. "The sign had MOOT letters and I knew from the style that the state could not have been Michigan, the only other state that begins with an 'M' along the North Country National Scenic Trail."

The scene depicted is outside Boy River, MN, a fact that thrilled the folks who adopted the stretch of highway depicted in the picture.

Amanda joined the North Country Trail Association because she logged onto Joan Young's website to read about hiking with a dog-something Joan, the webrnas ter, President of the Spirit of the Woods chapter and Secretary of the board of the North Country Trail Association had done often. The two corresponded whereupon Joan persuaded Amanda to join the Association.

Amanda grew up in Allendale, MI, with her four siblings before the family moved to Indiana. Subsequently, Amanda matriculated at Eastern Michigan. Her uncle lives in Croton, MI, not all that far from an NCTA trailhead.

Kit Arnquist, one of the highway adoptees that call themselves, "Friends of the North Country Trail," on the sign we published back in October, e-mailed The North Star as soon as she and her friends saw the picture in the magazine, taken by Bob Tait, Pennsylvania coordinator, while on vacation in Minnesota.

"We are not trying to win," Kit wrote, "we just want to say we're honored our area was chosen." Explained Kit: "When Minnesota parceled out por-

About the First Winner and Trail Friends in Minnesota

tree is critical. The spot where the blaze will be painted should be clean, smooth, and free of furrows or cracks. This is necessary so that you will be able to paint a crisp, square-cornered blaze that is properly sized. Preparation also allows the paint to adhere better and remain longer.

• Achieve proper spacing between blazing. A common tendency is to over blaze (apply too many blazes). When walking the trail, a hiker should see only one blaze at any one time. But, within a few steps of passing a blaze, the next one should become visible. Too often, over zealousness has led to 4, 5, or even 6 blazes visible at a time. This is tanta mount to sign pollution.

The easiest way to obtain the correct blaze density is to paint only one way at a time and to paint backwards. See Blazing Backwards Ensures Quality Not . Quantity- John Morgan on the Spirit of the Woods homepage guide to blazing. (www.northcountrytrail.org/ spw/blaze.htm) Most experienced blazers will agree that this technique works. Here's how. Say you are walking north on the trail with brush and paint kit in hand. Paint the first blaze on the north side of a tree where you begin. Progressing north on the trail, keep look ing back over your shoulder at the last blaze to judge when it is no longer clearly visible due to distance or trail alignment. At that point, choose the next

approximation of the correct size. Better yet, cut a small notch in your paintbrush handle at the two and six inch mark and use it to measure your blaze.

• Carefully preparing the bark of the

To achieve correct blaze density, paint only one way at a time and paint as if you were walking backwards. While heading north, paint the north side of trees and keep looking over your shoul der to assure the best markings for hikers heading south. Only one blaze should be visible at a time.

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12 North Star * January-March 2002

There are many different types of signs along the North Country

National Scenic Trail. Each has a dif ferent purpose and all are valuable but blazes are the workhorses of signs. They far outnumber all of the other types of signs and are the key feature that allows a hiker to follow the trail. Some points to emphasize are:

• The standards published by the National Park Service should be fol lowed. Using the correct color of paint is of utmost importance. The selected color is a medium, bright blue that doesn't really have a color name. It is Nelson Boundary Paint-Blue. Originally formu lated for marking property boundaries (survey lines) in forested areas, it adheres especially well to trees and is long lasting in the outdoor environment. Yes, it is oil based and thus requires a little more work to remove the inevitable splatters from your skin but its durability and correct color outweigh that minor incon veruence.

• Making sure that you paint the correct size of blaze is equally important. The national standards call for a z-inch X 6-inch vertical rectangle. Painting a correctly sized blaze takes some practice. Most often the tendency is to make the blaze too large. A dollar bill is a little bit bigger than 2" x 6" but it is usually as near as your pocket and gives a decent

Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of articles by the North Country Trail Association's trail foreman advising on trail construction and maintenance. Each arti cle will focus more on how to accomplish the tasks, rather than on why they should be done. Today he will discuss blazing. Subsequent articles will deal with all the other needs, ftom repairing erosion to the pruning and mowing necessary to keep the treadway reasonably clear.

Part I: Taking Pains Will Result In a Well Blazed Trail

Trail Craft with Bill Menke ·


her choices---especially that young aspen are a poor choice.

But, in Wisconsin, there are places where we have to pass through an aspen clearcut and there is no other species to paint. When this occurs, just recognize that you will have to repaint every 1-2

years. Paper Birch is another species that is so-so for blazing. The blue blazes show up well against the white bark but it is difficult to clean the tree of loose bark without creating more loose bark. Some of the better trees in the northern lake states are Red Pine, Jack Pine, White Pine, Red Oak, Red Maple, Balsam Fir, Ash, and Hornbeam (musclewood).

As you take on the task of blazing, you will find that you too will develop your own favorite techniques. Everyone seems to have favorite tools and methods and I am no different. I like 1" wide brushes and plastic peanut butter jars for paint. This seems consistent with the views of most blazers. But for tools, I (and the rest of the B-SC Roving Trail Crew) seem to differ from most of the recommendations written in other places. We use a hatchet that is kept very sharp and a wire brush with a built-in paint scraper at the end. We have tried both the triangular paint scrapers and the two-handled bark knives and do not like either. We use the wire brush to clean lichens and other crud from the very smooth trees such as balsam and younger red maple. The paint scraper works well on younger ash or even young red pine. But the workhorse is the sharp hatchet.

Seldom should you use the hatchet to flail away at the tree, as it is difficult to control. Instead hold the end of the handle in one hand and the back of the head in the other hand-with the blade facing up the bole of the tree. With both hands push the blade up the tree-cutting a little deeper into the bark with each stroke. Using this technique, you can eas ily control the depth so that you don't cut into the smooth inner layer and you will achieve a very smooth surface for the paint. Essentially you are using the hatchet as a plane. Another benefit of using a hatchet is that it can be used to cut off limbs or even shrubs growing in front of where you want to blaze and eliminate having to carry a multitude of tools.

Happy Blazing! Signals a right· hand turn.

Signals straight ahead.

When it comes to which species of tree to blaze, your options will be limited by what part of the country you are in and what species are available. On the homepage Guide to Blazing, Irene Szabo writes extensively about the pros and cons of various species. I agree with

prominent tree that is highly visible to a hiker coming south and again paint on the north side of the tree.

Keep progressing in this manner until reaching the turn-around point. Repeat the process of looking over your shoulder but now walk south and paint on the south side of the tree-selecting trees that are highly visible to north bound hikers

• Which tree should you blaze? Well, one well-placed tree with a blaze is better than three poorly placed trees. Again, it takes a little practice to select correctly located trees. But after a while, it becomes second nature. A well-placed tree is one that comes into view quickly for a hiker. Most often, these trees occur on the outside of a curve and they are close to the trail and unblocked by other trees or shrubs. Often, a tree that is highly visible from one direction is not visible from the other direction. If it is highly visible from both directions, go ahead and paint a blaze facing both direc tions but if it is not, choose another tree.

Trail Craft ... The Art of Blazing

Chainsaw Training This has been a sore spot with some

of our volunteers. Understandably, the

conditions, the FS, NPS, and NCTA have agreed to the long-term goal of eventually managing the trail primarily for hiking and backpacking .

In practice the DFC has not led to any banning of other uses since the agen cies adopted it three years ago. However, there has been some progress in trying to redirect "rider" uses to other trails within the Forests. At the meeting, there was some discussion on developing promo tional materials to help publicize lesser known multi-use trails, developing alter native trails to help lessen the "rider" bur den on the NCT, and possibly relocating segments of the NCT which were ini tially routed along pre-existing multi-use trails. It is my own hope that our Association and volunteers will actively assist our agency partners, where possible, in pursuing such solutions. Creating a premier hiking and backpacking experi ence cannot succeed without a larger per spective on trail systems and the needs of other trail users.

(Amateur archivists can read more about the DFC on pages n-12 of the April-May, 1999 North Star.)

Desired Future Condition This is a topic that came up in a lot

of different contexts during the course of our meeting. For those who don't know, the Desired Future Condition (DFC) is basically a statement of purpose that the FS and the NPS agreed to about three years ago. Modeled after a similar state ment for the Appalachian Trail, the DFC reiterates some of the defining language in the National Trails System Act that sets the broad vision for the trail and its management. The NCTA has since fully endorsed the DFC as well.

The DFC also includes the long term goal that the "Trail will be admin istered and managed as a path whose use is primarily for hiking and backpack ing." Of course, there are many agree able exceptions to this general goal, most notably multi-use rail-trail segments fol lowed by the NCT, yet within the National Forests, the trail typically fol lows undeveloped dirt paths. Under such

Trails Office; and Tahquamenon Falls State Park (Michigan Department of Natural Resources). The gathering lasted for two days, with the first spent in a meeting dis cussing a variety of issues, and the second in the field, touring segments of the North Country Trail in the eastern Hiawatha.

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By Bob Papp Executive Di rector

A !though the North Country Trail is .liadministered by the National Park Service, about 750 miles, or one-sixth of the projected length, pass through ten different National Forests. In fact, the initial concept of the trail had been to link these Forests, providing an expe rience comparable to the Appalachian Trail in a different region of the country.

With the USDA Forest Service playing such a prominent role in the management of the trail, the need is great for close collaboration and communication between the Forest Service (FS), the National Park Service (NPS), and our own North Country Trail Association (NCTA). To address this need, the three parties have formed an informal "Triad," which meets annually to discuss issues and plan for the future of the trail. This past October, the Hiawatha National Forest hosted our 2001

Triad Meeting, in the eastern region of Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

About 30 people attended the meet ing, including NCTA staff and volunteers, and representatives of: the Hiawatha, Ottawa, Wayne, Allegheny, and Huron Manistee National Forests; the Region 9 Office of the FS; Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore; the Madison NPS

Triad II: Progress Toward Our Common Vision Forest Service, Park Service NCTA Continue Fruitful Annual Dialogue

Justin Carrick, recreation program manager of the east side of the Hiawatha National Forest, prepares to show the group highlights of the trail.

c. c. ro 0.. .c 0 co s <J) J:: c.

f J:: 0..

. - . . . - . - . . . . . - . . . . . . . . . - . . . . . - . . . . . - - . . . - . - - . - - - . . - . . . . - . - . - . . - . . . . January-March 2002 * North Star 15

topic is an article or two in itself At this point, the draft guidelines have yet to enter the official public comment period, and it looks like that won't take place until some time next year, at the earliest.

During the tour, it became evident that the NCTA needs to step up to the challenges of the eastern Hiawatha by finally forming a Chapter to assist the Forest Service with trail management. This is something we've been working on for a while, but have yet to get off the ground. After the tour, our Board President, Gaylord Yost, met with two members in the St. Ignace, MI area who are interested in helping move this for ward. We're very encouraged and hope to see a new Chapter soon!

In all, the 2001 Triad meeting was very positive and productive. It's easy for us all to view the North Country Trail in our own microcosms, because of the length of the trail and the variety of chal lenges it faces in the regions it crosses. Meetings like these help ground our trail managers in the bigger picture, while also helping us work more closely toward common goals. We commend the Forest Service for its renewed, proactive approach to the North Country Trail, and for its solid support of the partner ships that make the trail strong

Denise Herron of the North Country Trail Hikers, an NCTA chapter, had an opportunity to visit with Toby Rhue, recreation pro gram manager for all of the Hiawatha National Forest.

In the Hiawatha NF, the Lake Superior portion of the North

Country Trail gets heavy use and therefore lots of reinforcement

from the Forest Service, as in this bridge visited by the attendees.

Other Topics As you might expect, we touched on

quite a variety of other topics during the two day meeting. While a suggestion to hold the meetings on weekends was turned down by consensus (because it would drastically reduce participation by FS and NPS representatives), there was general support for expanding the meet ing to add a third day. This was especially encouraging because, at the 2000 meet ing, there was a suggestion that we only needed to get together every other year!

We also talked at length about the draft Americans with Disability Act accessibility guidelines for trails. This

for waiver" form that volunteers could submit at the beginning of each year. The form would serve as a pledge to vol unteer a certain number of days during the course of the year, and, if approved, the district office might send a corre sponding number of daily passes to the volunteer. While this was only an idea, I'm hopeful that we'll be able to work something out that will be a little clearer and more consistent than the procedures currently in place. As a first step, the Region 9 Office agreed to create a sum mary of processes each Forest uses to grant waivers to volunteers.

Volunteer Fee Waiver Permits Our volunteers also are concerned

about the Forest Service's Fee Demonstration Program, as it pertains to volunteering in the National Forests. The Fee Demo program provides a lot of flexibility to the Forests to encourage them to experiment in finding effective and fair ways to generate needed revenue by charging fees for access and programs. Naturally, there is some discontent over the perceived need to purchase a permit in order to volunteer in a National Forest, since many trailheads are fee sites.

When I brought up this issue, it became clear that the Forests have vary ing administrative procedures that allow them to grant permit waivers for volun teers. However, the procedures to obtain such waivers seemed vague and informal, and varied from one forest to the next. Also, some valid concern was expressed over providing free annual permits to vol unteers because of the high number of people that volunteer in some capacity, possibly for little as a few hours per year, in all of the forests.

I asked the FS to make an effort to create a consistent and fair approach to fee waivers for volunteers. As a solution, I offered the idea of a uniform "request

FS and NPS and many State agencies do not want people operating chainsaws on public lands if they are not qualified to do so. Yet, the FS chainsaw certifica tion program is a 40 hour class, and the chainsaw operator also must have CPR and first aid training. Annual refresher sessions are required, and the certification only lasts three years. We've heard that in some cases these classes are not offered on weekends, making the whole process even more inaccessible to volunteers.

While a new FS chainsaw training program will be available soon, it will offer only minor improvements over the previous certification procedure. Mainly, the FS will be accepting certifications granted by the NPS, and vice versa. Granted, this is a big help for those who've been certified by one agency or the other, but those without certification still face a daunting training process. We are hoping that a scaled down version might eventually be developed, certifying volunteers in only certain types of chain saw activities. In the meantime, any vol unteer hoping to use a chainsaw on public lands must consult with the land manager first and likely will not be allowed to run a chainsaw without certification.

West Michigan Chapter TOM LEARMONT posed an inter

esting dual answer when I asked him what he feels to be his most important contribution to the Trail. He sees the administrative task of serving as President of the Western Michigan Chapter to be

slide show about it. They both love the outdoors and

have always spent time outside with their family. Cliff's occupation was managing a bank and Doris devoted her time to rais ing their three sons and volunteer activi ties. Since retirement, Cliff has more time to spend volunteering as well. Despite their enthusiasm for building trail, Cliff says that about 95% of what they do is continuous maintenance. "We need a lot of dedication from people to get out and do this," he stated.

said. "But Doris made such detailed maps that the DEC was very impressed," Cliff broke in, and the plan was finally approved, using most of the original route.

The loop officially opened in 1992. Active in the Cayuga club, Cliff and Doris first learned of the North Country Trail from Tom Reimers (featured April 1998 and author of an article on page 6 in today's North Star). Tom soon had both of them serving on the NCT Board of Directors (1988-1992). They have also both served as President of the Cayuga Trails Club.

The awards they value most are the Finger Lakes Trail End-to-End patches. They are numbers 34 and 35; the first senior couple to complete the trail. Doris also helped to develop the "Hike Across Tompkins County" program and made a

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Finger Lakes Trail Conference CLIFF and DORIS ABBOTT of

New York spoke enthusiastically about building the Abbott Loop of the Finger Lakes/ North Country Trail. They were asked to lead a hike for the Cayuga Trails Club, and they wondered where they could find a new and interesting location.

"The Pinnacles," 1,500 feet above the Cayuga Lake inlet, came to mind. Although part of the Danby State Forest, there was no existing trail there. So with compass and maps, following old roads, animal trails and streambeds, the Abbotts traced an 8-4 mile loop which includes about I. 5 miles of the existing Trail.

The Club liked their route so much that the Abbotts approached the NY Department of Environmental Conservation to make the loop perma nent. "That was the hard part," Doris

3 More Trail ABCs: Administration, Building and Cooking Veteran Members Demonstrate Their Skills on Behalf of North County Trail

The A-B-CS of trail work in the October December issue were three members whose names begi,n with those letters. we will stick with the alphabetic theme again, but this time A is far administration, B is far building, and C is far cooking. It has been awhile since we focused on the diversity of tasks and talents needed to make the North Country Trail a truly awesome destination.

=foan Young

Doris and Cliff Abbott are the first senior cou ple to complete the Finger Lakes Trail. They are justly proud of their End to End patch es, among the many awards won by the hik ing couple.

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People love to build trail. But as an underlying theme in this month's stories did you notice the heavy emphasis on trail maintenance? Despite the less romantic appeal of this activity it will grow as

· a huge component of our time as the trail approaches completion. Whatever your skills ... Administration, Building, Cooking ... they all are a lead in to D-is-for-Do-ing trail work. But trail work will never be Done... there comes that maintenance theme again. But this is one of the joys... there will be plenty of opportunities for all our grandkids to get out and work in the woods no matter how hard we work now. Wtint to see someone who works on the trail featured here? Contact me to find out how. Joan Young 2p-757-2205 or [email protected].

learn where the quiet and restful places are. She likes seeing the reaction of new people when they are put at the front of work crews. The Ohio hills are often covered with a tangle of wild roses and greenbrier, "a real mess." But at the end of the day people can look back and see what they have accomplished. And that is satisfaction enough for any of us ... contributing to turning messes into accomplishments!

working on the Buckeye/ North Country Trails for the past ten years.

She has been heard to say that Herb has bitten off more than she can chew! She admits to being a little anxious when first becoming active in trail work, think ing she would have to keep up with young people. On her very first work trip there was a big hailstorm and they couldn't find the crew, but this didn't keep them from coming back again. In fact Susie has come back so often that she has received a yoo-volunreer-hour jacket from the BTA. And in 19% she and Herb received the BTA Volunteer of the Year Award.

Seems like most folks are now trying to keep up with her! Susie says she's not really a hiker, but what she contributes is working the chuck wagon, as cook for the work crews. Herb built the wagon, a small trailer, and they go out with trail crews about twice a year. The trailer opens on the sides to create counters and awnings, and has propane stoves for cooking. There is dry storage space inside, and a 55-gallon water drum which "will last all week, if we are careful," says Susie.

She likes to get to know the trail; to

Susie Hulls com mands the BTA's

chuckwagon, bullt by her husband,

Herb.

If Tom Learmont Is scowling In this picture It's not that he doesn't enjoy using the tools of his trade. The blame goes to the photographer.

Buckeye Trail Association "If I want to see Herb, I have to

go where he is!" asserted SUSIE HULLS with a chuckle. Susie is the wife of Herb Hulls, President of the Buckeye Trail Association. Thus, Susie has been

his biggest accomplishment. During his tenure, he was able to act as a bridge during a period of changes within that group to keep it going.

Tom's background is in Civil Service for the military. He's a retired mechanical engineer and worked in Quality Control on the Ml Tank Program. This background surely helped build his administrative skills.

Tom loves to hike, hunt and fish. About six years ago he began look ing around for hiking groups to find a compan ion for a trip to Alaska. He found the Western Michigan Chapter and began to get involved in their regular hikes. On a fishing trip to the Upper Peninsula he discovered the North Country Trail near Tahquamenon Falls and saw how badly it needed maintenance.

This led him to begin the most personally satisfying trail task he's been involved with. He has organized crews to recover and maintain the trail from Tahquamenon Falls to Muskellunge State Park. Again, administration plays a key role ... working with management author ities, planning food and lodging, scouting out and arranging work projects.

Tom is delighted to report that a hiker can now find the way along this scenic section without fear of becoming lost.

Tom is presently the Trail Committee Chairman for the chapter. He's dedicated to helping people enjoy the outdoors; "more people should get out," he says! He takes this to heart, leading his grand children on treks to the woods. He's also coordinated three Eagle Boy Scout proj ects on the NCT. Not surprisingly, Tom has earned a 400-hour shirt. Additionally, this past year he received the American Hiking Society Volunteer of the Year award for the Michigan. Congratulations and thanks, Tom!

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areas to cover. While we will continue to seek federal funding to help with

this goal, we also must strive to ramp up our private support, both through funding and volunteer hours. The federal govern ment has demonstrated its faith in us, now it's up to us to show that we are solid partners and that we can continue match federal funding with private support. This will be especially important as we start seeking significant federal grants to acquire land or easements to permanently protect the trail.

So, hats off to everyone who helped get us this far, whether through advocacy work, volunteerism, or financial contribu tions. We all have something to be very proud of, and we have a very exciting future ahead.

FROM [1[1

w:e are very pleased to report that, beginning in 2002, the federal government will increase base funding for the

North Country National Scenic Trail by 38%! This increase is due to the advocacy work of our staff and volunteers and, most importantly, to the support offered by the 30 Senators

and Representatives who endorsed our request. Despite the difficulties of this budget year, we're looking forward to strengthened part nerships and contin

ued growth in our level of activity along the trail. Because the North Country Trail is administered by the

National Park Service (NPS), the federal government provides funding for the trail through a line item in the NPS budget. Each year, the NCTA works closely with our partners in NPS' Madison Trails Office to prepare a funding request for the trail. While this request works its way through the NPS budgeting process, our staff and volunteers work on the other end, striving to develop support in Congress for the needed funding.

With the 2002 request, our hope had been to establish four regional support centers to provide greater assistance to volunteers, strengthen partnerships with regional and state agen cies and organizations, and help our folks on the ground to increase local awareness and support for the trail. We also sought to increase the level of grants and assistance we provide to our volunteer Chapters and our partner organizations, and to ensure that our Trail Foreman position would be a permanent addition to our staff.

While the increase we received will be a huge help, in reality it was less than half of what we sought. So, we'll have to scale back quite a bit, and continue plugging away for the funding needed to fully implement this dream.

Rather than hiring four new regional coordinators, we expect to start with only two - east and west. Each will lend assistance to Chapters and partners covering more than 2,000

miles of trail, or three to four states. While this will spread them very thinly, it will be a big step up over the assistance we can provide now. Basically, we'll be phasing in the vision, and will continue to seek creative ways to add additional regional coordinators, so that each will have smaller and more focused

NPS Increases Funding for North Country Trail

................


The Szarka family-Debby; sons Alan and Rick, and Fred, our new trail manager-enjoy the LyCoKiWe trail.

I believe that trails represent the cutting edge of recreation development because they are so low impact, but provide so much recreation. I can't wait to get started in this new posi tion, and even more, I can't wait to get out and walk on more of the NCT."

Fred grew up on a small farm near Lansing, Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University. He spent as much time as possible in Luce and Alger counties in Northern Michigan as a youth, camping, fishing and hiking.

Fred and his wife, Debby, have 2 boys-Rick, age 16, and Alan, 14. He and his family are active hikers, camp ers, and cross-country skiers. Fred and the boys are active in Boy Scouts. He and Rick spent u days hiking and back packing at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico in 1999. He and Alan attended the national Boy Scout Jamboree in 2001, Alan as a scout and Fred as an NPS interpreter.

Fred is active in commu nity organizations besides the Boy Scouts. He is a Rotarian

and served as President of the Michigan City Rotary Club. He is also a Red Cross First Aid/CPR instructor.

Trail for years and look forward to help ing expand and protect the recreation opportunities it offers to our nation.

Q) »: Q_ Q) 0

>:'. c l1l o-,

Ct'. », D 0 0 _c:: o,

North Country Trail Superintendent Tom Gilbert has selected Fredrick

A. Szarka, a career National Park Service employee, as the new Trail Manager. Fred begins his new position in the Madison, WI, NPS office on Jan. 14.

Fred has nearly 30 years of expe rience working in national park areas. He has worked in natural, historical, and recreational parks from New England to Nevada.

Prior to his North Country Trail assignment, he was stationed at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore working with state agencies and local governments developing trail connections and build ing partnerships to create a regional trails network in Northwest Indiana. He served as the Northwestern Indiana Regional Planning Commission's Chairman of the Pedestrian and Bikeways Committee and TEA-21 Enhancements Committee.

At Indiana Dunes he also prepared long-range plans, supervised land acquisi tion planning and coordinated acquisition with the NPS land resources staff, and man aged the environmental review program.

"I am very pleased to be able to hire someone who has so much experi ence that is specifically pertinent to the work we are doing on the North Country Trail," said Gilbert. "Fred's background in planning, partnerships, natural and cul tural resource management, environmen tal compliance activities, and land acqui sition planning and implementation will be extremely valuable to the work we expect to be doing in the next several years."

Before coming to Indiana Dunes, Fred was Chief Interpreter at Minute Man National Historical Park in Massachusetts, where he worked with his torical re-enactment groups, established a friends group-The Friends of the Battle Road, and developed the park General Management Plan. He has also worked at Lake Mead National Recreation Area (Arizona-Nevada), Gateway National Recreation Area (New York-New Jersey), Shiloh National Military Park (Tennessee), and Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky).

"I am really excited about my new position and working as a part of the North Country Trail Association- National Park Service partnership," said Szarka. "I have loved the North Country

Veteran of Park Service Becomes NCT Manager

to, and there is a compelling need to use this process to sort out the trail route issues in a local area (usually one or more counties).

Another benefit of the formal plan ning process is that it fulfills many of the requirements for compliance with Federal environmental and historic preservation laws and regulations. Many people may be surprised to learn that the work of establishing the trail needs to comply with laws and regulations such as the National Environmental Policy Act, Endangered Species Act, and Historic Preservation Act. How can these apply when so little of the trail is on Federal lands? Federal laws and regulations are clear-Federal activities that are a part of any undertaking are subject to the requirements and procedures established in these laws. How they apply depends on the particular circumstances. There are a number of ways the Federal govern ment is involved in the North Country NST that cause these laws and regula tions to apply:

It is a Federally-authorized project; the National Park Service administers it and has a staff and Congressional appro priations devoted to it; the NPS certifies completed segments of trail, provides signing for these segments, financially assists partners working on the trail, and these partners accept the assistance. The NPS also provides financial assistance, materials, and tools for trail development and maintenance.

The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) was passed in 1969. In it, Congress "recogniz[es] the profound impact of man's activity on the interrela tions of all components of the natural environment ... [and] declares that it is the continuing policy of the Federal Government ... to use all practicable means and measures, including financial and technical assistance . . . to create and maintain conditions under which man and nature can exist in productive har mony, and fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future generations of Americans." Probably all of us can subscribe to this policy, recognizing that we are but tem porary custodians of resources that also belong to future generations.

NEPA and its implementing regula tions establish procedures for preparing environmental impact statements (EIS),

working through (1) a planning team composed of representatives of affected interests in the area and (2) public meet ings and review of draft documents and maps. Such planning is labor-intensive and usually takes about 12-24 months, but it has many benefits, including: • Involving a cross-section of knowl

edgeable local people in evaluating resources to identify the best location for the trail (most scenic, most public lands, least impacts on wetlands/ endangered resources, existing recre ational support facilities, access, con nections with communities, etc.)

• Promoting greater public awareness of and support for the trail.

• Stimulating a sense of "ownership" of the trail among local stakeholders.

• Generating new members for the North Country Trail Association.

• Producing a documented record (plan and maps) of what has been decided for those who will follow after us in working on the trail.

• Promoting inclusion of the trail route into local planning documents and stimulating local agency participation in securing lands for the trail.

• Stimulating willingness among land owners to sell land or land rights to one of the trail partners.

• Providing for public input into decisions that may lead to NPS land acquisition in the future.

To date, this formal process has only been conducted in three areas along the trail route-Kent County, Michigan; Columbiana County, Ohio; and Bayfield and Douglas Counties, Wisconsin. It is currently being used to evaluate the proposal w reroute the trail through the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota. Applying this process to all areas of the trail would be a task so daunting that we hardly dare think about it. With our current level of resources, it would take decades, maybe a century, to complete this level of planning all along the trail. Presently, we make the decision to launch the process when our resources allow us

ROM

···········-·· -·-·····


"\V,7hen Congress authorizes a National W Scenic or National Historic Trail,

it always refers to a map or maps that show the route of the trail. Along that route, Federal agencies are authorized to take action, or assist others in taking action, to establish the particular trail. In the 1980 amendment to the National Trails System Act that authorized the North Country National Scenic Trail (NST), Congress referred to a single map showing the entire trail on an 8 Y2 by II sheet of paper-not a lot of detail. The line on the map was probablyzo miles wide! And Congress included the phrase "following the approximate route depicted on the map."

It is clear that we-the collective partners in the North Country Trail have some latitude in where we actually establish the trail on the ground. But who makes that decision, and based on what factors?

Where portions of the trail have been or are being established across pub licly-owned lands, the agency managing those lands makes that decision, often with input from volunteers who have scouted routes that include varying degrees of scenic quality, points of inter est, support facilities such as camping, etc. But public lands account for only half of the route of the North Country Trail, and most of those portions are already completed. How are the decisions going to be made about the alignment across private lands, so that whoever is trying to lay out the trail will know which landowners to contact, either for permission or (hopefully in the not to distant future) to discuss possible pur chase of their land or an easement?

Because of the sheer magnitude of the trail across seven States, in most cases those decisions will be made by local vol unteers who best know the land along their section of the overall trail route, and who also, ideally, know some of the landowners. This is especially true and appropriate if merely permission is being sought from landowners. However, there is another method-a formal public planning process conducted by a public agency partner, such as the National Park Service (NPS).

The formal planning process is designed to ensure public involvement in the decision about where the trail should be located. It does this by creating and

Managing Route Planning and Environmental Compliance

---------------------------····· -


resources we cannot see-those in the ground-archeological resources. In a traditional national park area, we fre quently will have a trained archeologist conduct "shovel testing" in an area where development is proposed. Whenever dirt/ earth is to be disturbed, we have to check whether there are or may be arrow heads, pottery fragments, evidence of vil lage sites, etc.

On a trail like the North Country NST, complying with this requirement becomes very problematic. How do we get an archeologist out in advance of a group of volunteers who decide that next weekend they are going to go construct a new section of trail, with sidehill bench ing? The answer is-we don't. We have been working for quite a number of years with some State Historic Preservation Officers to devise procedures for comply ing with the spirit of the Section 106 requirements, but in a manner that does not "kill" the volunteer efforts that are the heart of the North Country NST (and Ice Age NST).

These requirements, plus others like the standards being adopted under the Americans with Disabilities Act, apply to all that we collectively do on the North Country Trail-whether a county plan for the trail route or a Challenge Cost Share program bridge project. We are doing our very best to comply with these legal requirements, the essence of which we all support. However, recognizing the crucial role that Congress intended vol unteers to play in the development and maintenance of NSTs, we always do so in a way that will not diminish the momen tum of the volunteer efforts.

To ~hbniit your hour~; vi www.nqi;Jhcoqn~,o or call us'li.t888-4542N.

For information, .·.<.,e-lllail: rtcrpa~zbo()i;n.ner)

· · : .. 724-2s1-33a2 or.call ·

Facilities include bunk beds, kitchen, and a meeting room. Tent pads near the Center that can be used by people who hike the North Country Trail. Program weekends already are scheduled for bird watching, kayaking, geology, and biking. Othe~s are being planned.

The Center is maintained and managed byvolunteers of the Davis H6llow Outdoor Ceiiter Cornmi nee.

Pennsylvania State Headquarters far North Country Trail Association volunteers. Located in Pennsylvania's Moraine State Park, right on the North Country Trail!

Visit the Davis Hollow Outdoor Center

Act was passed in 1966 and, like the National Trails System Act, has been amended a number of times. Similar to the other legislation discussed above, it sets a Federal policy of avoiding impacts to historic and archeological resources. It establishes programs, "including financial and technical assistance, to foster condi tions under which our modern society and our prehistoric and historic resources can exist in productive harmony and fulfill the social, economic, and other requirements of present and future gen-

. " eranons. Section 106 of the act (codified as

16 USC 470[) requires Federal agencies to take into account the effect of any pro posed undertaking on cultural resources included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and to afford the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation a reasonable oppor tunity to comment on it. The term "undertaking" is broadly defined: " ... a project, activity, or program funded in whole or in part under the direct or indirect jurisdiction of a Federal agency, including those carried out by or on behalf of a Federal agency; those carried out with Federal financial assistance; those requiring a Federal permit, license or approval; and those subject to State or local regulation administered pursuant to a delegation or approval by a Federal agency." Nearly everything we collectively do on the North Country NST falls under this requirement.

It is relatively easy to avoid adversely affecting known historical resources we can see. Thus, compliance with Section 106 often focuses on the cultural

when a Federal action is likely to have major environmental consequences, or environmental assessments (EA), when the anticipated consequences will be rela tively minor. These documents state the purpose for a Federal action, describe alternative actions to achieve that pur pose, identify the resources that may be affected by the Federal action, and care fully evaluate what the effects on those resources may be and how those effects may be offset or mitigated. This analysis helps the responsible Federal official arrive at a decision that balances human needs with natural resource protection.

Establishing the North Country NST is considered to be a Federal action that has relatively minor environmental consequences. In preparing trail route plans, therefore, we include an EA as part of the process.

The Endangered Species Act was passed in 1973. Section 2(b) identifies its purposes: "The purposes of this Act are to provide a means whereby the ecosys tems upon which endangered species and threatened species depend may be con served, to provide a program for the conservation of such endangered species and threatened species ... " To ensure that Federal actions do not in any way adversely affect threatened and endan gered species and their habitats, Federal agencies must consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service prior to taking any action that may affect a species on the threatened and endangered list. This often is done on a project-by-project basis, but such consultation is also folded into the preparation of any EA that we do.

The National Historic Preservation

. . . . . . . . . . -


By Sharon Froeligh Contributing Editor

Dakota that you understand the real beauty of our state."

When completed, The North Country National Scenic Trail will stretch for 4,600 miles from Lake Champlain in upstate New York west to Lake Sakakawea in central North Dakota. Of these miles, 475 will be in North Dakota. Some 200 ate currently certified, accordiq Jon Lindgren, the North Dak coordinator for the North Cb

North Dakota is one of the most diverse and unspoiled travel destina in the USA. It's filled with

i~'londers, lik~n~~~ Sheyenne .. ·.·· Grasslanq§jilfort Ransom, the \VUdlife Management Area,

of course, The nic Trail.

. - . - - . - . - - - . - - . - . - . . . . . . - . - . . . . . . . - . . . - . - . - . . . . . . . - . . . . . . . . . . . .


Sheyenne River Valley Chapter. Three additional miles are under development in Valley City. The Corps also hopes to continue 30 to 40 miles around Lake Ashtabula in the future.

Lisa says her chapter will work with Valley City to maintain a section of trail from Valley City to Longtree. The Sheyenne River Valley adds diversity to the trail, she says.

There are grasslands, hills, fields, lakes and water management areas all located in this region. The valley offers canoeing, wildlife, wildflowers and bird ing adventures. Put that all together with the beauty of the water while hiking, and it makes for a beautiful experience, Lisa says.

(Members of the NCTA will be able

Prairie Phlox

county roads. The route then extends north to Valley City. Here the hiker will find scenic overlooks, Indian burial mounds, and Medicine Wheel Park, an area of solar calendar replicas. North Dakota's City of Bridges is also found

here. There is also a scenic and historic bridge tour with eight interpretive panels that tell the story of each unique bridge.

North Dakota has 10 newly-certified miles, built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Baldwin Dam, according to Lisa Engel, president of the NCTA's

beauty of our state. "

'1t isn't until you stop and truly immerse yourself in North Dakota that you understand the real

The next certified segment, through the Sheyenne State Forest, was the first certified segment in North Dakota. It's an easy stretch, even for beginners. It consists of slopes, ravines, open and wooded areas. There are also scenic overlooks where the hiker can see farms or get a view of the Sheyenne River Valley.

There is a mile and a half segment of certified trail at Fort Ransom State Park. Sights include the Bjone Visitor's Center, which holds geology exhibits, local history displays, and the Sunne farm, a highlight of the park's annual Sodbuster Days.

From Fort Ransom the North Country trail is an unrealized possibility.

Hikers must follow

National Grasslands. Colleen Rufsvold, resource assistant with the U.S. Forest Service there, says this section of rolling hills and prairie it isn't a very difficult hike but greatly rewarding. Wildlife is abun dant and the area supports some rare spe cies, Rufsvold adds.

The pristine vistas of the grasslands inspire the imagination; rugged unspoiled beauty of the landscape invites explora tion; and the sights and sounds of the wide, rolling prairie stimulate the senses.

The Grassland offers the last best hope for the restoration of rallgrass prairie in North Dakota. (The other major tall grass prairie reserve is in Oklahoma). Originally, the grasslands supported big bluestem and little bluestem, both tall grass prairie species. Much of this native grass was destroyed by drought, but has been revegetated and is increasing. Revegitation also includes some stands of planted aspen and cottonwood along with native burr oak. The oak savannah, a vegetative characteristic of some tallgrass prairies, is extremely rare. Many wild flowers are also found here, among them Beardtongue, wood lily, goldenrod, wood rose, brown-eyed Susans, and prairie cone flowers.

The grassland is also home to the rare western prairie, white fringed orchid. (Platanthera praeclara) The Grassland contains one of only three surviving meta-populations of the orchid in North America. Although it is increasing in numbers here, it is still a federally listed threatened species. The plant is a peren nial, which grows up to three feet high and is distinguished by large, white flow ers that come from a single stem. The flowers are fringed on the margins giving them a feathery appearance.

North Dakota's only population of prairie chicken also is found in the Grassland. Less than 200 chickens still sur vive and their numbers are declining. In the Spring, the wild prairie chicken performs its mating dance, and one of the largest booming grounds is located near this section of the North Country Trail. Hikers can best wit ness this unique ritual early in the morn ing. Other wildlife occasionally seen there include moose, wolves, and two unique butterfly species; the Dakota Skipper and the Regal Fritillary,

January-March 2002 * North Star 25 NCT terminus sign at Lake Sakakawea State Park.

Missouri River flowing away from the Garrison Dam which forms Lake Sakakawea.

Reeds merge with grasslands in the Lonetree Wildllfe Management Area.

Moody skies in Sheyenne Natlonal Grassland.

the formation of other chapters through out North Dakota. She says that the Sheyenne River Valley Chapter is willing to come out and set up other chapters, or assist other chapters in what needs to be done in order to have a section of trail certified. (For further information please contact Lisa Engel at (701) 797-3530.)

Whether you choose to enjoy the scenic wonders, take advantage of the many recreational opportunities, or just spend time hiking portions of the North Country National Scenic Trail, you will find a reason to spend some time in North Dakota. When traveling the North Country Trail, it's all about the journey and not the destination ...

Photographs by Scott Tichey, Chris Botzand, and Aaron Phipps.

reservoir was created in the 1950s with the completion of the Garrison Dam. The Garrison Dam is the fifth largest earthen dam structure in the United States.

The western terminus of the North Country National Scenic Trail is located at Lake Sakakawea State Park. The park has a r.j-mile segment of the trail within its boundaries. Thus ending a 435-mile stretch through the plains of North Dakota.

The Sheyenne River Valley Chapter of the North Country Trail Association was formed in the Spring of 2000. Although it's the sole chapter in the state, segments of trail have already been com pleted. Lisa says her group will encourage


Display sign at North Country Tall trallhead In Sheyenne National Grasslands

Tl~"°'!"·luD"f'•• ·-1tloi_'.•0Ji:/1id .. k.~ ~-'-'d'llt...,.,..

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i.\·"N(w111JlMoUl,jhe "ordlid ha 1- -~..,.,. ...

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NCT trail marker in Lake Sakakawea State Park.

is not flat. The Sheyenne River defines the land and carves a rolling valley through this area. This section of trail passes a diverse range of habitats, wetlands, native prairie and grasslands. Wildlife is common.

From Lonetree, the trail travels for ward to a 74-mile segment along the McCluskey Canal. This segment is not as straightforward as the one along the New Rockford Canal because the alignment is on the outer portion of a wider right-of way.

The North Country Trail then contin ues west to Lake Sakakawea State Park, which is located on the south shore of Lake Sakakawea, adjacent to the Garrison Dam.

The park and lake are named in honor of Sacajawea, the Shoshone woman who accompanied Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery on their journey to find a waterway to the Pacific Ocean. The lake itself, in terms of surface area, ranks as the largest man-made reservoir in the nation.

Part of the Missouri River system, the

to experience the area at first hand during the association's annual conference at Valley City State University, Aug. 15-18).

Next, the trail heads west to the east end of the Garrison Diversion Project.

The Garrison Diversion Project offers the North Country Trail a route for about 40 percent of the way across North Dakota. The route is on lands operated by the US Bureau of Reclamation or on Bureau of Reclamation lands operated by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department. The Garrison Diversion Conservancy District, (Goen), segment begins at the lower part of the New Rockford Canal. The trail is very straight forward, consisting of mostly rolling farmland and pasture. The GDCD segment of trail continues for 44 miles west to Harvey and into the Lonetree Wildlife Management area.

The GDCD trail segment that passes through the Lonetree Wildlife Management area contains 32 miles of the North Country trail. The Lonetree terrain

The Central NY chapter built a three-section stairway system over a 70-foot ravine.

position advocating pedestrian use only for these trail segments. Community involvement in the extension of the NCNST

through the Village of Canastota to the Canal Museum is sched uled for Spring 2002. The Mayor and Town Supervisor are supportive of the concept-we expect good support similar to that achieved in the Village of Cazenovia. Agreements to have the Old Erie Canal Towpath Linear Park provide an off road route for NCT hikers to reach to Rome, NY are part of the over all plan. Although this NY Parks trail, a hard surface multiple

use trail allows snow mobiles during the winter season, usage is modest. No other motorized vehicle use is allowed.

Existing Link Trail/NCNST seg ments are candidates for improvements. From the junction with the Finger Lakes Trail near Bambury Road in Chenango County to Route 80 east of Sheds, NY, all of the Link Trail will be "off road" other than crossings. The distance is seven plus miles. Efforts by New York State to acquire property access to the south end of the Tioughnioga WMA have been unsuccess-

Completion of the access to the scenic High Rollways overlook ing the Manistee River in Michigan was a highlight of the 2001 trail construction season.

·-···· - .


New York Central New York Chapter The expression "much has been accomplished but there is

far more to do" is our adage as we look ahead. Ongoing liaison with New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, & Historic Preservation (NY Parks) is vital to achieve these goals: (1) securing permits to allow NCNST construction from Canastota southward to Nelson Road and from Bingley Road north to Cary's Hill Road-total distance approximates five miles; (2) installation of a permanent steel truss foot bridge spanning Canastota Creek multiple agencies are involved in the permit process.

The two segments of the former LVRR corridor are unde veloped and abused-the permit concept we seek will serve as a model for other segments owned by NY Parks between Cazenovia and Canastota. The importance of our collective efforts goes beyond the seeking of construction permits. NY Parks cannot fund the development of these lands but are sup portive of the concept that it would bring significant benefits. Our assuming the task within the terms of the permits estab lishes a basis for partnership of effort that may strengthen our

The year 2001 could be called the "Year of the Bridges." New ones were built and rebuilt in New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin. Their construction highlighted a busy maintenance year, which saw new miles certified and scores of old miles refurbished as well as new segments readied for certification this year. By state and chapter, these were the results:

The hundreds of volunteers, who labor without fan fare year after year to complete the North County National Scenic Trail, leave the world just a little better than they found it. What an irrefutable answer to the fanatics who set out to destroy it.

From the Finger Lakes in the east to the grasslands in the West our members turned out again in 2001 to build, refurbish and maintain the jewel we all dream of creating for ourselves and for our great grandchildren, that singular experience of joy all walkers and hikers cherish from Lake Champlain to Lake Sakakawea.

What follows is a chronicle of what has been accom plished during the past year by our chapters and affili ates and an account for their hopes in the coming year. This then, is the state of the trail on Jan. 1, 2002.

-- The Editor

............. ······ . January-March 2002 *North Star 27

Onondaga Chapter, ADK The Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club

accomplished a great deal along the Onondaga Trail extension to meet the Link Trail. Among the projects completed:

Constructed % mile of path through dense growth on private land east of Morgan Hill State Forest.

Scouted and flagged one mile of trail on private lands east of De Ruyter Reservoir. Flagged 3 miles of state land trail corridor between Spruce Pond and Morgan Hill Road.

Obtained two more private landowner permits, one west of

--Howard Beye

We plan to continue our three weeklong, Alley Cat Trail Crews, with the possibility of increasing the number to four per year as the need dictates.

For those of you from outside New York State we welcome and encourage you to come and enjoy the FLT/NCT in the Empire State.

During 2001, volunteer crews built five beam bridges on the Finger Lakes portion of the North Country Trail. They are located near Portageville (20, 18 and II feet), near Hammondsport (35 feet) and near Cortland (17 feet).

Nearly four miles of trail was rerouted near Ellicottville due to loss of landowner permission. Fortunately the new trail which required several hundred yards of side hill construction on a hill with a slope of between 20-30 percent, removed 2.4 miles of road walk.

In Allegany State Park, approximately 0.3 miles of trail was rerouted with side hill construction to reduce slope of trail.

The Unit Management Planning (UMP) process for Adirondack Park areas where the NCT may cross are proceed ing; expected completion of the UMP's could be as long as five or more years. A process is also underway, expected to be completed in 2002, to reconcile the several proposed routes of the NCT through the southern portion of the Adirondack Park. A process, note yet finalized by the Department of Environmental Conservation will attempt to have the Adirondack Park Agency agree to the proposed reconciled route for the NCT before all UMP's are written and accepted. Through this process we would be able to undertake actual trail development and identification before all the UMP's are completed.

The replacement lean-to, funded by the Cortland County Heart Association, in Woodchuck Hollow on map M-20 has the eight foundations completed, the logs have been cut and other materials stockpiled for construction in the spring of 2002. This is a joint project by the FLTC , ADKION and State University of New York at Cortland. Students from the college are the major labor source.

Barrier gates and boulders to block illegal use on trail on map M-16 in Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area has been installed.

Proposed for 2002: The plans for this year are: to construct a 30 foot bridge over Devereaux Brook near Ellicottville on the 45 acre property owned by the FLTC; install five fire rings/grates at various lean-to sites; build and replace 10 trail register boxes at various locations along the trail; build eight picnic tables and place at lean-to sites and campsites along the trail; and to produce and install 20 routed destination signs at various locations along trail. Major rerouting will continue in Allegany State Park to move the trail out of wet and undesirable trail locations on to higher ground.

Finger Lakes Trail Conference The Finger Lakes/North Country Trail in New York State is

in the best condition since we started building it nearly 40 years ago. The nearly 400 miles of the FLT/NCT is continuous with 21 lean-to shelters and 30 bivouac sites.

Maps and guides are available for the entire trail route from the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, 6m Visitor Center Road, Mt. Morris, NY 14510, 585-658-9320 www.fingerlakes.net/trailsystem

Our plans for the future are to add where possible additional lean-tos and bivouac sites so that camping sites will be located every 10-15 miles. Improvements in trailhead and informational signs are being accomplished every year.

The extension of the Onondaga Branch of the FLT to meet the Link Trail of the Central New York Chapter of the NCTA is progressing extremely well and we should have sections open in late 2002. A major effort has begun to remove the trail from as many road sections as possible over the next five years.

The last remaining non-NCT sections of trail which meet NCT standards for certification are being addressed with the anticipated completion within three years. This involves updat ing our landowner information in two Trail Sponsor sections.

-Al Larmann

ful to date but are continuing. If this occurs, the NCNST/link Trail will be about 90% off road from the FLT to a point north of Cazenovia.

These goals for 2002 are not easy ones in total-uncertain ties ranging from the afrermath of the September II terrorist attacks and the ongoing related concerns to local issues could unfavorably affect all plans. However, the accomplishments of 2001 provide some assurances of success. These include the ongoing support from Madison County government, funding from the Healthy Heart Coalition of Madison County for our ravine stairway now in place and the Canastota Creek Bridge.

Growing support from the public-at-large in the area (with some exceptions of course), effective liaison with both New York DEC and Parks, and the support from many private landowners also are strong, positive factors. Chapter membership trends are positive-we recognize the obligation to maintain good com munication with all members and will act on it.

Bob McCormick (left), Mary Coffin and Frank Bianco install deck boards on a bridge near Cortland, NY.

Wampum Chapter Pennsylvania Gamelands #148 and #285 continued during

the year as the focus of the Wampum Chapter. Other construction activity in Pennsylvania: The Davis Hollow Outdoors Center was completely

rewired, a fireplace insert installed and a garden installed on a steep bank. It was the site for the first American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacation Crew Leader Training. The Center was open a good portion of the time, and plans are being made to have it open all year next year for people spending the night.

Plans for this year: Training volunteers in the use of chainsaws, in building and

maintaining trail and in developing landowner relationships will

for use on the North Country Trail and provided volunteers for National Trails Day, the biggest and best-attended event ever hosted by the Association in Pennsylvania.

Rock Chapter The Rock chap

ter built six kiosks

work. an enormous amount of work in the Pennsylvania gamelands. They are shown In the area where two bridges were built, The Dead Crow Bridge and the Bear Mouth Bridge.

Peggy, Ben and Dan Mourer, of the Butler County chapter, performed

Butler County Chapter There was a lot of activity by the Butler County Chapter,

which built about 14 miles of new trail in the Pennsylvania Gamelands. There were two new bridges built, and signs and kiosks erected. The Mourer family led this project and Ron

Rice, chapter presi dent, built the signs. This went along with some of the work that was done the previous year. Gamelands #95 is probably in the best shape of any trail in Pennsylvania as far as signage, bridges, blazing, and mainte nance.

In Moraine State Park, the Chapter moved a section of the trail off the power line and into the woods. It also devel oped a nature trail and demonstration trail with examples of different kinds of trail

Clarion Chapter The volunteers of the Clarion chapter, working with the

state park at Cook Forest, by hosted an American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacation. They worked on a piece of trail below the fire tower, blazed the NCT for the first time in Cook Forest, and built about six miles of new trail along the Clarion River connecting the trail further south. Bob Needham a Greater Pittsburgh Chapter member, worked on developing a route through and around the city of Clarion that will move the trail further south toward Butler County. The chapter also met with the county officials to explain the progress on the trail.

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Pennsylvania The volunteers in Pennsylvania have every reason to be

pleased with the progress of the North Country Trail in their state. The trail on public lands is 99°/o built and in good shape. We now have approximately 170 some miles off road. Next year we will be concentrating on finding the route over private lands.

Much can be done to make people aware of the North Country Trail. We have some signs - we need to increase them. We get some publicity - we need to double it. We have a few events - we need to have many more to remind the public about the existence of the North Country Trail. I think all of us in Pennsylvania are tired of people saying, "I've never heard of that trail."

To make people more aware of the North Country Trail, we need to help people find it, hold events so they get accustomed to use it, and more importantly, getting them involved in the Trail.

Another important goal will be to train our volunteers and adopters to raise the standard of trail in Pennsylvania. It is in good shape, but there are places where it needs to be better; in McConnell's Mill State Park, a high use area, the trail needs to be upgraded.

In 2002, we have planned quite a few events to involve as many of the volunteers as we can - to get to know each other and to work together as comrades in building the North Country Trail.

Our chapters hope to build on a busy and productive 2001 and continue their momentum in the coming year. Some of the trail building and maintenance activity in the past year included:

Future Years In 2002 the chapter hopes to: Complete two low bridges and trail planking and NCT

marking and signing on one mile of private land between the Morgan Hill State Forest boundary and W Keeney Road.

Improve flagging on four miles of DEC trail between Spruce Pond on the east boundary of Morgan Still State Forest and construct trail if the DEC recreation plan is complete.

Obtain two to three additional private land owner permits for off-road trail improvement; complete flagging in Highland Forest, complete flagging on private and state lands from DeRuyter Reservoir to Route 13 near Woodstock, schedule two ADK Chapter, NCT work trips per month from April to October.

In future years, 2003 and 204, the chapter hopes to: Install an NCT kiosk at the new visitor center scheduled for

Highland Forest overlook and include a bronze memorial plaque for the late Charles R. Embree.

Complete the NCT from Route 13 near New Woodstock east to the Link Trail in the Tioghniaga Wildlife Management Area. Recruit trail stewards for all new mileage.

-Bill and Mary Coffin

Highland Forest and the other east of DeRuyter Reservoir. Conducted three ADK Chapter wide NCT work trips. The

Onondaga/ADK NCT work team was videotaped by a AOL Time Warner crew. Subject was hiking trail stewardship on the NCT and was shown on cable channels in October.

Held a preview reception for the AOL Time Warner video at the New Woodstock Library. Invited landowners, local citizen NCT supporters and public officials.

Completed NCT trail corridor negotiations with the DEC in Madison County forests.

..... ·········· ········· January-March 2002 * North Star 29

Shelby County Small segments of new trail may be certifiable in Shelby

County along remnants of the Miami-Erie Canal towpath, the identified route of NCT. The region is not free of problems, particularly private ownership, contested ownership and/or a low park budget.

The Shelby County Park District, which has a willing direc tor in Richard Millhouse, and a secretary, is lightly funded. Millhouse has opened a V2 mile certifiable segment between Pampel Road (C-128) and Dawson Road (C-20). There is a chance that we can continue west but the way is blocked by a monumental washout along the towpath. Nowhere in the foreseeable future can Shelby County PD repair the problem

Montgomery County There is an opportunity to add trail, which does not lie

on the route identified in the original trail plan. Trail could be certified as a mixture of footpath and bicycle trail from near Johnson Station north to the Miami County line. Bicycle trail south from Johnson Station to Triangle Park in Dayton is in final planning for immediate construction. Bicycle trail from there east along the Mad River to Fairborn is available in large chunks.

East Fork State Park The Buckeye Trail Association moved trail from the north

side of the reservoir to the south side of the reservoir about two years ago. There are some problems for the NCT but certifica tion for several segments will be requested this year. They will be broken into parts so that the particular problems that remain can be addressed as 'Yes' or 'No - certify later if and when problems are resolved.' The problems involve horse use and two fords.

All problems lie on the Perimeter Trail, the same trail that posed problems on the north side. Still, about seven miles of horse-free, foot-only trail appear certifiable. What's needed is a good map and to obtain agreement from the Park Manager, Charles Clark.

Burr Oak State Park A new/old trail segment was established between the shore

of Tom Jenkins Reservoir and C-15. The terrain is low and roll ing through grassy to early succession woods. State Park person nel mow the grassy portions. This trail will permit certification of r.3 miles of new NCT. The new segment offers excellent views along the north shore of the reservoir that here looks much more like a marshy wetland than a reservoir. The trail does touch road for about 400 yards but that is the best solution to a difficult wet area on a flood control reservoir. The trail is new/ old because a few remnants of very old blazes remain.

Clendening Reservoir Nothing new to report. Nearly IO miles of trail (includes

0.2 miles on road) has been built for several years now. So far, no owners have agreed formally or by handshake to permit cer tification. Owners include Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District as well as two individuals who own land over which small portions of trail pass. I think the problem with MWCD is simply a misunderstanding that will be easily straightened out. The two private owners will be contacted this year.

location, recertification will be deferred until either the entire relocation is completed or the existing certification fails to describe the segment termini.

Tappan Lake The Buckeye Trail Crew built r.8 miles of new trail to

replace 1.3 miles of existing trail, part of a continuing effort to improve trail by making it both scenic and horse-free. Because the existing certification adequately describes the trail at this

Great Trail Sandy Beaver Canal Chapter The Buckeye Trail Crew worked one weekend with Brad

Bosley, President of the Sandy Beaver Canal Chapter, near his home to upgrade trail segments that have proved difficult for the chapter.

The real importance of the weekend turned out to be educational. The crew demonstrated the importance of adhering to a planned flag line, taught proper use of trail tools, showed how to prepare the flag line for tread and how to dig tread.

The chapter still has problems with a very difficult right of-way. It will have to get permission to put trail on certain portions of the Vodrey Estate. Perhaps, the examples of trail that Brad can now display will help persuade the Estate to give permission. The alternative is going to be steps up and down 150-200 feet of elevation change, not a pretty picture.

Ohio Slightly more than 300 miles of trail within Ohio are now

certified as North Country Trail and at least 15 miles more may be certifiable. Most of the certified segments are connected by roads marked with blue blazes as Buckeye Trail.

Ohio's portion of the trail provides substantial biotic and cultural diversity. The trail skirts major cities and passes through farmland, parkland and forested hills. The trail traverses four of the five physiographic regions in the state - lake plains, till plains, blue grass and unglaciated Appalachian plateau. Trail in the unglaciated plateau passes by and through cliffs and gorges cut by the melting glacial ourwash.

Among the biggest problems in Ohio is an increase in poorly maintained segments. Accordingly, these-rather than trail building-will get the major attention in the Ohio portion of the North Country Trail this year.

One of the most important sites that need attention is in the Scioto Trails State Forest where we need to reach a better understanding with Trail Manager Bob Barnhart to achieve improvements in the trail. Any increase in trail, however, prob ably has the potential of horse and a certain amount of moun tain bike use as well. Until the National Park Service is in a position to actually find financing for purchasing land or rights of-way, such problems are likely to remain.

Highpoints of Ohio trail activity in 2001 included:

-Bob Tait, Pennsylvania coordinator

be key parts for the Association in Pennsylvania. Another highpoint: The Student Conservation Association

(SCA) will hold six weeks of training for its trail crews at the Davis Hollow Outdoor Center, where they will be working on the North Country Trail. Two Americor weekends for working on the North Country Trail will also be scheduled in Pennsylvania.

There also will be some trail projects centered around McConnel's Mill State Park in 2002. The only section of trail not scheduled to be worked on this year lies in the Allegheny National Forest. But in 2003, there will be a Volunteer Vacation project to create the reroute around Kelletville, an area where the trail has been decertified.

The top priority safety project, accomplished by Russ Fure and his crew, was the reinstallation of handrails on the bridge over Lake Elinor Outlet's rushing waters at "Marian's Crossing." Other important projects:

New trail in the Silver Lake basin flagged and a portion brushed out.

The route beyond the abandoned railroad grade east of Marquette and north of Lake Le Vasseur, cleared and blazed.

Trail between Long Lake and Craig Lake, at the far western end of the chapter's segment, cleared and reblazed.

Especially valuable throughout the maintenance season was

Adding benches to a bridge built by Boy Scout Troop 23 from Grand Rapids over a remote section of the Dead River was only the latest of four Eagle scout projects and four Girl Scout Gold award projects completed in the North Country Trail section in recent years. Rob Edgar was the project leader for the bridge. Kyle Kutsche was the project leader for a NCT campsite in Craig Lake State Park last year.

North Country Trail Hikers Among many trail update and maintenance projects accom

plished by the chapter during 2001, a few are of particular interest.

--Doug Welker

least 15 miles of additional trail. Several miles of trail received improved blazing.

Many hours were spent routing at least 50 trail signs, some of which took several hours each.

In 2002, the chapter expects to install boardwalk in 14 areas on trail in the Baraga Plains constructed in 2001 and build and install signs there. After the boardwalks are complete, the chapter will request certification from the National Park Service.

In addition, dozens of routed wooden trail signs will be installed along the North Country Trail across the entire western UP.

If permission is granted, the chapter may build additional trail east from Baraga Plains to US41. Other possible major projects include:

Trail upgrade of hard-to-follow sections in the southwestern part of Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, a number of short trails to get the trail off road and shelter/hut construction or site development.

Much of early season activity will focus on the Trap Hills (M-64 to Old Victoria in Ontonagon County), a section described by Bill Menke's western UP series in the last issue of The North Star and scheduled to be featured in an article in Backpacker magazine in May, 2002.


Peter Wolfe Chapter The Peter Wolfe chapter in the western part of the Upper

Peninsula built about 6.5 miles of new trail on Baraga Plains, on Copper Country State Forest lands. About half of the actual construction hours were put in by NCTA members, with the rest being done by Sierra Club members who are not NCTA members. The trail, which features a lot of variety and numerous wetlands, is cut, mowed, and blazed, but not yet signed.

The chapter also performed routine maintenance on at

Michigan: Upper Peninsula In the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the state of the NCT

is extremely varied. On National Forest lands, the trail is gener ally easy to follow, but maintenance varies from good to very poor. Signage is fair to good.

Trail standards in state parks are generally very high. On state forestlands, maintenance and signage standards are gener ally lower.

On private lands, conditions vary from very good to miser able. Some areas are well blazed and maintained, while others are almost impossible to follow. Signage on private lands is usually poor to non-existent.

In the future, I would like to see, sometime; destination/ distance signs at every significant road crossing or trail junction, interpretive signs highlighting important natural and cultural sites, serious maintenance at least once a year on all sections (not just litter cleanup and removal of blowdown), and mowing with a heavy-duty brush mower where possible, more volunteers, but perhaps also a paid trail crew or at least a paid trail boss, bridges over currently unbridged streams that are not crossable in high water, or off-road high water reroutes, NCTA produced maps for the entire UP, initially 1:100,000 scale but eventually larger-scale, detailed guidebook for the NCTA in the UP, certification of all "NCT" that is not currently certified, as well as of future trail built along the NCT route, a complete, marked hiking route across the UP, with all possible NCT built and all connectors signed or blazed, for all state and Forest Service lands not adopted by NCTA, trail managers hired to coordinate trail efforts, NCTA chapters in the eastern UP and the far western UP, developed overnight camping or shelter areas along parts of the NCT, increased public awareness of the NCT and ofNCTA, and increased cooperation with local agencies and businesses, increased NCT corridor protection, reduced logging and other disturbance on or near the trail. Quite a wish list! We should strive for it, though.

Much was accomplished throughout the state in 2001 and there are significant plans for the year 2002. A rundown by chapter shows:

within the existing right-of-way. There is a 'friendly' landowner to the south. BTA has agreed to build a bypass if owner will permit passage through a portion of his woods.

A second opportunity exists between Range Line Road (C-14) a little north of Loramie Creek and Newport. Here, certification could be requested for about a mile of trail that is now a footpath on the old towpath.

Millhouse is optimistic that he can put contiguous footpath on the ground between Fort Loramie (north) and Pampel Road (south). That would be about IO miles. But, there are difficult ownership problems. Regardless, the Trail Crew is ready to help whenever Richard says, 'Go!'

--Jim Sprague, Ohio State Coordinator

················ ··········-.


Tittibawassee Two bad wet spots along the Jordan River Pathway, an

18-mile scenic loop around the upper Jordan River Valley in northeast Antrim County, were tackled by the chapter during 2001 and it plans to go back to at least one of them in 2002.

One of them, a mud hole across the Jordan River from a national fish hatchery, was relocated by Arden Johnson, one of Michigan's premier trail builders, using hand tools entirely. The hole is a series of springs filled with muck and tree roots.

Arden explained: "The problem is caused by the nature of the terrain ... glacial

moraines, piles of sand and gravel atop a layer of clay. The

Harbor Springs Chapter During the final months of 2001, the Harbor Springs chap

ter was engaged in the systematic removal of large trees downed across the North Country Trail by big windstorms.

Installing water bars to reduce erosion on hills, removing slash left from logging, building puncheon in wet areas, seeking trail improvement in Wilderness State Park, investigating the possibility of easements to move the trail offroad and cleaning up litter near unsupervised campgrounds will occupy much of the year for the Harbor Springs area.

Using reports from snowshoers and cross-country skiers, the chapter plans major cleanups during the year. It will also seek certification in the vicinity of French Farm Lake where 400 feet

reason. The Forest Service decision on the NCT planned through

the Rock River Canyon Wilderness is imminent and looks very negative. Tom Gilbert of the National Park Service asked that the Forest Service at least establish an alternate route for us and that may happen. Gene Elzinga will check to see if we can obtain permission to publish a map and directions for hikers to bushwack thru the Wilderness area.

Grand Traverse Hiking Club The year 2001 saw the realization of a long-held dream for

the Grand Traverse Hiking Club, the virtual completion of an overlook it was determined to preserve, the High Rollways on the Manistee River southeast of Buckley in the Pere Marquette State Forest. The platform is done, the parking lot finished, chipped stone walkway to the platform lookout completed. The chapter is particularly grateful to Dean Sandell of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in Cadillac for being instru mental in turning the dream into reality.

Other major activities during the year included: Construction of a 16-foot bridge, immediately east of Old

US-131 by Boy Scouts from Troop 34, of First Congregational Church in Traverse City. The scouts also improved the

=Denise Herron approaches to the bridge. Scout in charge was Christopher • • • Coughlin, who took on the work as his Eagle Scout project. The

Michigan: Lower Penmsu/a --~hapter's trails director oversaw the project. Other completions North of Kent County, the North Country Trail in lower dITTiiigdte-yea-r:

Michigan is a largely wooded, off-road trail. Many great The rerouting of V2-mile of North Country trail west of miles within the Manistee National Forest, Pere Marquette the Big Ravine Bridge between Dell and Townline Roads; the re- State Forest, Mackinaw State Forest and Wilderness State adjustment and re-anchoring of a Manistee River bridge washed Park will take you to the Mackinac Bridge. The Bridge out during heavy rains and resulting floodwater and the begin- may only be hiked on Labor Day of each year. ning of a reroute from the Shore to Shore Trail by Dick Naperala

In Kent County and southeast across the Lower Peninsula assisted by Rick Halbert, Joe Meredith and Bud Ward. the trail is largely a patchwork of attractive segments and many For the sixth straight year, the chapter also maintained state road miles. trails for the MDNR. They are the Lake Ann Pathway, Lost Lake

Two state game areas, Lowell and Rogue River, provide Pathway, Muncie Lakes Pathway and Sand Lakes Quiet Area. interesting trail miles in Kent County where the trail passes Dick and Arlen Matson customized the maintenance trail within a block of the North Country Trail Association's national purchased with a cost-share grant from the National Park Service headquarters and has prospects for continuing under Interstate and modified and equipped through grants and donations from 96 via an abandoned right of way. Day Signs and Home Depot.

To the south In Barry and Kalamazoo Counties, there are In 2002, the chapter plans to complete work on the offroad miles in the Yankee Springs Recreation Area and in the High Rollways by installing bulletin boards, signage, additional Kellogg Forest as well as some other private properties. The benches, and Carsonite markers specifying "Foot Travel Only." Linear Parkway provides an urban pathway through Battle Creek Other projects planned for the year: and beyond. Southeast Michigan trail miles continue to be a Rerouting 113 of a mile of trail south of Road #16 in the Mesick challenge. Currently the Trail is completed in the Lost Nations area; installing water bars at a steep hill west of the Wheeler Creek State Game Area and the Baw Beese segment near Hillsdale. bridge and continuing the survey for a proposed re-route from the

--Joan Young railroad trestle west of Old US-131 to Sheeks Place. =Arlen C Matson

=ferry Keeney

of boardwalk has been constructed. The section from the north end of French Farm Lake to

Mackinaw City was cleared by the chapter but a road through the marsh, owned by the Great Lakes Energy Company, remains problematical. The chapter hopes to work with the company to repair the road. It also plans to blaze the railroad grade trail leading into the city.

the work of the chapter's chainsaw wielders, John VanBeynen, Greg LaBonte and Bruce Schwenke.

Looking ahead to this year, the chapter observes: When the DNR completes the acquisition process in 2002

for a rail grade through a developed area south of Marquette, we will need to move quickly to protect a conditional use "non motorized" permit by the Township. It will involve erecting movable barriers on two bridges to accommodate sled dog races through this area, as well as some trail improvement. Other plans:

North Country Hikers also will continue the development of new trail in the rz-mile gap (as the crow flies) west of Marquette. The original tentative route needs to be altered to accommodate landowner objections, and some of the existing trail near Marquette may need to be relocated for the same

Wisconsin About half of the North County Trail across northern

Wisconsin, generally in excellent condition thanks to diligent maintenance is complete and certified. The majority of the

=Cbarles Krammin

Work will continue on each side of the Battle Creek linear trail. On the east side, a helicopter installed the Ott Preserve Bridge (see pages 8,9) and plans are underway for the boardwalk to the bridge.

Kimball Pines Park, Harper Creek School lands, Riverside and Bridge Parks are all open to hiking and blue-blazed, but in need of improved bridges and puncheons.

On the west side, trail building and acquisition continue through the Fort Custer National Cemetery and the Battle Creek industrial park. These projects will connect with the cur rent trail across the Kalamazoo River at Augusta.

Some of this work will be accomplished during a May camping-work week to be held in 2002 and a longer hike and work event in late Summer.

A cold rain didn't stop the cheerful, Brule-St. Croix trall crew consisting of (left to right) Eric Grapentine, Rachel Grapentlne, Will Grapentine, Jacob Grapentine, Rolf Swanson, Bob Norlin, Bill Menke and David Grapentine.

Chief Noonday The Chief Noonday chapter in south central Michigan

added 6.6 miles to the North Country Trail in 2001. They run north from the Yankee Springs Recreation State recreation area to M-37. The chapter also:

Installed six informational kiosks, installed a NCT sign on M-179 and received approval from the village of Middleville and the Middleville State Game, a beautiful area of rolling oak woods, to blaze 15 miles of temporary trail from M-37 to the Kent County line, the southern boundary of the West Michigan chapter section.

This corridor uses existing rails to trails bike trails to Middleville, village roads to the game area where it follows gated two tracks, a rural road and an offroad section shared by a snowmobile trail.

-- Werner Veit

visiting his or her stretch at least each Spring and Fall, noting what maintenance is needed and either performing the work him or herself, or arranging for a work party to complete it.

In the process, the chapter re-blazed nearly all its completed miles. Most of the route had been marked with gray diamonds, which are difficult to see in Winter, provided a tempting target for shot gunners and, of course, were non-standard. The offend ing plastics were all removed and replaced with painted blue blazes of the official blue.

··························· -------·-·


Western Michigan The Western Michigan chapter has ambitious goals for 2002,

including one of the most daunting tasks faced by trail builders: finding routes and obtaining easements across private land.

The chapter is responsible for the North Country Trail in Kent and Newaygo Counties. Most of the route in Kent County, the most populous county in Michigan, crosses private land while much of the trail in Newaygo County goes through the Huron-Manistee National Forest and is largely complete there, but does need some links and some movements off road.

Trail Manager Tom Learmont has challenged each of the four coordinators who help him manage the chapter's segment to begin the route planning process for at least some of the unbuilt sections along the route.

This past year, 2001, the major emphasis was to get existing trail in shape before tackling new construction. A major step forward was to complete the chapter's adoption process. All 80-plus completed miles now have an adopter responsible for

Spirit of the Woods Like so many other chapters in the North Country Trail

Association, the Spirit of the Woods chapter was occupied with bridge building in 2001.

Particularly significant was a learning experience thanks to Chad Hudson, the new trail specialist from the Baldwin ranger station of the U.S. Forest Service, who brought with him from a Western U.S. assignment a bridge building technique new to us. He taught the chapter

How to build bridges by using the materials that are handy in the forest, surplus trees rather than the treated lumber we normally use.

With this experience, the chapter built three bridges, the largest 32 feet long, across small streams and wet land. The proj ects required the help of prison crews to move the logs. Prison crews have also begun rebuilding the trail through Sterling Marsh. About a third of the work is done. Next year with the proper funding and the chapter's participation, work in the marsh should be completed.

Assuming funding is adequate, the chapter this year plans to build two more bridges between Bowman Lake and the 76th Street trailheads, 200 feet of puncheon across wet land between High Bridge and Dilling Road, straighten Smith bridge over the Sauble River and replace, or add, corduroy in several locations.

-Ed Chappel

rainwater seeps down ... to the clay and drains out at the foot of the hill, creating springs which drain into the river through the mud hole. The solution was to move the trail up on the bank above the springs."

The other location is about 1 Y2 miles west where the chapter forded the river to reach the site with lumber for a boardwalk. The chapter plans to extend the boardwalk on that section in 2002.

Reblazing, mowing and trail clearance occupied the chapter during most of the rest of 2002 along the more than 80 miles the chapter is responsible for in portions of Kalkaska, Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet Counties.

Future plans include building a bridge over Warner Creek in northeast Antrim County and moving the trail off two-track roads in the Chandler Hills in Charlevoix County if the chapter can get permission from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

=Cora Killinger

·---------------···---·-····-··-·---·-·--···-·-··-··-·------·-·


--John Leinen, fr.

Star of the North (Headwaters) Eleven volunteers participated at one point or another on a

work trip led by John Leinen and Carter Heeden. Six spent the entire four days as they readied a 3.6-mile section of new trail along the Paul Bunyan State Forest trail for certification.

Paul Wright led a seven-member crew mowing and clearing the Bad Medicine section and got it in great shape, according to all reports.

This year, the chapter plans to: Schedule a maintenance trip in the Chippewa National

Forest and trail building trips on both the Paul Bunyan and Bad Medicine sections; and partner with the Superior Hiking Trail Association, an NCTA affiliate, to start construction of new North Country Trail/Superior Hiking Trail segments in Jay Cooke State Park. The chapter also plans to partner with the Park and Trails Council of Minnesota to raise funds to finance establishing a route and building a segment of the North Country Trail in Itasca County.

Minnesota The North Country Trail Association enjoyed a rebirth dur

ing 2001 and expects to accelerate its progress during 2002. The Headwaters chapter, later renamed Star of the North,

held its first meeting in three years and decided to pursue a number of ambitious goals including encouraging the formation of two new chapters in the State, pushing the Arrowhead reroute of the North Country National Scenic Trail, and participating in the trail work of the Minnesota Wilderness Trail Alliance. Two of the four trails maintained by the Alliance, the Border route and the Kekekabic Trail will become part of the North Country Trail when the Arrowhead reroute is complete.

The planning process was restarted at an October meeting with the National Park Service. Among the attendees were John Leinen, state coordinator, and Daryl Williamson, chair of the NCTA's Trail Council.

Construction work on the North Country Trail in 2001 included:

Heritage Besides its teamwork with the Brule-St. Croix chapter, the

Heritage chapter also relocated 1,500 feet of the Uller Trail's certified segment to bypass a series of bridges and very wet areas.

Using a brush hog, the chapter also performed maintenance on four miles of certified and connector trails in Iron County forest lands; accomplished brushing on two miles of certified trail elsewhere in Iron County and installed 30 posts in Copper Falls State Park which included painted trail reassurance blazes.

This year, the chapter plans maintenance work on eight miles of connector and certified trails and to build approxi mately Yi mile of new trail.

--Lisa Williamson, Peter Nordgren and Gaylord Yost

Some . 72 miles of trail on Village of Solon Springs land; two miles north of Rush Lake Road in the Brule River State Forest. Two more trails are nearing completion. It also installed standard NPS trailhead entry and destination signs at the Ruth Lake trailhead.

This year, the chapter will continue to focus on closing the gap between the Iron River and Brule areas with the help of the Michigan Conservation Corps, Boy Scout Troop #212 and an American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacation crew.

Brule-St. Croix In 2001, the chapter received a National Park Service

Challenge Cost Share grant to build and install IO register boxes. The project was mostly completed in early September, when the B-SC Roving Trail Crew installed five register boxes and the chapter installed an additional two. The three remaining boxes are in reserve and will be installed on newly completed trail segments next year.

While registering is a long tradition along some parts of the NCT, we believe this is the first concerted effort in Wisconsin. Our dual goal was to begin to get a handle on how many people were using a particular segment of the trail and to institute the "fun culture" of leaving behind a note for other hikers and adopters to read.

True to the registering patterns seen elsewhere, the first record ings left some true "Sentiments From The Heart". A sample from September 12th reads, "During this time of tragedy, I had to return to this peaceful place to keep my sense of balance ... ". While some sections of our trail may not have seen a hiker since the boxes were installed, on the Historic Portage segment, there were 51 visitors in the first 24 days-about 2 per day.

The chapter also built:

Other trail activity in 2001 and plans for 2002 include:

--Bob Norlin, Great Lakes Council Chair

Heritage also teamed up to flag about 2 Yi miles of new trail in Iron County, between Casey Sag Road and Wren Falls on the Tyler Forks River. The two chapters also collaborated on a new bridge in Iron County.

Working on a new bridge in Iron County, WI., on Iron County Forest lands are (left to right) Bill Menke, Sarah Gokey, Steve Frye, Bob Gould and, in front, Rolf Swanson.

remainder will traverse three different County Forests and a section of the Brule River State Forest. In addition, funds are available for the purchase of private lands and/or easements from willing sellers. The Wisconsin DNR is now engaged in the pursuit of those purchases.

Near term plans by the chapters call for completion of sev eral trailheads, improved signage and construction of a IO-mile gap between certified trail segments.

During 2001, all three Wisconsin chap ters, Brule-St. Croix, Heritage and Chequamegon participated in maintenance on seven and a half miles in the Porcupine Wilderness of the Chequamegon National Forest..

Brule St. Croix and

Sheyenne River Valley Chapter Twelve miles of trail in the Lake Astabula area on land

managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were certified in North Dakota during zoor. This year, the tiny Sheyenne River Valley Chapter plans to seek easements over private land to extend the trail, according to Lisa Engel, President of the Chapter.

Details of the North Dakota trail picture can be found on the North Dakota pages beginning on Page 22.

North Dakota

Trail, 3-5; Lima Mountain, 4-5; Snowbank Trail, west from Boot Lake portage, 4-8 and east from the portage to Kek, 24-27; the following Kekekabic Trail locations: West Trailhead to Benezie loop, 10-13; East Trailhead to War Club, u-13; Howard to War Club, 17-20; Agamok, 18-2 2; Disappointment to Medas, Old Pine loop, 19-25; Strup Lake area, May 23-27; and Thomas Lake area, May 24-27.

Pow Wow Trail locations to be visited include Trailhead to Pose Creek and Fallen Arch, 4-7; Pose Creek to Rock of Ages, 12-18, and Rock of Ages to Fallen Arch, 2 4-27.

-Tbe Hungry Beaver


The Kekekabic Trail Club, another NCTA affiliate, has established an ambitious schedule of spring trail clearing trips throughout the month of May.

The club plans to work on the Brule Lake/Eagle Mountain

-- The Ridgeline Kekekabic Trail Club

Superior Hiking Trail Association Seven maintenance projects in May, one in July, and one in

August, as well as five separate projects during National Trails Day, were carried out by the Superior Hiking Trail Association, an NCTA affiliate.

The May projects were: Replacing Dyers Creek Bridge; replacing the bridge and putting down steps at Split Rock River Wayside; replacing boardwalk off Sugar Loaf Road; building new boardwalk and cleaning up an island on Sonju Lake; replacing and adding steps and building new decking at Carlson Creek; and rerouting the trail and placing a sign at Kadunce River.

In July, volunteers put in new steps on a Section 13 hillside and in August volunteers pulled up a root system near Blueberry Hill Road, dug a latrine at the Blueberry Hill campsite, carried in posts to Split Rock bridge and built a bench there. On National Trails Day, volunteers replaced a bridge and steps on the Split Rock River; cleaned up the Egge Lake campsite. Jack Anderson participated in seven of the work projects.

There were a number of special projects during the year which included golf course reroute, Encampment River Bridge stabilization and steps repair on the west side of Mount Trudee; upgrading the North Cascade River campsite, building a board walk from Lakewalk to Judge Magney State Park, putting in a new bridge, grubbing the campsite and digging a latrine at Levaux Pond (Boy Scout troop #77 from Baraboo, WI). MCC Crew leaders also dug a latrine, built a privacy wall and cut dead trees at the Crystal Creek campsite.

Maintenance and building plans for 2002 were not yet ready as of this writing.

Kit Arnquist's high school students in Remer, MN., have been helping her to maintain her section of trail in the Chippewa National Forest. Taking a break in the photograph at left are Jeremy Hare and Caleb Yochum. The maintainers at right are Jamie Hare and Maureen Hopkins.

H. Sweatshirt M, L, XL $34.95, XXL $37 .95 Goldenrod (C107A) Khaki Green (C107B) Denim (C107C) I. Polo Shirt Color:Tan (C106) M, L, XL XXL $31.95 J. Fleece Vest Color:Grey (C108) M, L, XL, XXL $38.95

G

A. Royal Mesh-Back Cap (c201) Mesh back, cotton twill front, royal blue, plastic snap strap $10.95 B. Moss Green Cap (C206)

Embroidered association logo. Low profile distressed washed cotton twill. Constructed with soft lining. Adjustable buckle on fabric strap $14.95 C. Ught Khaki/Navy Cap (C207)

Trail emblem design. Low profile washed cotton, unconstructed. Light khaki crown with washed navy bill. Adjustable buckle on fabric strap $14.95 D. Denim Blue Cap (C203)

Pro-wash cotton twill with extended bill, deep blue crown and bill (looks like denim), adjustable buckle on a leather strap .. $15.95 E. Natural Colored Bucket Hat (C208) 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 $16.95 SHIRTS F. Trall Crew T-shirt (c102)

A trail crew shirt for volunteers! 50/50 blend. Two color design on front with map and a "fired up" volunteer. Color: tan. M, L, XL $8.95, XXL $9.95 G. NCTA T-Shlrt (C101)

Pre-shrunk cotton "Beefy-T". Three-color 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. Color: natural. S, M, L, XL $11.95, XXL $12.95

T~lldlf"-s_.~ - ,....,_..,..!:..~ .,,,...,,,..~4'11f-

INCTA lira'll B111Uding and IMa'lntenance Manua'I By Thomas Reimers This great manual for volunteers provides help ful guidelines and suggestions for planning, construction and continued maintenance of the North Country Trail. It covers rural and roaded natural, semi-primitive and primitive trail . 22 pages (L101) $2.00

Followlng llhe NCT By wts Boyd Third Edition of Following the North Country National Scenic Trail. A Classic! Includes general descriptions of the trail and efforts to build it in each of out seven states. This new edition also includes appendicies on through-hiking the NCT and the history of the Trail and Association. 96 pages (L112) $4.95

···-·-·-·············· 36 North Star* January-March 2002

Buck Wilder's Hiking & Camping Gulde By Tim Smith and Mark Herrick One whole lot of fun! Buck Wilder and his pal Rascal the Raccoon share their considerable wisdom and wit. Wonderful color illustrations are filled with humor and countless tips and trivia. Though at first glance this looks like a book for kids, adults also find this guide irresistible and informative. 64 pages (L103) $12.95

... ... North Country Trail

iothe Ch'-0.N..-,.1 Forest ...,,_

byRr::dlr'i::IJ"~

Gulde to the NCT, Chippewa National Forest, Minnesota By Roderick MacRae Description of the route and trail log, east to west. Wonderfully written by a Chippewa National Forest expert. 12 pages (M611) $1.25

Guldti

Patch of Trail Emblem 3 Y2 " bottom mea sure North Country Trail emblem triangle design (P125) $3.50

Seven New Patches Volunteer 2000, Volunteer 2001, Volunteer 2002, Trail Mapper, Trail Crew, Hike Leader, Organizer. $2.00 ea.

NEW VOLUNTEER PATCHES

MUG North Country National Scenic Trail plastic trail mug tapered to fit in cup holder. (P103) $5.00

Add the North Country National Scenic Trail insignia to your hiking stick. A. Painted color (P105) $4.00 B. Brass (P104) $4.00 C. The Trail Emblem cloisonne pin is Ya" and features the updated North Country triangle design. (P102) $3.00

State Patches 2" x 2"

$2.00 ea. New York (P126) Pennsylvania (P127) Ohio (P128) Michigan (P129)

C Wisconsin (P130) Minnesota (P131) North Dakota (P132)

- - - - - . - . - - . - . . - . - - . - . . . . . . - . . - . . . . - . . - . - - . . - .


America's National Scenic Tralls By Kathleen Ann Cordes The history, its state today, a geographical description, points of interest and all the statistical particulars for each of the eight National Scenic Trails is detailed, including, of course, our own North Country National Scenic Trail. 306 pages (L122) $19.95

G'reat Minnesota Walks By Wm. Chad McGrath Follow in the footsteps of the early voyagers, ramble beside river rapids, trek through tall trees, and savor a scenic overlook as you discover some of Minnesota's finest walking trails. In this book, Chad McGrath guides you to some of the state's most beautiful and interesting paths. 168 pages (L117) $16.95

l!.ong l!>l'stance Hiking By Roland Mueser Blending sage advice with personal expe riences and anecdotes, this highly read able account of long-distance trekking on the AT. draws upon extensive inter views to examine unorthodox yet rel evant topics. He covers all the questions providing the basis for planning your own long-distance hike. 180 pages (L111) $16.95

Woman•s. Gulde· to Backpacking By Adrienne Hall You'll find 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, survive a week in the woods without hot showers. Hall's fresh perspective and up-to-Oare presentation of techniques and equipment provide all the tools you need to become a confident, comfortable, capable backpacker! reopp (L113) $14.95

Dayhiker's· Handbook By J Long and M Hodgson Comprehensive guide for beginning wan derers and those exploring new country. Choosing proper clothing, selecting foot ware and raingear, using a map and com pass, predicring hike difficulty, managing food and water, weather lore, walking techniques, traveling with kids, first aid, and more. Many short features, fun tips and anecdotes. 216 pages (L107) $14.95

"Ifie CmmtTfl 'Doctor :llRP<-''itkll. I

.t'9a}Cto. fol' ... .t.f.1111U1S,_. .

Mlkln~ By Philip Farranti and Cecilia Leyva A truly fresh look at hiking. Read about: philosophy of hiking, stress management, creativity and hiking, and trail romance. Also, explore today's issues through hiking: strengthening family ties, improving communication, a healthy lifestyle for kids, an inexpensive pastime and providing seniors with a natural prescription for health. A new twist for anyone who currently enjoys hiking and for those who are think ing about starting out. 245 pages (L106) $14.95

1'he Countl!Y Doctor,, Alrve andl Wei~ By John G. Hipps MD. Stories recount the full spectrum of humankind's experiences. Sometimes informative and educational, frequently humorous, often whimsical, the stories will entertain and charm you with their simple philosophy, wisdom and wit. Includes advice on home remedies, herb al and alternative medicine that pro motes the common sense caring of one's self 363 pages (L115) $19.95

Upsmackln" Backpaclldn' By Tim and Christine Connors Tired of gorp, cereal bars, and jerky? Would you like to dine on spaghetti, chicken salad, and cheesecake in the backcountry? Here is a guide to satisfy ing, sumptuous dining on the trail. You no longer have to sacrifice nutrition for taste. A new kind of outdoor cookbook, this all-in-one guide is filled with trail tested recipes providing at-home prepara tion directions, trailside cooking instruc tions, and nutritional information. 232 pages (L118) $15.95

l'he· One Pan Gourmet By Don Jacobson Fresh Food on the Trail. Tired of eating dried and preserved goods in the back-country? Here's an alternative from an outdoor chef who takes his spice rack and fresh food with him. Covers planning, packing, preparing and, most important, eating savory meals on the trail. Geared toward the three-day trip, this book includes over 150 trail-tested recipes, prepared in one pan, pot or oven. 157 pages (L114) $12.95

e-mail; [email protected] ORDER TOLL FRE,Efi'.'.8884~NCTA (G282) www.northcountrytrail.org

Trail Atlas of Michigan By Dennis R. Hansen Michigan trail enthusiasts, don't get caught without this atlas! Second Edition includes maps and descriptions for over 600 hiking, biking, skiing, and nature trails in Michigan. Search by location or types of use. 581 pages (L102) $29.95

Great Wisconsin Walks By Wm. Chad McGrath 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 McGrath guides 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. 160 pages (L116) $16.95

Porcupine Mountains By Jim DuFresne This detailed guidebook provides back packers, 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, wildlife in the park, fishing opportunities, cabins and shelters, camping areas, family day hikes with complete information on trails, access points, waterfalls and backcountry treks. 160 pages (L108) $11.95

Edible Wiid Plants and Useful Herbs By Jim Meuninck Discover how to identify more than 100 wild plants and useful herbs, prepare recipies using your wild harvest, identify poisonous plants, and make wild plants and herbs a part of your diet. 68 pages (L124) $7.95

Hiking with Kids By Robin Tawney Are you thinking of introducing a child to the wonders of hiking? Hiking with Kids answers any questions you may have and provides valuable tips on what to bring and how to keep your young hiker safe and happy on the trail. 70 pages (L123) $6.95


50 Hikes In Michigan By Jim DuFresne From one of Michigan's leading out- .~ door writers comes this 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. 252 pages (L109) $17.95

50 Hikes In Ohio By Ralph Ramey The 50 hikes in this guide are grouped geographically and range over the entire state, from the rugged Appalachian pla teau of Shawnee Forest in the south to the Ottawa Wildlife Refuge on the shores of Lake Erie. Many of the hikes are a short drive from each of Ohio's major metropolitan areas. There are out ings for every ability, from easy walks to rigorous overnight backpacks. 272 pages (L121) $14.95

Peak Experiences By Gary Pallesen A hiking guide to the highest summits in each of New York's counties, including the highest point in Manhattan, a large rock in Bennet Park at 265.05 feet above sea level. This guide includes maps, writ ten directions to trail heads, elevation profiles, mileage, as well as alternate routes to some peaks. In this book you'll meet the people populating the high points today and yesterday, discover how to find the high point, what you're likely to see, and the origin of the peak's name 288 pages (L120) $16.95

Take A Hike! By Rich and Sue Freeman With this guide, you'll be able to explore the Finger Lakes and Genesee Valley Region with ease and confidence. Each of the 51 walks is rated for difficulty; type of terrain, and described by length and estimated time required. In addition, you'll know how to easily find the trails and parking. The hikes in this book are designed for people who delight in exploring unique or little known places. 264 pages (L119) $16.95

-;;;';;11:·-~u~rYt~;il~~~g, ORDER TOLL FREE! 1-888-454-NCTA (6282) www.northcountrytrail.org

---·---·-··-···-···--··-· .... January-March 2002 * North Star 39

Shipping and Handling Charges Amount of Order Charge $00.00 to $10.00 $2.50 $10.01 to $25.00 $4.00 $25.01 to $50.00 $5.00 $50.01 to $100 $6.50 Over $100 $8.50 Signature (We cannot process your order without a signature and the expiration date.)

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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 Ohio State Line at Waldron to Augusta (M411A) Augusta to Rogue River State Game Area (M412A) Coates Highway at Manistee River to

M-115 West of Mesick (M413A) M-115 West of Mesick to

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

Mackinaw City (M415A) St. Ignace to SE Marquette (M416A) Marquette to Ironwood (M417 A)

Michigan NCT in Lower Michigan, 8rpp (M401) $12.50 NCT in Upper Michigan, 88pp (M402) $13.00 Wisconsin Iron County Forests; Chequamegon N.F., Brule River S.F., 27pp (M501A) $4.50 Minnesota Chippewa National Forest, Itasca S.P., zepp (M601) $4.00 North Dakota NCT in Norrh Dakota 37pp (M701) $5.00

Certified Sections of the North Country Trail By Byron and Margaret Hutchim Detailed information and maps highlighting the longest and best off-road segments of the Trail. These are accurate route descriptions by experienced guidebook writers who have walked the sections with a measuring wheel. In easy to use looseleaf form. Pennsylvania NCT in Pennsylvania, 37pp (M201) $5.25 Ohio Wayne National Forest, 14pp (M301) $3.00 From Burr Oak State Park to Milford on the Buckeye Trail, 44pp (M3032) $14.00 Milford to Lake Loramie S.P., 42pp (M304A) $7.00 Miami & Erie Canal from Lake Loramie S.P. to Napoleon, 3opp (M305A) $5.00

Scale is r:roo,ooo. (Together these maps cover the Chequamegon National Forest) Hurley to Long Mile Lookout (TWl-01) $3.50 Long Mile Lookout to Solon Spring (TWl-02) $3.50 Michigan Alberta to Cascade Falls (TMl-13) $3.50 Freesoil Trailhead to Cedar Creek Road (TMl-05) $3.50 Bowne Township to M-37 (TMl-03) $3.50 New York Rome to Finger Lakes Trail (TNY-04) $3.50

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D Please charge my credit card

NCT Trail Map Sets Printed in full color on durable paper these new maps come in a clear plastic bag to assure complete water protection. Scale is 1:24,000. They have been carefully field checked for accuracy. Each map unfolds to a full n" x ri'. Michigan Huron-Manistee N.F.: North Segment (T401) $8.00 Bartle Creek to Chief Noonday Road (T402) $6.50 Huron-Manistee N.F.: South Segment (T403) $8.00 Pennsylvania McConnells Mill and Moraine State Parks (T201) $5.00 Allegheny National Forest North Section (T202) $6.50 Southern Allegheny National Forest and

Cook Forest State Park (T203) $8.00 Wisconsin Printed in full color on durable paper, this pocket size map unfolds to a full n" x ri', doubleside.

MAPS e-mail: [email protected] ORDER TOLL FREE! 1-888-454-NCTA (6282) www.northcountrytrail.org

. - . - . . - . - - . . - . . . . . . . . . . - . . . . 40 North Star* January-March 2002

Day n: It is mid-afternoon when we reach a wooden trail sign that tells us we are now leaving the Ottawa National Forest. We had been within its boundaries for just over roo miles and most of eight days. By 3:00 pm, we reach our night's des tination, the Oren Krumm Shelter on a high spot over looking the Sturgeon River.

It was built in his honor by family, friends and North Country Trail Association mem bers as a tribute to a wonderful young man who suffered from a fatal disease. The register book inside contains poignant mem ories that make for interesting but sad reading. Of the two shelters we have stayed in, this one is by far the nicest in terms oflocation and scenery.

Today's hike had been spe cial. While the landscape isn't as dramatic as it is in the Trap Autumn sky is reflected in a boggy stream in Craig Lake State Park.

the kind of weather when a shelters is most welcome. It allows Dave and I to sit and talk while out of the weather.

Day 12: In the morning, we wake to steady drizzle still pitter-patting on the tin roof but we get underway wearing raincoats and rain pants-mostly because of wet veg etation. As we proceed east, the sound of Tibbets Falls becomes louder. The falls are

Hills, I have enjoyed the open stands of jack and red pine with the reindeer moss ground cover and grassy patches in the more open areas. And a big bonus is that this section of trail has been the best maintained since the beginning of the hike.

As the evening progresses, the tem perature drops and a steady drizzle falls,

By Bill Menke Brule-St. Croix

In the last issue ofThe North Star, the story ended on the Ioth day of our Upper Peninsula adventure when we crossed the eastern bound ary of the Ottawa National Forest and entered Copper Country State Forest.

14 Fall Days in the Western UP Conclusion: Ottawa National Forest to Edge of McCormick Wilderness

East and West Along the North Country Trail

·····························-- January-March 2002 * North Star 41

the campground, I have to retrace some steps to get back to the route east but by 9:00 a.m. have reached the west end of Tioga Road. I soon find that the western portion of this non-maintained road is full of deep waterholes that require care ful skirting on a very narrow, alder choked rim between the water and the adjoining wetland. It is slow going for a while but then the road ascends almost imperceptibly to a little higher ground and there are no more waterholes. I have heard that moose were present in this area and sure enough, observe some tracks in the road.

At 9:30 a.m., I stop for breakfast at the old concrete bridge across the Tioga River and notice the first drops of rain falling. I also note that my fancy boot repair job has already failed and the sole is again flopping. Later as I hike along the busy shoulder of Highway 28, I am gathering more bits of wire and string when I notice an old inner tube.

I grab it and head up the bank where I cut it into several nice, wide rubber bands and then wrap them around the boot. I now feel like I have a good enough repair job to last the trip.

At Nestoria, the route turns north on the gravel road leading toward Craig Lake State Park. I don my raincoat as the sprinkles become a steady rain. I am carefully timing my progress in order to estimate when I should be at the small

hardwood than it was further west and with the sun out, the fall color of the maples is outstanding. The light coming through the tree canopy over the gravel road is that wonderful soft, golden color that makes fall so special.

Tonight's destination at King Lake State Forest Campground requires a bit of hiking in the wrong direction but it is one of the few good, known places to camp. This small but well kept camp ground sits at the north end of King Lake. Hiking into the campground, I have it all to myself and can choose the best campsite. I choose one with a view of protruding boulders, two wooded islands and a fall-colored shoreline.

After a brisk swim in the lake, I turn to repair duties. My well-traveled boots have finally seen their last trip-----the right one has the front two inches of sole dan gling in the breeze. I spend some time trying to fasten it in place with a short length of wire and nylon strings from the repair kit. In the last four days, I have exhausted my duct tape supply keeping it together. It now looks like a hobo-repair job with wire and strings wrapped in all directions.

Day 13: The lake is a mirror reflect ing the fall colors and white clouds. Only a couple of fish jumping for an insect breakfast disturb the surface. The ther mometer says 33 degrees but it is prob ably a few degrees warmer. Upon leaving

Old barn provides landmark along the road east of Covington.

comprised of a series of short drops that cascade and create quite a roar over a r mile stretch of the river. We reach Plains Road r. 7 miles from the shelter and start another road-walk, south and east toward Covington, and become fully exposed to brisk wind. With temperatures hovering in the lower 3o's, we have to keep moving to stay warm and decide to not even stop for breakfast.

Instead, we opt for early lunch in a hoped for restaurant on Highway M-28 near Covington. After passing the cemetery from which Cemetery Road undoubtedly got its name and dropping down the last hill, we are at M-28. Looking left a couple hundred yards, we see a Marathon Station and a much-wel comed sign reading Hardwood Cafe.

While I use an outside telephone to call home for the first time since Old Victoria, Dave hurries inside to warm up with the first of several cups of hot coffee. We each order two hamburgers and fries and have no trouble polishing them off when the waitress brings them to the table.

Studying our maps and questioning local patrons about one particular stretch of route that lies ahead we are still uncer tain about the exact route to follow. We also pick up weather forecasts for cold rain changing to snow showers. Dave decides he doesn't want to take a chance on being cooped up in the little tents during a long stretch of bad weather and considers trying to catch a ride back to his car-parked at the motel in Hurley, WI.

I have made arrangements with Doug Welker to bring my truck to the edge of the McCormick Wilderness, two and-a-half days hiking away. Because I am unable to reach Doug by phone and I do not know if the truck will be there early or he will wait to drop it off until shortly before my anticipated arrival, I prefer to stick to the original schedule. (Actually I learned later that it was my good friend and fellow Roving Crew Member, Rolf Swanson who dropped it off). Besides, I am anxious to complete this stretch of trail.

After breakfast, Dave does decide to return to Hurley while I decide to con tinue hiking. As I continue east along a gravel road, the sun breaks out and I soon have to stop to take off some layers-the morning's cold is past. I have now moved into an area that is more



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view of a lake and the fall colors. I just have to be careful to not step too far to the left or it will be a big drop. Tonight is the last night in camp and I am enjoy ing a very nice, little campfire. The only thing interrupting its mesmerizing influ ence is the honking of huge flocks of geese winging south.

Day 14: It rained again last night but there are only scattered clouds this morning as I continue east for the last half day of hiking. The trail in the eastern part of the park is fairly well designed but needs some pruning. I have crossed two or three bridges offer ing good views of meandering streams and wetlands-lined with the bright ness of red and sugar maples. East of the park, most of the route follows old logging roads and I encounter grouse hunters on ATVs. About 12:30 p.m. I reach the trailhead at the southwest cor ner of the McCormick Wilderness and in another hour I'm at Peshekee Road and the parking lot where my truck is waiting. It is a welcome sight and I will write to thank Doug Welker and Rolf Swanson for the shuttle service.

Total Miles this Trip: I89-9 NCT Miles not Previously Covered: I68.7 Total: IJ4I.O

the woods following the very faint blazes and soon realize that there is no con structed trail. But I am able to follow the route and eventually reach the spur to Teddy Lake where I planned to stay. When I reach the campsite, it is still raining hard, and it is only 2:00 p.m. so I decide to continue hiking and take a chance on a campsite further east. It doesn't take too long to reach the main parking lot where I stop for a snack of jerky and trail mix.

But now, the difficulties begin in ear nest. There are NO blazes and for the next 2 hours, I am constantly checking my compass and looking for some sort of landmark that will tell me that I am indeed following the North Country Trail-rather than some other park trail. Finally, I find an NCT sign and know I am on the right route. By now, it is get ting late in the day and I start looking for a campsite-I didn't want to stop until I knew I was on the right trail because I didn't want to fret about it all night.

Meanwhile, the rain has stopped and there is a pot of gold waiting at the end of the storm. I discover an absolutely beautiful spot to camp-perhaps the best of the entire hike. It is on the top of a yo-foot rock outcrop with a stunning

fork in the road that I need to follow to reach the trail at the western extremity of the park-rather than following the main road all the way to the parking lot in the middle of the park.

At about the right time, I approach a fork but the road I think I should follow has a newly installed metal gate across it. The pre-hike information indicated an open road! Checking the maps and sur rounding topography, I decide that this must be the right road and decide to duck under the gate and follow it. With the rain continuing its steady beat, I watch carefully for identifiable landmarks and eventually confirm that this is the right route. At 1:00 p.m. I reach the creek inlet to Long Lake and know that the beginning of the next section of the trail should be just across the creek.

Leaving my backpack leaning against a tree, I look for the trail but can't find it. Casting about, I enter the woods on what might be an opening (possibly a trail), and finally spot a very faded paint blaze. After a careful search, I detect a route and follow it back to the road and come out at a spot just north of the creek that I had passed up more than once. (There are no blazes next to the road).

Picking up my trusty pack, I enter



Others are: Director: [email protected]

Programs: [email protected] Trail Shop: [email protected] Maps: [email protected] Office: [email protected]

North Star: [email protected] Trail Foreman: [email protected]

E-Mail address for The North Country Trail Association has been changed to:

[email protected].

•

Nominations for the Board of Directors of the North Country Trail Association are now being accepted by the Board's nominating committee. Suggestions should be sent to President Gaylord Yost at [email protected] or 2925 W Bradley Road, River Hills, WI 53217-2052. Ballots will be printed in the next issue of The North Star for vote by the membership.

• Aug. I9-23-New bridge construction over Deveraux Creek, Alley Cat Trail Crew No. 2, FLTC Service Center, (716) 658-9320.

• Aug. 23-25-Buckeye Trail Association, Board of Directors retreat, Malabar Farm State Park, Mansfield, OH, [email protected]

• Sept. I6-20-Trail Improvements within Allegany State Park, Alley Cat Trail Crew No. 3, FLTC Service Center, (716) 658-9320.

• Oct. I7-2I-Conference on National and Scenic Historic Trails, Fort Smith, AK, National Trail of Tears Association, (501) 666-9032.

• Oct. 27-Adirondack Mountain Club Trails Day, High Peaks Wilderness Area, Adirondack State Park. ADK Trails Program, (518) 523-3441.

• Dec. I-Quarterly meeting of Board of Directors, North CountryTrailAssociation, Lowell, Ml, (616) 897-5987, or [email protected]

• Dec. 7-Buckeye Trail Association, Board of Directors meet ing, Alcor Corp. offices, Columbus, OH, [email protected]

If you ever get the chance," writes Bob Tait, the North Country Trail Association's coordinator for Pennsylvania, "be sure to

participate in one of the American Hiking Society's Volunteer Vacations. You'll have a great time." The dates of three of the first ones in 2002 are listed below along with the web sites of the sponsoring organizations.

Along with members of the Buckeye Trail Association, Bob participated in the building of a new trail in southeastern Ohio on land once stripped by a power company. Among the Buckeye Trail members in attendance were directors and former director of the NCTA, Garry Dill, chair of the Ohio Trail Council and an NCTA director, and Jim Sprague, Ohio coordinator for the NCTA.

Important dates in 2002:

• Feb. 13-I9-Volunteer Vacation, Saguaro National Park, Tucson, AZ, www.nps.gov/sagu

• Feb. I7-23-Volunteer Vacation, Francis Marion National Forest, South Carolina, www.fs.fed.us./ r8/ fms/ rec.htm

• March 2-Buckeye Trail Association, Board of Directors meeting, Alcor Corp. offices, Columbus, OH, [email protected]

• March 3-Leadership Council of the Partnership for the National Trail System, Washington, DC, [email protected]

• March 3-6-Trails Advocacy Week, sponsored by the American Hiking Society, Washington, DC, www.americanhiking.org

• April 6,7-Workshop: Trail Building and Maintenance for Novices, Old Schoolhouse, White Cloud, Ml, Werner Veit, (616) 897-6849, [email protected]

• April 20-Annual meeting, Buckeye Trail Association, [email protected]

• April 26-28-Finger Lakes Trail Conference annual meeting, Mt. Morris, NY, (716) 658-9320, or [email protected].

• April 28-May 4-Work week with American Hiking Society at Tappen Lake, OH, [email protected]

• May 4-Superior Hiking Trail Association, annual meeting, Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center, Finland, MN. Theme: "Celebrating 15 Years of the Superior Hiking Trail." [email protected]

• May I7-I9-0hio Trails Expo, Hocking College, Nelsonville, OH, [email protected]

• June I-National Trails Day throughout the U.S. • June 8-Buckeye Trail Association, Board of Directors meet

ing, Alcor Corp. offices, Columbus, OH, [email protected] • June I7-2I-General trail improvement, Alley Cat Trail

Crew No. 1, FLTC, Swain, NY. FLTC Service Center, (716) 658-9320.

• Aug. I5-I8-North Country Trail Association annual conference, Valley City, ND, (616) 897-5987, or [email protected]

Dates Are Open for AHS' Popular Volunteer Vacations

HI KIN

NEW YORK NY State Coordinator

Howard Beye · 202 Colebourne Road, Rochester, NY 14609 · (716) 288-7191 · [email protected]

26. Finger Lakes Trail Conference Irene Szabo · 6939 Creek Road, Mt. Morris, NY 14510-9638 · (716) 658-4321 · [email protected]

27. Central New York Chapter Al Larmann · 7169 Forbes Road, Canastota, NY 13032-9999 · (315) 697-3387 · [email protected]

PENNSYLVANIA PA State Coordinator

Bob Tait· Box 2968, Butler, PA 16001-2968 · (724) 287-3382 · [email protected]

21. Wampum Chapter Richard Lutz· Route #l, P.O. Box 1341, Wampum, PA 16157 · (724) 652-8185 · Lutznct [email protected]

22. Greater Pittsburgh Chapter Michael Kaizar · 933 Norfulk Sr., Pittsburgh, PA 15217 · (412) 321-0842 · [email protected]

22. Rock Chapter Frank Cetera· P.O. Box 151, Forestville, PA 16035 · (724) 735-1133 · [email protected]

23. Butler Chapter Ron Rice · 111 Ash Stop Rd., Evans City, PA 16033 · (724) 538-8475 · [email protected]

24. Clarion Chapter Carol Atwell· 18141 Rt 208, P.O. Box 15, Marble, Pa 16334 · (814) 354-2778 · [email protected]

25. American Youth Hostels-Pittsburgh Council Bob Roth· 80 Rose Leaf Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15220. (412) 279-6219 OHIO

Ohio State Coordinator Jim Sprague · 4406 Maplecrest, Parma, OH 44134 · (440) 884-4757 · [email protected]

18. Northwestern Ohio Rall-to-Trails Assoc. Gene Markley · 22266 County Rd. 5, Delta, OH 43615 · (800) 951-4788 · l [email protected]

19. Buckeye Trail Association Garry Dill· 4070 Tradersville-Brighton Rd., London, OH 43140 · (937) 834-2891 · [email protected]

20. Great Tran Sandy Beaver Canal Chapter Brad Bosley · 50900 Pancake-Clarkston Rd., Negley, OH 44441 · (330) 227-2432

LOWER MICHIGAN 11. Harbor Springs Chapter

Jerry Keeney· 2385 Manitou Trail, Harbor Springs, MI 49740 · (231) 526-9597 · [email protected]

12. Tittabawassee Chapter Jerry Allen· 1561 Bomanville Rd., Gladwin, MI 48624. (517) 345-2677

13. Grand Traverse Hiking Club (Chapter) Rick Halbert · 7385 S. Whispering Hills, Traverse City, MI 49684 · (231) 947-8485 · [email protected]

14. Spirit of the Woods Chapter Joan Young· 861 W USlO, Scottville, MI 49454 · (231) 757-2205 · [email protected]

15. Western Michigan Chapter Werner Veit · 229 East Main Street, Lowell, MI 49331 · (616) 897-5987 · [email protected]

16. Chief Noonday Chapter Dave Cornell· 514 Cordes Road, Delton, MI 49046 · (616) 623-8659 · [email protected]

17. Baw Beese Chapter Richard Saur· P.O. Box 673, Hillsdale, MI 49242. (517) 437-0746

LEGEND - Chapters .......... Partners = Not Assigned

-···· ----· ····--- . 44 North Star* January-March 2002

WISCONSIN & UPPER MICHIGAN WI State Coordinator

Lisa Williamson· P.O. Box 416, Cable, WI 54821-0416 · (715) 798-3890 · [email protected]

6. Brule-St. Croix Chapter Charles (Chuck) Zosel· 6697 S. Degerman Rd., Lake Nebagamon, WI 54849 · (715) 374-3489 · [email protected]

7. Chequamegon Chapter Tana Turonie ·P.O. Box 475, Mellen, WI 54546 · (715) 274-2521 · [email protected]

8. Heritage Chapter Sara Gokey· 1237 Yoder Lane Apt. B, Whitewater, WI 53190 · (262) 473-3386 · [email protected]

Upper Ml State Coordinator Doug Welker· 26344 Tauriainen Rd., Pelkie, MI 49958 · (906) 338-2680 · [email protected]

9. Peter Wolfe Chapter Doug Welker · 26344 Tauriainen Rd., Pelki, MI 49958 · (906) 338-2680 · [email protected]

10. North Country Tran Hikers (Chapter) Jan Wester· 352 E. Hewitt Ave., Marquette, MI 49855. (906) 225-1295 Bettie Daly· 126 HC 1, Marquette, MI 49855 · (906) 228-9018 Denise Herron · 423 W. Park St. · Marquette, MI 49855 · (906) 225-1030 · [email protected]

NORTH DAKOTA North Dakota State Coordinator

Jon G. Lindgren· 2001 North Seventh Street, Fargo, ND 58102 · (701) 232-7868 · [email protected]

1. Sheyenne River Valley Chapter Lisa Engel· P.O. Box 100 Cooperstown, ND 58245. (701) 797-3530

MINNESOTA MN State Coordinator

John Leinen· 14205 St. Croix Trail, Stillwater, MI 55082-9587 · (651) 433-4456 · [email protected]

2. Star of the North Chapter John Leinen · 14205 St. Croix Trail, Stillwater, MI 55082-9587 · (651) 433-4456 · [email protected]

3. Kekekabic Trail Club Peter Sparks· (651) 739-0378 · [email protected]

4. Rovers Outing Club Pat Ryan· 2021 James Ave., St. Paul, MN 55105 · (651) 699-9800 · [email protected]

5. Superior Hiking Tran Association Gayle Coyer· (218) 834-2700 · [email protected]

Chapters of the North Country Trail Association are like local trail clubs. They build and maintain trail, host hikes and other events, and work to

promote the trail and the Association in their areas. For information about local activities and volunteer

ing, contact Chapter representatives. Partner orga nizations are independent nonprofit organiza tions that are working to build and maintain

certain sections of the trail.

North Country Trail Association Trail Councils


• Nearly 31 miles of certified trail and nearly 9 of other off-road miles added since the last issue.

• New bridges completed on the North Country National Scenic Trail in New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin.

• ro miles constructed and certified on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land near Lake Ashtabula in North Dakota.

• 15 miles completed and near certifica tion in Ohio.

• Publication of the sixth and seventh 1:100,000 scale maps of the North Country Trail in Michigan, 78. 7 miles from Bowne Township to M-37 and in Minnesota, 72. 5 miles from Northwest Aitkin County to Highway 64, nearly all in the Chippewa National Forest. The Chippewa segment is all certified and all offroad. There's a short section, of trail, west of the forest under devel opment.

• The maps, available through the Trail Shop at association headquarters, were prepared under the direction of Tiffany Halfmann, association cartog rapher and GIS specialist. To order, check out the Trail Shop beginning on Page 35.

2 50 2,303 Totals

Percent Change

Change Since Last Issue

Current Members State

State by State Membership Membership in the NCTA demonstrates public support for the trail. Membership dues help fund activities that benefit the trail. Here's how each state stacks up.

1,978 94.7 202.7

Total Hikable Miles

Marked Road Miles

Other Off Road Miles

40.2 1,680 Totals

Percent Done &

Certified Miles

Certified State

Trall Building Progress on the North Country Trail The National Park Service certifies those completed miles that satisfy its standards. In addition there are many more completed miles that may be enjoyable to hike but cannot be certified for a variety of reasons.

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

................. -·-···········

46 North Star *January-March 2002

*Includes cumulative gifts, membership contributions and grants received between Nov. 1, 2000 and Oct. 31, 2001.

David Hutchinson Joe Hyrman Bob Jacobowski Lou and Sandy Kasischke John and Nancy Kennedy Brooks and Margie Kindel Stephen Kobylarz Kay Kujawa Ned Liddle Christopher and Margo Light Ellen Lightle John and Marianne Ludwick Mary Lyman Curt and Julie MacDougall Rod MacRae Pat and Kathleen Miller Ray Miller Al and Jean Moberly Ben Mourer Larry Mulder Linnea Newman and Tony Malikowski Timothy O'Rourke Peter and Susan Ordway Adey Oswald Bob and Annette Papp Raymond and Elaine Papp Fred Peachman William Perry Dale Petty Richard Pfeiffer Tim Pond Richard Reed Anthony Rodriguez J. Robert Routt Bob and Grace Rudd Michael and Erica SanDretto Merl and Patricia Schlaack William Schmidt Peter Schmitz Richard Schwaab Richard Seabold Stephen Selden Tom Simpkins Joseph Smith James Sprague Harmon Strong Dave Swanson Rolf Swanson Betty Tableman John and Mary Lou Tanton David Tattan Jerry Trout Miles Trumble Donna Tuttle RogerTuuk John and Diane VanderVeen Steve Vear Gary Werner Donald Wickstra Jim and Bonnie Wilson Kevin Robin Kate and Morgan Wilson Rodger and Denise Wolf Richard Wynalda Gaylord and Marlene Yost

$100 to $249 Jerry Allen and Connie

Pausits-Allen Pat Allen and Mark Miller Daniel and Constance Arnold Thomas and Patricia Backe Len and JoAnne Baron Charles Benjamin Bert Bleke LeRoy Bliven Frank Blumenthal Ren and Carol Brander Terry and Diane Brant Brian and Barb Buchanan James Byrne Robert Cable Ed and Nancy Chappel Ruth Clausen John Conway Anthony Cook Alphonse Danastasio Richard and Ann DeBoer John Diephouse Garrett Dill Jack Dixon Joe Dixon Dennis Donathen Kathleen Eisele William Eisenman Duane Elenbaas Frank Fishman Richard Flinn Jon and Ellen Flood Douglas Fraits Marc Gilbert Tom and Janis Gilbert George Girod Harry Gubbins Robert Hangel Chuck Hayden Paul and Jerry Henry Denise Herron Bobbie Hineline

$250 to $499 David and Jan Cornell Loyal Eldridge Gene and Jean Elzinga John and Pat Leinen Philip Lenko William and Donna Menke Aaron Phipps Joseph Raught Michael Schuler Maureen Smith Marianne Veit Daryl Williamson David Younger

INDIVIDUALS $500 or more Janette Sweasy Irene Szabo Werner and Marianne Veit

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

Trail Supporters

January-March 2002 * North Star 4 7

NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Grand Rapids, Ml

Permit 340

l!.!i!!!!!i)

North Country Trail Association 229 East Main Street Lowell, Michigan 49331

Documents

North Star Vol. 21, No. 1 (2002)