North Star Vol. 13, No. 2 (1994)

PO Box 311 White Cloud, Ml 49349 Editor 14845 Rome Rd .. Manitou Beach Ml 49253

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 47

Caledonia, Ml 49316

-------.-~~ -: ------~__;~~ - - .:.~~8 ...... ......

Newsletter 1\ North r,QIJhntry Trail i · /

~ciation i.,

Ohio Jim Sprague, 4406 Maplecrest, Parma OR 44129 (216) 884-4757

Michigan (Lower) Arden Johnson, 600Tennyson, Roch ester Hills, Ml 48307 (810) 853-0292

Michigan (U.P.) Gene Elzinga, 1 :! Midale Island , Marquette Ml 49855 (906) 225-1704

Wisconsin Gaylord Yost{ 2925 W. Bradley Rd., River Hills W 53209 (414) 354-8987

Minnesota Rod MacRae, 1210 W. 22nd St., Min neapolis MN 55405 (612) 337-0130

North Dakota Dale Anderson, RR1, Box 10, Oslo, MN, 56744 (218)965-4508

vacant

STATE COORDINATORS

New York Howard Beye, 202 Colebourne Rochester NY 14609 (716) 288-7191

Pennsylvania

Awards: Ruth Sack, 2317 Foster NE"~Grand Rapids, Ml 49505 (616) 30J-5966

Finance: Arden Johnson, 600 Tennyson, Roch ester Hills, Ml 48307 (810) 853-0292

Headquarters Virginia Wunsch, Rt. 1, White Cloud Ml 49349 (616) 689-6876

Meetings: Wes Boyd1.14815 Rome Roadi.Mani touBeachMl49253 (517)54r-7402

Membership: Kenneth Gackler, 418 W. Johnson Caledonia Ml 49316 (616) 891-1366

Planning: Arden Johnson, 600 Tennyson, Roch ester Hills, Ml 48307 (810) 853-0292

Publications: Wes Boyd 14815 Rome Road Mani tou Beach Ml 49253 (517) 547-7402

Trail Management: Doug Welker, R1, Box 59A, Pelkie Ml 49958 (906) 338-2680

(218) 567-3858 (414) 354-8987

810 548-1737 517 547-7402 616 891-1366 216 884-0281 81 0 853-0292 810 280-2921 906 338-2680

REGIONAL AFFILIATES

New York: Finger Lakes Trail Confer ence, PO Box 18048, Rochester NY 14618-0048

Ohio: Buckeye Trail Association, PO Box 254, Worthington OH 43085

Pennsylvania: AYH, Pittsburgh Region.

716 288- 7191 412 776-0678 814 968-5759 814 968-5759 607 272-8679

Odell Bjerkness R1 Box 221 A, Ponsford, MN 56575 Gaylord Yost, 2925 W. Bradley Rd., River Hills WI 53209

Western Region

Derek Blount, 906 N. Alexanderl ~oyal Oak Ml 48067 Wes Boyd 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach Ml 49253 Kennetti Gackler .1,.. 418 W. Johnson St..i.. Caledonia Ml 49316 Emily Gregor, (B 1 A) 6502 Olde York Hd., Parma Hts OH 44130 Arden Johnson, 600 Tennyson, Rochester Hills1_ Ml 48307 Martha K. Jones• 1857 Torquay Av~1 Royal OaK Ml 48073 Doug Welker, R 1, Box 59A, Pelkie Ml 49958

Central Region

Howard Beye" FL TC 202 Colebourne Rd., Rochester NY 14609 Helen Coyne, <::12 Willow CirclehZelienople PA 16063 Brita Dorn, Star Rt., Box 476, S effield PA 16347 Don Dorn Star Rt., Box 476 Sheffield PA 16347 Thomas J. Reimers, 3C Wildflower Dr., Ithaca NY 14850 Harmon Strong, 76 Shellwood Dr, Rochester NY 14618

Eastern Region

(810) 853-0292

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

(412) 776-0678

(218 )573-3858

(906) 338-2680

(810) 548-1737

Secretary: Helen Coyne, 212 Willow Circle, Zelienople PA 16063

Treasurer: Arden Johnson, 600 Tennyson, Rochester Hills, Ml 48307

President: Derek Blount, 906 N. Alexander, Royal Oak Ml 48067

Vice President (Trails): Doug Welker, R1, Box 59A, Pelkie Ml 49958

Vice President (Admln) Odell Bjerkness, Bad Medicine Lake, R 1, Box 221 A,

Ponsford, MN 56575

OFFICERS

Executive Director: Pat Allen, 2215 Sylvan Dr. SE, Grand Rapids Ml 49506 (616) 452-4487

National Park service Administrator Bill Menke, National Park Service, 700 Rayovac Dr., Suite 100,

Madison WI 53711 (608) 264-5610

PRINTED ON

0 RECYCLED

PAPER

NEWSLETTER of the

North Country Trail Association PO Box 311, White Cloud, Ml 49349

Headquarters Phone: (616) 689-1912 Editor:

Wes Boyd, 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach, Ml 49253

COMMITTEES

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, April-May 1994 Page2

6,9 7

Summer trail work projects NCTA position on mountain bikes National Conference in MN, Aug 28-31 11 New rail trail in Pennsylvania 16 Trail status reporting form 17 Brochures for trail users 19

THE ANNUAL NCTA elec tion of board members has been delayed while a candidate search goo; on. Expect ballots to be mailed by late April, and please return them as soon as possible.

* * *

FORMER NCTA Executive Director April Scholtz had a baby girl on January 4th. The baby's name is Sophie Lee Scholtz. April reports that she's a hand full. You can send her a congratulations card at 14770 178th Ave., Grand Ha ven, MI 49417.

* * *

A VERY SUCCESSFUL summit meeting was held in Ohio in early March. There are some interesting new developments there; hopefully there will be de tails in the next newsletter.

* * *

THE NATIONAL PARK Service has announced that the NCTA has received an additional $40,000 to their annual Coopera tive Agreement funding .. Budget revisions are under way, and it's planned that a bookkeeping firm will be engaged by the NCTA by June.

THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL HIKERS CLUB of Marquette, Michigan has become the first newly-chartered chap ter of the NCTA, and NCTA President Derek Blount expects that the Western Michigan Chapter will soon follow suit. In addition, a new chapter began forming in Traverse City, MI, at a February 17 meeting; formal application for a charter is ex pected in April. Derek also re ports that efforts are also under way to organize new chapters in North Dakota, where an organ izational meeting was held in Ft. Ransom on March 3, and in Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Pe toskey, MI. All ofa sudden, chap ter development has become a hot topic!

* * *

TWO BILLS have been in troduced in Congress which would establish segments of the Ohio and Erie Canal as a "National Heritage Corridor", along an 87- mile segment from Cleveland to Zoar. A multi-purpose trail is part of the package; the NCT follows about 20 miles at the southern end. NCTA member Alan Flora of Maryland is keep ing a close eye on these develop ments.

* * *

THE NEW YEAR kicked off with another long-awaited certifi cation of trail -- this in Minnesota's Itasca State Park, the Headwaters of the Mississippi. The 1987 Fall Meeting of the NCTA was held at Lake Itasca. The 13-mile segment certified is mostly new trail through the south segment of the park, and includes 1.25 miles that are only temporarily certified until new trail can be built. "I had the pleasure of looking at most of this new seg ment in late October, and know that it is a great addition to the North Country Trail," the Park Services Bill Menke said. The ac tion brings the total certified mile age of the trail to 1158.93.

* * *

ABOUT THE rover photo: 'This spring is bringing the first serious attempt to end-to-end the North Country National Scenic Trail in one year since 1978, as Ed Talone and Sue Lockwood will be making the attempt. The last persons to attempt a one-year end to end were Lou Ann Fellows (left) and Carolyn Hoffman, shown here in this photo taken near Marquette, MI by Har bor Springs, MI, phot.ographer Tim Calloway. Fellows was injured in Ohio, and had to drop out of the trip for several hundred miles, but Hoffman completed the journey.

Sue Lockwood reported that this year's attempt started March 12, beginning at Cincinnati, OH, and going eastward, hoping to beat the black flies through New York. They'll return to Cincinnati to head westward. plan to do the Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk, and hope to end up in North Dakota by Nov. 30.Anambitioustrip, but one well-planned by experienced long distance hikers. We'll keep you posted on their progress.

Page3 North Country Trail Association Newsletter, April-May, 1994

Elsewhere in this newsletter, you will find more information about the NCTAAnnual Conference, which will be held in late August at Maplelag Lodge, near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. In a number of ways, this is going to be in extremely important event for the future of the trail, especially as it addresses the westernmost segment. Even a brief glance at the schedule shows that this is going to be a most interesting and informative meeting to attend, and I urge you to plan to be there if it is at all possible.

Though we've got some darn good members out in the western segments, and they've accomplished much, there's a lot happening out there and the potential is there to accomplish more. Accordingly, we're undertak ing an intense drive to increase membership in the region, and to invite people to this meeting. It's for this reason that we're going all out to make this the best meeting we possibly can. One of the things that this conference should accomplish is to put the annual membership meetings on a higher plane than they have been in the past. There will be many more hikes, seminars, and workshops to interest members than ever before, and the dull business aspects of the meet ing will be in the background.

Don't delay! There's a discount for early registra tion. Get out that checkbook now!

* * *

Just when we get settled into the new printing schedule for the newsletter, we're changing it again. At the January board meeting, the NCTA board approved increasing the frequency of the newsletter to five issues per year, possibly as an interim step toward going to even more issues of the newsletter annually.

Five issues a year seems like sort of an odd number at first, but there's a rationale for it: the flow of news, information, and coming events slows markedly in the winter, and the spring issue is often a little light - so we'll keep the winter schedule pretty much as it is, but we'll sneak in an extra issue in the warmer months in an attempt to bring more timely information to NCTA supporters and members.

For the rest of this year, anyway, newsletter dead lines will be June 1, August 1, October 1, and January 1. At next year's winter board meeting, we'll re-evaluate the schedule, and see if perhaps we want to go to six or seven issues per year.

With the new schedule, we should be able to do a better job of bringing important news and information to you. There are some other changes coming, too, and some interesting stories coming up. Let us know what you think.

.. s, oolllI!lllilID IJ'

'""""''"~ .

by the Editor

Keyboard Trails •

Editor's note: The response I got was largely against gwssy paper, so we'll drop that idea for now. I don't have the room to print all the responses, but increased fre quency was often applauded, and, as you'll note from the next column, we're doing it.

Dear Wes: We bring you two quiet voices from the Keystone

wilderness to let you know how great we think the latest issue of the newsletter is. We especially like the proposed options for Newsletter change in "Keyboard Trails" except one. We are disbelievers in slick, maga zine style paper. Glossy paper has a stressful impact on the environment in terms of ingredients, expense and the problems of recycling. Please give this option care ful consideration (i.e., scratch it off the list).

Thanks to our indominable president Derek Blount for a nice Trail Head and to Executive Director Pat Allen for her neat and nice item. Tom Gilbert's half page was a great and inspiring bit, too.

We want you all to know how much we miss all of you and look forward to reconnection in the not too distant future.

The best of good wishes to a top of the line N ewslet ter, a great organization and truly wonderful friends.

Love, Hugs and Kisses John and Barbie Smithhipps

Sincerely, Harold E. Anderson.

Dear Mr. Boyd: !just received thewinter'94 newsletter. You asked

for opinions on the best course to follow. The list ofideas printed in your editorial is very good, except for one item. I receive several journals, newsletters, and maga zines printed on "slick" paper. That paper is fine for printing color photographs but is sure is hard to read. It does not seem to matter where the light is, it still causes glare which makes it hard to read. I would like to encourage you to continue printing on the type paper you use now. Not only is it easy to read but it is also recyclable in more of the rural comm unities than maga zine stock is.

Please keep up the good work with the newsletter. I read it each month and get another idea or two with each issue.

. ·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.··:·:::::::::::::: ·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.··:·:·:·::::::::: ::::::::::::

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, April-May 1994 The deadline for the June-July issue of the Newsletter is June 1, 1994. Items received after that date cannot be assured of a place in the newsletter. Items received well before that date are much appreciated. The deadline for the August-September issue of the newsletter will be August 1, 1994.

OK, it's spring, now. The vernal equinox has passed. The sun is returning to the northern skies. Yes, that's what that large yellow disk in the sky was. You can put away the reading of a good book or quilting in front of a fireplace. The snow is melting or is already gone. Some of us are already looking toward projects and hiking.

There is lots to do now for those ofus that work on the trail each summer. We have planned all of the projects that will start shortly. Now, it's time to build bridges, put up interpretive signs, and walk for the forests, fields, and swamps looking for the new trail paths we scratched on last winter's maps. If you are looking to work on a project this year, pleasecontactyourStateTrail Coordinator. Weare always looking for more volunteers.

As I mentioned last issue, we are planning a lot of new things in 1994 for all of the members and friends of the NCTA. Some of our members will be taking some trail workshop training this spring. They will be involved in hands-on training with three aspects of trail construction: trail location and survey, trail maintenance and drainage tech niques and bridge construction. The training is provided through the Student Conservation Asso ciation with the support of the National Park Serv ice. This is part of our efforts to provide new NCTA services for our members. These folks will then go on to train others in the NCTA. If you are interested in this type of training then contact Pat Allen, our executive director for future training opportunities.

As you know, there will beanNCTAConference in August in Minnesota. You should check out the special section in this issue for more information. This is not a business meeting but a time when you can pick up additional training in 20 workshops, learn about the Native American respect for the land; dance and sing at the Ceilidh and much more. Please plan on coming and enjoying the fun.

Thanks again to all of the legislative folks who supported usin 1993.Asaresultofthatsupportthe National Park Service has agreed to extend our Co operative Agreement until December of this year with a considerable increase in funding. Also, there will be additional funding through the Challenge Cost Share program. That means we will be able to do more trail building and member training.

In that same line, congratulations to Senator Carl Levin, Congressman Bruce Vento and the Cuyahoga Valley Trails Council on their 1993 American Hiking Society Awards as "America's Outstanding Trailblazers."

Speaking of awards, the NCTA recently re ceived a certificate from "The Great Trail - Sandy and Beaver Canal Corridor" in recognition of out standing service toward the completion of this National Recreation Program. This will be framed and hung in the Headquarters Building for all NCTA members and friends to see. We also recently hung a special print commemorating the 25th anniver sary of the National Trail System Act in the Head quarters.

We are already very active in the political arena this year. We and the rest of the 18 National Trails are working with the American Hiking Society to write new amendments to the National Trail Sys tem Act. To this end I will be attending a "Town Hall Meeting" in Milwaukee to testify on these issues. This will aid all trails in further development. I will be commenting on the role we see the government playing in the creation of trails and our vision of the nationwide network of trails.

National Trails Day is coming up again soon. It is June 4-5 this year. Please plan to join us hiking on the trail. There will be many hiking events to choose from so be sure to come and bring a friend as well. Information about these events can be obtained from Pat Allen.

As I write this, there is a new chapter forming in the Traverse City area of Michigan. If you want in formation, please write to Arlen Matson, 245 Dracka Road, Traverse City, MI, 49684. There are a number of other Chapters of the NCTA being formed in North Dakota, Michigan, Minnesota and Wiscon sin. If you wish to join any of these or our existing chapters in northern and lower Michigan, please look in the next issue of the Newsletter for their addresses. Five dollars of your NCTA dues pays for the local dues at the chapter. There is no additional cost to you for joining a Chapter. There is lots to do, with many local events and trail projects. There are a lot of great people to meet there as well.

There are some changes going on at the Head quarters/Hostel this summer. We will have a couple of folks staying all summer long at the hostel. They will be managing the hostel for us and answering the phone. If you're in the area, then stop and say hello. We also hope to install a conventional furnace in the building this year to replace the woodburning stove. This will provide year around use for the hostel and make it even more popular with cross country skiing NCTA members.

Have a great spring, and keep your eyes and ears open for more great things from the NCTA.

·'~:.

Pages North Country Trail Association Newsletter, April-May, 1994

FLTC Alley Cat Trail Crew to have 2 work weeks this summer

During the summer of 1994, the FLTC will sponsor two trail work weeks. lnt.erested persons can work from a day to the entire six days on either or both work weeks.

It is time now to start marking calendars and signing up for one of the crews. We need all the workers we can muster as there is plenty to accomplish. All crew members working eight hours or more will receive a Trail Worker patch and those that work five days will receive a special Alley Cat Trail Crew t.ee shirt.

Alley Cat Trail Crew #1 will be working on the main trail from map M-4 (junction ofMain and Conser vation Trail) to M-10 (N. Hornell) during the week of July 11-16, 1994. These sections of trail are sponsored by the ADK/Niagara Frontier Chapt.er, Bob Emerson, Ted Anderson, Boy Scout Troops 33 and 53, Genesee Valley Hiking Club and Letchworth Trail Associates. The work will involve trail improvement and facility development. Stephanie Spittal, an experienced trail maintainer on the FLT, will be the crew leader. The crew will be based at Boy Scout Camp Sam Wood near Pike, NY.

Alley Cat Trail Crew #2 will be relocating trail, making repairs and improving lean-tos and outhouses on the main trail between map M-18 and M-23 and on the Onondaga Trail. These sections of trail are spon sored by the Onondaga chapt.er of the Adirondack Mountain Club. The work will take place August 15-20, 1994. Crew Leader for the week will be Howard Beye, an experienced trail maintainer and a crew leader last year. The crew will be based at the Department of Environmental Conservation Taylor Valley Campground near Truxton, NY.

Non-commuting Trail crew members for both weeks will be provided free: lodging in two person 7x9' wall tents with cots, meals from Monday lun:ch through Saturday lunch, local transportation during the work ing time and work tools. Workers are to provide their own personal camping equipment including eating gear, work clothes and foot gear. Workers must be at least 18, unless accompanied by a parent, and in good health ready for physically demanding work.

The work weeks have been very successful for many years and are a great opportunity for you to provide much needed assistance to keep our trails and facilities in top shape. They also provide fellowship and fun with others who enjoy the trail and are willing to share some of their time to be a member of a trail crew.

To sign up as an "Alley Cat Trail Crew" member, contact Howard Beye at the FLTC Service Cent.er, 202 Colebourne Road, Rochest.er, NY 14609-6733. (716) 288- 7191. Crew size will be limited to eight non-commuting members at each location. Early sign-up is suggested. Meeting locations and other details will be provided to all who sign up for either week.

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, April-May 1994

1994 lower Michigan trail work The 1994 trail construction program in lower Michi

gan should be another big one. The following activities are being planned:

1. Trail maintenance weekend in May -- Camp at Pickerel Lake, hike and repair sections in Antrim and Kalkaska counties. Call Ralph Powell at (313) 971-9013 for time and details.

2. Construction week in July sponsored by the Sierra Club -- Camp at Pickerel Lake and build a section connecting the existing trail in Antrim and Kalkaska Counties. Call Ralph Powell for time and details on this one, also.

3. Construction work in Emmet County -- Negotia tions are under way to use Pellston prison crews during June, July and August. Help is needed for trail survey ing, flagging, marking and supervision. Volunteers can come on a day, weekend, or as-available basis. Call Arden Johnson for more information.

4. Construction near Walton. This will connect the section along the Manistee River to the STS trail. Arlen Matson will be glad to have volunteer help in the spring. Call him at (616) 941-4152.

Arden Johnson, Trail Manager, will again be in East Jordan during June, July and August to direct trail construction operations and will be glad to get help at any time. He will have a phone number there that will be available from (616) information, or call him before June lat (810) 853-0292.

My mail gets delivered late in the aft.ernoon and each day I look forward to seeing what new person will be reaching out to the Association. We offer adventure to many. It may be hard for those of you who serve on boards and committ.ees to remember that you were once reaching for that adventure. I hope it is still there for each of you this spring. Some of our key trail leaders from Ohio and Michigan will have an adventure this month with the Student Conservation Association as they build the first miles of trail in Barry County, MI, and learn how to build trail that lasts.

I'm excited about the new chapters that are form ing. I am looking forward to meeting with them and to attending the annual meetings in April of the FLTC and the BTA. Congratulations to the BTA members on your 35th Anniversary. Our new trail shop brochure is done. The mugs are ordered. The mailings are going out for the August conference. It's a busy time. I wonder if the mail is here yet.

·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.· ... ·.·.·.·.·.·.-.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.·.

1111111111111r11111

·····················.··.·.·.·.·.·.-.·:·--.-.-.·.·.·.·.··.·.·=<·.·.·.·.·:·:·.<·.<<<·.<·.<·.·.·.·.·.·.·.<·.·.·.·>.-:-:-:·:-:-:·:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:-:.:-:-:-.·.·----.-.·-----_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

··.··················································~1-11··································

Page6

walkers." Menke's comments were expanded in a ''prelimi

nary discussion draft'' by the Park Service's Tom Gilbert, distributed to the membership at the meeting:

"As we visit various parts of the North Country Trail, in our administrative capacity, we observe vari ous amounts of mountain bike usage and corresponding amounts of resource damage and user conflicts. The degree of damage and conflict depends on whether or not organized groups or large numbers of bikers have 'discovered' the trail, and the degree to which they are promotingitin their newsletters, etc. Obviously, it also depends on the soil conditions. On a forest like the Chippewa, where bike use is light, we see very little damage or conflicts at this time. In some of the State forests and parks in New York and Pennsylvania, where bike use is also light but soils are wet, we see early stages of damage. After only one or two bikes have gone down the trail, their tire track is providing an uninter-

rupted downhill course for water flow, and ero sion is beginning. On a forest like the

Huron-Manistee, where bike use is heavy and the soils are light, we

see a higher degree of resource damage and the potential for

moderate to severe damage in the future. On that forest, some areas of the trail pass ing through sandy soil now consist of a 6 to 10 foot width of multi-braided trail with loose sand. This leads to poor walking conditions, unsightly views, a degraded hiker experience, and very

erosive conditions. Where the soils are a little heavier,

the trail is 'beat' to the point that there is not a leaf, twig, or

acorn on the surface at the end of the summer season. Waterbars

are being bypassed and the trail is moving laterally from its designed loca

tion." Menke cited the preliminary reports of a study in

the Kettle Moraine State Forest (Wisconsin), compar ing the impact of mountain bikes on geotextile pro tected surfaces compared to non-protected surfaces. '"After 6000 bike passes, the soil eroded from the unpro tected hills was 300 times that from the protected ones. What this says is that bikes have a very real impact on real soil in a natural setting. On sandy soils, there is a thin layer of heavier soil on top. Bikers quickly cut through this thin layer and get into the loose sand. Bikers hate loose sand, so continually widen the trail. The geotextile was very effective in reducing erosion, but also very expensive. This summer, they plan to build a 27 mile trail which is designed for bikes and constructed to protect the resource. Cost will be $275,000 or approximately $10,000 per mile."

Page7

As a matter of policy, the board of the North Coun try Trail Association at its January meeting agreed to go on record as favoring mountain bicycle use only in special, severely limited circumstances.

The board adopted the following resolution on a split vote:

'The policy of the North Country Trail Association is that bicycling is best accommodated as a use on the North Country NST on rail-trail segments and on other short segments of hard ened surface ( 1) specifically designed for wheeled ve hicles, where the bikes would not damage natural or trail resources; (2) that are parts of previ ously established multiple use trails that become part of the North Country Trail route; (3) where bicycles could be physically restricted to the designated section and (4) where bicycle use would not adversely affect the recreational experience of hikers. We realize these conditions generally are not found on the typical single-track forested and rural segments of the North country trail, and we believe bicycle use on such segments is inadvisable at best."

The policy was modeled on one adopted in the last year by the Appalachian Trail Conference.

This decision does not represent a ban on mountain bikes on the trail, as the local managing authority still has the final decision over whether to permit their use or not. However, it does mean that the association has gone on record as opposing mountain bikes in most situations.

The policy decision was requested by the National Park Service's Bill Menke, who commented, "Increas ing levels of mountain bike use on some portions of the North Country National Scenic Trail are resulting in trail and natural resource damage as well as conflicts with the trail's principal user group - hikers and

NCTA sets policy opposing mountain bikes on trail

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, April-May, 1994

nancial accountability, revenue sharing, member ship assignment, reporting, and policy, and these issues needed clarification. No affiliate agreements had been signed, although it appeared close on all three.

The board approved a $4950 budget for the August NCTA Conference, to be held at Maplelag Lodge, near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, on August 28-31. This was more than originally requested, in order to do more promotion to enhance attendance.

Long-time NCTA Treasurer Ken Gackler (the only treasurer the organization has ever had) an nounced that he wanted to give up the job, but still wanted to remain active. As a result, he and Mem bership Chairman Arden Johnson agreed to ex change jobs. The changeover will take a while to become effective.

Inspiteofalongday, theboarddidn'tmanageto work its way through the long and varied agenda they had to deal with, and will schedule a two-day meeting in May in order to get to some items that have been put off.

which became the first NST. One central feature of the AT is that it is intended to be primarily a hiking trail. In harmony with this, both the NPS and FS have closed their segments of the AT, which comprise over 80 percent of the entire trail, to bike use.

"In patterning the North Country NST after the AT, we prefer to see it developed and managed primar ily as a foot travel only trail (includes skiing, snowshoe ing, etc.), except in those locations where other forms of non-motorized use, such as bicycling and horseback riding, are compatible with the hiking experience and where the natural resource base can support such use without damage. However, (in writing the comprehen sive plan) recognizing that the route of the North Coun try Trail incorporates many existing trails, and the fact that the trail will only exist through the voluntary cooperation of others who see the trail as a help to meeting their own objectives, we left the decision of permitting other non-motorized uses to local managing authorities. Nevertheless, we cautioned against per mitting other uses which might physically damage trail resources or for which the trail was not designed to safely accommodate, including safety of the primary users-hikers. The mention of bicycling as a nonmo torized activity which might be permitted by a local managing authority was primarily intended to accom modate existing or future rail-trail segments. No thought was given to specifically permitting or encouraging mountain bikes use of what we anticipated would be, in most cases, a simple foot path. In fact, the plan was published about the time the first 'mountain bikes' were hitting the market."

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, April-May 1994-

The Board of the North Country Trail Associa tion had a busy and productive Winter meeting at the Courtyard Inn in Dearborn, Michigan, on a chilly January 15.

The location of the meeting was in close proxim ity to Detroit Metropolitan Aiiport, to simplify meeting arrangements for those board members flying into the meeting. The experiment was deemed such a success that the May board meeting will be held in the same location, May 21-22.

In addition to decisions to expand the newslet ter to five issues annually, and to approve a policy limiting mountain bike use, both issues reported on elsewhere in this newsletter, the board managed to get a considerable amount of other business out of the way.

The board spent several hours on remaining loose ends on policy of the inter-relations of the NCTA and its chapters. As of the board meeting date, no chapters had officially agreed to the new terms, although the decision was pending at two. Chapter officers had expressed concerns about fi-

''We also receive complaints over the high rates of bike speed and how they are treated by the bikers," Menke continued. ''ltisfairtosaythatthevastmajority of what we learn and hear, plus our own personal experience, suggests significant areas of incompatibil ity between hikers and bikers, especially if bike use is heavy. This incompatibility is primarily caused by the differences in speeds between the two modes of trans portation. Many believe that the bikers quickly take over and displace hikers from the trail. When this happens on the North Country NST, we have not only a conflict between two groups of users, but a conflict with the very purpose for which the trail was established.

"The resource damage that occurs from heavy bike use is of equal or greater concern. In order to withstand bike traffic, a trail must be constructed and maintained to a higher standard than is necessary for a foot trail. The volunt.eer maintainers of the North Country Trail are already hard pressed to keep up with mainte nance, part of which is maintaining water structures and preventing erosion and siltation. A policy which en courages increased mountain bike usage will compound the maintenance problem."

Gilbert, author of the ''Preliminary Discussion Draft'', commented: ''We do not believe that Congress intended the North Country Trail to be a 'wilderness' trail. This belief is reflected in our comprehensive management plan, which makes provision for the user to pass through a variety oflandscapes and recreation experiences ... at the same time, the legislative history of the National Trail System indicated that national scenic trails are intended to be patterned after the Appalachian Trail,

Pages

Board has busy winter meeting

Periodically we like to remind folks of some points about submitting photos to the NCTA Newsletter:

In general, black and white photos are to be preferred over color photos, since they reproduce better in black and white. Since it is hard to get reasonably-priced black and white processing any more if you're not a hobbiest, color photos will be accepted -- but the photos should be on the light side. Dark, reddish color photos do not reproduce 'worth a darn.

Photos submitted will be retained unless return is requested, along with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. It's possible that a photo not used right away might be the perfect illustration a year or two later, so submissions will be kept on file. Please note the photographer's name on the back of the photo, and include a separate sheet giving some information about the picture.

Quality counts! No matter how newsworthy the photo, if it's blurred, poorly focused or poorly composed, it will detract from the quality of the story.

In general, pictures with people or objects in them are better than general photos of scenery. Photos intended as cover photos should be at least 5x7, composed vertically, but leaving dead space at the top for mailing label, etc.

Submitting photos to the NCTA Newsletter

through May 22, to finish opening a trail segment between Greenbrier Ridge and Auerville Road. Camp ing will be on the property ofBTA friend Dick VanTine. For information contact Jim Sprague, (216) 884-4757.

• Clendening Reservoir, the weekend of June 17 through June 19, to complete more of the trail plan proposed to the MWCD by Tom Garvey and Bob Bemus. Camp at Tappan Lake Campground. For information contact Jim Sprague, (216) 884-4757.

• East Fork State Park, the weekend of September 9 through Sept. 11. Return to East Fork State Park to work on combined horse/hiking trail which receives very heavy horse use. Camping details to be announced. For information contact Jim Sprague, (216) 884-4757.

• Wayne National Forest, the weekend of October 14 through Oct. 16. Returns to the Wayne National Forest in Perry County to work on as yet undetermined projects. Camping details to be announced. For infor mation contact Jim Sprague, (216) 884-4757.

Sierra Club sets 1994 Michigan service trips

The Mackinac Chapter of the Sierra Club has been arranging service trips to work on the construction of the North Country Trail for several years. This activity started with Vince Smith in 1986with the Huron Valley group, and is now an ongoing project of the chapter to continue his efforts to increase the miles of constructed trail in Michigan.

New trail will be constructed on the weeklong trips as well as some maintenance of existing trails. Partici pants may attend for one day or the full week. Cost for the August trips may be slightly more depending on the costs of the cabins. The weekend trips will be a combi nation of exploration of existing trail and some main te nance in either Pere Marquette or Mackinaw State Forests.

May 27-30. Explore and maintain recently con structed trail in Wexford County along the Manistee River. Cost is approximately $30. For information, contact trip leader Bill Minard, 569 Brookside, Ypsi lanti MI 48197 (313) 434-0129.

June 12-18. Build and maintain trail in the Pere Marquette or Mackinaw State Forest. Cost will be $15 per day for the full week. Contact Ron Killebrew, 475 Maple, Saline, MI 48175 (313) 429-0671.

July 10-16. Build and maintain trail in the Pere Marquette or Mackinaw State Forest. Cost will be $15 per day or $55 for the full week. Contact Joe Gottler, 1886 East Brown Rd., Mayville, MI (517) 893-5966.

August 14-20. Build and maintain trail in Ontana gon County in the upper peninsula. A rustic cabin will be available at Old Victoria in a very scenic area rich in history. Contact Eugene Elzinga, 12 Middle Island Point, Marquette, MI 49855. (906) 225-1704.

August21-27. Build and maintain trail in Ontana gon County in the upper peninsula. A rustic cabin will be available at Old Victoria in a very scenic area rich in history. Contact Eugene Elzinga, 12 Middle Island Point, Marquette, MI 49855. (906) 225-1704.

September· October. Weekend trips to work on sections of the trail in the lower peninsula. Dates and locations to be determined later. Contact Ralph Powell, 2887 Dalton, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 for this and other trips described above (313) 971-9013.

The Buckeye Trail Association will have four state wide Work Weekends this year. All will take place on the portions of the Buckeye Trail which includes the North Country Trail. If interested, do come; the trail crews will make you welcome. "We work hard, but we always have time for R&R!" Jim Sprague says.

The work weekends are: • Pike Lake State Forest, the weekend of May 20 ·

BTA sets work weekends for 1994 Page9 North Country Trail Association Newsletter, April-May, 1994

Railroad/trail segment now open and chugging

October 7 saw the formal opening of an innovative project in Ohio, which sees the North Country National Scenic Trail sharing a railroad right-of-way with an active tourist railroad.

The Little Beaver Creek Valley Railroad will con duct a tourist railroad operation on a section of track running from Negley, Ohio, to Glasgow, Pennsylvania. The trail will share the right of way in a trail segment believed unique.

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held October 7 on a portion of the old Youngstown and Southern Railway east of Negley to open what's really a "rail-trail". At a luncheon before the ribbon cutting, Columbiana County Commissioners presented the Little Beaver Creek Valley Railroad Company with a resolution of recognition. In it, the company was recognized for promoting and help ing the development of tourism in the county. ~\ The Little Beaver Creek Valley Railroad Company purchased and will operate the line from Negley to the Ohio River. Reno Davis, a member of the Little Beaver Creek Valley Railroad Company, said, "It's probably the most scenic property in the state of Ohio."

The North Country Trail Association was repre sented at the ceremony by Baird Stewart, Dick Thomp son and Bertha Hawn. The National Park Service was represented by Paul Labovitz and Barbara Jameson.

"The project has been in the works for several years," a local newspaper account said, "And opening this section of the trail represents a modest step in the county's hopes of encouraging and cultivating tourism trade."

IN EASTERN OHIO, the North Country National Scenic Trail follows the Sandy and Beaver Canal in Beaver Creek State Park. Here, a canal lock near the trail shows how wood lined locks were constructed. The NCNST follows miles of canal lands in Ohio.

Baird Stewart photo

Cleveland Hiking Club celebrates 7Sth anniversary

The Cleveland Hiking Club is having a year-long celebration to honor its 75th anniversary, which is in April of this year. The club is the oldest incorporated hiking club in the United States. ·-

The club was founded in March of 1919, the idea of Ethel H. McCarty, who worked with Cleveland News columnist Edna K. Wooley.

Well-established as the club approaches it's 75th Anniversary, it continues to enjoy a-rich heritage and

· pursue innovation. For more information about anni versary activities, contact Fred Jarosz, 75th Anniver sary Committee Chairman, 3860 Craigleigh Dr., Parma, OH 44129-6623.

Certified miles cut in Ohio review The National Park Service's Bill Menke reports

that in a March 15 review of the trail in Ohio, held with officials of the Buckeye Trail Association, it's clear that more trail is certified in Ohio than should be. In a couple ofinstances, trail is located along road and not certified; in others, the trail has been rerouted.

Menke reports that as a result of the action, the total certified mileage in Ohio will have to be cut from 295.13 miles to 278.2 -- a loss of approximately 17 certified miles.

However, in surveying the Ohio mileage, several opportunities were identified where new trail is certifi able now or could be certified with a little work. These opportunities come to twenty miles or more, so the action is not a total loss.

, A list of the changes is available from Menke at the Madison, WI, NPS office.


Pre and post conference work projects on the Bad Medicine and Chippewa NCT.

Come Join the Fun!

TRAIL BUILDING

An on-going presentation of trail hikes with slide shows of different trail adventures. Presenters invited.

The first trail builders of this land will share a message of respect for the land from the Minnesota Indian perspective.

"WALK SOFTLY ON THE LAND" UTILE THEATRE

Half and full day hikes on the Itasca and Bad Medicine sections of the NCT; the Tamarac pro posed route and Maplelag trails.

Jeff Reinneke, midwest editor of Backpacker will share his vision of why we need wilderness trails.

DAY HIKES Pronounced "kaylee", the Scots and Irish hold a party. Everyone contributes to song, dance, poetry and fellowship. Bring your talent!

"CEILIDH"

Outdoor shops, manufacturers and trail clubs.

More than 20 different workshops to choose from. Grouped by Outdoor Skills, Environmental Interpretation, Minnesota history and trail building techniques.

Cindy Ross has spoken and written eloquently of her through hikes on the Pacific Crest and Appalachian Trails. She will speak on self-discovery, trails, Llamas and children.

EXHIBITS FEATURED SPEAKERS WORKSHOPS AND SEMINARS

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

NCTA National Conference August 28-31, 1994

Maplelag Lodge, Callaway MN

Call of the North C>


CALL OR WRITE FOR RESERVATIONS: Maplelag, Route 1, Callaway, MN 56523 1-800-654-7711 (Reservations only) 218-375-4466 (Information)

SPECIAL NCTA CONFERENCE RATE OF $125.00 (Includes 3 nights housing and 9 meals. MN tax extra) (Inquire for single night and single meal costs)

How do we describe this remarkable Minnesota lodge that is hosting the Conference? Well, try thinking about the neatest camp you attended as a kid, blend in a rustic Norwegian ski lodge, add some antique log cabins (one with a sod roof) and modern motel rooms (built with native woods), throw in lots of stained-glass

windows and assorted antique. signs, try a gourmet restaurant with mom cooking and serving, and you sort of get the idea! Oh, yes ... add Minnesota's largest hot tub, a fine sand beach on a clear lake and an old-fashioned Finnish Sauna bath house. And then envison 50 kilometers of XC ski trails wandering through northern hardwoods and pine forests. Hosts, Jim and Mary Richards have been operating Maplelag as Minnesota's premiere Cross-Country ski resort for 20 years. In the summer they host the Concordia Language Village Camps. Jim and Mary personally oversee day to day operations and have been long time NCTA members. Maplelag is informal and the cookie jar is always out. Guests bring their own sleeping bags to help keep costs down (or you may rent linens from the lodge). Room choices range from private room or cabin (with or without bath), or shared larger rooms or cabins with shared bath.

ABOUT. MAPLE LAG

Thurs. - Sat., Sept. 1-3. Trail building project, Chippewa section. Backpacking trip, Chippewa section.

Wednesday, August 31: State chapter breakfasts. Morning: workshops, seminars, and trail hikes, 9 AM - noon. Closing luncheon with Cindy Ross, speaker

Tuesday, August 30: Annual General Membership meeting 9-10:30 AM Workshops, seminars and trail hikes, 11-12:30 PM and 2-5 PM Cookout supper with Ceilidh party or campfire following.

Monday, August 29: Workshops and Seminars, 9 AM - noon and 2-5 PM Banquet dinner with Jeff Reinneke, speaker Little Theater and Exhibits, 8-1 O PM.

Sunday, August 28: Registration and check in (all day) Board of Directors Meeting 1-2:30 PM; NCTA Committee meetings, 3-5 PM Dinner and Welcoming Ceremony 6-8 PM; Little Theater and Exhibits, 8-1 O PM.

Saturday, August 27: Grand Opening Ceremony, Itasca/Bad Medicine Section 2 PM

Thurs. - Sat. Aug. 25 - 27: Trail Work project, Bad Medicine Section; Backpacking trip Itasca-Bad Medicine.

PROGRAM PREVIEW


NEED MORE CONFERENCE INFORMATION? Call John Lomnicki, Publicity Chair, at 1-800-688-4578

RETURN TO: NCTA Conference c/o Paul Wright 14340 Blaine Court Rosemount MN 55068

Upon receipt of your registration we will send information about travel and tourism in Minnesota, pre and post conference work projects and backpacking trips. For housing reservations, call Maplelag directly at 1-800-654- n11.

$ _ TOTAL ENCLOSED (Checks payable to •NCTA Conference•) Cancellation policy: over 30 days, 75%; 15-30 days, 50"A.; 0-15 days, 25%)

My new (or renewal) NCTA membership dues are enclosed (New members must include to register at member rate)

O $20 Individual O $35 Organizational o $100 Pathfinder o $400 Life (1 person) O $30 Household O $50 Trail Leader O $500 Corporate O $600 Life (couple) We also recognize members of the Rovers, Superior, and Kekebabic Trail Clubs

I am coming for backpack trip (Aug. 25-27) at $65/person (Includes food, transportation, tents, group gear, leader).

I am coming for backpack trip (Sept. 1-3) at $65/person

n/C I am coming for post-conference trail project (Sept. 1-3)

n/C am coming for pre-conference trail project (Aug. 25-27)

# x --- $50 $30

$20/day $10/day

$25/day $15/day

FULL CONFERENCE- Non-member Spouse or child (10-18)

DAILY REGISTRATION NCTA Member Spouse or Child (10-18)

DAILY REGISTRATION Non-Member Spouse or Child (10-18)

$45 $25

FULL CONFERENCE - NCTA member Spouse or child (10-18)

Total $ _ # x

after June 1 $40 $20

__ Please send information about Day Camp for children aged 3-1 O (Day camp will be offered only with minimum of 8 campers during program times. Cost will be $40.

before June 1 $35 $15

(Children) _

Names for Badge: Family registration: (Spouse)-------------

City: State ZIP _

TEL:._,,,(_--1- ____,,(H,_,,,_)

TEL:._,,,( ____..(O~)

ONCTA O Rovers

Member affiliation: OSHTA OKTC

NCTA CONFERENCE REGISTRATION


•

'

THE ARROWHEAD The Minnesota Arrowhead region is a unique resource that includes the north shore of Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness. Three great trails - - the Superior, Border Route and Kekababic traverse this region and have been invited to join the North Country Trail system. The seminar will highlight the beauty and wildness of this region.

"

GOOD DOSE OF BAD MEDICINE This local history project was recently completed by NCTA's own Dell Bjerkness and details the history of the area arOL11d this special lake. It's an interesting tale and may spark participants to look at their own areas in a similar manner.

THE AMERICAN INDIAN At this conference we are located within the White Earth Indian Reservation. This seminar will focus on the conflicts between the Reservation land system and the encroachment of white land ownership. Learn about the traditions and values that the Indian comm unity is trying to preserve.

ITASCA AND THE HEADWATERS The NCT passes by the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River and the crown jewel of Minnesota parks, Itasca. This seminar will cover the history of the famous park and the many treasures it protects.

MAP AND COMPASS Everyone carries a compass but do you really know how to use the compass to interpret your map if you're in trouble? This seminar will explore the various maps used along the NCT and how to use the compass as the proper tool for making the map come alive. Class will be both indoors and outdoors.

OUTDOOR COOKING Learn how to "rough it easy". Good planning is the key. This is a practical workshop and participants will actually cook a full trail menu. We will consider menu planning, food sources, repackaging, cooking equipment, and dishwashing. We'll even bake a pan of "sticky buns"!

SEMINARS (3 hours)

WORKING WITH LOCAL INTERESTS The local resident is essential to trail development and maintenance. Focus on how to meetthelocalgroup, besensitive to their politics, how to involve them with the trail.

GRANT PROPOSALS The NCT A, like most trail groups, is underfunded. This will cover how to search for grant money, how to write proposals, how to shepherd them through hearings and final reporting.

MEMBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT Members are the key to a successful trail club. This session will focus primarily on NCTA's needs but the information is applicable to any trail organization.

THE TRIP LEADER Every trip has a leader and that person has respon sibilities. This will focus on the leader's role in planning, decision making, group leadership and safety management.

TRAIL AMENmES A discussion of how to make your new trail more livable. What kind of signage is needed, how to produce a basic guidebook and maps, how to construct campsites, where to place access points and parking.

TRAIL CLEARING Practical tips on how to organize a trail clearing event. Tools needed, safety plans, efficient people planning, volunteer support.

TRAIL SURVEYS. How do you approach the task of surveying and laying out a trail? Workshop covers techniques of map reading, practical trail advice, and examples of successful trail projects.

BEAR FACTS The black bear of North America is one worry for backcountry travelers. Find out about bear habits, needs, and how to relate positively.

STAR GAZING A late evening workshop offered every day to get acquainted with the stars. We will have some serious telescopes on hand.

ACCLIMATIZATION You don't need to be a trained naturalist to interpret the outdoors. Learn some techniques of what is going on in the environment and how to lead your group to an understanding of the outdoors.

FOREST HABITAT Come meet the great northern forest. Maplelag is situated at a unique juncture of the maple hardwoods, the big pines, and the Red River valley. Primarily a forest walk.

WILDFLOWERS Guided walks to identify common wildflowers of the northwoods. Slide presentation of flowers of other areas and seasons.

WATER PURIFICATION A practical demonstration of the filters and treatments available for producing clean backcountry water.

TRIP PLANNING. You can't just hit the trail without some advance planning. Workshop covers safety, risk manage ment, inineraries, clothing, equipment, routes and much more useful information.

HEALTH AND SAFETY. Covers basic issues of maintaining good health and practicing safety on the trail. Not a full first aid course but will cover the fundamentals.

ROPECRAFT Six basic knots needed for trail camping. Practical activity to master ropes for rigging tents and rainllys, repairing packs, tying equipment on vehicile and pack and other uses.

WORKSHOPS (1 1 /2 hours)

Workshops and Seminars North Country Trail Association Newsletter, April-May 1994

Hike across Schuyler County The Adirondack Mountain Club - Finger Lakes

Chapter, Cayuga Trails Club, and Finger Lakes Na tional forest will sponsor a Hike Across Schuyler County on the Finger Lakes Trail from May through October, 1994. Experienced hikers will lead slow-hiking and fast-hiking groups in each of six east-to-west hikes across Schuyler County, NY. A special commemorative shoulder patch will be presented to the hikers who complete the 49.3 miles across the county. Vehicles will be available at road crossings for those who choose not to finish a hike. The trail is rocky and muddy in certain areas - appropriate footwear is required. Sorry, no pets.

Pre-registration is required for each hike. There is a one-time registration fee of $5.00 payable to Cayuga Trails Club, PO Box 754, Ithaca NY 14851. Limited to 25 slow hikers and 50 fast hikers. Call Tom Reimers (607) 272-8679, Sue Kittel (607) 594-2750 or Nick Van dam (607) 539-6313 for information and registration.

contact Arden Johnson, 600 Tennyson, Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (810) 853-0292.

It would be nice to have a library of tapes and slide shows available for showings at meetings of chapters, clubs, and other interested groups. We have a beginning with the donation of a 27 minute tape from the National Park Service, "Surface Water Control Techniques for Trail Maintenance."

Also, Richard Innes has given us five tapes that he shot on trail projects in Michigan and Maine. They are:

1. "The Trailmakers" - 22 minutes, set in Maine. 2. ''Volunteer Trail Building on the North Country

Trail - 10 minutes, shot in northern Michigan, featur ing the late Vince Smith at work.

3. ''Uses for a Simple Back-Country Sawmill" - 6 minutes, adapting a chain saw in shelter building.

4. ''An Erosion Control Project on the Katadin Hunt Trail" - 22 minutes, building stone steps in Maine.

5. ''The Maine Appalachian Trail Club Footpath Recovery Crew'' - 10 minutes, trail repair in Maine.

There must be other artists who have shows to contribute, and donors will get their name in the news letter. Tapes should have voice recordings, and slides should include commentary notes. For more informa tion about borrowing tapes, or to contribute tapes,

North Country Trail tape library started

maintenance, scouting, salvaging materials and ad ministrative chores are added up, a total of 6700 volun teer hours was donated in the Marquette area. Most of this effort was from club members. However, the valu able help of other groups needs to be recognized. These groups include the Sierra Club (1000 hours), Herb Grenke's hiking class from Northern Michigan U niver sity (250 hours) Redeemer Lutheran Church Youth Servant Event (235 hours) and the Volunteer Youth Corps (225 hours). With a continuation of this level of effort, the club could complete the North Country Trail in the Upper Peninsula by the year 2001 !

In 1994, the group's highest priority will be to stabilize the steep trail on both sides of the river at the Laughing Whitefish Bridge site. This will require the installation of steps and other structures to prevent erosion. We are also planning to work on trail between the Laughing Whitefish and Harvey and from Little Presque Isle to the Little Garlic River. The months of August and September will be reserved for this and other trail construction projects. Trail maintenance will be accomplished during spring outings. Overall, it is shaping up to be another challenging year for the North Country Trail Hiker's Club.

In 1993, the North Country Trail Hikers of Mar quette, Michigan undertook a major project to cross the Laughing Whitefish River with a bridge and associated foot trail. The group did not undertake this without considerable forethought. The bridge span was long, and the site remote. There is particular satisfaction resulting from the completion of this difficult task. A total of 1700 hours was expended for bridge and trail construction.

The McCormick Wilderness segment of the North Country Trail was also completed by the group in 1993. This culminates a five-year effort by club members and the Forest Service to include the trail corridor within the wilderness. Nearly 1200 volunteer hours were re quired to complete this 6.8 mile trail.

A trail segment connecting the Marquette bike path to the North Country Trail at the base of Hogback is nearly complete. So far, about 800 volunteer hours have been expended; with less than 100 needed to complete this segment.

New trails have been added in the vicinity of Wetmore Pond and Little Presque Isle totaling an additional 500 hours of work.

When all the additional time required for trail

Another big year for North Country Trail Hikers Club construction


-- reprinted from KTA Newsletter, Winter 1994

• There are active trail groups acquiring and con structing trail. The A VTA has acquired, and is develop ing, the trail from where I-80 crosses the Clarion to the Allegheny, at the mouth ofEast Sandy Creek, and from there to the community of Kennerdell. The Allegheny Clarion Valley Development Corporation is presently negotiating to acquire the remaining necessary corri dor along the Allegheny.

• The new route would provide access to the lower section of the Allegheny recently designated as a Na tional Recreational River.

• The new route would provide access to thousands of areas of public land, including Game Lands #63 and #45 and a large area of state forest land near the community ofKennerdell.

• The new route would be on wide corridors owned by the A VTA and not be based on trail easments. Along East Sandy Creek, an excellent trout stream, the A VTA owns a strip of land 100 to 200 feet wide with many streamside access points. Along the Allegheny, the A VTA owns a strip 66 feet wide.

• The Allegheny valley is an important bird migra tion route, offering excellent wildlife watching opportu nities.

For more information about the AVTA and their proposal, contact: David W. Howes, President, A VTA, 153 Sixth Ave., Clarion, PA, 16214, or call (814) 226- 6455.

The Allegheny Valley Trails Association (A VTA), a rail-trail group based in Clarion County, PA, is propos ing to shift the undeveloped proposed corridor of the North Country Trail in Clarion Counto onto a rapidly developing rail-trail system.

The NCT is presently proposed to run from the borough of Clarion to the Allegheny River by following the valley of the Clarion River. It is highly unlikely that this trail segment will ever be constructed, and local trail activists feel that a rerouting is desirable for a variety of reasons:

• There are no areas of public land along this segment.

•There is no local trail group seeking to create this trail.

• Landowner opposition can be expected along the proposed corridor.

• Extensive pollution from strip-mined areas has made this area unattractive.

The A VTA proposes to shift the NCT onto the rail trail system which it is currently developing with an ISTEA grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

The proposed new route would leave the Clarion valley near where I-80 crosses the river, and follow the valleys of Deer and East Sandy Creeks to the Allegheny River. From there it would follow the Allegheny and reconnect with the proposed NCT corridor near the community of Parker. The A VTA feels the advantages of this route would be:

Rail-trail could fill Pennsylvania gap

Thanks! National Park Service 700 Rayovac Drive Madison, WI 53711

To make plans for future years, reports are needed on the condition of the North Country 'frail -- everywhere on the trail. When you go hiking on any segment of the North Country 'frail this year, please take copies of the reporting form on the opposite page, fill them out, and return them to:

Help needed! North Country Trail Association Newsletter, April-May 1994

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL CONDITION EVALUATION

State: - Inspected by: Date:

Managing Authority: Adopter(s): Time Spent: (hrs.)

Segment Termini: Length: __

INTRO: Use of this form to evaluate trail conditions will provide a unified approach and enable NPS and NCTA ····ers>> managers to provide better information to the public and to prioritize needs along the trail. It should be 0

completed at least annually and returned to NPS (address at bottom). NPS will provide copy to NCTA. n .:

d < NOTE: For help in evaluating and describing the general condition of each kind of trail maintenance, refer to any ;·:· .:::

..

good trail maintenance manual such as: NPS Trails Management Handbook, USFS Trail Manual, AT Fieldbook, I~ ;~ etc. Also see the NPS Signing Guides for the NCT. Under Condition Summary (Cond Summ) column: WN = Work Needed, WO = Work Done. Put X in appropriate box or I for partially done.

I>•< MAPS: NCT identified by name on park/forest map? ___ Map adequate? ___ Comments:

TRAILHEADS: Well marked on approach road? Consider the attractiveness of bulletin boards, interpretive signs explaining the NCT nationally and locally, parking, toilet and water facilities, useful information to hiker, etc. General Condition:

Work Needed:

Est. Person Hours:

TRAIL SIGNING: Nine inch emblems should be in place at trailheads and at major road crossings. 3Y. inch emblems should be at all road crossings and trail junctions, or no greater than 112 to 1 mile apart otherwise. Also evaluate condition of any directional or mileage signs. NCT Emblems in place7 (Y or NJ 9" --- 3 !h" --- General Condition:

Work Needed:

Est. Person Hours:

REASSURANCE BLAZESLMARKERS: Reassurance markers should generally be intervisible (spaced so one can easily follow the trail) without being so plentiful as to cause sign pollution.

Interval OK? --- Color: Type: (plastic or paint) General Condition:

Work Needed:

Est. Person Hours:

TRAIL CLEARING: Width (Std=4'): Height (Std=B'): General Condition:

Work Needed:

Est. Person Hours:

TREADWAY STABILITY {Erosion!: Includes waterbars, dips, etc. Surface Material: (N =Native, G = Granuiar, P =Paved): -- Width: --- General Condition:

Work Needed:

Est. Person Hours: (OVER)


TREADWAY DRYNESS (Drainage): Is water running in trail? __ L>.· >·< ~<J••/•••• Is erosion occurring? __ If so, to what degree?

General Condition: . ri?ny< Work Needed: 1rm .............. Est. Person Hours: Ii~ l\i9

•· ...... '/)

BOARDWALK. PUNCHEON. BRIDGES. STILES. GATES: There should be some provision for crossing seeps, wet areas, and streams without wading in mud, getting wet feet, or damaging fragile wetlands. Consider high water levels. Est. no. of boardwalk/puncheon sites or length in feet: No. of bridges: No. of stiles: No. of gates: General Condition:

Work Needed:

Est. Person Hours:

SHEL TEAS AND CAMPSITES: No. of shelters: --- No. of designated campsites: --- Is dispersed camping allowed? General Condition:

Work Needed:

Est. Person Hours:

WATER SOURCE: Adequate Frequency? Type/general condition:

Work Needed:

Est. Person Hours:

MOUNTAIN BIKE AND HORSE USE: Bikes permitted? Is evidence of use present? __ Horses permitted? Is evidence of use present? Damage Occurring? If so, describe:

Work Needed:

Est. Person Hours:

ILLEGAL ORV USE: Evidence of use present? Describe degree of damage:

Work needed to stop:

Est. Person Hours:

GENERAL IMPRESSION OF SEGMENT: Rate good, fair, poor or do narrative.

Litter/clean up needs:

WORK COMPLETED: Date: Person hours expended: Describe work done:

Return to: National Park Service, 700 Rayovac Drive-Suite 100, Madison, WI 53711 608-264-5610


The writing and design of brochures, in a detail sense, is beyond the limits of this discussion. However, some points about writing copy for trail information brochures should be remembered:

- The aim of all writing, no matter what its sub ject, length and intended readership may be, is to get at tention and hold it to the end.

- Almost all writing gains from a clear organiza tion plan.

- Good writing is not just easy to understand; it is impossible to misunderstand.

- Good writing depends on selectivity; organize and select your material so that a single impression is dominant.

- You cannot take your audience's interest for granted; work consciously to capture it.

-To interest is to inform. Generalities do not hold the reader.

Designing bulletins, flyers, brochures, and the like is simple, but doing it well takes work, and practice. You will almost certainly come up with a better job if you bring some professional assistance into your bro chure design. This need not be a high-level graphic designer; the printer in your local print shop has seen many examples of good and bad graphics design over the years, and will be able to help you come up with a better product, in most cases.

As the NCT is a National Scenic Trail under aus pices of the National Park Service, development of a publication using the lines of the NPS ''Unigrid" format for site bulletins may give a common appearance. How ever, it would be wise to have the NCNST representa tive of the NPS approve a site bulletin in the "Unigrid" format before publication.

Remember when we said that the three things that a user really wants are a good map, good signs and a good rest room? The brochure you are working with is where the good map comes in, and can provide a lot of'in formation that would otherwise have to go on signs. And, it can point out the way to good rest rooms.

Photographs and artwork also have their place in a brochure, if used wisely. These will help break up large gray areas of test that can seem overwhelming to the casual user.

Funding for these materials is always a concern. When possible, single-sheet brochures should be free to the user. Funding for some sorts of brochures is avail able, if you know where to look for it. However, it's usually best to try and develop a local funding source, rather than seek assistance from the National Park Service or the NCTA, where resources are limited. Many thousand copies of a single color, double-sided brochure may only cost a few hundred dollars and last a long time. Try local tourist bureaus, or chambers of commerce. If all else fails, a local restaurant or outfitter may be willing to help with funding, in exchange for advertising space. Sometimes, this is not a bad trade off.

More extensive materials, such as booklets or books may have to be charged for, if for no more reason than

Publications are often the first thing we think about when we want to bring information about a trail segment to the user, but they may not be the appropri ate medium to pass on information about trails, espe cially to reach the casual user.

One of the items that must be considered in the planning and execution of a publication is the question of how the brochure, flyer, or site bulletin will get into the hands of the user. Sometimes, there's no easy way to accomplish this, and there's no guarantee that trail users will read the publication.

Among the ways that publications aimed at casual users can be distributed include trailhead pickup boxes, leaving copies in stores and visitor information cen ters, as well as responding to mail requests. Still, people will be missed, and studies have shown that many casual -- or even serious -- trail users in places with available printed information will not carry the brochure with them or make use of the information available to them.

Which is not to say that there is not a place for pub lications, for in many ways they are the most important medium available for passing on information about a trail. Especially when thinking in the larger sense about a trail, publications become important - but a collection of all the various publications about the North Country Trail will go a long way towards filling a file drawer, and the trail enthusiast has a wide variety of information available to him.

Things are different with the casual trail user.Like reading signs, it's possible to lose a casual user in the first few seconds, if a publication is not appealing to him.

Publications about specific trail segments need to be brief, at a level the casual user can understand and be interested in, and probably include a map. Good graphic design is a must, and text should be held to a minimum necessary to do the job. While it's possible to write a textbook about a specific trail segment, gener ally speaking few will read it.

Still, an attractively designed brochure makes both a usable information piece for the user to carry with him on the trail, and can develop his knowledge and understanding of the land around the trail, as well as make him more aware of the trail segment as a part of the larger trail.

byWesBoyd

casual trail user Brochures for the


Intergretine Lone-Distance Trails

North Country Trail Bookstore PO Box 311 • White Cloud', Ml • 49349

The Hikers Paradise

ENGELBERG FLUELEN GSTAAD

KANDERSTEG ZERMATT MURR EN LENK WENG EN BETTMERALP RIGl~KALTllAD LEUKERBAD

Moderate optlonal length DAY hiking along skyline trails. 7-2 week tours basing at 15 mountain 3-4 star hotels. All hikes guided by NCT member Cecil Dobbins. For a free color brochure call (216) 867-3771, or write to:

ALPINE ADVENTURE TRAILS TOURS, lac. 783 v c1111a1de D~. swissair .lflf AKRON, OH 44313 J&T'

GRINDELWALD SAAS-FEE

SWISS ALPS


FOLLOWING THE NORTH COUNTRY

NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL by Wes Boyd, NCTA Newsletter editor. All-new edition. 64 pages Many maps and photos Now available: the most complete overview of the North Country Trail, full of information for both the enthusiast and the casual user. It's not a trail guide, but a trail discussion that features the most inclusive and up-to-date information on the trail available in one volume . "The aim is to give the reader the information necessary to find out what they need to know to follow the trail" - and plenty else, besides!

$5.95 ($4.00 wholesale 10 or more). Add $2.00 per copy for shipping. Michigan residents add 4% state sales tax.

This has been the fourth in a series of articles on interpreting trails for the casual user, inspired by a workshop in May, 1993 on ''Interpreting Long-Distance Trails", given at the National Park Service Mather Training Center in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. Next time: Guided tours.

keeping costs under control. Materials of this nature are of use to much of the trail's user groups, especially as someone reaches the point of seeking more informa tion about the trail, so their availability plays an impor tant part of the whole trail information package.

Publications may or may not be done with the au thorization of a managing agency on a specific trail segment, but they certainly should be done with that agency's cooperation. It's best to work with these agen cies, rather than spring a surprise on them.

The North Country Trail Association has an active and experienced publications committee, that may be able to give advice and free professional assistance on many publications projects.Use all the resources avail able to you.

Getting the information to the user is important. A site bulletin in the hand is worth a shelf of trail guides at home.

Page20

Ohio April 15-17. 36th Annual BTA meeting, YMCA Camp Kem,

Oregonia, OH. Contact Mary Hamilton, 1116 N. WOOS1er Ave, Dover OH 44622.

May 8·14: BTNSierra aub service trip on NCT. Lead by Joe Gottler. For information, contact BTA, PO Box 254, Worthington, OH, 43085.

May 20-22 BT A Work weekend, Pike Lake State Forest .. For in formation contact Jim Sprague, (216) 884-4757.

New York Apr. 22-24. Annual meeting of Finger Lakes Trail Conference,

Seneca Lodge, Watkins Glen, NY. May 8. Hike across Schuyler County #1. Contact Cayuga Trails

Club, Tom Reimers (607) 272-8679, Sue Kittel (607) 594-2750 or Nick Vandam (607) 539-6313 for information and registration.

June 12. Hike across Schuyler County #2. See above. July 10. Hike across Schuyler County #3. See above. July 11-16. FLTC 'Alley Cat' Trail Crew No. 1 to work on trail

between FL TC Maps M-4 and M-10. For information, contact Howard Beye, FL TC Service Center, 202 Coleboume Rd., Rochester NY 14609-6733 (716) 288-7191.

Aug 14. Hike across Schuyler County #4. See above Aug. 15-20 FLTC 'Alley Cat' Trail Crew No. 2 to work on trail

between FLTC Maps M-18 and M-23. For information, contact Howard Beye, FL TC Service Center, 202 Colebourne Rd., Rochester NY 14609-6733 (716) 288-7191.

Sept. 11. Hike across Schuyler County #5. See above. Oct. 9. Hike across Schuyler County #6. See above.

Minnesota Aug. 28·31 NCTA NATIONAL CONFERENCE, Maplelag

Lodge, Calloway, MN. Contact Rod MacRae, 121oW.22nd St, Minnea polis, MN 55405 (h) (612) 337-0130 (w) (612-~941,8336 or John Lomnicki (w) 800-688-4578 or Del Bjerkness, (h) (218) 573-3858 for more information.

Page21

April 23: Little Presque Isle service trip near Marquette, Ml, sponsored by Sierra Oub. Call Jon Rebers at (906) 228-3617.

April 30: NCTA Hiker's Club, Marquette, Ml hike new trail from Tourist Park to Forestville. Call Don at (906)-255-1585.

May 3. Western Michigan Chapter hike. Call Dave T. (616) 281- 8813.

May 7: NCTA Hiker's aub, Marquette, Ml hike new trail from Forestville to Hogback.· Call Don at (906)255-1585.

May 14: NCTA Hiker's Oub, Marquette, Ml hike trail west from Lake Arflein to east boundary of Craig Lake Slate Parle Pot luck dinner follows. Call Roland and Marion at {906)-226-2996.

May 15: NCTA Hiker's Oub, Marquette, Ml wildflower hike with Jan Schulz. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704.

May 20-22. NCTA Hiker's Club, Marquette, Ml spring edition of third annual hike with Jan Webster. Twenty to twenty five miles in three days; nights in motels, breakfasts and dinners in restaurants. Starts at upper Tahquamenon Falls and proceeds westward. Call Jan at (906)- 225-1295.

May 21-22 NCTA Board Meeting, Courtyard Inn, near Metro Airport, Detroit.) Contact NCTA President Derek Blount (81O)548-1737 for more information.

May 28: NCTA Hiker's Club, Marquette, Ml hike trail west of McCormick Wilderness. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704.

June 4: NCTA Hiker's Oub, Marquette, Ml celebrates National Trail Day with Ottawa NF ranger Jon Luepke, helping construct the missing trail segment joining the McCormick Wilderness and Craig Lake State Parle Call Jon at (906)-475-4953.

June 4-5 National Trails Day Many events around the country. Keep this date open for fun and excitement.

June 7: Western Michigan Chapter hike. Call Dave T. (616) 281- 8813.

June 7: Western Michigan Chapter meeting, 7:30 PM. Cookout and potluck at 6 PM at Dwight Lydell Parle Hotdogs and trimmings provided. Bring own table service and a dish to pass. Election held. For more details, call Wilma (616) 949-£398.

June 11: NCTA Hiker's Oub, Marquette, Ml hike trail west of Dishno Creek Road. Call Don at (906)-255-1585.

June 18: NCTA Hiker's Oub, Marquette, Ml hike trail east of Dishno Creek Road to Wildcat Canyon. Call Russ at (906)-255-5039.

June 25: NCTA Hiker's Club, Marquette, Ml hike trail west of

April 16: NCTA Hiker's Oub, Marquette, Ml hike new segment of trail west of Hawley St. For details call Don at (906)-225-1585

April 17 Western Michigan Chapter spring cleanup at headquar ters building. For details, call Ruth (616) 453-8622 or Ginny, (616) 689- 6876

Michigan

ffEMS FOR THIS COLUMN ill.J..filJ)e recleved before the deadline date given on Page 2 of this newsletter. We welcome listing activities of affiliated organizations, but we must be aware of them in sufficient time for publication.


Dishno Creek Road. Call Seth at (906) 486-9550. July 9. NCTA Hiker's Oub, Marquette, Ml hike Grand Island. Call

Gene at (906)-255-1705. July 14: NCTA Hiker's Club, Marquette, Ml hike new trail segment

across McCormick Wilderness. Call Sally at (906)-226-8515. July 16: NCTA Hiker's Oub, Marquette, Ml hike trail from Laugh

ing Whitefish to Rock River. Call Bea at (906) 226-8515. July 17: NCTA Hiker's Club, Marquette, Ml afternoon hike to falls

and bridge at Laughing Whitefish. Call Gene at (906)-225-1704. July 23: NCTA Hiker's Oub, Marquette, Ml canoe trip AuTrain

Lake to Lake Superior. Call Don at (225)-1585., July 30: NCTA Hiker's Club, Marquette, Ml new trail construction

west of Laughing Whitefish River. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704. August 6: NCTA Hiker's Club, Marquette, Ml new trail construc

tion west of Laughing Whitefish River. Call Don at (906)-225-1585. August 13-27. NCTA Hiker's aub, Marquette, Ml new trail con

struction through Victoria Village in Ontonagan County. This is the 1994 Huron Valley Chapter, Sierra Club project. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704 or Doug at (906) 338-2680 for details.

... . . . . rafefies or.c:1 sf1ekers

North Country Trail Shop

Net Patch $3.00 · Vtih.Jrit~ijrStriP $1.Sb North Country stdtestrlp $1.So·< )/ > National Scenic Trail ·NewYork; Pehnsy1\lcmr(). Qhiq, @ichigqh,

· Wisconsin· .. Minhesdtd North bdkdfo ·. ··.·· · ·.· Hike· ·Distance striJ:)s•••••(rl'lustqUdntvf$i·.2s........... . ( s.io .. 1s.20.2Sor3Smileshikedirioheday adult $9.95 ·\ \

~JJ~u~~~ttrP~~tJ~~?~loisonne) $3.9g< · .. ~s .. 1~ ... ·.x~.'e.-9d .. >.'g_. \ -- .... ~-------- r • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •~ I ORDER FORM -- NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL SHOP I

North Country National Scenic Trail Pin,@ $3.95 each Name .. II== North Country TTrail PatchS@$3.00tePacthh@ $l 50

h Address 11 North Country rail State egmen a c . eac

I == ~~~~~ g~~~~~~ i~~:: ~~l~~~e~u~~~ f6~9\~5~a~~ch I I == North Country Trail Supporter Cloisonne pin @$3.95 each City, State, Zip I I North Country Trait 1oth Anniversary T-Shlrt (circle size): I I __ Adult, S, M, L. XL, XXL, l 00% cotton, It. blue only@ $9. 95 each Phone....................................................... I I Please enclose for shipping & handling: Michigan residents jnc/ude 4% sales tax Send order to: NCTA Trail Shop I I $0.00 - $10.00 $2.00 $25.01 - $100.00 $4.00 Make check/money order payable to: PO Box 311 I

$10.01 - $25.00 $3.00 Over $100.00 $5.00 'North Country Trail Association White Cloud, Ml 49349 ~------------------------- -----------~

Heritage Foundation. Missoula, MT. Contact Nancy Maxson, (406) 253- 6022.

Aug. 10-13. Oregon-California Trails Association Annual Conven tion, Salt Lake City, UT. Contact OCTA {816) 252-2276.

Aug. 28·31 NCTA NATIONAL CONFERENCE, Maplelag Lodge, Calloway, MN. Contact Rod MacRae, 121OW.22nd St, Minnea polis, MN 55405 {h) {612) 337-0130 (w) (612) 941,8336 or John Lomnicki (w) 800-688-4578 or Del Bjerkness, {h) (218) 573-3858 for more information.

Sept. 28·30. National Trails Symposium, Anchorage, AK. Con tact: Bob Walker, (406) 444-4585

Sept. 23-0ct. 7: Annual Reenactment over the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail, Abington, VA, to Kings Mountain National Military Park, SC. Contact Bob Sweeney, (703) 834-4582.

Oct. 1. Ice Age Park-& Trail Foundation Hike-A-Thon. Contact IAPTF office, (414) 691-2776

Oct. 1-2. American Hiking Society Conference, Anchorage, Alaska. Contact Susan Henley, {703) 255-9308.

Oct 7-9. Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association Annual Gathering, Hanover College, Dartmout, NH. Contact Ron Keal, (502) 227-1789.

Oct. 14-15. Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation Membership Meeting. Location TBA. Contact IAPTF office, {414) 691-2776.


National trail events Apr. 15-16: Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation Annual Meeting.

Green Lake, WI. Contact: IAPTF office, (414) 691-2776. June 4-5 Natjona/ Trails Dav Many events around the country.

Keep this date open for fun and excitement. June 4-5 Natchez Trace Trail Conference Opening Ceremony for

new certified segments, tentative. Contact Jimmy Hodo, {601) 965- 4500.

July 29 - Aug 3: 26th Annual meeting of the Lewis & Clark Trail

Pennsylvania Sept. 9-11 . Keystone Trail Association and Shenango Outing

Club will be working on the NCT in either Moraine State Park or State Game Land #95. Camp in group camping area in Moraine State Park. For information, comact Mark Eckler, {412) 588-6164.

June 17-19 BTA Work weekend, Clendening Reservoir. For infor mation contact Jim Sprague, {216) 884-4757.

Sept. 9-11 BTA Work weekend, East Fork State Park .. For infor mation contact Jim Sprague, {216) 884-4757.

Oct. 14-16 BTA Work weekend, Wayne National Forest.. For in formation contact Jim Sprague, {216) 884-4757.

Page22

Phone I I

Please enclose for shipping & handling: I $0.00 - $10.00 $2.00 $10.01 - $25.oo $3.oo I $25.01 - $100.00 $4.oo I Over $100.00 $5.00

Mlcbfaan residents Include 4% sates tax I Make check/money order payable to: I

'North Country Trail Association' I

copies of Michigan mapsets (check appropriate ones:) o Croton Dam - Hodenpyl Dam o Interlachen - Boyne Falls o St. Ignace - Harvey D Marquette - Ironwood

$4.00 per set . Binder, $2.50 No wholesale

r••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••··~ I ORDER FORM -- NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL BOOKSTORE Name I I copies of 'Following the North Country National Scenic Trail' I I -- $5.95 per copy ($4.00 per copy if ten or more) Address I

I __ copies of 'The North Country Trail -- Manistee National Forest' I $2.00 per copy. (no wholesale)

I copies of 'Guide to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore• City, State, Zip I I -- $6.95 per copy. ($5.25 each if ten or more) I I __ copies of 'Gulde to the North Country Trail -- Chippewa National I Forest' $1.25 per copy ($.75 per copy If ten or more)

I I I I __ copies of 'Certified Sections $of the North Country Trail' (Check sest105ns)

I o Burr Oak - Sinking Spring 4.00 D Allegheny NF & Cook Forest, 2.90 o Wayne NF, $1.50 D Little Miami Scenic Park, $1.15

I o Miami and Erle Canal, $1.80 o Manistee NF $2.20 o Hiawatha NF E & Tahqua $2.70 D Ottawa NF. $2.1 O I o Hla.NF w & Pict Rocks, $2.05 o Chequamegon NF, $1.80 Send order to: NCTA Trail Shop I I o Chippewa NF, $2.20 D Sheyenne Grassland, $1.15 PO Box 311 I

Complete set with binder, $22.00, shipping Included. No wholesale. White Cloud, Ml 49349 ~------------------------------------~

Page23

GUIDE TO THE PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE by Olive Anderson. Includes revised Lakeshore Trail Guide. The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the centerpiece of the North Country Trail -- a rugged, unique coast on the wild Lake Superior shore. Updated in 1994, this 56 page book by Pictured Rocks enthusiast Olive M. Anderson gives the reader revised maps and up-to-date information about this Michigan section of the North Country Trail. $6.95 each; Wholesale (10 or more) $5.25 each.

THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL -- MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST by the Michigan Trailfinders. Offers a detailed description of the trail from the White Cloud trailhead to Big Star Lake, and from US 10 to McCarthy Lake. Current through June, 1989. $2.00 each, no wholesale available.

MICHIGAN MAPSETS developed by Arden Johnson. Maps to follow the NCNST in the Manistee, Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests, and the trail between St. Ignace and Munising, and northern lower peninsula. $4.00 per set; Binder with indicies, $2.50. Contact bookstore for information on ordering individual maps.

GUIDE TO THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL -- CHIPPEWA NATIONAL FOREST by Roderick Mac Rae. Discussion of the route and trail log from east to west in the Chippewa National Forest. Wonderfully written by a Chippewa National Forest expert. 12 pages. $1.25 each; Wholesale (10 or more) $.75 each

CERTIFIED SECTIONS OF THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL by Byron and Margaret Hutchins.The long-awaited start to a trail guide for the entire trail. Accurate route descriptions by an experienced guidebook writer who's walked the sections with a measuring wheel, covering many certified sections of the long enough to be a hiking destination, published in an easy to carry loose-leaf form. Individual map sets at various prices (see order form); whole set, including binder, is $22.00, use order form. Sorry, no direct wholesale.

FOLLOWING THE NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL, by Wes Boyd, NCTA Newsletter editor. Packed full of information about the NCNST. 64 pages. Not a trail guide, but a trail discussion. "The aim is to give the reader the information necessary to find out what they need to know to follow the trail" - - and lots of other useful information. The most inclusive and up-to-date information on the whole trail. $5.95, ($4.00 wholesale 10 or more).

North Country Trail Bookstore GREAT INFORMATION ON THE NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL

AVAILABLE FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL BOOKSTORE/


Phone C...______,) _ L-----~--------------------------------J O Yes, I would like to further support the North Country -------------- Trail Association with my tax free contribution of $ . enclosed.

Name Address ------------

I wish to join the North Country Trail Association. 20.00 30.00 Enclosed is$ for a ----- ss.oo membership. 50.00

100.00 500.00 400.00 600.00

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

Basic Membership . Household (includes children under 18) Organizational. . Trail Leader. . Pathfinder . Corporate . Life . Life (with spouse) .

Membership Cateqorjes

Annual Dues: membership year runs to anniversary of North Country Trail Association dues payment. PO Box 311

White Cloud, Ml, 49349

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP

2000 Members by 2000 2000 Certified Miles by 2000

It's not going to be easy, but we can do it. Much has been completed, but there's still a lot to do. You can help meet the challenge by joining the North Country Trail Association, and by inviting others to join, too. Let's do it!

r--------------------------------------,

A CHALLENGE FOR THE 9015

Awcmliil•l'~il!!i!\\I:~~

, __ jl

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, April-May 1994 Page24

North Star Vol. 13, No. 2 (1994)

Documents

Transcript of North Star Vol. 13, No. 2 (1994)