North Star Vol. 20, No. 4 (2001)

You can register your answer on our web site, www.northcountrytrall.org or write to The North Star at the address on Page 3.

Can you identify the location of this sign? Whoever comes up with the answer will get a prize from our Trail Shop. What Prize? Whatever I can squeeze out of Glory Meyer, our Trail Shop Manager who watches a buck with great intensity. In case of ties, we'll toss a coin, or something. Members of the chapter where this sign Is located are not eligible. I'll give you orie hint: The photograph was taken while on vacation by a very active state trail coordinator, who has frequently appeared in these pages.

by his or her home board. Emily would have none of it.

Eventually, reluctantly she went along with the change but only afrer I promised that come tornado or high water, her beloved Buckeye Trail Association would continue to have one of its members on the NCTA board . Trouble was, I had no authority to make such a promise. But, somehow, over the years ... with her specter in mind I kept that promise, authority or not.

• Trail Log, appearing in the magazine for the first time (on pages 16, 17) will become a regular feature in The North Star, at least during the trail construction seasons, if the chapter chairs are consci entious about reporting construction and key maintenance operations to their state coordinators who, in turn, will let me know about them.

Ralph Powell, who took the pictures for Doug Welker's trail building report in the Baraga Plains section of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, is a longtime member of the Sierra Club, which frequently has helped to build North Country Trail in northern Michigan. When he sent me the pictures he said: "This work trip was probably the most efficient work project I have been involved with."

Ralph retired in 1998 afrer 31 years as a professor of chemistry at Eastern Michigan University.

Emily Gregor, the trail pioneer whose obituary appears on 8, frankly terrified me. By the time I became President of the North Country Trail Association, Emily was in her 80s, experienced, tough and forthright. On top of that, she was a little deaf so that her words not only took on emphasis ... but volume.

About that time, we formulated a change in the Association bylaws, which removed the provision that certain affili ates, like the Buckeye Trail Association whose board she sat on, automatically held a seat on the North Country Board. At that time, that affiliate representative wasn't elected by the NCTA but chosen

to hand off to somebody else should we ever find another editor. That's more important than it seems. I celebrated my 72ND birthday by visiting our printer with my helpers and I am unlikely to be editing The North Star from heaven, even if I could find its web site.

Heather Francis (left) and Tutors Jennifer Tripp and Aaron Phipps

2 North Star * October-December 2001

Tam hoping that appearance of this month's !North Star won't be as big a surprise to me as it will to those readers who notice that we have changed typefaces ... again.

I don't know whether it was the soft ware gremlins, trouble with file conver sions or my computer incompetence but the last issue of The North Star I got in the mail looked wholly different from the one I sent to the printer. The body text was in Times Roman (my hard copy printouts were in Garamond) and the headlines were in a hybrid face I did not recognize (my hard copy printouts were in a font called Franklin Gothic). With wholly different typefaces, it was a miracle the articles even fit.

For this issue, we are using new soft ware-Adobe InDesign-a state-of-the art desktop publishing application that presumably will allow us to end up with the appearance we expected. The bad news is that I know nothing about InDesign and have just started reading InDesign for Dummies. The good news is that two volunteer members of the Western Michigan Chapter, Jennifer Tripp and Aaron Phipps have leaped for ward to give us a hand. (Us in this case are Heather Francis, who has been doing layout for The North Star with a different application, and me).

Jennifer, a new NCTA member who is just discovering the hiking glories of our trail, has a day job: production manager for Great America Publishing Company of Sparta. She introduced us to InDesign. Aaron, an enthusiastic hiker and producer of incredibly lovely outdoor books, is the assistant production man ager of The Grand Rapids Press, a met ropolitan daily newspaper that employed me in another life.

Since we were starting with new software anyway, Aaron and I took the opportunity to create a coherent design for The North Star. Elegance and read ability supposedly were our watchwords. Actually, my main goal was simplicity so that (a) I could understand what we were doing and (b) the book would be easier

. 0 li@: ··1f---~~RNER .. vEi1

¥

I'm Hoping Actually to Recognize The North Star This Time

October-December 2001 * 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 organiza tion 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 permission of the North Country Trail Association.

Werner Veit, Editor Joan Young, Contributing Editor Roger Meyer, Contributing Editor Aaron Phipps, Imaging Jennifer Tripp, Graphics Heather Francis, Production Assistant Virginia Wanty, Editorial Assistant

The North Star Staff:

Departments Milestones 4 Trail Log 14 Heart & Sole 16 Trail Shop 29' Trail Supporters 38

Columns Editor's Note 2. Trail Head 5 View from Lowell 6 View from Madison 34

Features Greeting Long Distance Hiker 18 Emily Gregor, Trail Pioneer 35

East and West Along the Trail Completing the Allegheny 7 U.P. Adventure, Part II 10..

About the Cover

New In This Issue With this issue we inaugurate a new department in The North Star: The Trail Log, which will describe new segments of the North Country National Scenic Trail or significant reroutes and improvements since the previous issue. It makes its debut on Page 14.

Annual Conference Report A report on all the activities and accomplishments of the 2001 conference in Cazenovia, NY, begins on Page 20. Included are: A Photographic Journal 20 Birth of a Trail Segment 22 Annual Awards Presented 25 Next Year in Grasslands 28 New Officers Elected 36

Aaron Phipps, who is responsible for imaging in The North Star, photographed Howard Beye, winner of the North Country Trail Association's Lifetime Achievement Award, on the grounds of Cazenovia College, site of the Association's 2001 conference.

Jay Abercrombie enjoying the view from John's Hiii during Trall Junction 2001.

A Glance Inside

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

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

Irene Szabo, ar 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 53201-1013 · (414) 354-8987 · [email protected]

Bob Norlin, Great Lakes· PO Box 718, Iron River, WI 54847 · (715) 372-5229 · [email protected]

Garry S. Diii Jr., Ohio · 4070 Traitorsville Brighron 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 St., Lowell,

MI 49331 · (888) 454-6282 · [email protected] Joan Young, at Large· 861 W. USIO,

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

Richard Harris, at Large· 974 SOM Center Rd., Mayfield, OH 44143 · (440) 449-7467 · [email protected]

Daryl Wllllamson, Minnesota · 5901 Timberglade Dr., Bloomington, MN 55438. (952) 835-2168

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

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 Davenport St., Rhinelander, WI 54501 · (715) 362-0616 · [email protected]

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

North Country Trall Association National Board of Directors

NCTA Staff: Bob Papp, Executive Director

Margie Klndel, Project Manager Tiffany Halfmann, GIS Coordinator

Bonnie Wayman, Office Manager Biii 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

•ASSOCIATION•

• Six new miles constructed in the Baraga Plains section in the western part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. See page 14.

• A significant relocation of trail near Weber Lake in northern Wisconsin in a section where the Heritage Chapter has responsibility. See page 14.

• Relocation of troublesome wet spots on the Jordan Pathway. See page 15.

• Under the leadership of Peter Wybron, a beautifully situated lean-to on a North Country Trail segment of the Finger Lakes Trail was completed ...

-Finger Lakes Trail News •Publication of a new 1:100,000 scale

map of the North Country Trail sec tion from Cascade Falls (northeast of Bergland) in Ontonagon County of Michigan's Upper Peninsula to just west of Alberta (south of LAnse) in Baraga County. The map, prepared under the direction of Tiffany Halfmann, the Association's cartographer and GIS spe cialist, shows trail mileages, other trails, topography, streams, roads, trailheads, scenic viewpoints, water sources and other landmarks. Locations and mile ages are based on a GPS survey by Ron Kantola, Ottawa National Forest trails coordinator. Maps are available through the Trail Shop at NCTA head quarters. See page 30.


Mary Larmann 489.50 Garrett Dill 348.75 Joan Young 214.25 Paul Haan 162.00 Herb Hulls 154.00 Len Baron 153.50 Jim Sprague 139.00

Irene Szabo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Al and Mary Larmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 John Leinen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Bill Powasser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Joan Young. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Volunteers on the Trail Special thanks go to the following, who have reported the most volunteer hours since our last issue:

Recruiting Members Awards are given for recruiting 10, 50, 100 and 250 new members. Our top recruiters since the last issue of The North Star were:

-32 2,253 -1 Totals

Change Since Last Issue

Percent Change

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.

39.8 1,659.6 86 313.9 2,060.0 Totals

Other Off Road Miles

Total Hikable Miles

Marked Road Miles

Percent Done

Certified Miles

Certified State

Trail 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.

October-December 2001 * North Star 5

"The thousands of ... members of the Association and its affiliates are the power that makes this Trail come to life."

·' .

.,

ing. The thousands of volunteers and members of the Association and its affili ates are the power that makes this Trail come to life.

Americans like to boast about their culture and the blessings of wealth they have. Much of this is a direct result of the economic system that permeates and energizes our country. However, the mobilization of a vast number of citizens, interested in more than just making a living, puts the finishing touches on a culture that is probably more diverse and full of activity than any other in the world. These citizens are called, in plain English: VOLUNTEERS.

Without the volunteering and involvement of citizens, our culture would be much less interesting and more or less just a daily grind of making a living, raising families, and taking care of our own immediate needs. Volunteers in our country staff orchestras, ballets, theatres, and the arts flourish. They help government agencies accomplish their goals at all levels. Volunteers assist others through a host of service organizations. Volunteers fight fires and help the police. And volunteers are very definitely in the forefront of preserving the unique natural environment found on this one-of-a-kind planet.

Organizations such as the NCTA and its many volunteers serve our coun try by promoting the North Country National Scenic Trail as a premier foot trail, permitting our nation's outdoor lov ers to get out into the great natural envi ronment, learn about it, and become its champions. While out on weekends hik ing, having fun, or working on the trail, many of us don't see ourselves as serving

"\VJith this issue of The North Star, an W annual change again has occurred

on schedule. New officers and board members were elected and now take their place to serve the Association for the next few years. The growing membership of the North Country Trail Association and its staff, part of the "guard" alluded to by retiring President Werner Veit in the July September issue of the North Star, will continue their support and bustling activ ity as diligently and energetically as in the past.

So the change should be painless and the work of the Association will forge ahead with the continued contrib uted efforts of us all. We have a vision and we are bound to make it a reality. Your new set of officers will try to main tain the standards set by the retiring offi cers and those of past years who all have made contributions to the success of our organization.

It's now my turn to serve the Association and the Board as an officer. John Leinen, Rich Harris, and John Lindgren also will serve as officers; Vice President Finance, Vice President East and Vice President West respectively. Joan Young will continue her duties as Secretary.

Through the years, the Association has been blessed with a growing member ship, a great staff, and a core of members willing to serve as officers in some capac ity. Werner Veit, Dave Cornell, Howard Beye and Pat Miller have certainly dem onstrated their interest in the North Country Trail and devoted a great share of time forwarding the affairs of the Association. They can be proud of their service and the rest of us can be thankful for their dedication and efforts. The Association thanks them and is grateful for their fine work. All of them will continue in other capacities in the Association so we can be assured that their expertise, knowledge, and energy are not lost.

I view our Executive Director and his staff as the front runners in working toward the goal of completing and maintaining the Trail, and carrying out the mission of the Association. The Association's officers and board exist to help the staff carry out successfully the work of keeping the political, economic, and human resources in gear and work-

Volunteers: Backbone of Our Trail ... and Our Culture any great cause. None the less, we are still participants in our nation's culture. We contribute diversity and balance and are a • constituency for our natural environment and all the values and benefit it gives to people and the nation.

Without our members and support ers, and others like us, interest in the outdoors would falter, creating a vacuum that would leave the great scenic beauty and majesty of the outdoors to fend for itself Can you imagine the result? Despite the strenuous efforts of numer ous outdoor, environmental, and recre ational organizations, there is a constant grinding threat to the environment as populations continue to grow and spread unchecked and development changes and alters the face of the planet. Without the countless outdoor and environmental organizations, as seen in other parts of the world, the natural world has little chance of survival.

So, as the staff and officers of the NCTA continue their work, we're count ing on your support, encouragement, contributions, and interest to keep us growing into another determined constit uency for foot trails, recreation, and the wonderful, refreshing out-of-doors. Keep up your membership and bring others into the organization. We'll welcome and assure them of plenty of fun and satisfy ing activity. I hope to meet many of you in the months to come and will be interested in your ideas and thoughts. Only you, the members and staff of the Association, can keep our organization and this National Trail alive and growing. Enjoy your involvement in this great project.

One last note, we recently received word of the demise of Emily Gregor who was a NCTA board member some years ago. Emily lived in the Cleveland area and was a devoted trail advocate. She attended many NCTA board meetings and served our organization with distinc tion in Ohio. Our condolences go out to her family. (An article on her lifetime of achievements appears on Page 35).

partner organizations. I think I'll call it NCTA 2006. The purpose will be to gather up ideas to help us chart the future for our organization, to help envi sion just what the NCTA will be like at the celebration of our 25th anniversary.

We do have some general ideas about the NCTA's future which are being met with enthusiasm by our volunteers. We envision regional staff to provide direct support to our volunteers, partners and the public, and to strengthen our rela tions with state and local agencies. We see an active fund development program to help us better meet the needs of trail construction, maintenance, protec tion and management. Similarly, an active Land Trust program will allow us to act quickly when opportunities arise to acquire land for critical trail connec tions. We also see a strong communi cations program, to build broad public awareness and support for the North Country Trail.

These ideas are ambitious, but not unattainable. Our challenge today lies in achieving a clear understanding of our current and future needs and the possi bilities before us, in order to flesh out the details of these plans, develop our strate gies and set our priorities. The upcoming survey will give us a crucial snapshot of thoughts from the field, in order to help us better meet these shared goals.

In the meantime, the leaves are start ing to fall and our 20th anniversary year is drawing to a quiet close. Although we haven't made a big deal out of passing this landmark, there's still time for you to go out and celebrate in a way that's much more meaningful than horn blowing and confetti throwing.

Take a hike on the trail. And, as you do so, reflect on how far we've come together. If you helped build a bridge or a boardwalk or a shelter or a kiosk or just a great new piece of trail, go out and see it again. Pat yourself on the back. If you are a member but not a volunteer, think about going to that next Chapter meeting or, at least, explore a new section of trail that your dues have helped create. And when you're done, get together with some friends and toast the North Country Trail. It's there and growing and succeeding because of you. Then, go home and rest. You're gonna need it for that barn-burner coming in 2006!

r\_\\CO% ~%20 ~ • YEARS •

• created 21 local Chapters to organize and provide on the ground support for the trail,

• established official partnerships with six nonprofit organizations to manage 1,400 miles of the North Country Trail,

• formed seven State Trail Councils to improve collaboration and commu nication between our volunteers and partners,

• quadrupled our membership, • increased our total budget by a factor

of 40, and • certified 706 new miles of the North

Country National Scenic Trail, and constructed many more additional off-road trail miles. And that's only part of the story.

We've also shown tremendous progress in building support for the trail in Congress, in creating a geographic infor mation system database for the trail, in establishing an outstanding national headquarters operation, and in accom plishing countless construction and improvement projects along the length of the trail.

We've also begun laying the ground work for a very exciting future for the trail. This fall, I'll be sending a survey out to our Chapter presidents and our

,, FROM ~


~is year we've been quietly celebrating .1 the 20th anniversary of the North

Country Trail Association. Congress authorized the trail itself back in 1980. Just one year later, the NCTA incorpo rated to officially take on the challenge.

Probably, a 20th anniversary should come with a little more horn blowing and confetti throwing than we've man aged to accomplish. Unfortunately, a year passes in the life of an organization just as quickly as it does in our personal lives. As the leaves turn and the north winds start to blow, we're all left wonder ing, what happened to the time?

I think also, as we become absorbed by the challenges we currently face, we too easily loose sight of how far we've come just to reach these challenges. While volunteers may feel bogged down today by the difficulty of planning trail across private land, most of our Chapters didn't even exist five years ago. Few peo ple were talking about the trail at all, let alone how to get it across private lands.

Similarly, some of our Chapters are struggling to find key people to fill lead ership roles, or enough funding to com plete that next big project, or enough trail adopters to keep all the trail they've built in good order, or enough support from local agencies to secure the future of the trail.

At headquarters, we're wrestling with a quirky computer network while we struggle to get the next big mailing out on time, to generate materials for the North Star, to respond to the volunteers that need our help, and to create more maps and merchandise, and a more robust G.l.S. database. All the while, the mail keeps coming and the needs for stra tegic planning and fundraising continue to grow.

While such day to day struggles are very important in the overall mission and life of our organization, I think they obscure our more long range accomplish ments. For this reason, I regret that we didn't throw more confetti at each other this year, in celebration of our 20th anni versary. Looking back, it's easy to see that every one of us, whether we are members, volunteers, staff or partners, should have some confetti in our hair and a grin on our face.

Consider this. In the past 10 years alone, we've:

We've Covered a Lot of Miles in 20 Years


come home with too many blackened briefs or eat too manv dinners flavored with ;ipe foot. It felt ~o grand to have dry socks for a few miles of each day, until we encountered a stretch of ferns, that we decided to go for broke. We also began to dry our boots around the fire. We prob ably shortened their life-spans a bit by doing this, but we didn't really care. Dry feet make happy hikers.

When we had begun the hike, at the northern border of Pennsylvania, we had entered a rich, northern hardwood forest community. Indian pipe poked through deep, scrunchy leaf litter below, oak and hickory leafed in a canopy high overhead. Glimpses of turkeys flashed in the shad ows and ruffed grouse feathers were so numerous on the trail that we stopped collecting them. Once we passed a bath tub size patch of maidenhair fern. It was so unusual with its crayon-green leaves carefully out.lined in black, it made me think that someone used the cut and paste function to copy it there from some careful child's coloring book.

After climbing away from Sugar Bay on day two we topped the ridge at the source of Hemlock Run and, without a noticeable transition zone passed into an ecosystem dominated by acid-loving plants. Sphagnum moss, bog cranberry, and goldthread covered the ground. Goldthread hoards its gold in the fine roots underground. For public viewing it displays a carpet of deep green waxy leaves with delicate white star blossoms sprinkled liberally above. The understory consisted of

or will it stop in two minutes? We almost always guessed wrong. Photos reveal us wearing plastic bags in sun, or with wet hair and clothes plastered, wrinkly about us with nor a poncho in sight.

Thanks to the deer we lost our last pairs of dry socks. Deer had overbrowsed areas of the forest and the only plants that succeeded in growing back in the openings were ferns. This created huge fern-fields that had to be crossed. The walking was easy but we might as well have been fording a stream. The closely spaced, compound, curved leaves held buckets of rainwater. After 30 seconds in one of these fields we were soaked to the knees. Despite careful pre-trip water proofing, our boots did not hold up to this continual assault. They soaked through, and with this insult we acqui esced to having constantly wet feet. By mid-hike pretty much everything we could wear was wet.

Dave gave up and bagged the mess in his pack, till his mom got a whiff of it one night. Truthfully; we were all feeling quite nostalgic about being dry, so we began cooking our clothes at night anyway. We now began stringing a clothesline above the fire and playing musical socks and T-shirts to keep each item above the fire for a carefully prescribed amount of time. The strategy is to let the item directly over the fire begin to steam, without letting it get hot enough to scorch. It is then moved to the farthest spot to cool and let the water evaporate while sliding the next item to the middle. We became adroit at sock and stew manipulation and didn't

T et me explain the theory of laundry. .l..J-liking guru Colin Fletcher clearly advises taking two pairs of socks. One you wear, and the other you have washed the night before and hung on your pack to dry during the day. Mr. Fletcher did most of his hi.king in the arid West. Well, I knew chis. So I theorized that it might take two days for a pair of damp socks to dry in an Eastern Forest. Thus we took three pairs each, one to wear and two to have clipped outside in varying stages of dryness.

We dutifully washed our first pair of socks at lunch on day two and found various ingenious ways to fasten them to buckles or through straps. Of course these were not dry by the next morning; this was not expected. So we washed our sec ond pairs of socks and wore the third. Being in a courageous mood, Marie and I also washed underwear. By now the collection on the pack clothesline was becoming impressive, but not to worry, the first pair of socks was almost dry. Then it began to rain. 'The semi-dry laun dry was quire wet before we got the packs covered in their plastic rain jackets. O.K., tomorrow we will again wear the socks we have on now, and the others will all dry.

It rained again. The daily soakings continued for the duration of the hike. It didn't usually rain for long, just regularly, and long enough to thoroughly dampen the laundry and sometimes us as well. This also inspired a game: should we stop and put on the ponchos and pack jackets,

Story and Photos By Joan Young Spirit of the Woods Chapter

There's No Outsmarting the Damp Completing the Allegheny NF Stretch ... July 20-31, 1994

Editor's Note: The series of Joan Young's adventures on the North Country National Scenic Trail continues as she con cludes the saga of her first long backpacking trip through the Allegheny National Forest of Pennsylvania. In the January issue the locale will switch to North Dakota and the beginning of a 131-mile hike.

North Country Cache

East and West Along the North Country Trail

ideals of hiking. The trail wanders gracefully along

the bank above the rock-strewn, splash ing Run. The sun sprinkles flakes of light around the forest, spicing the day and enhancing the flavors of hemlock and tannin, which hang in the air. This is apparently a popular, but well-tended section. We pass several neat campsites with fireplaces and seats built of the ubiq uitous sandstone.

On day five we enter the Tionesta Scenic Area. This is the largest stand of virgin forest in the eastern U.S., six square miles, a diminutive but mature forest. Three-hundred-year-old hemlocks watch us pass. How many different travelers had they watched: Algonquin, Iroquois, Redcoats, Tories, Bluecoats, Senecas, oil-drillers, narrow-gage engi neers, and now backpackers? But not log gers; they missed this tiny patch. Are all the details of this history stored in tree-ring memory if we could but learn to read the code? Could we tap the trees, install a jack, and listen to fife and drum of a passing column of Loyalists? Would the memory-sap be spilled and gone after one listening? Someone would commercialize it. "Jars of home-canned Indian war-whoops." "Get your genuine Pennsylvania oil-boom, mood music here! Sounds of the forest with a track of rhythmic oil-well squeakings. Guaranteed . . " to cure msornrua.

Trees here are so tall we cannot see their tops from any vantage point beneath them. For several days we had been finding ROCKS, calves of the mountain tumbled like giant-baby toy blocks around a playroom, but here we encounter ROCKS! Perhaps the giant-baby had abandoned them, but we cannot. Despite the late afternoon hour and the fact that regulations require us to leave Tionesta before camping, we stop to play. These rocks are scattered willy-nilly down a gentle slope. They are nearly cov ered with moss and ferns, which glow fiery emerald trailer-size cut gems in the slanting sunlight. Dave climbs the scale able faces, I take inadequate photos, and Marie and Chips circle the blocks search ing for treasures.

We need to focus on miniatures to counter our feelings of insignificance in this quiet giant-world. A wavy band of waxy, apple-green chrysoprase gleams


Joan and Dave find the collection on the pack clothesllne becoming impressive.

moosewood with carousel-striped bark, and blueberry.

Time out from the ecology lesson for Dave to go nuts, er, berries ... They were ripe. He ate so many that he could hardly manage dinner, and that is saying some thing! We made blueberry pancakes for breakfast, a genuine North Country treat. Even my dog, Chips, got into the act. He carefully pulled berries off the bushes with his lips and sampled them. (No I'm not pulling your leg. He could do this with raspberries and strawberries too.)

The trees were almost all mature black cherry with its distinctive "potato chip" bark. Sadly, none had leaves! An inch-long marauder, called the cherry scallop worm, had pursued his passion with vengeance. These worms ingeniously choose two cherry leaves, stack them care fully and chew around the perimeter, cementing them together. The edge-pattern of this no-seater, kayak-shaped breeding house is scalloped, hence their name. Don Dorn assured us that the permanent damage is slight unless they attack in several successive years. The destruction occurs late enough in the sea son so that the trees don't expend much energy trying to refoliate. But it is strange to walk beneath bare trees in July.

Our gradual descent along Hemlock Run is one of those seldom-encountered

Pennsylvannia souvenirs: stick-tight seedpods In their socks.


October-December 2001 * North Star 9'

Pennsylvania State Headquarters for North Country Trail Association volunteers Located in Pennsylvania's Moraine State Park, right on the North Country Traill

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 a~\,,JlUUJ;, kay~g, geology, ~d bikin~. Others are being planned.

·fT~e Center. is. ~~tritii~7tl:~~? ~aµaged ''2'1 ' by voluitt~ersoft~e pay~s troll?';.t

· OUt(loor C~nter Comfuitt.!(e:' · s ·

In 10 days we walked through five counties, four ecosystems, two water sheds, and 300 million years, several times. We were tired. But sometimes it is the little things that stick with you. Pun intended. For more than a year after wards we would occasionally find tiny, unique, green Pennsylvanian stick-tight seedpods in our socks.

- 98 miles this hike Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania 150 miles total; NCT

Joan found Heart's Content even before embarking on the : last the 22 miles. '

Maidenhair ferns are lovely to look at but don't do much to keep the feet dry during a steady rain.

tion the puffy, creamy peach fungi as big as a platter, the 28 hummingbirds, names as descriptive as Cornplanter Bridge, Sheriff Run (which parallels Fool's Creek) or as plain as The Branch, the private jokes, the night camped in the deer con ference grounds with the herd stamping and snorting around our tents, the giant slugs, a hundred other details, and the sign to "Heart's Content- 22 miles." I knew that was a lie, I have found mine right here.

opalescent from one granular yellow and umber wall. Tiny terrariums, more care fully planted by nature than any I ever succeeded in making, are tucked into angles of the rocks, flung carelessly over stony lips, strewn in wondrous abandon down slanting ledges. Scaly rashes of orange, red, brown, white or blue-green lichen erupt where moss cannot yet wig gle its toes in deep enough to hold. Mysterious rows of small elliptical holes honeycomb some bands of the blocks forming geometrical, abstract art borders. A red eft is silhouetted as he pauses mid-scramble against the violent green moss, but paler orange somehow when he crawls across my hand. And the great est mystery of all in a tent-size pool at the base of one forward-tilting cube. From the entire bottom of this shallow, shadowed hollow something emanates, a metallic-yellow phosphorescent light. A luminescent bacteria? Some strange algae? Witchcraft? In this eerie, silent realm of disproportions and oddly angled lights the golden phenomenon fits appropri ately; we do not even shiver at its inexpli cable, alien presence.

At length the light changes and the magic dissipates. We hoist our packs and move on to a comparatively drab and "normal" campsite. Another two days and we enter the final ecosystem. Instead of through ankle-turning rock-litter, the trail now smoothly works its way over humps and down hollows of a maple-beech forest. Its openness, com parative youth and light is a cheerful change from the dark and closed hemlock-rock experience of the days before. We had not realized the effect of the deeper forest until we felt the contrast of this lighter world.

Triumphantly we hug the sign at the southern boundary of the forest. In the car we zip northward, covering superfi cially in two hours what we have studied with feet, fingers, ears, noses, eyes and muscles so carefully over the past 10 days. A restaurant meal treat for the people and ice cream for all (don't forget Chips) completes the adventure. Well, except for the fact that I spend the next three days curb-camping in Bradford with car trou ble, but such inconveniences are easily discounted in the overwhelming fulfill ment of a quest.

I have somehow neglected to men-


listening to the beeps on the radio locator that tracks his dog he hardly has time to talk. But he finally manages to say he thinks he recalls seeing a wooden sign that might be for the trail. He nods to the south and says it is about a half-mile away.

Following his hint, I get back on the trail and continue east-soon passing through three small aspen clearcuts where the trail is difficult to see. I manage to follow someone else's tracks through the tall grass without too much trouble and continue on my way toward Norwich Road where I plan to stop for the day. It is 4:40 before I find a bridge hidden among the tall weeds and overgrown alders and know I am at the little stream just west of Norwich Road. Finding a nice campsite is no problem but the stream is essentially a beaver impound ment and it takes some time to locate the cleanest water for filtering.

Tonight as I eat my supper and sit around the small campfire, I think about the trail just covered. Although the trail has been overgrown in some places, the Trap Hills have offered the most spectac-

butter, I feel like a very lucky person to be in this spot. There is a 180° view that extends as far as the eye can see. and the only sign of human encroachment is a brief length of lightly used railroad track parallel to the creek. A solid forest canopy and several ranges of hills extend to the horizon. What I think is a glimpse of Lake Gogebic is in the far distance.

Savoring the view, I linger over breakfast and would like to stay even lon ger but eventually have to resume hiking if I am going to make the distance. As the day progresses, many more vistas are found along the trail-but there are also some trail difficulties. Just west of Forest Road 400, I lose the trail due to a recently constructed road that has either obliterated the trail or its blazes. After walking up and down the new road with no success in rediscovering the trail, I finally take a compass bearing and head for the main road. It is quickly reached but I still don't know which direction to go to find the trail.

While trying both ways once again, I encounter a bear hunter who is so busy

10 North Star* October-December 2001

In the last issue, I wrote about the first five days of this hike. The story resumes with

passage through the Trap Hills: Day 6: There were several periods

of rain last night and the temperature dropped lower than previous nights encouraging me to stay in the warm sleeping bag a little later than usual. It is almost 7:30 before I exit the tent to the sound of a deer "blowing" nearby. My little thermometer reads 35 degrees-I knew it was cool.

Starting up the trail, the morning brings several more spectacular rock out crop vistas. Due to the elevation and cooler temperatures in the hills, fall color is much more advanced than it was far ther west and there are many pauses for "Kodak moments." By 9:40 I have stopped for breakfast on top of the 500-foot sheer cliff that once served as a hacking site for Peregrine Falcon reintro duction. The view is outstanding!

While eating my bagel and peanut

By Bill Menke Brule-St. Croix

Fall Glory in the Trap Hills Part 2-Gogebic Trail Junction to East Boundary of the Ottawa National Forest

A solld forest canopy and several ranges of hills extend to the horizon. Cascade Creek Is a shining ribbon far below a sheer 500-foot cllff where peregrine falcons were re-Introduced.



who turns out to be Pat Thorgren probably THE driving force behind the restoration efforts. Dave's trip to town was successful and his water filter is mended. But, he later has the audacity to tell me about all the good burgers he had at the local restaurant. What a friend!

I forgive him because tonight we have a special meal in store. We have pre-arranged to have our food re-supply boxes delivered to Old Victoria and the person bringing them out from town also agreed to bring out some fresh food for supper and breakfast.

While Pat took me on a tour of the old mine, Dave cooked a delicious supper of brats, sauerkraut, and potatoes. He did an excellent job--especially consider ing that he cooked on an old-fashioned wood range located in one of the cabins. Tonight we sleep in the shelter-recently completed by the Peter Wolfe Chapter. It is a nice change of pace and would be most welcome during prolonged periods of inclement weather. Tonight however, I don't sleep as good as on previous nights. I'm now used to the ground and the wooden bunks seem like they don't have as much give--even with a Thermorest pad.

Day 8: We had planned to indulge ourselves with an early breakfast of doughnuts this morning and they did arrive with our food delivery yesterday afternoon. But before we retrieved our food, Pat's dog decided that he liked doughnuts more than we did, so guess who ate them. But he left us a couple of muffins and didn't seem to care for

After breakfast, the trail continues past and over the granite outcrops-in places, even marked with rock cairns. Shortly before reaching Whiskey Creek, the familiar, and now preferred, blue painted blazes replace the sometimes missing blue plastic diamonds that are still in place on most of the national for est and I know I am in an area where the chapter has been remarking the trail.

Reaching Gleason Creek I take the expertly designed but narrow, cliff-hug ging side trail for a visit to Gleason Falls. It is a pretty, slit type falls with a deep plunge pool. Today, it is rather sedate but it would undoubtedly have more volume earlier in the year. About 2:30 I decide to stop at a little creek and take a nice bath as there is no water available at the shelter in Old Victoria and it has been a couple of days since there was adequate water available for cleaning up.

Lookout Mountain, with its view overlooking Victoria Dam, is soon reached and not long after that, the trail starts to wind among the Old Victoria Mine ruins--even passing directly through one of the old buildings. At 4: 15 I make my way down the hill and reach the Old Victoria Restoration Site. Exiting the woods, I am greeted by Dave's smiling face and a stranger

Although the trail has been over grown in some places, the Trap Hills have offered the most spec tacular scenery of the entire hike.

\ o r

ular scenery of the entire hike. In fact, as I think about it, the scenery exemplifies a National Scenic Trail and in my estimation, this section of trail ranks right up there with only a few other places in terms of rugged, long-distance scenery and topographic relief. Combined with the fall colors, the vistas provided an out standing day. During the night, my ther mometer reads 24° but I think it must read a few degrees too low.

Day 7: I am trying for an early start so that I don't get to Old Victoria too late this evening. While I am not on official business, I have arranged to meet with Pat Thorgren to review the progress she · is making on a series of interpretive signs that are being funded with a Challenge Cost Share grant and to become more familiar with the historic remains of the Old Victoria Mine. Thus there is a need for a reasonably early arrival time.

The last couple of miles before reaching camp last night were essentially out of the hills and in relatively gentle terrain. But upon crossing Norwich Road, five minutes after leaving camp, the second range of the Trap Hills begins immediately. As I climb the first hill, coy ote music reaches my ears and I recall that they are in the same vicinity as when I heard them last night from the tent.

This morning's trail has a number of steep up and downs but these are off set by its frequent passing of more rock outcrops and their spectacular views. It seems to be the day for grouse as more than 1 Yi dozen have roared off the trail before it is time to stop for my breakfast.


to the campground. Bob Lake is a pretty little lake and there is much fall color now evident on the far hill. We spend a pleasant night and visit with some of the other campers who are interested in what we are doing.

Day 10: After we regain the main NCT and continue east, we find that we are in a much flatter part of the Ottawa. However, it is certainly a part of the forest that is heavily populated with bea ver. Almost every little drainage has been impounded and is holding water but it would still be a less than choice stretch for camping unless you were willing to take a chance on filtering the water that is more than likely full of Giradia. After all, another name for Giradiaosis is Beaver Fever. While the beaver work doesn't necessarily provide water, it does provide some nice viewing as the little ponds glisten among the white birch trunks and reflect the bright red color of the red maples lining their edges.

After crossing East Laird Road, good clean water is once again available at Silver River and what is possibly either Humbug or Boulder Creek. Both are nice and clear with bright sand bottoms. The Sturgeon River is ahead and we have

that Doug Welker, Peter Wolfe chapter President, said to keep an eye open for. It was one of the steepest grades in the UP-a 20-degree adhesion railroad. The train engine did not have cog-gears and so had to climb the grade by going up as far as it could-then backing down and up the opposite hillside as far as possible-then making another run at the hill ahead. This back and forth rock ing process was repeated until enough momentum was built up to reach the crest.

Just down the grade, we come to the East Branch Ontonagon River and see that a waist deep wade is required even in this dry time of year. Another bridge is needed here and it is rumored that the Ottawa National Forest has recently received money in its budget to begin its design. That's welcome news!

As we approach our destination for the day near the junction with the spur trail to Bob Lake Campground, we are on the lookout for the small stream that Doug thinks will still contain water. The woods are dry and this is the only time when Doug's advice doesn't pan out. Otherwise, he has been right on. Finding no water, we take the 1.2-mile spur north

The scenery exemplifies a National Scenic Trail and Bill finds this section matched by only a few other places.


the fresh fruit, so that was a treat. After meandering along the trail, we reach the bluff overlooking the West Branch of the Ontonogan River and soon follow the route downhill, passing the aqueduct that carries water from the dam to the elec tricity-generating turbines. Interestingly enough, the aqueduct which must be 10-feet in diameter is constructed of wooden staves and metal bands. There are many small leaks and we see where a maintenance worker has tried to tighten the bands by driving wooden wedges underneath them.

Reaching the river, we again find that we will have an easy crossing on the many exposed rocks. We are fortunate to be here during low water and when they are not releasing water from the dam upstream. In every mention of this place that I have ever seen, hikers are warned about the danger of attempting a crossing in higher water. While it is a piece of cake today, the potential danger is evi dent as the river is quite wide and would be very swift during high water. A bridge or a totally different place to cross would be very desirable.

It is reported that during high spring water periods, hikers would have to wait for weeks to get across. Instead, the cross ing is avoided by taking a very long road walk detour to Rockland and then south along Highway 45. Following the trail, by 1 :45 we have crossed the Highway 45 and reached 0-Kun-De-Gun Falls. This is a very beautiful falls and the huge trail suspension bridge just downstream offers a spectacular viewpoint. Dave rests on the warm rocks while I take a few pic tures. Soon I see a smaller falls where some of the water has been diverted and I am overcome with the desire to stand in the natural shower. So-off comes the boots and T-shirt and under the falls I go-this water is still cold!!!

Continuing on, we reach the Middle Branch Ontonagon River and set up camp in a little opening just east of the crossing. There is an even larger suspen sion bridge here that I pace off to be 135-feet long.

Day 9: As we climb the steep hill out of the river valley, it feels like it is 10-degrees warmer at the top of the hill. This time of year, the coolness often is most pronounced in the valleys. About 10:30 we see the old railroad grade


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

October-December zoor * North Star 13

Sponsored by

Name (Please Print) Daytime Phone (Area Code First. Extension at End)

I I 1-1 I I 1-1 I I I 1-1 I I I Address

City State I ZIP

Skms to Volunteer E-mail Address

D Member of a specific Chapter: _

D Member of my closest Chapter (If one exists)

D At-Large Member (Not affiliated with any Chapter)

•ASSOCIATION• To begin your membership, complete this form

and send It with your $18 payment to: 229 East Main Street Lowell, Michigan 49331

Please choose your Chapter affiliation:

Our Sponsored Membership Program allows current members to sign up new members at an introductory rate of just $18.00. To qualify, Sponsor Members must be new to NCTA, or not have been members for at least two years. The $18.00 rate is good only for the first year of membership. To use the program, just fill you name in the "Sponsored by" box. Then, give the form to a friend to finish.

SPONSORED MEMBERSHIP FORM

This is a good point to again break the story. It will be resumed next issue with our approach to the Oren Krumm Shelter.

over on its side, slide the head along the bole to remove the branches, and at the same time, cut it into the proper 8-foot lengths. Logging is sometimes controver sial due to the mess that is sometimes created on and near the trail.

There should be no controversy here. This logger (Wildwood Forest Products) is very conscientious and is cleaning any miscellaneous limbs off the trail as he progresses. He is an expert with his machine and there is no bumping into or skinning of the remaining trees. Once again, he is demonstrating that good operators and good sale contract admin istration make all the difference in the world about how a logging operation is perceived.

In general, the U.S. Forest Service probably does the best job of sale admin istration--even though their staff and budgets have been cut in recent years. In another few miles, we leave the Ottawa National Forest behind and enter Copper Country State Forest.

supper and Dave tells me that he heard on his little radio that snow is predicted for Saturday. We don't particularly like to hear that. The rain stops and there is time to get a nice campfire going. I am reading near the fire while Dave is lying in his tent watching it.

Day 11: After climbing out of the Sturgeon River Valley on a sharp, steep backbone of a side ridge, we find the trail passing through yet another entirely different landscape. This is rolling, sandy topography with open stands of oak, jack pine, and red pine. Small openings are covered with Reindeer Moss. It reminds me of the sandy floor of the Manistee National Forest. Soon, we come to an active logging operation and stop to talk to the logger. He is thinning a pine plan tation with a tracked machine equipped with a feller-processor head. From his cab, he can grip and cut a tree, swing it

decided to camp near it because after crossing the river, there is no water near the trail for the next 10-12 miles. We stop on a high, flat point just before dropping down to Forest Road 2270 and the bridge across the river. This is a real pretty spot with nice views down the bluff to the river and it is secluded enough from the road· so that we will not be impacted.

Upon finding the night's campsite, the first order of business is to put up the tents-just in case it rains. We then walk down the trail to the road, across the bridge, and downstream a short distance along the trail to a nice sand bar where we filter water and take yet another swim. At least I do--Dave backs out tonight. Good thing we put the tents up because here comes the rain and we hustle back to camp to get out of it. During a break, we come out to cook

':,'While the beaver work doesn't necessarily provide water. . . the little ponds glisten among the white birch trunks and reflect the bright red color of the . . . maples. "


WISCONSIN-The Heritage Chapter in Wisconsin was the first chapter of the North Country Trail Association this summer to benefit from the offer of the Brule-St. Croix Rovers to help out with difficult trail projects as it tackled an important relocation project. The Heritage chapter had a small but determined turnout, which accomplished a lot on a long weekend-an outcome the Rovers and the chapter can be proud 0£ Here's how the busy days were filled:

Editor's Note: The last issue of The North Star carried an account about the Brule St. Croix Rovers, the highly-skilled group of trail workers who actually hail from three separate chapters who take on the tough trail jobs in Wisconsin. The article con cluded by noting that the crew was ready to help chapters in the region if needed for special projects. No sooner written, then done. What follows is an account of the Rovers' participation in a trail project with the Heritage Chapter in Wisconsin.

Follow-Up: Brule-St. Croix Rovers Relocate Trail in Heritage Territory

mowing, west of Victoria; removing plas tic blazes and painting white blazes on the side trail from Victoria Road to the North Country Trail, proper; continued trail maintenance on the NCT between Victoria and Norwich Road; installing painting and staining of signs.

- Doug Welker A map of the new trail is available

online, at http://www.northcountrytrail.org/ pwflimages/SWBaragaPla.insmap I .]PG

Taking a break at the cabin near the Sturgeon River are (left to right) Barbara Powell, Dennis Zimmer, Nelson Meade and Doug Welker

Trail workers In the Baraga Plains are (left to right) Doug Welker, Dave McDonald, Dennis Zimmer, Nelson Meade, Rolf Swanson, Doug Lutz and Barbara Powell.

crossings which eventually will need pun cheons so that they can be crossed in wet weather without getting wet feet or damaging the wetland vegetation.

Before the end of the fall season, the Chapter will also be working on:

Brush mowing, trail blazing, and flagging tape removal on the new trail; additional brush mowing on Wisconsin Electric lands; painting new blazes near Old Victoria; trail improvements and


MICHIGAN-There's more than six new miles of attractive North Country National Scenic Trail in the. Baraga Plains section between M-28 and M-38 in the western part of Baraga County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The new stretch starts where the David Cole Eagle Scout project leaves off and continues north beyond Big Lake. It was built last July by a rotating crew of six to eight from the Peter Wolfe chapter and the Sierra Club on land managed by Michigan's Department of Natural Resources. Participating were: Doug Welker, Ralph and Barbara Powell, Rolf Swanson, Dave McDonald, Nelson Meade, Doug Rutz, and Dennis Zimmer.

It's generally a pretty trail, following the edges of wetlands most of the way, but also along some timber stand bound aries and along the historic Lac Vieux Desert trail, used in the past by Native Americans to travel from the south end of Keweenaw Bay on Lake Superior to Lac Vieux Desert (now on the Ml/WI border) and the headwaters of the Wisconsin River, which feeds into the Mississippi.

The trail passes the entrance to Big Lake State Forest Campground and approaches closely several wildlife open ings, where we could hear and sometimes see sandhill cranes. We'll need to avoid these wildlife openings, though, during the fall hunting season, to avoid scaring away migrating geese. The crew stayed at Big Lake Campground the first week; when the crew diminished the second week, it worked out of my (Doug Welker's) house in Pelkie, ML

Using a brush mower after a path for it had been cleared, enabled us to build so much trail in such a short time. It was indispensable for mowing off miles of blueberry plants, bracken ferns, sweet fern and other ubiquitous vegetation.

There are 13 (mostly) short, wetland

Peter Wolfe Chapter, Sierra Club Build New Baraga Section

T

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


MICHIGAN- The Tittibawassee Chapter in Michigan didn't think it would be a big project but when the work crew started passing boards across the Jordan River it became a project big in satisfaction.

The chapter built a boardwalk in the Jordan Valley to bypass a particularly tough section of the North Country Trail that had become a mud hole over the years.

Numerous springs flowing out of the surrounding hills and into the Jordan Valley in Michigan's Antrim County feed their clear, cold waters into the Jordan and in the process create numerous mucky spots on the trail. One of the worst is across the river from a state fish hatchery.

Arden Johnson, one of the original architects of the trail in northern Michigan, explains that the mud hole is a series of springs, 100 yards long, filled with muck and roots.

The site is two and a half-miles from road access but by fording the river with their lumber, trail workers reached within a half mile of the site. Lumber and material were financed by a Field Grant from the North Country Trail Association National headquarters.

"We promise to deal with more muck next, year," the chapter says.

-Cora Killinger

Mud Hole Succumbs to a New Boardwalk

'Boards Across the Jordan,' Tlttibawassee style

work and to their dedication to getting the job done.

Thick grilled steaks tasted like heaven after another dip in Weber Lake.

Day 4 (Monday)--The crew (minus Rolf Swanson who was off to celebrate his mother's birthday) shifted its work to laying out a trail location from the Casey Sag Road west to the Gold Mine and then further west toward the Wren Falls area. A very dense forest cover kept the crew on their toes as they scouted differ ent ways of getting across a rather large swampy area created by a major earth fault.

The trail was routed around a pri vately owned 80 acre tract between the Gold Mine and Wren Falls. Ribbons were hung so that later trail construction crews could begin the job of preliminary clear ing and construction. All of the work on the relocation and new trail layout was on Iron County's public forestry lands. Weather was generally very hot and humid during this work project weekend.

After Gaylord departed, Bob and Bill continued west with the flagging and reached a point that is a drainage exactly in the center of Section 9. This point should be easy to locate when starting at Wren Falls and heading east to make the connection. In the process, Bob and Bill located the trail around the base of a rock wall that bounds the high hump in the SW 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Sec 9 and then with a 150-foot spur climbed onto the hump to take in a very long distance view back to the east and southeast. This future vista is the best view they saw all day and comes close to rivaling the one that is off of the Uller Trail.

The two did not get back to camp until 6:15pm and we were so tired (even after the customary lake dip) that all they felt like eating was a big salad=quite the diet after previous grill choices.

Day 5 (Tuesday)-- The crew broke camp and headed south.

The Heritage Chapter is grateful for the help given it by the Roving Brule-St. Croix crew. They are a good outfit and Heritage members will try to help the crew later on during their other projects.

-Gaylord Yost

.. \

Day 1 (Friday)--The roving crew, Bill Menke (Brule-St. Croix), Bob Gould (Heritage), and Rolf Swanson, (Peter Wolfe) plus Gaylord Yost began the pre liminary work of clearing a new location for the trail approximately, one mile east of the Weber Lake trailhead. The 1,500-foot relocation took the trail out of a very wet spot and moved it to higher ground. The work consisted of clearing downed timber and branches, raking up duff off trail tread and beginning to put in the trail tread. Some benching had to be done.

The 1,500 foot-relocation eliminated only 1,300 feet of old trail but in the process, eliminated five bridges, three stretches of puncheon and several long stretches of unhardened wet trail that was next to impassible for the heavy duty all terrain mower. The point is that good trail design in a proper location can sim plify trail maintenance and expense by eliminating unnecessary structures.

A dip in Weber Lake and grilled hamburgers helped to relax the crew members before bedtime. The crew was given permission to camp out on Whitecap Resorts property and spent the night near the golf driving range.

Day 2 (Saturday)-The crew was joined by Sarah Gokey and Steve Frye from the Heritage chapter. Jack Strong and Julia Christensen wanted to join but, unfortunately, could not find our loca tion and thus drove back home.

The crew again raked and benched and continued to lay in the tread. A portion of the crew dismantled the pun cheon that had been put down through the old location and built a very durable, strong bridge over a small creek that crossed the trail location.

A dip in Weber Lake and a dinner of barbecued chicken breasts grilled over an open wood fire finished off the day.

Day 3 (Sunday)- Sarah and Steve reluctantly left for the return trip to their jobs while the four who began the relo cation finished it and painted in the blue reassurance marks and took down all relocation ribbons. The job and the new relocation were super and the roving crew is to be commended for their very professional volunteer approach to their

··. " ... The result and the . . . relocation were super and the roving crew is to be commended for . . . their dedication to getting the job done ... "

titles," he protested. Nevertheless, he admits to being the chapter's Assistant Trail Coordinator for the past two years. Another member captures the feeling of the industrious "bee" that Bob is by list ing "many hours of trail scouting, flag ging, brushing, bridge building, cutting tread, and bench building."

Bob taught Chemistry at Northwestern Michigan College and sort of knew the North Country Trail was nearby but it took retirement and a grandson to get Bob involved. His 10-year-old grandson was interested in hiking so Bob and wife Grace began to make it possible for the youngster to get to meetings and activities. Before long, Arlen Matsen (featured August 1998) was taking Bob to the trail too, and tapping into his many skills.

"He has strong problem solving skills, and a total commitment to trail preserva tion," declares Arlen. Many of our trail volunteers come from backgrounds which include lots of hiking and camping. Bob does not. He says he only had done moderate amounts of hiking, and trail

Grand Traverse Hiking Club B is for BOB RUDD. Bob describes himself as a "worker bee. I don't like

elected Secretary, and is now the V- P. Adrian says that Trail Crew work is

fun, it relieves stress and allows him to give something back to others who built trail for him to walk. It involves lots of hours. In fact, Adrian has received an award for 500 hours spent on building trail. That's just for building, not any of those other tasks. And Adrian treasures the memories of all the miles he has helped to build. He has also received the BTA's Star Award for outstanding service. Additionally he has adopted a section of trail to maintain.

There are so many reasons to go to the trail, he offered, "You never know what's around the bend. It might be just a squirrel or it might be a mink." He would like to see more of the Buckeye Trail off road. He almost always looks forward to the opportunities to go out with the Trail Crew. Adrian challenges us, "Everybody should get out and do it!"

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


Buckeye Trail Association A is for ADRIAN YANKO. Adrian is currently serving as Vice-President of the Buckeye Trail Association. He's been involved in one way or another since 1986 and he says he's in for the long haul

' and wants to do trail work forever. Adrian is a long-time hiker. He says,

"At 16 I hiked all over and never gave any thought to what a trail meant or how it got there." But when his friends began to get married and have children he found it difficult to find anyone who had time to go hiking and camping with him. Enter Jim Sprague (featured June 1998) who began planning Ohio Trail Crew outings at about that time. Adrian learned of this opportunity and thought it sounded like fun. He quickly began to find out how trails are built! But he still considers the work lots of fun. In fact, he used the word "fun" more than any other in describing trail related tasks. Next he was approached by Emily Gregor to serve on the BTA board. So Adrian began learning the rest of the answer as to how trails are created. He began as a Trustee, was next

(A is for) Adrian Yanko who views the trall dur

ing a lunch break.

The A-B-Cs of trail work might be planning, construction, and mainte nance. They might be to develop, pre serve, and promote the trail (as found

- in the NCTA Vision Statement}. But ·for these two pages, those A-B-Cs will

be Adrian, Bob, and Cora. This is not just a cute word play exercise, because the truth of the matter is that those fundamental building blocks of trail work are really the people, those dedi cated individuals, who have time and energy and commitment (another fun damental triad} for the North Country Trail Read on for this Primer of volun teer dedication ...

The ABCs at the Heart of the North Country Trail

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


just a reminder. .. all of the persons featured here were nominated by people who know them and work with them. They have been valuable at the local level where they par ticipate. This group all comes from Ohio or Michigan. Those states together contain 915 miles of certified trail, and the poten tial for about 2000 of the final total. Naturally, they have the most folks who work on the trail. If you are from one of our other great states, and might occasion ally feel a twinge ofjealousy at how often these middle states appear in the trail news, take a second look. How can you help to change that? Of course, you can't make more possible miles suddenly appear in your state, but you can nominate someone you work with on the trail. Contact me to find out how. Joan Young 231-757-2205 or [email protected].

owners about trail passage. With the heart of a backpacker, she longs for the day when the NCT is continuous so people can really hike it. Cora's final remark was "We don't dream big enough." What are your dreams for the North Country Trail?

-Joan Young

NCT emblem on it (where the trails are concurrent).

Connie soon came across an issue of North Star, and passed it along to Cora. Next, Jerry Allen started calling folks in NE Michigan who confessed an interest in the NCT, and their chapter was born. At the first meeting they looked at the list of responsibilities, and divided them up. Thus Cora became Trail Coordinator for her chapter! "I just grew into the posi tion," she laughed.

She sees real value in her ability to discover the tasks that need to be done, to assign those to people who have time, and to keep the records of what has been done. The section of trail they adopted, just north of the Traverse City Chapter, had been receiving minimum mainte nance for many years because it was not offically part of the Traverse City charter. Now we had some trail, but "we had to go find it," Cora explained.

She has five miles of trail which she has personally adopted in addition to coordination tasks. She has also attended timber sale meetings with State Forest authorities and has contacted property

(C is for) Cora Killinger, here pounding home a carsonite post to mark the trail.

Tittabawassee Chapter C is for CORA KILLINGER. There's just "something inside me," says Cora wistfully. I've always wanted to be in the woods exploring and finding adventures. After her kids were grown she said to her husband, "If I don't go now I'll never be able to." An understanding kind of guy, Vern said, "Go, but take someone with you!"

So Cora, and sister Connie, headed for the trails. On one trek across Michigan in 1993 on the Shore to Shore Trail they came to a sign post with an

construction was all new to him. But he agrees with so many of us when he acknowledges, "I see trails a lot differently now since I know how to build them."

Bob says he can't think of a better place to work than on a beautiful trail. Many of the chapter's miles are on bluffs above the Manistee River and "B is for Bob" Bob mentioned "B is for" building bridges, benching trail into the slopes, and for building benches as well! "The work is hard, I go home really tired, but that's a good thing," Bob added.

(B Is for) Bob Rudd who delights In demonstrating how to use one of his benches.

going to bathe or even brush his teeth on the Trail. She's is a little less anxious now. Whenever he's near a phone, Cader keeps in touch with his mother, his kids, and a good friend in Eau Claire.

Some friends' eyes opened wide when Cader announced his plan. Many expressed concern about bears or muggers. A few said he wouldn't survive. Some were envious.

He isn't keeping a journal, because "It distracts from seeing nature. I don't want to conceptualize my hike on paper. I just want to let go. I'm not carrying a journal, camera or a watch, because they take the edge off the experience."

However, his mother, Floren Olive (she goes by the name Daisy), is keeping track of the journey with her journal.

Cader says his family is enjoying the hike as much as he is.

Cader began hiking on April 11 in Drummond, WI in 1.5 feet of snow. He started carrying 55 pounds including heavy winter clothing. Now his load averages between 32 and 40 pounds. He planned to hike 10 miles a day and is really doing between 10 and 15 miles each day. He was lost a few times and may have covered 20 miles on those days. He wakes up at sunrise and starts hiking an hour or two later. He hikes as far as he can before noon and stops when the heat builds up. His trail name is Nhat Noen (Not Knowing) indicating that he

doesn't know everything and that he wants to find out about the world. He says, "It's a hard name to live up to."

Here are some of his trail stories: A restaurant owner talked with him

for an hour while Cader ate. He didn't charge anything. At a Big Boy Restaurant, an anonymous patron paid for his meal. He went into a restaurant in Mesick, MI and ordered a five-egg omelet, three blue berry pancakes, 1/2 cantaloupe, two sides of ham, extra toast, hash browns, and a large orange juice. The waitress asked when his friend was corning. Cader said, "It's all for me." She bet him the cost of the meal that he couldn't finish it all. He ate everything and then ordered dessert.

Cader says, "My pack draws people.

"Eight generations back, my ancestor fought in the War of 1812 with a fellow soldier named Cader Knutt. My ancestor liked the name because it means mountain in Welsh and that first name has been passed along since then."

According to Cader, his family once owned the biggest ranch in the West and the TV show Bonanza was based upon his family's spread. But the ranch was in Texas not Nevada.

Our Cader is divorced and has a daughter attending art school in Minneapolis and a son involved in Aikido in Denver. Caders mother is 76 years old and lives in Charlotte, NC where he grew up. She was convinced her son would die on this hike. She had no idea how he was

ecology from Michigan State, but has been a self-employed carpenter for 20 years. He developed carpal tunnel syndrome and a bad back from his carpentry. He's suffered for a long time from sinus problems and feels this may be due to wood dust. So, he had to change something. He also wanted to do more with his life.

We asked about his unusual name. He told us this story:

"The family genealogist traced things back and found that everyone named Olive in this country is descended from James Olive who was a pickpocket in England. He stowed away around 1700 to avoid arrest and settled near present day Raleigh, NC. He took the name ofJames Olive and no one knows his real name.

············································-·················· 18 North Star * October-December 2001

"\Vle waited for him to arrive. He was W expected on July 6. We knew he

would stop because we received a box · of food and other supplies at the North · Country Trail Association headquarters in Lowell to be picked up on his hike. "We" were the staff at headquarters and of the North Star and a few others. "He" was a long distance hiker with the unusual name of Cader Olive. We badly wanted to speak to him because in the last few months, for several reasons, we missed other long distance hikers that passed by bur Lowell office. Several people spoke to him on the phone before this and we knew his story would be interesting. ' We guessed where he would camp the night before arrival and where he would camp the follow ing night. Everyone was wrong. Cader walked in the office about 10 am looking fresh and rested. Paula WU.bur, a member of the Western Michigan chapter, knew Olive was due and looked for him as she mowed grass along the trail in Fallasburg Park. She spotted and caught up to him. Cader said, "I turned around and didn't know what to think. There was this woman chasing me on a lawn-

" mower. He spent the night as a guest

of Paula and her husband and got to take his second shower in three months. The next morning he stopped by the NCTA office to pick up the supplies cached there. Later that day he intended to take a bus over a portion of the Trail because he wanted to visit friends near Cincinnati and to continue hiking from there because he needed to arrive in New York on a specific date to attend a Zen convention.

Calder had lived in Eau Claire, WI for 12 years before he sold his house, along with everything else he owned, and put most of the money into CDs. The rest of his funds and the interest will allow him to hike for a few years if he decides to do that. He doesn't know what the future will bring.

Cader, 48 years old, has a Ph.D. in

By Roger Meyer Contributing Editor

Some weeks after his stop In Lowell, Cader Olive meets Bob Tait, Pennsylvania state trail coordinator, on the trall near the Davis Hollow Outdoor Center.

Cader Olive Hikes From Wisconsin One of the First (Let's Hope, of Many) to Arrive in Lowell on Foot

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


Cader's only real problem involved food. He bought a bag of granola in Petoskey and became sick. He thinks he was probably allergic to something in it. He threw it away. His gear hasn't changed much since he started although he discarded some extra rope. He cooks using a Zip stove (a wood _ burner) and wouldn't use anything else. He carries a three-man tent that weighs five-and-a-half pounds. It allows him to sit up with his bad back and have all his gear spread out. He also lugs a four-pound flute for entertainment. He tries to mimic the birds with it. . One pair of boots has worn out so far and ' the grommets on his pack worked loose. Other than these, no problems with gear.

Cader Olive doesn't know if he will . backpack for the next five years or go back. to work. He doesn't think his knees will last through the AT, but he would like to hike the Pacific Crest Trail sometime. But wherever he goes, nature and Cader Olive are companions and you will see them traveling together.

were younger ... "

" ... The residents feel good when they provide water. They relax because you're not selling anything ... some say they would like to hike also, if they had time or

He says, "The world is my home. There's no special place that's mine. I'm home wherever I sit down. Animals are doing their things on the same earth as me and we are connected." Once he didn't see another person for 10 days.

His prior hiking experience was many one-week backpacks. Longest hike was three weeks in the Smokies. He has hiked most of the Appalachian Trail in the South, but nothing in New England. Cader carries food for one more day than required to get to the next food drop. He eats mostly freeze-dried food and some times gathers berries and greens along the trail. A typical breakfast is granola and powdered milk; for lunch - peanut butter and bread.

Earlier, fresh from a welcome shower and a real bed, Cader Olive stopped at national headquarters In Lowell, Ml, to pick up the supplies that awaited him there.

They want to talk to you. Everybody is friendly and they accept me." He stops to chat and encourages everyone he meets to get out and experience nature. Cader wants to wake people up to the outdoors. He's not sure how to do this and knows he can't interact with people on a global scale so he tries to reach anybody he meets.

He hasn't read a newspaper in six years and seldom listens to the radio because the current news is redundant. He says, "It's the same car accident or war, just different

" names. He couldn't finish Bill Bryson's book

about hiking on the Appalachian Trail because the book's tone was the trail was an obstacle rather than an enjoyable path.

We asked him about his beard - Did he grow it on the Trail? No, Cader hasn't shaved since he was 17 years old.

He stops at houses along the route to ask for water and has never been refused. "The residents feel good when they pro vide water. They seem to relax because you're not selling anything. They ask many questions and some say they would like to hike also, but need to be younger or have

. " more time. He found 90 percent of the North

Country Trail "great." He mentioned three spots that need work: around Silver Lake (where the trail was flagged but not cut), in the McCormack Wilderness (there's a trail but no blazes), and the Rogue River State Game Area (where the nettles along the trail are a problem).

Some suggestions: the trail intersec tions should be blazed better (one of his "lost" adventures occurred because of a poorly marked intersection); the trail maps should show water sources. (The series of maps now being published by the Association show water sources).

His favorite spots: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and along the Yellow Dog, Manistee, and Sturgeon Rivers.

Cader says he appreciates all the peo ple who built and maintain the North Country Trail. Their effort allows him to hike and enjoy nature. "Seeing a blue blaze every 50 feet allows me to observe nature because I'm freer. I have more time to look at where I am. I'm not in a hurry. I want to look at things."

October-December 2001 * North Star 21 Chlttenago Falls In Chlttenago State Park.

Bill Coffin examines an old headstone In a pioneer cemetery along the Onondaga branch.

.in Group hike welcomes a meadow enroute to Spicer Falls.

The spectacular view from John's Hill overlooking Labrador Pond and the rolling hills of New York .

Friday evening picnic at the Cazenovia College Equestrian Center. Spicer Falls on the southern half of the Onondaga branch.

Photographs by Aaron Phipps


Whlle some hikers are known for having ravenous appetites, the portable lunches proved to fill the need. This fare was enjoyed by a wilder beast.

. '•

A mid the splendors of central New York, the North Country Trail Association held its .liannual conference this summer called Trail Junction 2001. The conference was hosted by the Finger Lakes Trail Association, an NCTA affiliate, the Central New York Chapter of the NCTA and the Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club.

From conference headquarters at Cazenovia College, attendees spread out to enjoy four days of hikes on the FLT's Onondaga branch, on the Link Trail, several stretches of the main Finger Lakes Trail, in the Clark Reservation and the spectacular sights of Cazenovia's Art Park, a site right on the North Country Trail.

There were workshops on trail maintenance and blazing, backcountry safety and first aid; nature photography and map and compass, plus an intro duction to backpacking and an overview of the North Country Trail. Evening highlights included the appearance of a marvelous storyteller; an amus ing slide shows of adventures on the trail and an assessment of the problems of getting the trail through Adirondack Park.

The Association honored 11 of its hardworking volunteers at an evening picnic and the Board of Directors elected new officers for the next two years.

Members warmly applauded the organizers, particularly Irene Szabo, FLTC President and new NCTA board member, for their contribution to a great success. Subsequent pages report on some of these events.

Splendors in ewYork

Now - back to the hike. As the vans traveled from Cazenovia to the trail, we picked up one of the landowners the Coffins had been working with, Scott Bowen, who came hiking with us and interacted with the group throughout the day. His perspective was interesting. Not only has Scott given permission for the trail to cross his property, but he is anx iously awaiting its completion. He has already taken it upon himself to cut open the trail along the flagged line and uses his tractor and brush hog to mow the route where it skirts his hay field.

Bill says: "Scott loves the outdoors and he is most enthusiastic about being part owner in the NCT. He also wants to be his own trail steward and is doing his own trail building. Scott attended the NCTA Conference and he talks up the NCT with

•

Members like Irene Szabo of Finger Lakes, Dave Cornell of the Chief Noonday Chapter, Bill and Mary Coffin, and Peter Nordgren of the Brule-St. Croix Chapter are but a few who have achieved some wonderful successes over the years. So has the Central New York Chapter of the NCTA in obtaining pas sage for the trail from south of Cazenovia to the Old Erie Canal at Canastota. All are more than willing to share their sto ries with you. Seek them out.

Landowner Relations As a large portion of the trail on public lands nears completion, our chapters and affiliates are faced with the daunting task of having to secure a trail route across private property. Some look at this task with a great deal of trepidation, while others have done it long enough to learn from their successes and to understand that landowner contacts and relationships are no great mystery. Landowners are ordinary people and their reactions are surprisingly positive when they are approached with a well-thought out, polite request.

Usually, a relationship is cultivated long before anyone ever gets around to asking them to allow trail passage. Sometimes this takes place when main taining a section of trail on nearby prop erty and walks along the temporary road segment in front a nearby landowner's house. Perhaps the maintainer notices someone working in the yard and stops for a brief chat or is offered a drink of cold water. Sometimes it takes place at town meetings where a landowner first learns who you are and what the trail is about. The point is that seemingly minor efforts to educate people about the trail sometimes yield wonderful friends and invitations or permissions to cross property.

Mary Coffin, with Bill Coffin, shakes hands with Scott Bowen on the segment of the North Country Trail that runs through Scott's property.


B ill and Mary Coffin led an interesting hike on the last day of the Annual

Conference in Cazenovia, NY which pro vided an opportunity to see the route and review the progress being made on con necting the north end of the Finger Lakes Trail's Onondaga Branch segment (where certification ends) with the next certified segment to the east, the Link Trail segment in the Tioughneoga Wildlife Management Area. Some 23 miles sepa rate these two segments of certified trail.

In 1999 the NPS decided that the route of the North Country NST would remain aligned with the Onondaga Branch - as was outlined in the 1982 Comprehensive Plan. For a few years, another route further east in Madison County was under consideration. When the decision was made, the ADK Onondaga Chapter made a commitment to complete the trail between the two certified segments in a timely manner. The progress, in just two-and-a-half years, is amazing.

Chapter members have scouted a general route and flagged some portions of that route, submitted proposals to the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for approval on public lands, and lined up considerable private landowner support.

Our Sunday hike covered five miles - most of it flagged route. A small portion has actually been constructed. Along the way, are outstanding vistas, several small tumbling streams, interest ing woods, and an old cemetery with one of the tombstones dating back to 1846.

Because the hike followed a "trail in progress" (a flagged route), it evolved into a walking workshop. There were many "teachable moments" when the group stopped to discuss the trail layout as it was flagged and speculate on ways that it might be refined and improved - some times subtly and sometimes more substan tially. This article will focus on two things - the importance of good landowner rela tions, and the value of thoroughly review ing a rough flagged route or getting some one else to walk it with you so as to provide a pre-construction critique.

By Biii Menke Trail Manager

A Trail In Progress Refining the Route and Working With Landowners


trips they had taken to refine the route just on one hillside and do the initial brushing of that very short section.

That is the kind of scouting that needs to go into achieving the best trail location. As I say when teaching Trail Design, "when laying out a trail, you should know the landscape better than anyone else alive." That level of familiarity is necessary to get the trail in the best location.

A true switchback by contrast, has long legs of varying lengths and seldom can one leg be seen from another. This is accom plished by keeping the legs longer and varying the length while looping the turn around a visual barrier such as thick vegeta tion, or a large boulder, or ledge. Good switchbacks are a series of grand sweeps rather than a series of Vs.

But, good switchbacks are very diffi cult to construct and should be incorpo rated only when property boundaries or some physical barrier confines the space available to ascend the hill. Whenever possible, avoid switchbacks by utilizing as much of the face of the hill as is available to ascend at the proper grade--continu ing the route in the same general direc tion as far as possible. Hopefully, the top of the hill will be reached before running into some barrier-if not, a true switch back can be installed. Using this tech nique, the hilltop may be gained with no or few switchbacks.

Another layout that we critiqued was where the line progressed up the face of the hill somewhat satisfactorily but later lost elevation on the same hillside. There is an old saying - "when going uphill in the mountains, never take a step down." Now granted, that is an extreme saying used to illustrate a point. At times, it is entirely proper to take a step down - such as when crossing a grade dip. But in general, the saying holds - don't wander up and down on the same hillside.

There is nothing a backpacker hates worse than lugging their pack up the side of a hill only to find that they are then going to descend that same hillside. In one location along our hike, we val iantly followed a series of 4-5 zipper legs upward, then started descending until we were almost at the same elevation as when we had started up the zipper a few minutes earlier. The group sur mised that with a little more scouting, the entire series of zippers could be elim inated-they served no useful purpose. In fact, they increased the amount of sidehill construction by many hundred feet when only a little over 150 feet of One of the open views on the trail near Scott Bowen's property.

•

A cllnometer Is an Instrument for mea suring the angle of lncllnatlon. When flagging trail, a cllnometer can make It easier to determine If a switchback can be avoided.

Trail Design-Refining the Route As the group hiked east from Spruce Pond, it was obvious that Bill, Mary, Dick Lightcap, and others in the ADK Onondaga Chapter have done their homework in picking out a good general trail route. Their flagged line takes in some interesting views of small waterfalls, avoids roads, and includes a variety of topographical positions. They also made extra efforts to loop the trail out to the edge of a field in order to take in a spec tacular vista and another little loop passes an old stone foundation. In general, they have incorporated a good mix of scenery and rural history. We heard of the 20

in the next valley. Another couple, Dennis and Nancy Ten Eyck, is allowing a permit and have started hiking and doing some trail work with us. When dealing with landowners you have your good days and your bad days. But they are the salt of the earth and Mary and I love to work with them. We hope to build a model landowner relations project in Central NY."

other landowners. His wife, Pat, shares his NCT enthusiasm. He will help us haul lumber to our construction sites."

As the hike ended and we were say ing farewell to our new friends, we made a point to thank Scott Bowen for allow ing the trail to cross his property. Scott replied: "I believe in the trail concept and want to help."

ADK-Onondaga has done a wonder ful job of contacting other landowners to seek their cooperation in completing the trail across the gap. I asked Bill and Mary to mention some of the things that have helped to foster good landowner relation ships. Bill wrote:

"Since 1997 we have worked hard networking with our property owners, with public officials, and with local citi zens. We asked them to put in a good word for us and early in the process we received permission at Highland County Forest and from three private owners. In 1999 things really began to happen for us when the Onondaga County Planner obtained a county resolution favoring the NCT. We won our second resolution from the Town of Fabius Board with great support from the local Rotary Club that I had visited several years before about the NCT. Bob DeMore, town supervisor and Dale Sweetland, town county legislator are both delighted over what the NCT will do for their commu nity's future. A local minister, who has several parishes, knows many land owners and has been very helpful to our winning landowner support. Hamilton Armstrong, long time ADK member and well-known conservationist gave us a per mit and helped us get another.

''Another big break came last year when the Fabius town-zoning officer turned up five more willing owners. Meanwhile, we won another landowner

Credit Card orders can be placed by phone or fax at: Toll Free 888-454-NCTA (888-454-6282)

616-897-6605

Please mail your completed form with payment to: 229 East Main Street Lowell, Michigan 49331

•ASSOCIATION•


Sponsored by

Name (Please Print) Daytime Phone (Area Code First, Extension at End)

I I 1-1 I I 1-1 I I I 1-1 I I I Address

City State I ZIP

Skills to Volunteer E-mail Address

D Member of a specific Chapter: _

D Member of my closest Chapter (If one exists)

D At-Large Member (Not affiliated with any Chapter)

Please choose your Chapter affiliation:

D $45 Organization

D $150 Business

D $100 Pathfinder

D $250 NCT Patron

D $30 Regular

D $50 Trail Leader

If you are purchasing or renewing your membership, please fill out this form and add the amount to your Trail Shop Order Form if you are purchasing merchandise or send this form with payment to the address below.

MEMBERSHIP FORM

Scott's farm is the site where an historic cabin was built in 1821. At the spot are {left to right) Bill Coffin, Bill Menke, Jim Pascucci, Scott Bowen and Mary Coffin.

that discussion it would have been just another group hike. I think the comments are equally inter esting to the local folks as well as anyone with or without trail design experience. The timing for the trail critique was perfect, par ticularly with regard to avoiding the zipper trails before trail is cut.

"I do think that the Sunday hike, or something like it should be on the agenda for future con ferences. Maybe a good sit down over a map with discussions of land boundaries and contour lines before heading out on the trail then seeing the work in progress. Maybe even some hands on trail maintenance as well as Irene's workshop. The business end of trail building is where more help is needed and making it appealing is always the hard part. People want to be out hiking rather than sitting in a workshop. But since they do regular hiking all the time, it might be advantageous to combine the hiking with the "business" aspects. Maybe a new slogan: I do my business in the woods."

Well now that's an appealing idea! Take note North Dakota organizers!

straight ahead, gradually climbing trail would have accomplished the same thing and avoided the zip per.

The point is that until one is well practiced in trail layout/ design, it is extremely important to have someone else review the flagged route. Their fresh look may see something that you overlooked and may save the construction crew a considerable amount of work. Using the aver age figure of 250 hours to con struct one mile of trail (when 1/3 of it involves sidehill benching), if redesign can shave even Y2 mile off of the route, 125 hours of hard work can be avoided.

Certainly I enjoyed the hike - not only because of seeing some new scenery but also because of my intense interest in trail design. Bill and Mary enjoyed the critique and asked for a brief written summary. But what did the others, who were perhaps inadvertently involved in this walking workshop, think? To answer that question, I asked one of them, Aaron Phipps, to give some feedback: Aaron writes:

"I felt that the running com ments were essential. Without

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


who keep ... dream projects alive for the rest of us to enjoy.

In nominating John Leinen, Bob Papp, executive director of the NCTA wrote:

"In taking over as state trail coordi nator for Minnesota, John took on the daunting task of revitalizing our organiza tion and volunteer efforts within the state. Although this is still a 'work in progress,' a new Chapter structure has been devised that will allow for local Chapters to begin growing along the trail, with the Twin Cities chapter serving in a support role. Public events have re-energized volun teers, and a new traveling display has been created build further public support around the state. Through his role with the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota, John has helped establish crit ical partnerships within the state. In addi tion to his important role in Minnesota, John has served two terms on the national NCTA Board of Directors, pushing hard for growth in our development program, and has been reelected for another term beginning this year."

the FLTC with the NCTA was invented, not only as the New York State coordina tor for the NCTA but as a member of its board. He just may have attended more NCTA board meetings than almost any one living ...

"He used to work in his FLTC office until 1 am and get up again at 5 am before he retired from the local power company. Now he lounges around until 7 am before he gets into harness to deal with trail reports, trail certification filings or cost-share, all for which he earned a reputation for always getting done on time.

"We do suspect, however, that Howard is having even a greater time (not that you could tell from old poker face) slogging through the woods with the Global Positioning System equip ment on loan from our partners in the National Park Service, or the three weeks he spends in the field each year as the leader of the Alley Cats trail construction and maintenance team ...

"Special souls like Howard Beye are the rare but critical, ultra-helpful people

Al Larmann, President of the Central New York Chapter, and his wife, Mary Kunzler Larmann, received the Association's Trail Builder of the Year Award.

Young, Leinen Get Distinguished Service Awards

11 Members Honored for their Work and Support of North Country Trail

~e North Country Trail Association .1 last August honored 11 of its mem

bers and one corporation for their achieve ments and suppon for The North Country National Scenic Trail.

The awards were headed by the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Howard Beye, longtime NCTA board member, New York State NCT coordina tor and trail coordinator of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. He was nomi nated by Irene Szabo, President of the FLTC and chosen by the awards commit tee of the NCTA.

Fittingly, given his long service to trails in the state of New York, Howard was presented with the award in his home state during the annual NCTA conference hosted by the Finger Lakes Conference in Cazenovia, NY, within hailing distance of his beloved trail.

Other awards announced at the con ference were: • Distinguished Service:

John Leinen and John Young. •Leadership: Peter Nordgren • Outreach: Paula Wilbur • Communicator of the Year:

Werner Veit • Rising Star: Ben Mourer = Sweep (Behind the Scenes):

Brooks Kindel • Trail Maintainer of the Year:

Rolf Swanson • Trail Builder of the Year:

Al Larmann and Mary Kunzler Larmann

•Trail Blazer (Corporate): Haworth Inc.

Irene, President of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference in nominating Howard, told the members assembled in the Cazenovia College horse barn-that's right, the horse barn-for the ceremony:

"For almost two decades now, Howard has been the (Finger Lakes) trail's chairman, or executive director, or several jobs at once, all of it unpaid vol unteer work, while hosting the Finger Lakes Trail office in is home for 17 years. Simultaneously, he began a long involvement with the North Country Trail almost as soon as representation for

and numerous local non-profit organi zations. And her life-long residency in Lowell has her bringing friends old and new into contact with the trail. Her cap stone work was this past year's National Trails Day Celebration which attracted more than a dozen organizational part ners, corporate sponsorship, foundation sponsorship, and more than 400 neigh bors and hiking enthusiasts. Paula con ceived and chaired the event. She truly is the face of the trail in Lowell.

Werner Veit's citation read: "In recognition of his devoted vol

unteerisrn, outstanding skills and exem plary achievements in the promotion the North Country National Scenic Trail."

Werner also received plaques from the National Park Service and the Association in recognition of the comple tion of two terms as President of the North Country Trail Association. The inscription on a beautiful plaque, made by Bob Papp, read: " ... Under his skilled and generous leadership, our Association enjoyed unprecedented growth in mem bership, chapters and capacity, leading to significant strides in trail development and protection ... "

Bill Menke also nominated Ben Mourer and said of the young man:

"Ben has taken the lead in routing and designing a very beautiful and well designed trail across one of the gamelands in eastern Butler County of Pennsylvania. He has enlisted his entire family in the project. Currently, he is leading the effort to construct two substantial bridges for the North Country Trail in the Pennsylvania gamelands. In addition, Ben participated in Advocacy Week efforts sponsored by the American Hiking Society."

In nominating Brooks Kindel, Papp wrote:

''At the beginning of our plans to relocate the national headquarters, Brooks offered his technical expertise to help rede sign our computer network to improve our efficiency, communication between staff and volunteers, and the reliability of our patched-together system. Naturally, what should have been a fairly straightfor ward job, turned complicated. Despite our months of frustrations, Brooks has contin ued respond to our calls in good spirit and has generously donated a significant amount of time and financial support to help ensure our success. With the light now visible at the end of our tunnel, we realize the debt of gratitude we owe Brooks for pulling us by our bootstraps into the 21st century. Thanks to Brooks,

"Leading the initiation and comple tion of several CCS projects.

"Insuring that the chapter has hosted a National Trail Day event each year.

''As a chapter, B-SC has built and had certified more new miles of trail in the last four years than any other chapter that I can think of (approxi mately 24-miles-much requiring exten sive benching)."

Paula Wilbur, who was nominated by Paul Haan, had this written about her by Paul:

"She is a born coalition builder. With her work along the trail in Lowell, Paula has forged strategic relationships with a variety of individuals and orga nizations that are essential to the trail's future development. As trail building moves from public land to private land in Kent County, Paula has naturally developed the right relationships. Organizations Paula has worked with include various councils and committees of Lowell and Vergennes Townships, the City of Lowell, and Kent County. She has also enlisted the support of the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce


Joan Young was nominated by Mary Soule, who said:

"Joan is a natural for this award. Over the years, some of her volunteer roles include: State Coordinator for National Trails Day in Michigan, mem ber and Secretary of the NCTA Board, President of the Spirit of the Woods Chapter, and contributing editor of the North Star. Although she is paid for managing NCTA's website, Joan also contributes time to the project as a vol unteer. Under her management, the web site has grown dramatically and serves as a major communication tool for the NCTA. Her Heart and Sole feature in the North Star motivates and rewards volunteers trail-wide. Under her leader ship, the Spirit of the Woods Chapter has grown from a tiny struggling group to a Chapter of nearly 70 members. The Chapter has tackled ambitious trail work projects and public events, and has significantly improved relations with the Huron-Manistee National Forest staff. Joan also contributes additional articles to the North Star, represents the NCTA at regional events, and keeps an eye on trail-related news as part of her work on the website. In short, Joan absolutely deserves this award."

Peter Nordgren was nominated by Bill Menke, NCTA trail foreman and for mer trail manager for the National Park Service. Bill wrote:

"Peter has served as the president ever since the Brule-St. Croix Chapter was chartered. Like most volunteers, he has many other demands on his time, including a young family that requires his involvement and attendance at many events. Yet, he leads the chapter quietly and efficiently. Among his accomplish ments:

"Taking the lead on securing permis sions to build new trail from the Village of Solon Springs, UW Superior, Douglas County Forestry (Lucious Woods County Park), and most notably from Wausau Mosinee Paper Corporation, Peter ini tiated, negotiated, and prepared the draft easement that resulted in Wausau Mosinee donating a permanent, recorded easement to NCTA. This 0.64-mile easement provides a critical connection between two separated sections of trail in Brule River State Forest."

Other successes: "Enlisting the participation of Boy

Scout Troops to build segments of the trail and has coordinated several Eagle Scout Projects enhancing/building the trail.


Science and Forestry (SUNY) and Dave Bradford of NY Parks to open the Lehigh Valley Railroad bed for trail.

Haworth Inc., nominated by Werner Veit, was cited because:

"In March North Country Trail Association Headquarters made an exciting move into a more spacious location within a half block of the North Country Trail. Not only did the move bring the hub of NCTA opera tions to the heart of the Trail, it also provided badly needed elbow room for staff and volunteers efforts. Especially evident following NCTA's move was the inadequacy of its office furniture. At best, volunteers and staff used old, mis matched desks. Worse, several worksta tions consisted of folding tables or card board boxes. Clearly, for the sake of productivity and frankly, public image, newer office furnishings were a neces sity. Haworth, Inc. responded to that need by donating $28,000 worth of new, state-of the-art workstations. This has provided space for five workers in a unique configuration, which is con ducive to current NCTA daily opera tions and will allow for planned expan sion. Perhaps most importantly, the new furnishings have upgraded the look of Headquarters and provide a favorable first impression to its many visitors."

- Werner Veit

Joan Young, who entertained members with her slide show, received a Distinguished Service Award.

Rolf's nomination was seconded enthusiastically and emphatically by Doug Welker, President of the Peter Wolfe chapter and trail coordinator for Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Doug said: "I can't imagine anyone more fitting for the North Country Trail Association's first annual Trail Maintainer of the Year, award than Rolf Swanson."

Al Lannann and Mary Kunzler Lannann, nominated by Kathy Eisele, had this written about them:

"Due to the planning, negotiations, and trail building work of Al and Mary, our Central New York Chapter has made significant achievements this past year:

"Construction of a 72' stairway into a ravine with a 40+% grade in spots (project 90% complete as I write) on the Canastota end of the Link Trail where the NCT will connect to the Erie Canal Towpath;

Establishment of an off-street Trailhead Parking area for 6-8 cars in Cazenovia on certified North Country Trail after successful negotiations with NWO, who owns the land,

"Successful application for a Healthy Heart Coalition grant for the construction of a bridge across Canastota Creek, and

, beginning of a cooperative effort with NCTA via our Central NY Chapter and Professor Hugh Canham and his graduate students of the College of Environmental

our newly completed network will dra matically improve the operations of NCTA HQ for years to come."

Rolf Swanson had the following said about him by Doug Welker and Menke:

"Rolf recognized the infrequent to non-existent maintenance on portions of the Ottawa National Forest and decided to do something about it. During the summers of 2000 and 2001, he almost single-handedly removed windfalls and performed brushing on almost 50 miles of trail. These efforts took place in areas that have prompted hikers to either aban don the trail and bypass it on roads and/or complain to the NPS about the trail conditions. In Rolf's own words the maintenance 'isn't perfect but it is at least now passable.'

Rolf is also involved with a host of other chapter projects. He helped the Chapter president build a storage build ing for the brush mower, signs, tools, etc. He built or helped build puncheons and a small bridge. He helped build a couple miles of new trail, within the chapter area, last year and is helping build new NCT for 3 days this year-as part of a joint NCTNSierra Club project.

"In addition, Rolf travels five hours from his home to participate in Brule-St. Croix Roving Trail Crew outings and is a core crew member. In 2000, he partici pated in almost all of the outings.

Paula Wilbur, shown in action during the West Michigan Chapter's Trail Day, received the Outreach Award for forging strategic community relationships essential to develop ment of the trail.

Ken Howell, Our Newest Colleague with the National Park Service. - Roger Meyer

1989, he worked as a trail crew supervisor for the Colorado State Parks.

Ken's first priority will be revitalizing the feasibility study of the Arrowhead reroute in Minnesota. He will also work closely with the NCTA chapters and the DNR in Wisconsin to help facilitate land purchases with the $500,000 appropriated by Congress in 2000 for acquisition.

Ken has backpacked since high school. He didn't know much about the NCT before investigating our website, but was familiar with other national trails, such as the Continental Divide on which he has hiked. Ken, is 48, married and has an l l-year-old daughter. He wants to see the NCT completed and is looking forward to combining his personal interest in hiking with his work at NPS.


DY the time you read this, Ken Howell ~ill be the newest North Country Trail employee at the National Park Service office in Madison, WI. Ken serves as the Land Protection Coordinator for the trail, a new position devoted to helping make the trail happen "on-the-ground" by identifying and capitalizing on opportunities to secure lands for the trail. Trail route planning will be part of that work

Those who attended the NCTA annual conference in Cazenovia, NY, had the opportunity to meet Ken. He took vacation time from his job with the USDA-

.. Forest Service in Montana to come and meet our leadership and members.

Ken's prior work is a good background for this new position. His three most recent assignments were with the Bureau of Land Management in Arizona and with the USDA Forest Service in WJSCOnsin and Montana. In

Land Protection Specialist Assigned To NC Trail

The site will be in Valley City near the Sheyenne River and the North Country Trail. As at all our conferences, there will be great opportunities to sample the landscape's treasures.

Next year's conference will be held among the beautiful grass lands of North Dakota where the Sheyenne River Valley

Chapter will host our annual get together on Aug. 22-25, 2002.

Next Year: North Dakota

-·· ·- ·-· - . October-December 2001 -~{N~~th .. St~~··29

Full color pictures taken by our own mem bers illustrating the beauty found on the NCNST. 100% pre-shrunk cotton.

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·

F

A. Royal Mesh-Back Cap (C201) Mesh back, cotton twill front, royal blue,

1 . p asnc snap strap $10.95 B. Moss Green Cap (C206)

E~broidered 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 (c102i 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-Shirt (C101) Pre-shrunk cotton "Beefy-T". Three-color NCTA logo on front and two-color trail map o~ 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

Patch of Trail Emblem 3 Yi " bottom mea sure North Country Trail emblem triangle design (P125) ........• · $3.50

PATCHES State Patches 2" x 2" $2.00 ea. New York (P126)

Pennsylvania (P127) Ohio (P128) Michigan (P129) Wtsconsin (P130) Minnesota. (P131) North Dakota (P132)

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

Back

CanYa Tot• Bae Light blue silk screen pattern of trees with NCT blue blaze. 17" x 14Y2" with bottom gusset. Webbed hand carrying straps. Great for groceries or books. (P124) $7.50

MEDAWQNS AND PINS Add the North Country National Scenic Trail insignia to your hiking stick. A. Painted color (P105) .........•..................... $4.00 a. Brass (P104) $4.00 t. The Trail Emblem cloisonne pin is 'l's" and features the updated North Country triangle design. (P102) $3.00

Mk<hlpn - Im 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 (M417A)

Pennt¥tvn NCT in Pennsylvania, 37pp (M201) $5.25 Ohio Wayne National Forest, 14pp (M301) $3.00 Burr Oak - Sinking Spring, 51pp (M302) $7 .00 Sinking Spring to Milford, 38pp (M303) $6.00 Milford to Lake Loramie S.P., 42pp (M304A) $7.00 Miami & Erie Canal from Lake Loramie S.P. to Napoleon, 3opp (M305A) $5.00 Mlehl&an NCT in Lower Michigan, Srpp (M401) $12.50 NCT in Upper Michigan, 88pp (M402) $13.00 Wlseclnsln Iron County Forests; Chequarnegon N.F., Brule River S.F., 27pp (M501A) $4.50 M~ Chippewa National Forest, Itasca S.P., 24pp (M601)$4.00 North Dlkotl NCT in North Dakota r5pp (M701) $5.00


Certified Sections of the North Country Tran By Byron and Margaret Hutchins 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.

:::.::"::::::~ :~.:~~::--;.:::~:;.::::.:.:;:.:-:.::·.::·· :::.:~· ~L~:, :~:::::::·,:-::::.;::. ·: .. :::;:>:r.~:::

~~..,,- ~~. ~· '·' .. .. '-' '~ :... ... ... L' ~- >m

t~7 .. j .. e;

·--~#!

Wb.eonsln Printed in full color on durable paper, this pocket size map unfolds to a full n" x 17'', doubleside. Scale is 1:100,000. (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 Ml,cJlJgan Alberta to Cascade Falls (TMl-13) $3.50 Freesoil Trailhead to Cedar Creek Road (TMl-03) $3.50 Bowne Township to M-37 (TMl-03) ...........•...........• $3.50 New York Rome to Finger Lakes Trail (TNY-04) $3.50

l_.1·Qnwood tu !.ong Mile 1,oQkoui

N01 lta1l Map Sets Printed in full color on durable paper these new maps come in a dear 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 17". Miehlgan Huron-Manistee N.F.: North Segment (T401) $8.00 Battle Creek to Chief Noonday Road (T402) $6.50 Huron-Manistee N.F.: South Segment (T403) $8.00 Penns.ylvania 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

e-mail: [email protected] ORDER TOLL FREE! 1-888-454-NCTA (6282) . -l~.~~Ytrail.com


Great 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

Woman'• 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 . . . take your kids with you - and keep them entertained . . . survive (and even learn to love) a week in the woods without hot showers! Hall's fresh perspective and up-to date presentation of techniques and equipment provide all the tools you need to become a confident, comfortable, capable backpacker! rsopp (L113) $14.95

:- An Atl·Terraln. AH-Season Guide

·DAYHIKER'S HANDBOOK

Lona Distance Hlkln& By Roland Mueser Lessons from the Appalachian Trail. Blending sage advice with personal experiences and anec dotes, this unusually thoughtful, highly readable account of long distance trekking on the AT. Mueser draws upon extensive interviews to examine unortho dox yet relevant topics. He covers all the questions pro viding the basis for planning your own long-distance hike. 180 pages (L111) $16.95

Dayhlker'• Handbook By J Long and M Hodgson Comprehensive guide for beginning wanderers and those exploring new country. Choosing proper clothing, selecting footware and raingear, using a map and compass, predicting hike difficulty, when to turn around, man aging 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

The 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

The Country Doctor, Alive and Well 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

Hiking! 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, improv ing communication, a healthy life style for kids, an inexpensive pas-

. time and providing seniors with a •· natural prescription for health. A

new twist for anyone who currently enjoys hiking and for those who are thinking about starting out. 245 pages (L106) $14.95

Upsmackln' Backpackln' 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 nutri tion for taste. A new kind of outdoor cookbook, this all-in-one guide is filled with trail-tested recipes providing at home preparation directions, trailside cooking instructions, and nutritional information. 232 pages (L118) $15.95

e-mail: NCTA~;;;;@;i'J:'t~~');' -.-, : , ,. ' ORDER TOLL FREE! 1-888454-NCTA (6282) www.northcountrytrail.com ..... ,. .... '• • "':i.- --~ .. 'C..'< • J.' •, ~ •

northcountrytrail.com

Great Wisconsin Walks By Wm. Chad McGrath Experience the serenity of a state ly 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 st.ate'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) $1.6.95

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

Porcupine Mountains By Jim DuFresne This detailed guidebook provides backpackers, hikers, campers, and skiers with all the information they need to plan a trip to the tran quil 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) $1.1..95

PICTURED ROCKS Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore NATIONAL LAKESHORE

By Olive Anderson A GUIDE An illustrated guide to the centerpiece of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a rugged, beautiful, and unique coast on the Lake Superior Shore. This revised guide book includes maps, and excellent descrip tions of the many recreational opportuni ties available at Pictured Rocks. 56 pages (L110) $6.95


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, written 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) $1.6.95

50 Hikes in Ohio By Ralph Ramey The 50 hikes in this guide are grouped geographically and range over the entire st.ate, from the rugged Appalachian plateau of Shawnee Forest in the south to the Ott.awa 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 outings for every ability, from easy walks to rigorous overnight back packs. 272 pages (L121) $1.4.95

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 dis tance and difficulty, hiking time, con tour map, and explicit trail directions. Formerly titled 50 Hikes in Lower Michigan. 252 pages (L109) $1.6.95

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) $1.6.95


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

Please mall, fax or phone your order to: 229 East Main Street

Lowell, Michigan 49331 Toll free telephone: 888-454-NCTA (6282)

If ordering by credit card, you may fax your order to: 616-897-6605

Merchandise total:

NCTA Members deduct 10%: -

Subtotal after discount: Ml Residents add 6% sales tax: +

Shipping.and handling: + (See shipping info below) !------+----1

Membership dues (if included): + l===========l======I

GRAND TOTAL:

Following the NCT By"WesBoyd 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

NCTA Trall Bullding and Maintenance Manual By Thomas Reimers This great manual for volunteers provides helpful 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

Signature (We cannot process your order without a signature and the expiration date.)

Name on Card

Expiration Date

Charge Card Number

•ASSOCIATION•

[ w~· J

D Check or money order enclosed (Made payable to "NCTA")

D Please charge my credit card

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

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

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

Tom Gilbert is the National Park Service's Superintendent of the Ice Age and North Country National Scenic Trails. His head quarters are in Madison, WI.

and the applicant on the location and management of a segment of the trail, it does NOT convey to the federal govern ment any property rights or management authority over the lands on which the trail lies.

We cannot tell a public or private landowner how to manage their lands beyond what they are willing to do vol untarily. Certification is not binding on either the NPS or the applicant (or the landowner/manager, if the applicant is a third party such as a trail organization). Agencies, organizations, and individuals that establish segments of the North Country NST are not required to apply for certification, but such segments can not be marked with the official trail marker until they are certified. Likewise, the NPS is not required to approve an application if it deems there are signifi cant deficiencies in the way the trail is constructed or managed.

Certification can be terminated if one of the parties views it as no longer mutually beneficial. The NPS could ter minate certification if the owner/manager of the trail has opened it to a prohibited use, such as all-terrain vehicles, or the trail is not being monitored and main tained and no longer provides a safe and quality experience. Let me emphasize that NPS never takes this step lightly and would do so only after repeated attempts to work with the manager to remedy the situation. Likewise, a landowner or manager could conclude that there is an aspect of the management or use of the trail that is no longer acceptable, or that having the trail is no longer compat ible with overall management of his/her lands.

Certification, in the final analysis, is a benign but important procedure that provides a common way to count and keep track of the segments of trail that are completed and (hopefully) up to stan dard, as well as a way to demonstrate a magnitude of need to those who allocate resources.

the anticipated location of future seg ments.

• Be managed in accordance with the policies and guidelines in the 1983 comprehensive management plan and any subsequently issued policies and guidelines.

• Be open to travel on foot, i.e. walk ing and hiking, and other compatible activities, such as skiing and snow shoeing. Segments allowing bicycle or horse use are certified only in cer tain situations. Motorized use is pro hibited by law. Certification requires a brief appli

cation (usually two pages or less, plus a map) that is submitted to our office. In the case of trail segments on private lands, the application is usually submit ted by the trail club or organization that built and maintains the trail. In the case of public lands, the application is usually submitted by the agency that manages the land, although sometimes it is sub mitted by a trail organization. If a trail organization submits an application that involves public lands, we require that a letter of concurrence from the public agency be included in the application.

Applications are reviewed by the North Country NST Manager and approved by the Superintendent. In reviewing an application, we may contact others knowledgeable about the segment or make an onsite visit. Since certifica tion is, in one sense, the final action in establishing new trail segments, it works best when we are consulted and made aware of plans before a segment is actu ally constructed. That gives us the oppor tunity to provide any appropriate guid ance on the location and construction of the segment.

Public officials and private landown ers frequently ask what the implications are of having trail on their land certified. It has almost none. While it formalizes a mutual agreement between the NPS

What Is It? Why Do We Do It? Trail 'Certification'


'Tou read about it in the pages of The I. North Star--each issue carries a table

of "certified" trail miles. Or you've helped build a new section of trail and later heard that the National Park Service (NPS) has "certified" it. What is "certification" and what does it mean? It is simply one of the ways in which the NPS carries out its responsibility for overall administration of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NST).

When Congress, in 1978, began authorizing national scenic and national historic trails without any authority for federal agencies to acquire lands for such trails, it included language provid ing for "certification" of portions of a trail outside federally owned areas (national parks, national forests, etc.). In other words, since the federal agency adminis tering a national trail could not influence or control where the trail was established by virtue of purchasing lands for it, there needed to be another way to exercise that influence or control. That way is "certi fication." Without it, people could estab lish a trail anywhere and call it the North Country Trail. The language in the act reads, in part: "The appropriate Secretary may certify other [i.e. non-federal] lands as ... segments of ... [a] trail upon application from State or local gov ernmental agencies or private interests involved if such segments meet the ... cri teria established in this Act and such cri teria supplementary thereto as the appro priate Secretary may prescribe ... "

Certification is a way for the NPS to be informed about the location of seg ments of the trail and to ensure that they have been built and will be managed in accordance with the criteria in the Act (non-motorized, etc.) and supplementary criteria for trail quality, user safety, and minimal environmental impact (as now expressed in the Handbook for Trail Design, Construction, and Maintenance). Trails that pass this review are "certified" as official segments of the trail and are entitled to be marked with the official trail emblem/logo.

In order to be certified, a trail seg ment must: • Exist and be open to public use. • Be located along the route of the trail

and link with existing segments or


The Association observed a moment of silence in her memory at its annual conference in Cazenovia, NY.

again. In 1975-6, she and a group from the Cleveland Hiking Club hiked the entire trail. Emily eventually became Regional Trail Coordinator, served on the Board of Directors, and then was president of the BTA for five years. At her death she still served on the board and just recently had ended her role as historian.

She also helped to start the Ohio Rails-To-Trails Conservancy, and was a charter member of its board. She also served on the Governor's statewide Trails Council.

After graduating from Hiram College in 1932, she began work as head of the food service at Sunny Acres TB Sanitarium. After graduate work in Philadelphia, she went on to become chief dietician at several Ohio hospitals, ending this career at Deaconess Hospital in 1950 when she wanted to devote time to a family.

When her daughter Nancy died in 1957, Emily began teaching dietetics and nutrition in the Practical Nursing Program at Jane Addams Vocational School in Cleveland. She retired from this second career after 16 years.

She is survived by a son Paul (wife Barbara Divine), and two grandchildren, Emily and Timothy.

Derek Blount, who was President of the North Country Trail Association for many of the years when Emily served on the Association's Board of Directors as the Buckeye representative, remembered about her:

"Emily was a great lady of good humor and wisdom who helped keep the trails on the straight and narrow forest path. She was a tireless worker who knew the value of congressional support and volunteer effort. She was consistent and strong in her support. She had a big heart and a winning smile. She was one of the Grand Dames of the trails community and will be sorely missed."

North Country Trail and now trail foreman for the North Country Trail Association, said:

"Throughout all my years, I cannot think of anyone who was more dedicated to the cause of trails than was Emily. In scores of meetings she argued strongly and vigorously for what would be best for the Buckeye and North Country Trail."

Emily began her involvement with the hiking community well over a half century ago by joining in 1942 the Cleveland Hiking Club where she met her husband, Ralph, her companion on many a long distance trek.

It wasn't long before they became active in the Buckeye Trail Association where they joined the pioneers who built the 1200-mile trail that stretches from Lake Erie to the Ohio River and back

As a senior, or as a young woman 50 years ago with the Cleveland Hiking Club, Emily savored walklng and hiking and communicated her enthusiasm to her friends and trail community.

"'C" mily S. Gregor, who served on .I.::,me North Country Trail Association's Board of Directors for 12 years as the representative of the Buckeye Trail Association, one of the earliest NCTA affiliate, died Aug. 1 at the age of 90 at her home in Parma Heights, OH.

Emily was one of the nation's leading advocates for trails and served on the Board of Directors of the American Hiking Sociery and of the Buckeye Trail Association that she also served as President.

Jim Sprague, the NCTA's trail coor dinator for Ohio and longtime Buckeye officer and board member, particularly remembers her passionate involvement with trails. "She continually conveyed her great sense of urgency to preserve land for trails as well as the importance of trails to our successors ... "

He recalls that Steve Elkington, then the National Park Service's long distance trails coordinator, only feared two people when they got up to speak. One was Emily; the other her friend, Jeanette FitzWilliam from Virginia. Neither had the slightest sympathy for practical poli tics. They wanted results now, not next year or when politically expedient.

Tom Gilbert, Superintendent of the North Country National Scenic Trail and the Ice Age Trail, first met her while attending his first Buckeye Trail Association meeting in the early 80s. He recalled:

"Always outgoing, Emily and her late husband, Ralph, quickly befriended me and introduced me to others. When I (quickly) became acquainted with her outspoken style, it was clear that Emily's candor revealed that she cared as deeply about the people who work on trails as she did for the trails themselves. She ~orked tirelessly on behalf of the Buckeye Trail and North Country Trail, as well as other trails and trail issues nationally. Her many years of dedicated service brought her national recognition as one of the most potent advocates for trails."

Bill Menke, for many years the National Park Service's Manager of the

A North Country and Buckeye Trail Pioneer Emily S. Gregor 1911-2001 - In Memoriam

, · dent, West . • • . . . . . • • . . Jon.G. Lindgren, Nor~h Dakota ·sicretary ...••.............•.....•.....•............ 'J(ian Young

wasn't immersed in building new sections of the FLT, maintaining her own 20 miles, writing FLT guidebooks, or acting as President of the Board, Vice Chair of the State Trails Council, or worker bee on any of many committees.

Bob Tait, a retired manufacturing manager who has been the state coor dinator for the Pennsylvania North Country Trail Association the past four years, will be serving his second term on the Board. During Bob's tenure as coor dinator the Pennsylvania membership has grown from 30 to over 300 members.

Garrett (Garry) S. Dill Jr. has been a member of the Buckeye Trail Association (an NCTA Affiliate) for more than 10 years. Following his retirement as a vet erinary pathologist 3 years ago he joined the trail crew and is currently Supervisor and a Maintainer for a 60 mile section of trail. He was appointed as the BTA representative to the NCTA and then when the NCTA Ohio Trail Council was formed he was elected Chairman.

Robert W (Bob) Norlin currently serves as Chair of the Great Lakes Trail Council and is a member of the Brule-St. Croix Chapter of the NCTA. He lives within three miles of the Trail and began hiking the "original" North Country Trail through the Chequamegon National Forest more than 20 years ago.

New directors are Irene Szabo, New York, who conducted a trail maintenance work shop, and Garry Dill, Ohio.

Trails Council of Minnesota and as Parks & Trails' coordinator for the Minnesota Wilderness Trails Alliance.

Rich Harris, a retired stockbroker, is a longtime trail activist who has been a member of the Buckeye Trail Association, an NCTA affiliate for 33 years. He was first elected to the Board of the Association in 2000. He still serves on Buckeye's Board of Trustees.

Joan, the webmaster of the NCTA website, who has served as Secretary since December, 1998, also is the President of Spirit of the Woods, the chapter she herself founded in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Her adventures on the North Country Trail are chronicled quarterly in The North Star. Joan obtained her graduate degree in environmental engi neering from the University of Michigan and runs her own wetlands consulting business.

Lindgren brings leadership, eco nomic and agricultural experience to the NCTA board. With a college degree in agricultural economics and a PhD in economics, Jon served on the faculty of North Dakota State University for 32 years before retiring in 2000. During that period he also served several terms as Mayor of Fargo.

Irene was bitten by the hiking trail bug in 1984 and since has walked across NY on the Finger Lakes Trail when she

Among the NCTA's new officers are (left) Gaylord Yost, President, and John Leinen Jr. Vice President, finance.


Trail veteran Gaylord Yost, onetime Wisconsin State coordinator, was

elected President by the Board of Directors of the North Country Trail Association at its summer meeting during the associa tion's annual conference in Cazenovia, NY.

The Directors also elected John Leinen Jr., Vice President, finance; Rich Harris, Vice President, East, and Jon G. Lindgren, Vice President, West. Joan Young was re-elected Secretary. These officers, along with the President, form the Board's executive committee.

Gaylord succeeds Werner Veit and John succeeds Dave Cornell; both com pleted two four-year terms as President and Vice President of the Association and were not eligible to run for re-election. Veit still has two years left on his second, three-year term on the Board. Cornell, having served the maximum two terms, has retired from the Board.

Earlier this summer, the membership had elected Irene Szabo, current President of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, Leinen and Yost to three year, at large seats on the Board. Members also ratified the nominees for Board seats from the state trail councils. These were: Bob Tait, Pennsylvania; Garry Dill, Ohio; Bob Norlin, Wisconsin, and Lindgren, North Dakota.

Gaylord has been a Board member off and on since the early 1980s. He was elected to the Board while employed by the US Forest Service and served as their representative until his retirement in 1994. Since then, he has devoted his time and efforts to building the North Country Trail community in Wisconsin. He served as Wisconsin Trail Coordinator and as the Heritage Chapter Vice Chair since the early 1990s. He is the recipient of a Distinguished Service Award from the NCTA and has been awarded Chapter Volunteer of the Year awards.

Leinen was first elected to the North Country Trail Association's Board of Directors in 1995. Besides operating his own construction firm, John cur rently serves as the NCTA's State Trail Coordinator for Minnesota. He also serves as a member of the Board and Executive Committee of the Parks and

Directors Named, Then Board Elects Slate of Officers


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]

NY State Coordinator NEW YORK

OHIO Ohio State Coordinator

Jim Sprague· 4406 Maplecrest, Parma, OH 44134 · (216) 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 Trail Sandy Beaver Canal Chapter Brad Bosley· (330) 227-2432

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

6. Brule-St. Croix Chapter Peter D. Nordgren· 11260 E. Timber Ridge Road, Lake Nebagamon, WI 54849 · (715) 394-8340 · [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 Trail Hikers 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]

WI State Coordinator WISCONSIN & UPPER MICHIGAN

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 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 · Terry Land · (517) 549-8250

PENNSYLVANIA PA State Coordinator

Bob Tait· Box 2968, 212 E. Metzger Ave., Butler, PA 160030-2968 · (724) 287-3382 · Bob [email protected]

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

22. Greater Pittsburgh Chapter Hearher Honerkamp· 1534 Hatteras St. Apt. 1, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 · (412) 231-1113 · [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 Rorh · 80 Rose Leaf Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15220 . (412) 279-6219

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. Kekekablc 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 Trail Association Gayle Coyer· (218) 834-2700 · [email protected]

MN State Coordinator LEGEND - Chapters .......... Partners = Not Assigned

MINNESOTA

NORTH DAKOTA North Dakota State Coordinator

John G. Lindgren· 2001 Norrh Sevenrh 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

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 Councils


•Includes cumulative gifts, membership contributions, and grants received between August 1, 2000 and July 31, 2001

Top of Michigan Tralls Council 445 E. Mitchell St Petoskey MI 49770

(231) 348-8280

BP Amoco 200 East Randolph Drive Chicago IL 60601-7125

(212) 563-7427

Sandhlll Marketing Communications 1715 Glendale Blvd

Kalamazoo MI 49004 (616) 382-2561

Big Prairie Builders, Inc 964 S. Cypress Ave.

White Cloud MI 49349-9164 (616) 689-1310

Mountain Dreams International, Inc

5500 Walnut St. Pittsburgh PA 15232

(412) 621-4878

Biii Prall Touring Gear 108 E. Third St.

Harbor Springs MI 49740 (231) 526-2594

Lee's Sports and Sportswear 311 Kilgore

Portage MI 49002 (616) 381-7700

Butler Outdoor Club P.O. BOX243

Butler PA 16003-0243

$150 to $249 Butler County Exkursion Outfitters

Chamber of Commerce 4037 William Penn Highway 281 South Main Street Monroeville PA 15146

Butler, PA 16003 (412) 372-7030 (724) 283-2222

Strlders, Inc. 4045 Chicago Drive SW

Grandville MI 49418

Econo-Foods 1401 O'Dovero Dr.

P.O. Box 939 Marquette MI 49855

(906) 226-9969

Northwestern Ohio Ralls-to-Tralls Association

PO Box 234 Delta OH 43515-0234

Eastern Mountain Sports Erie PA (814) 866-7600

Pittsburgh PA (412) 364-8078 Monroeville PA (412) 380-4012

$250 to $999

$1,000 to $2,499 American Hiking Society Universal Forest Products

Ameritech Exxonmobil Foundation, Volunteer Involvement Program

$2,500 to $9,999 Conservation Technology Support Program (CTSP) Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI)

Hewlett Packard Samuel I. Newhouse Foundation

$10,000 or more National Park Service

Grand Rapids Foundation Haworth, Inc.

Lowell Area Community Fund

Dennis Collison John Conway Anthony Cook Alphonse Danastasio Richard and Ann DeBoer John Diephouse Garrett Dill Jack Dixon Joe Dixon Dennis Donathen Kathleen Eisele William Eisenman Loyal Eldridge Duane Elenbaas Frank Fishman Richard Flinn Douglas Fraits Marc Gilbert Tom and Janis Gilbert Chris and Patti Gilson George Girod Harry Gubbins Robert Hangel Chuck Hayden Paul and Jerry Henry Denise Herron David Hutchinson Richard and Phyllis Jameson Lou and Sandy Kasischke Doug Kee

$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 Derek and Margaret Blount Frank Blumenthal Ren and Carol Brander Terry and Diane Brant David Briggs Barb and Brian Buchanan Robert Cable James Chambers Ed and Nancy Chappel Ruth Clausen

$250 to $499 Andrew Todd Borsum Dorothy Brown David and Jan Cornell Gene and Jean Elzinga John and Pat Leinen Pat Bill and Donna Menke Aaron Phipps Joseph Raught Maureen Smith David Younger

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": INDIVIDUALS John and Nancy Kennedy BUSINESSES FOUNDATIONS AND AGENCIES $500 or more Brooks and Margie Kindel ' Janette Sweasy Stephen Kobylarz Irene Szabo Kay Kujawa Werner Veit Dale Lack

Ned Liddle Christopher and Margo Light Ellen Lightle Susan Lund and Harry Frank Mary Lyman Curt and Julie MacDougall Rod MacRae Natalie Maki Bill Mansfield Pat and Kathleen Miller Ray Miller Al and Jean Moberly Ben Mourer Larry Mulder Patrick and Christine Newcombe Linnea Newman and Tony Malikowski Timothy O'Rourke Peter and Susan Ordway Glenn Oster Adey Oswald Bob and Annette Papp Raymond and Elaine Papp William Perry Dale Petty Richard Pfeiffer Richard Reed Craig and Janet Robinson Anthony Rodriguez J. Robert Routt Bob and Grace Rudd Michael and Erica SanDretto Edward Scanlan Merl and Patricia Schlaack William Schmidt Peter Schmitz Michael Schuler Richard Schwaab Richard Seabold Stephen Selden Chuck Simon Parker Joseph Smith James Sprague Harmon Strong Dave Swanson Rolf Swanson Betty Tableman John and Mary Lou Tanton David Tattan Jerry Trout Miles Trumble RogerTuuk John and Diane VanderVeen Steve Vear Frank Wanat Gary Werner Donald Wickstra Daryl Williamson Jim and Bonnie Wilson Kevin, Robin, Kate and

Morgan Wilson Rodger and Denise Wolf Richard Wynalda Gaylord and Marlene Yost

Trail Supporters

The Ann Arbor News The Bay City Times The Flint Journal The Grand Rapids Press The Jackson Citizen Patriot The Kalamazoo Gazette The Muskegon Chronicle The Saginaw Nows

So lace up your boots and explore your adventurous side with Venture Outdoors-every week in the eight Booth Newspapers.

EVERY WEEK IN

Hit the trail with e Outdoors

NONPROFIT U.S. POSTAGE

PAID Grand Rapids, Ml

Permit 340 North Country Trail Association 229 East Main Street Lowell, Michigan 49331

North Star Vol. 20, No. 4 (2001)

Documents

Transcript of North Star Vol. 20, No. 4 (2001)