north star vol. 17, no. 2 (1998)

NCTA 's Ginny Wunsch:

A Thing About Trails

the lmpqrtance or AThread

I Bad Medicine Trail and Lake Itasca SP ..

To Register: Look in the June North Star (next issue) for registration forms and more details. Tear out the forms and send them. We'll keep a seat warm for you in Traverse City!

• The ever-popular NCTA Auction! • Campfire camaraderie and fun!

What to Expect: • Great hikes on the North Country National Scenic Trail! • A visit to Sleeping Bear Dunes! • Workshops to strengthen your

Chapter and build your skills! • Fun family and kid activities! • Riveting keynote speakers! • A Chapter Caucus to share

ideas and plot the future! • Beautiful fall colors!

Thursday, September 24 through Sunday, September 27 Attend all or part!

When:

12 miles SW of Traverse City, Michigan (Lake Ann Baptist Camp)

Where:

Also, with more than half our members hailing from Michigan, we're sure to have a great turnout and a lot of fun!

This year's conference is bound to be one of our best ever. The Traverse City area offers many unique and enjoyable opportunities to explore the North Country Trail and other great attractions.

North Country Trail Association 1998 ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Mark your calendar for the

5 6 7 8 9

24 28

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17

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Regular Departments Keyboard Trails The View from Monroe Center Trail head Capitol Trails Hiking Shorts North Country Trail Shop Lots of coming events

Cover Photo: The NCTA Schoolhouse and Schoolhouse Manager Ginny Wunsch mark the center of the North Country Trail.

Heart and Sole A new regular section, honoring those who get it done.

Featured in this issue: the FL TC's Tom Reimers, Pennsylvania's Mark Ekler, NORTA's Patti Gehring, Chief

Noonday's Lynn Waldron, Grand Traverse Hiking Club's Brian Cox, Heritage Chapter's Sarah Gokey and Headwaters Chapter's Al Mitten.

Trail Focus: Bad Medicine Trail Long in the works, the first section of Minnesota's

Bad Medicine Trail has been certified. It's a nice walk, along with nearby Itasca State Park

The Importance of a Thread Uniform marking, blazing and signage will

provide a thread of continuity along the length of the North Country National Scenic Trail.

New Route Through the Adirondacks Plans for developing a new route through the Adirondacks firm up during a pivotal meeting

with interested parties in March.

A Thing About Trails Theoretically retired, NCTA Schoolhouse Manager

Ginny Wunsch stays busy with a number of things as the Association's leading and best-loved volunteer.

Joan Young visits her at the schoolhouse.

Features

The Magazine of the North Country Trail Association

13

Vol XVII April-May

hStar

Page3

Secretary Kathy Olstad, PO Box 1017,

Bismarck ND 58502 (701) 2504242 x3618 E-Mail: [email protected]

Published five times annually in January, April, June, August and October by the

North Country Trail Association, a private, non-profit 501 (c)3 organization as a

benefit of membership in the organization. All rights reserved. No part of this

publication may be reproduced in any form without permission of the North

Country Trail Association.

PRINTEDON * RECYCLED PAPER WITH

NATURAL SOY INK

Vice President(Trails East): Derek Blount, 906 N. Alexander,

Royal Oak Ml 48067 (810) 548-1737 E-mail: [email protected]

Vice President(Trails West): John Leinen, Jr, 111 Quandt Ct So, Lakeland MN 55043 (612) 436-1795

E-Mail: [email protected]

Vice President (Financial): David Cornell, 514 Cordes Rd., Delton Ml 49046 (616) 623-8659

E-mail: [email protected]

OFFICERS President:

Werner Veit,49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B, Grand Rapids Ml 49503 (616) 454-5506

E-mail:[email protected]

STAFF Executive Director:

Bob Papp,49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B, Grand Rapids Ml 49503 (616) 454-5506

E-mail:[email protected]

Contributing Editor: Joan Young, 861US10,

Scottville Ml 49454 (616) 757-2205 E-mail:[email protected]

Editor: Wes Boyd, 14815 Rome Road,

Manitou Beach, Ml 49253 (517) 547-7402 E-mail: [email protected]

••• NO&rn COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 49 Monroe Center, Suite 2008,

Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 Phone (616) 454-5506 FAX (616) 454-7139

Email: [email protected] WWW Site:

http://people.delphi.com/wesboyd/ ncnst.htm

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, April-May 1998

National Park Service, North Country Trail Manager: Bill Menke, National Park Service, 700 Rayovac Dr., #100, Madison WI 53711, (608) 264-5610, [email protected]

WEST TERMINUS TRAIL CONFERENCE (Minnesota and North Dakota) MN Coordinator: Rod MacRae, 1210 W. 22nd St., Minneapolis, MN 55405 (612) 377-0130 Headwaters Chapter: Rod MacRae, 1210 W. 22nd St., Minneapolis, MN 55405 (612) 377-0130 Superior Hiking Trail Assoc.: to be assigned Rovers Outing Club: to be assigned Kekekabic Trail Club: to be assigned ND Coordinator: vacant

WEST CENTRAL TRAIL CONFERENCE (Upper Peninsula Michigan and Wisconsin) Ml (Upper) Coordinator: Gene Elzinga, 12 Middle Island, Marquette Ml 49855 (906) 225-1704, [email protected] N.C. Trail Hikers Chapter: Gene Elzinga, 12 Middle Island, Marquette Ml 49855 (906) 225-1704, [email protected] WI Coordinator: Gaylord Yost, 2925 W Bradley Rd, River Hills WI 53217-2052 (414) 354-8987, [email protected] Heritage Chapter: Jim Burow, 6841S111th St, Franklin, WI 53132 (414) 425-5146 Chequamegon Chapter: Kurt Schmitt, 2121 S 87th St, West Allis, WI 53227-1719 (715) 769-3527 Brule-St. Croix Chapter: Peter Nordgren,1800 Grand Avenue, Superior, WI 54880 (715) 394-8340

EAST CENTRAL TRAIL CONFERENCE (Ohio and Lower Peninsula Michigan) Ohio Coordinator: Jim Sprague, 4406 Maplecrest,Parma OH 44129 (216) 884-4757 Buckeye Trail Assoc: Dana Zintek, 2369 Suncrest Dr.Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221(330) 928-8931 NW OH Rails to Trails Assoc: Gene Markley, PO Box 234, Delta OH 43515 (800) 951-4788, [email protected] Ml (Lower) Coordinator: Arden Johnson, 600 Tennyson,Rochester Hills, Ml 48307 (248) 853-0292 Chief Noonday Chapter: Lynn Waldron, 8133 Norris Road, Delton, Ml 49046 (616) 623-5340 Western Ml Chapter: Len Baron, 10822 26th Ave, Grand Rapids, Ml 49544 (616) 677-3598 Grand Traverse Chapter: Gregg Law, 1953 Lardie Rd., Traverse City, Ml 49686 (616) 941-4964

Howard Beye, 202 Colebourne Rd., Rochester NY 14609 (716) 288-7191, [email protected] Randall Brune, 101 Dorset Rd., Syracuse, NY 13210-3047 (315) 476-9483 Harmon Strong, 76 Shellwood Dr., Rochester NY 14618 (716) 586-3846 Bob Tait, 277 S. Duffy Rd., Butler, PA 16001 (412) 287-3382, [email protected] Bryan Koehler, PO Box 165, Chicora, PA 16025-0165 (724) 445-7528 Don Landfried, HC1Box176B, Leeper, PA 16233 (814) 744-9325 Vacant

NY Coordinator: Central NY Chapter: Rnger Lakes Trail Cont.: PA Coordinator: Butler Chapter Clarion Chapter A YH Pittsburgh:

EAST TERMINUS TRAIL CONFERENCE (New York and Pennsylvania)

(517) 547-7402, [email protected] (616) 623-8659, janc128@aol .com (612) 436-1795, [email protected] (937) 879-2068, [email protected] (248) 548-1737, [email protected] (248) 853-0292

Terms Expiring in 1998 At-Large: Wes Boyd, 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach Ml 49253 At-Large: David Cornell, 514 Cordes Rd., Delton,MI 49046 At-Large: John Leinen, Jr., 111 Quant Ct So, Lakeland MN 55043 East Central: Elwood Ensor, 1304 Horizon Dr.,Fairborn, OH 45324-5816 West Central: Derek Blount, 906 N. Alexander,Royal Oak Ml 48067 West Central: Arden Johnson, 600 Tennyson, Rochester Hills, Ml 48307 Terms Expiring in 1999 At-Large: Susan Nelson, 113 E Bayfield St, Box 578, Washburn, WI 54891 (715) 373-2667, At-Large: Kathy Olstad, PO Box 1017, Bismarck, ND 58502 (701) 250-4242,x3618, [email protected] East Region: Harmon Strong, 76 Shellwood Dr., Rochester, NY 14618 (716) 586-3846 Rnger Lakes Trail C.: Howard Beye, 202 Colebourne Rd., Rochester NY 14609 (716) 288-7191, [email protected] Terms Expiring in 2000 At-Large: Joan Young, 861 West US 10, Scottville, Michigan 49454 (616) 757-2205, [email protected] At-Large: Werner Veit, 49 Monroe Center.Ste 200B, Grand Rapids,MI 49503 (616) 235-2330, [email protected] West Region: Tricia Ryan, 232 Old North Shore Rd, Two Harbors, MN 55616 (218) 834-4342 West Region: Paul Stone, 834 W. Bayfield St., Washburn, WI 54891 (715) 373-2664 Buckeye Trail Assoc: Dana Zintek, 2369 Suncrest Dr.Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221 (330) 928-8931 Honorary Appt.: Pat Miller, RR#4 Box 135 Cliffwood Dr., Prairie DuChien, WI 53821 (608) 326-7354

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

North Country Trail Directory NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, April-May 1998 Page4

Pages

walked 4500 miles in eight months on the North Country Trail. I'd noted a few days before that the annual thundering herd

is getting started on the pilgrimage up the Appalachian Trail. Over 50 hikers plan to leave their journals on-line (http:// www.trailplace.com if you're interested). Ah, well, at least Ed is out there breaking new ground.

I asked about Sue Lockwood, who accompanied Ed for about2800miles of his hike four years ago. Sue is legally blind from diabetes, has had lots of leg problems, and had kidney problems so bad on the hike that Ed and Sue had to be followed by Sue's brother, Gordon, in a van with a portable dialysis unit. Last year, Sue's kidneys had gotten worse to the point where she was going to need a kidney transplant. Ed had offered to be a donor, the last I'd heard. "She's doing fine," he reported. It turned out that two days after it had finally been decided that he wasn't a close enough match, a donor kidney from an accident victim had turned up that was almost an ideal match. Sue is now doing the best she's done in years -- good news for a person I admire mightily for refusing to let a few little difficulties get in the way of doing what she wants to do.

"Hey, I've got a bone to pick with you guys," he said. "I finally got around to reading Carolyn Hoffman's report on her NCT hike, back in '78. Did you know _that she rode several hundred miles?"

"I knew she took a bike quite a ways," I told him. "Yeah, but I mean, in a car. You guys ought to give Peter

Wolfe credit for being the first person to finish the trail." First accomplishments are sometimes elusive to pin down.

The AT is lauding the 50th anniversary of Earl Schaffer's first through hike in 1948 this year. However, some years after 1948 it was revealed that a leader and six boy scouts hiked the whole trail, in the summer of 1936. They may -- Ed's not sure of the finishing dates -- have even beaten Myron Avery to the punch of being the first to walk the whole distance (Avery spread it over several years in sections.) Reports of the 1936 hike are a little hazy, though, and the 1948 hike remains the official first. But, Ed had some food for thought on this one.

Ed is, of course, a fount of trail information and gossip. He passed along the story of how a local managing agency insisted on having mountain bikes on a specific section of trail, and how the trail club that built the trail announced immediately that they would no longer maintain the trail, then went out and tore down their markers. One thing led on to another, and finally we both had to be on our ways.

I went out, finished tying the kayak onto the van, then went down and threw it in the lake. I paddled up the shore, glorying in the beautiful day, glad that I wasn't in the shop, and envying Ed. I don't know how he manages to get out as much as he does, while I have to steal all too little time every now and then, and that's something to envy, indeed. Life is short, and it's too easily wasted on mundane things. He, at least, is getting out while he can. Don't waste the opportunity! Get out and hike a trail -- or build one, paddle a boat, watch the birds, watch the seasons change. Like the commercial says, "Just do it!"

It was an absolutely glorious spring morning. It was still early, with the temperature in the sixties, promising to go higher, the clear blue dome of a spring sky overhead, when I walked over to the shop to work on this column -- at least, that's what I'd been promising myself; it was getting to the point where it-had to get done. It was going to be a shame to have to spend hours in my little cluttered, windowless hole in the shop where these newsletters, and much else, gets done. It was tempting to just go out for a walk in the woods, but things were pretty soft after a lot of rain earlier in the week.

I walked into the shop, and there sat my kayak on the floor, where I'd left it one rainy evening a couple of nights before, doing a little spring sprucing up. "Paddle me," it seemed to say.

"Nuts to the column," I thought. "I don't know what I'm going to write about anyway. Maybe I can get an idea." I went around and got the van, and loaded the boat on the top. I had a couple of tiedown ropes on when I heard the phone go off.

I was a little surprised to hear Ed Talone on the other end. I haven't talked to Ed in a long time, maybe a year or so, although he called one day last summer while I was gone, and talked to my wife for a while.

Ed, of course, is the first person to thruhike the North Country Trail in a single year, back in '94 -- and he manages to spend a lot of time hiking. I mean, a lot of time. Just a gentle stroll, this winter, though-- an end-to-end of the Florida Trail. In typical Ed fashion, he backed off a bit to get a good start - - clear to Key West. "They've got the rail-trail on the old rail bed out to Key West nearly completed," he reported. "It's really a nice walk, although there are some places where you have to walk on the highway. I had to do that on Seven-Mile bridge. I never dreamed I'd spend three hours walking on one bridge." He told me that there are towns and motels enough along the way that it's possible to hike the entire length of the Keys and only carry a daypack.

"Going hiking this summer?" I asked. "I leave in a few days," he said, explaining how he's going

to walk part of the Ice Age Trail, then head out to the Rockies and finish the section of the Continental Divide Trail he didn't get to do last year (a tick bite and Rocky Mountian Spotted Fever laid him low for much of the summer), then come back and finish up the Ice Age in the fall -- just a stroll for a guy that

The deadline for the June-July issue of the North Star is June 1, 1998. Items received well before that date are much appreciated. The deadline for the August September issue will be August 1, 1998.

by the Editor

Keyboard Trails


trail was also stressed in some Conferences. We' 11 be looking for creative ways to address this need later this year. I hope to be working closely with folks in Minnesota on a test case that was proposed at the East End Conference meeting.

My two other main priorities for the year are to dramati cally expand our direct mail efforts to recruit new members and, secondly, to finally market and sell the first in our new series of trail maps. On the first front, we'll be looking for funds this spring to launch a mailing of 10,000 to 30,000 pieces to prospective new members later this year. As an example of the potential here, the Pacific Crest Trail Associa tion has tripled membership in two years' time, primarily through direct mail efforts.

Regarding the maps.... It seems each time I write this column we've taken a couple of steps back on the maps and a few steps forward. Since last issue, we have completely revised the format of the maps, and our Recreation Planner Dirk Mason spent a week in the Grand Rapids office making great progress on our first prototype. You'll find on this page a photo of our mock-up for the first map set. With our new format, maps will be sold in sets covering 25- 75 miles. Each set will include an outer cover with a pocket for the maps that can be stored in a mini three-ring binder. Prices will depend on how many maps are included with the set. (Don't look too closely at the photo- the text still contains nonsense words!)

Thanks to all the volunteers who gave their time to the first Trail Conference meetings. We had some hesitant starts, but also some exciting discussions and proposals. I'm truly looking forward to the continued strengthening, evolution and activism of these important new planning bodies.

PROTOTYPE TRAIL MAPS


As you'll read elsewhere in this issue, the North Country Trail Association's new Trail Conferences held their inaugu ral meetings in March. Through a by law change last year, the foundations were laid for these four regional groups to form in order to expand cooperative efforts, provide feedback and guidance to the Board, and work toward greater consistency in trail management across our seven states. Members of the Conferences include representatives of each Chapter and Affiliate and all state trail coordinators within each region.

Naturally, we heard some objections about the imposition of additional meetings and layers of bureaucracy. I'd imagine everyone is sympathetic to these feelings, especially with the onset of spring. Time spent in meetings could just as easily be spent on the trail, building new miles and repairing the damage of another winter. Unfortunately, though, as our organization continues to grow, so too will the need to bring our volunteers together to build consensus and plan for the future.

As an executive director, my most productive ideas come from volunteers in the field who know intimately their own needs and issues. Likewise, the Board acts and reacts to issues that come before it, generally through me or"field" volunteers. Yet, in the past two years, our number of Chapters has tripled and our number of members has nearly doubled. Simply put, it's no longer feasible, from the national level, to haphazardly gather and assess input and build consensus among all the groups and individuals that are enthusiastic about this trail. This is why we created the regional Conferences, where volunteers from neighboring areas could meet face to face to hammer out a future for the trail and organization that extends beyond the borders of each separate group.

In my mind, these initial meetings were very productive. I'm already rearranging my own goals for the organization based on the feedback I've received from the Conferences.

Clearly, the time is now to energize and activate the Association's Land Trust. Since I started with NCTA two years ago, I've been focusing much of my energy on member ship development and other growth areas. Yet, volunteers at the Conference meetings were all but pounding the table over the need for assistance with building trail across private lands. I can not guarantee a quick response, because we'll need to work more intensely to build funds, but this absolutely will become a high priority for me.

Similarly, the need for help with planning routes for the

by Executive Director Bob Papp

The view from Monroe Center

I was up to about a half-hour stroll. My legs came back just fine, but my back ached with every step. My theory, which has no scientific basis whatsoever, was that when some of my stomach muscles had to be severed by the surgeon, I lost the strength to support my lower back where I had had surgery some years ago for herniated discs.

When it came time to head for Arizona, I was walking a little faster but not much more than 2 + miles an hour on absolutely level ground. Southern Arizona, desert though it is for the most part, is not very level and therein lies its charm for hikers and walkers. From where I'm staying, 25 miles south of Tucson, I can see five mountain ranges, theSantaRitas--right across the valley from me-- the Rincons, to the east of Tucson, the Santa Catalinas and Tucson Mountain that shape the bowl that surrounds Tucson and the Tucumcacoris to the southwest.

Those of you who have hiked these mountains know what a treasure of trails meanderup and down among them. Those of you who haven't, will find a marvelous experience when contemplat ing an occasional change from our North Country Trail.

In years past, I have had the good fortune to tramp around a number of these mountain, sometimes in the company of the Green Valley Hiking Club whose outings and policies might be a useful model for our chapters and affiliates whose hikes are not as carefully crafted as these are.

The club's attention to safety is impressive. First, there are three levels of hikes graded by their difficulty. (Ou there, difficulty is often measured by the length of the ascent rather than the length of the trip in miles). To choose a difficult level, members need to have completed easier trips successfully and have demonstrated their capacity for more strenuous hikes. Second, each hike has both a leader and a "sweep." Both are trained and have passed rigorous first aid tests. The "sweep's" job is to bring up the rear and make sure absolutely no one is behind him or her no matter how slow the last person's pace might be. The "sweep" also carries a first aid kit, a large well-equipped package that is continually checked to make sure its contents are still intact and serviceable. Consequently, men and women well up into their eighties join the trips with confidence. Even the long and steep ones. I know anumberof our chapters have similar practices, but if yours don't, you might be well advised to counsel your group to adopt similar safety precautions.

I'm not ready to rejoin the club yet, but I'm hoping it won't be too much longer. Yesterday I tried a reasonable grade for the first time in one of my favorite places in North America, Madera Canyon.Ididn'tgofar--probablydidn'tgainmorethan400feet in altitude -- but it was far enough to see an acorn woodpecker, Mexican jays (the Peterson Field Guide calls them "gray breasted" jays,) and to admire again the blood-red trunks of manzanillas, the skin-smooth bark of the Arizona sycamores and to marvel atthe textured bark of the apt-named alligator juniper.

By the time I get home again and rejoin NCTA activities, I' 11 look forward to our own Spring marvels, the trillium and Dutchman's breeches in our woods and the returning warblers high above our trail.

I've certainly missed it, but I haven't done much useful work for the North Country Trail Association since undergo ing surgery the middle of January. Still, I'm gaining strength daily and hope to be back in action by the time our Board of Directors meets the beginning of May. While recuperating far from our trail -- I'm spending a couple of months in Southern Arizona-- I've had time to begin to answer some of the e-mail and cards I've received from well-wishers in our trail commu nity. That's one of the good things to learn from being ill, that you have more friends than you could ever have imagined. I thank you all who wrote, called or messaged in some way.

Another lesson from enforced convalescence is a simple one all of us in the NCTA have experienced: What a gift it is to walk. Walking is not only a joy, but the expression of a way of life that respects the earth, finds delight in the outdoors, gains strength in bodily exercise, recognizes the imperative of conservation, humbles the arrogance of power, savors the diversity of plants and animals, encounters peace and under standing in the majesty of nature.

Now that I'm able to take modest walks again and can look ahead to a future of hiking trails by summer, I find it rewarding to look back to a step-by-step progression from hospital bed to trail. First came the hesitant steps in hospital corridors while hanging on to a persistent and caring nurse determined to get me out of bed, then the solo trips while dragging an IV stand behind me as patient family members matched their strides to my shuffle. A far cry from the Pictured Rocks segment of our trail in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, but walking, nonetheless.

Then, urged on by the visiting nurse, navigating up and down the hall of our apartment while dreaming of snowy trails and cross-country skis in the backcountry. (That was a true feat of the imagination; there was no snow to speak of in Michigan, where I live, in January and February. The snows didn't come until March when I was already in Arizona. But then, dreams are dreams).

Then came circumnavigation of our parking lot. For me, at that time, El Nino wasn't the villain he was for skiers and snowshoers. The unusually ice and snow-free pavements and sidewalks got me outside and freed me from the malls I would have had to use for exercise. I did limp around malls a few times when it rained and I must say the exercise bored me to tears. For me, it compares with outside walking about the way treadmilling compares to hiking.

When I finally graduated to walking around our(long) block,

by President Werner Veit

Trail Head



will receive $1,593,000 for their Volunteers in the Parks (VIP) program. This program provides tools and training for volun teers and recognition items for their service.

Even with all of these successes there were a few needs still unmet. The FY98 budget had no allocation for the Potomac Heritage Trail. Other appropriations were also very low; the Natchez Trace $26,000, Overmountain Victory Trail $36,000, and the Trail of Tears $42,000. Our goals for FY99 will raise all of the National Trails to at least $100,000 each. Each trail will be able to have one agency staff person assigned to it and cover overhead for an office, begin or continue a planning process, print brochures abouttheirtrail and most importantly aid volunteers to organize and work on the trails. By comparison to the entire National budget this amount is still a miniscule amount.

Some people may think that this is a lot of money. In some ways it is. But by comparison the NCTA and its many volunteers in our Chapters and Affiliates have contributed over 17 ,440 volunteer hours of labor valued at $212,306. In addition we have contributed $53,877 in cash and materials. Each year this has risen. This contribution exceeds the budget allocated to the NPS for the trail. It is fair and reasonable to request the Congress to at least match our contribution.

Yet in all it has been a successful year. This success comes as a direct result of a few volunteers across America who gave of their time to write letters and make phone calls encouraging their congressional leaders to support the trails. That includes a lot of NCTA members as well. We also have to thank Gary Werner our representative in Washington from the Partnership for the National Trail System. This is an organization that the NCTA is a participating member of. One of their sole purposes is to encourage Congress to continue supporting the Trails. Gary appears before Congressional Committees and testifies each year on our behalf. Thanks in great part to Gary's efforts we were successful again this year.

Even though the 1998 budget is now set we cannot be lax. We have already been to Washington this past month informing our Congressional Leaders of our progress and encouraging them to continue supporting the trails. Some funding programs need to be re-authorized and others started. In particular we are request ing a $150,000 increase for the National Park Service for our trail. The current NPS budget for the North Country Trail is $226,000. This will provide additional public trail route plan ning, interagency cooperation and consistency and additional support to NCTA trail projects. In addition we are asking Congress to grant, through the Land and Water Conservation Fund the sum of $250,000 each to the States of Michigan and New York to aid in acquiring lands for the trail. These grants must be matched by state funds. Both states have existing programs and have expressed interest in cooperating on this effort.

There will be more on the FY99 budget in my next column. Until then call your Senator and Representative and invite them and their families out to your next hike or trail event. Invite their staff to also join you. Give them a gift of a peaceful day on the trail away from their phones and endless paperwork.

News from the "Hill" is very favorable. The 1998 Appro priations bill was passed with significant increases in funding to the National Trails, including the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST).

Thanks to Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), an amendment was added to the Appropriations bill to add $50,000 to the National Park Service budget for the North Country Trail. This is a base increase in funding. Part of those funds will trickle down to the NCTA and will provide additional volunteer and Chapter benefits this year.

Additional funds are also coming to the U.S. Forest Service budget for trail maintenance and construction on thirteen trails that cross USFS lands. This also includes the NCNST. ManypeopledonotrealizethattheNCNSThasmore miles of trail on USFS lands than the Appalachian Trail. Even the USFS did not realize that until recently. The $300,000 allocated to the USFS this year reflects that new perception.

For the first time this year the Iditarod National Scenic Trail received funding for the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from Congress. This trail has been around for some time and yet has only just now received it's first funding from Congress. This was a major success.

All of the twenty trails received some attention from Congress this year. The big winner this year is the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. In 2003 the Bicentennial Celebration for the trail will begin. In preparation for that event the NPS will receive $300,000 for trail construction, $50,000 for the trail office and $200,000 for technical assis tance. In addition the BLM will receive $200,000. The USFS was not left out either and part of the $300,000 mentioned above will also go to the Lewis and Clark Trail. These folks are really going to be cranked up for their celebration.

Other big winners were the Nez Perce Trail and the Trail of Tears. Both trails received funding for new interpretive centers.

One new item popped up in Appropriations this year, and that was authorization for a feasibility study for the Great Western Trail. Who knows, perhaps in a couple of years we may see another addition to the National Trail System.

Beyond all of those appropriations the BLM and NPS will receive $1,600,000 for Challenge Cost Share Projects. These are projects that the government partly funds in cash and we partly fund through volunteer labor, cash and material dona tions. Many of the bridges, shelter, privies and walkways along the NCNST were funded this way. In addition the NPS

by Derek Blount

Capitol Trails

PageB

Road around Pictured Rocks may be paved The huge federal highway bill currently under consideration, approved by

the U.S. Senate and being discussed by the House of Representatives at this writing includes a $5.6 million appropriation for paving of Alger County Road H-58 around Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. As reported here some time ago, an agreement worked out by Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) substitutes paving of this road for the controversial Beaver Basin Rim Road, which would penetrate an undeveloped portion of the Lakeshore. Stupak first introduced the finding proposal in 1996. First envisioned as a 26-mile scenic drive along the lakeshore, and later whittled down to a 13-mile shortcut between two points on H-58, the Beaver Basin Rim Road has been controversial since first proposed thirty years ago. H-58 is a gravel and dirt surface road between Munising and Grand Marais that deteriorates badly each year under the heavy use that it receives. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore contains 43.8 miles of one of the more highly used wilderness segments of the NCNST.

BTA to go to blazes for Trails Day National Trails Day, June 6, will be BTA's GO TO BLAZES! DAY every

where along the Buckeye Trail. The Buckeye Trail Association will celebrate National Trails Day by updating the blue blazes along the entire 1200-mile Buckeye Trail, with special emphasis given to segments that have not recently seen a new blaze.

Ohio State Trail Coordinator Jim Sprague admits freely in the ETA Trail blazer that the idea -- and the name -- was taken from a similar project on the Bruce Trail in Ontario. "Why should a new program be necessary?" Jim asks rhetorically. "The answer is simple enough, although painful. The existing method through trail adoption and annual maintenance leaves huge gaps in performance."

Everyone in the BTA will be asked to join in. "Ideally, we will work in small teams using a car hopping method invented by Charlie Briggs in Akron," Sprague said. "In Charlie's method, a number of people and two vehicles, each with two sets of keys, can leapfrog efficiently down the trail to get the job, with people able to communicate and recreate together at regular intervals. No one should work alone."

Call 1-800-881-3062 (from Ohio) or contact Sprague at (440) 884-4757 for details, or if you'd like to help out.. It's a good Trails Day idea that other NCT chapters and affiliates might like to pick up on.

Trail in Hocking Hills State Park is closed Recent heavy rains in southeastern Ohio have caused extensive damage to

the trail In Hocking Hills State Park. Until further notice, the section of the North Country/Buckeye Trail between the Upper Falls and Cedar Falls is closed due to safety considerations. Many bridges have been washed out and others are unsafe. Do not enter the area.

At this time, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources does not know how long the trail will remain closed. In the meantime, it is suggested that hikers follow the Horseman's Bypass. For updated information, call the Hocking Hills State Park, 740-385-6841.

Trail to fight trespassers A BTA Trail Crew Work Party

next fall will build new trail on private property belonging to Dale W. Riddle Forest Products in Hocking County, Ohio. The company invited BTA onto their property to assist in oversight of trespassers. They have also offered to provide materials to build a leanto. The BTA anticipates at least 8 miles of new, off-road trail when this project is complete. For more information, see "NCTA Trips" elsewhere in this issue.

The first certification activity for 1998 on the North Country Trail includes several sections in three states:

• In Wisconsin, 5 .1 miles of the Uller Trail segment east from the Weber Lake Trailhead, southwest of Hurley, WI.

• Also in Wisconsin 2.3 miles of trail in the Jerseth Creek area, northeast of Solon Springs, were certified following construction efforts by Wisconsin chapters last fall.

• In Michigan, 4.0 miles of trail from the Kalamazoo River near Augusta to highway M-89, much of it in the Kellogg Experimental Forest, were certified as the result of efforts by the Chief Noonday Chapter.

• In Minnesota, 2.9 miles of new trail from Gardner Lake to the Itasca State Park boundary were certified, following efforts by the Headwaters Chapter. This segment is featured in the "Trail Focus" story elsewhere in this issue.

The actions, all on February 24, bring the total certified length of the NCNST of 1363.7 miles, with an additional 16.9 signed connector miles bringing the total signed mileage to 1380.6.

Certification News

Hiking Shorts NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, April-May 1998

Brule-St. Croix getting ready for summer Wisconsin's Brule-St. Croix Chapter has their work cut out for them this

summer, after they received two Challenge Cost Share grants - one to support two weeks of trail building by the Wisconsin Conservation Corps, the other for materials to build puncheon across a swamp in the Brule River State Forest, chapter president Peter Nordgren reports.

The chapter will hold their first meeting since September on April 16, and plans spring work days on May 16 and 17. For more information, contact Nordgren at 715-394-8528.

Pennsylvania continues high activity levels The past month or so has been very busy on the North Country Trail in

Pennsylvania. The members are busy preparing to build a bridge in Moraine State Park; this is a 40 foot bridge built from telephone poles. They're getting help from the Butler Outdoor Club, Moraine State Park, and of course the NCTA members - the money was a Challenge Cost Share grant. This project will take several weekends to complete and should be a great addition to the North Country Trail in Moraine State Park.

Several members of the North Country Trail Association have been busy putting together a state newsletter and also making an effort to speak at as many organizations as possible - the Rotary, the American Youth Hostel in Pittsburgh, Girl Scout organizations, appearing on local radio stations and doing news releases to the paper to make people aware of what is going on. They are also using a display in the window of the Chamber on Main Street in Butler to help promote the cause. They will be doing a display of maps and gear at the local library. They will continue to scout for trail routes through Clarion, Butler, Lawrence, and Beaver Counties. The Clarion chapter is busy meeting and has laid out several options and is about halfway through Clarion County with the proposed trail. They are also holding hikes on the proposed route. There's a state campout being held September 19 and 20 at Cook Forest for the members of the NCTA hosted by the Clarion chapter.

The members from Lawrence and Beaver Counties are finishing up the route in the Gamelands and leading hikes on the route. Once Clarion has their route figured out then the proposed route will be preseted to the game commission for their approval. There is still a ways to go to hammer out the details. We all know it takes time.

Trail work training will be held May 15, where people will learn design, basic trail work, water runoff control, and chain saw safety. This is being taught by the National Park Service, Keystone Trails, Butler Outdoor Club, and North Country Trail members. The members will be holding a state planning meeting on May 15th.

On June 20, they will be holding an all-day training program for working with landowners.

June 6th, National Trails Day, they're busy working with-the-Butler Outdoor Club, the State Parks, Sierra Club, Eastern Mountain Sports, to hold events for National Trails Day. There is a hike being led by a 7-year-old for kids, other hikes, plus demonstrations on doing trail work, backpacking demonstration, and an information center. Gravel Lick Bridge

reopened The Gravel Lick bridge over the

Clarion south of Cook Forest State Park, where the NCNST joins the Baker Trail, has been reopened after being closed for a year. The NCNST/ Baker Trail north to the Allegheny National Forest also had a major cleanup and reblazing in the last year, the KTA Newsletter reports.

Rail-trails win in Michigan decision

Rail-trail advocates in Michigan recently won a victory in a decision by the Michigan Court of Appeals in the Township of Bingham v. RLTD Railroad Corp & Leelanau Trails Assoc. Inc. At issue was whether a local unit of government, in this case Bingham Twp., can force a rail-trail to submit to local zoning and plan ning permitting processes, in particu lar seeking conformity with local planning and zoning and requiring permits to proceed.

The MI Appeals Court ruled against the township and in favor of the railroad and rail-trail. They found that the state has expressed a compel ling public interest in keeping such corridors under state jurisdiction as a transportation corridor whose impor tance transcends the interest of a local unit of government in imposing its local regulations on that corridor. They found that there is an interest in not having individual jurisdictions impose a multitude of different regulations on these corridors, much as there is the same interest in allowing highways to be above local zoning. The court cites both the Michigan Trailways Act and the appropriation of funds to carry out its purposes as an indication of this overriding interest.


Hiking Shorts

Hi Wes, Great North Star issue ... the photos, graphics and

layout are excellent.. .. a great magazine for a great trail... Dave Adams Butler Outdoor Club President

Congratulations

The above list probably just scratches the surface. If you're aware of some interesting groups who use the trail or of some neat activities the trail is used for, please let me know. Please add a sentence or two for each group or activity; it's especially important to let me know who does the activity and where it takes place on the trail. Don't assume someone else will be sending the info in; they might be making the same assumption. Also, don't assume your contribution is too mundane; most people may not be aware of it. You may send it to Doug Welker, Rt. 1, Box 59A, Pelkie MI 49958, or email it to [email protected].

-- Doug Welker

• access to popular hunting and fishing areas •interpretation (cultural or natural) • photography (other than casual) • canoe portaging

I'm compiling a list of activities that have taken place on the NCT, and of user groups who have used the NCT. The list, with a narrative, will be printed in the North Star later this year. I'm doing this for two reasons.

First, I know of some interesting activities the NCT has been used for, and I bet you do too; a comprehensive list should be pretty interesting.

Second, this list may come in handy when trying to convince folks, from politicians to potential trail adopters, that the trail deserves their support.

I'm aware of the "obvious" activities such as hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, horseback riding, cross country skiing, and mountain biking, and of groups such as NCTA members, scouts, and college students. What I'm looking for are the less obvious, for example:

-competitive events -commuting • guides and outfitters • nature study (other than such things as casual

birdwatching) • educational activities and training • endurance trials (I'll report on an example of this in

my article)

Activities on the trail

Letters to the Editor

New Superior Trail website The Superior Hiking Trail Association now has a web

site at "www.shta.org". This site has information about the Superior Hiking Trail.

ers are continuing at several important crossing points between state land parcels on the Link Trail route. The chapter's position can best be described as one of "very cautious optimism". The final outcome of two of these negotiations should be known within sixty days.

Planning for efforts for National Trails Day, June 6, has begun. The goal will be to publicize the benefits of a national trail system for the public-at-large and to develop support for the Link Trail effort in central New York.

The Chapter has been granted a "Revocable Permit For The Temporary Use of State Lands" administered by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation that is valid until mid November. This highly valued authoriza tion permits building and maintaining trails on specified State lands -- they plan to comply fully with all stipulations.

The New York State Region 7 Open Space Plan final recommendation submission had one major change from the original plan.

Initially submitted as the Genny-Green Project with the Link Trail incorporated within the project, the final recom mendation was changed in title and significance to the Genny-Green/Link Trail Project.

Although the relationship between the two primary elements is both complementary and synergistic, this change affirms the additional contributions of the Link Trail. Completion of this project would provide an inte grated trail system spanning NYS DEC lands in eastern Cortland, southeastern Onondaga, and southern Madison Counties, with trail access to many desirable sites north ward enroute to the Link Trail end at the Erie Canal Towpath Park at Canastota.

Trail flagging through the Tioughnioga Wildlife Management Area has been completed. Additional trail clearing and marking work will be "approached with vigor" in April. Negotiations with several private landown-

Central NY Chapter makes progress on Link Trail

Hiking Shorts NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, April-May 1998

Some of the items on the conference docket will be: • Great hikes on several sections of the North Country

National Scenic Trail. • A visit to Sleeping Bear dunes. • Workshops to strengthen your chapter and build your

skills. • Fun family and kid activities. • Keynote speakers. • A chapter caucus to share ideas and plot the future. <Beautiful fall colors. • The ever-popular NCTA Auction. • Campfire camaraderie and fun. Registration forms and more details will be announced in

the next issue of the North Star, but mark your calendar now for this event!

Mark your calender now for the 1998 North Country Trail Association Annual Conference, which is bound to be one of the best ever.

The conference will be held at Lake Ann Baptist Camp, 12 miles southwest of Traverse City, Michigan, on Thursday, September 24 through Sunday, September 27.

This will be the first time since 1993 that an NCTA Annual Conference has been held in Michigan. With more than half of the Association's members coming from the state, it will have been a while since many have had the opportunity to attend a n Association Conference, and they won't want to miss this one. There's sure to be a great turnout, and a lot of fun for everyone.

The Traverse City area offers many unique and enjoyable opportunities to explore the North Country Trail and other great attractions.

1998 North Country Trail Association Annual Conference to be at Traverse City, Michigan

that manage portions of trail on public lands. Although the Trail Conferences are meant mainly as an internal mecha nism for volunteers to participate in the management of the Association, there was strong support for the Conferences to take a leading role in strengthening communication and cooperation with such agencies.

Two of the Conferences elected Chairs, the other two are still working to find interested candidates. Pat Miller, currently an Honorary Board Member, has agreed to Chair the West-Central Conference. Lynn Waldron, Trail Coordi nator for the Chief Noonday Chapter, has agreed to Chair the East-Central Conference.

On the West End (MN & ND), attendance was hurt by a lack of representation from North Dakota. If you are a member living in North Dakota and you think you might be interested in becoming more involved with the trail, please call Bob at the NCTA office for more information: 1-888- 454-NCTA. The East End Conference (NY & PA) enjoyed much better attendance, but similarly did not elect a Chair. They do have a couple of possible suspects, though.

As our new Trail Conferences find their niches and grow into them, we expect that they will become very active and powerful forces for the trail. If you have questions about your own Conference, we encourage you to cal one of your representatives, listed on the Directory page of this issue.

Last year, the Board of Directors of the North Country Trail Association made important changes to the Association's Bylaws. These changes created four regional "Trail Conferences" to provide a greater opportunity for volunteers to work cooperatively within each region. The Conferences also are meant to dramatically strengthen the voice of volunteers in the overall management of the Association.

During March, all four of the Conferences met for the first time. Though we're all working on the same trail, many volunteers have never met their counterparts from neighboring segments and Chapters. Naturally, some great discussions ensued and many interesting ideas and sugges tions developed.

Almost universally, volunteers stressed that the chal lenge of building trail across private lands is perhaps the greatest obstacle they face. This certainly is understand able, since the majority of trail remaining to be built must cross private lands. Some Chapters already have made great inroads in this area. Others are eager to begin but are looking for assistance and guidance. This issue no doubt will dominate many future Conference meetings and planning sessions.

Volunteers also discussed the challenges they face working with the various local, state, and federal agencies

Regional Trail Conferences Hold Inaugural Meetings


Hiking Shorts

had purchased the building in hopes of preserving it. Mean while the North Country Trail Association had also been formed. The first president, Lance Feild, studied the map and determined that Newaygo County was the mid-point of the trail. So he called the local Chamber of Commerce in search of a building which might be donated. One thing led to another, and soon the young NCTA had a building, more or less. "Oh my, it was a mess," Ginny recalled. The roof was bad. The foundation leaked. Windows and walls were broken. Ginny took on the task of coordinating the renovation project. "We did the roof first,"she said. They had volunteer help, but some of the early helpers were one part shy on responsibility. They would show up, work a short while and disappear, leaving Ginny to do the work. When they moved on to repairing the foundation, they had concrete blocks that were donated. The only problem was that the blocks were used, and the old cement had to be chipped off first. Ginny recalled that they spent a lot of time on that project!

Another name from the rolls of NCT history is Peter Wolfe, one of the few to hike the entire trail. Wolfe lived at the schoolhouse for several summers and also did a considerable amount of work on the building. He worked at replacing broken plasterboard. He also brought used fixtures and hard-

LONG-TIME NCTA VOLUNTEER Ginny Wunsch has been a mainstay of the North Country Trail Association for many years, and had put many, many hours into the restoration of the old Birch Grove Schoolhouse at White Cloud, used by the NCT A as a headquarters for several of the early years.

by Joan Young "I have a thing for trails," Ginny Wunsch assured me with

a quiet smile. The dogs, Roger the collie and Fudge Mix the German shorthair, had had their turns at snuffled greetings. We were now seated at her cozy, farmhouse kitchen table. The house overlooks Diamond Lake, and is just two miles from the reputed geographical mid-point of the North Country Trail. Displayed on the walls are multiple reminders of the things that are important to Ginny. Of course, there are pictures of the children and grandchildren. But the larger number of items displayed are honors received for service to the North Country Trail, and to the Girl Scouts. Among these plaques is a small painting of a horse. The horse was her grandmother's as a girl, and Ginny, too, loves horses.

Wunsch is another of those folks who is theoretically retired, but who lead such busy lives that the rest of us can hardly keep up. She moved to White Cloud, Michigan in 1949, and taught Physical Education and Science for grades 1-12. A couple of seasons of basketball coaching are also lurking in her professional past. Forten years she was Field Director for Girl Scouting in Newaygo and Lake Counties. Now Ginny is Township Supervisor and a substitute mail route carrier. Clearly, here is a lady who gets things accomplished, and we haven't even mentioned the NCT in this paragraph.

Most of what Ginny wanted to tell me about was the saga of the Birch Grove School which became the North Country Trail Association Headquarters. When the association hired an executive director, office needs outgrew the schoolhouse, and thus the headquarters are now in Grand Rapids. But the schoolhouse is still available for groups, meetings, and over nights. Since the schoolhouse served as the office for many years, Ginny handled many of the details. Anyone who wrote to the NCTA for information received a hand-written note from Wunsch. She also filled orders from the trail shop.

Lots of the credit for the fact that the building is useable at all goes to the heroine of our tale. The school had been in use until the early 1950's, but after closing had fallen into disrepair. A neighborhood association had been formed, and

A Thing For Trails

Long-time NCNST volunteer Ginny Wunsch has a


sweeping the dappled brown stream, and a natural log cross ing. In the spring she has seen lady's slippers, dogwood, and scarlet tanagers too. The diversity of ecosystems to be found in Michigan appeals to her as well. Another favorite spot incorporates early farm history where the trail passes a stump fenceline.

Ginny has been encouraged that the Association has grown enough to have an executive director. "And we have a good one," she declared. She also has been glad to see growth in all the states along the NCT corridor. She feels that to be a positive change from the early days when most everything was happening here in Michigan. The more qualified people there are who join the trail effort, the more other people will be attracted, she asserts.

The phone started ringing, and Ginny also had an appoint ment to keep. The dogs wagged their tails in friendly farewell. Ginny squeezed in time to help me spot my car for a short NCT walk I had planned for the afternoon. Seems to me this sums up Ginny Wunsch quite well: responsible and busy country woman, who always has time to squeeze in one more favor for the North Country Trail.

SECOND COLE CREEK in the winter ~~ one of Ginny Wunsch's favorite spots on the NCNST.


ware that had been donated to replace broken or missing items in the building. Another volunteer, Walt Byron, re-wired the building. Pei:er re-dug the well by hand and installed a donated pump. Until that was accomplished Ginny hauled water from her home whenever the building was used. Moving on to other deep and dirty subjects, Peter and Ginny hand-dug and replaced the septic system and drain field. Their work received not only approval, but praise from the county inspector! After that milestone indoor plumbing was added. Two generations of wood stoves were installed before they finally got a furnace. "You have to understand," Ginny said seriously, but with a twinkle in her eye, "we had NO money, and the work was all done by volunteers." The narrative reminded me of one of my favorite maxims: "We have done so much with so little for so long, that we are now qualified to do anything with nothing."

You may have noticed the end result of all this effort pictured on the cover of the magazine. Our schoolhouse is a warm and tidy rural building, well suited for trail-related activities. Although various squiggles in the routing of the trail (not to mention the Arrowhead re-route) may have moved it off center a bit, it's still close. We would not be amiss to say it is at the heart of the trail. It's certainly close to the hearts of those who worked so hard to rebuild the structure.

Ginny was also in on lots of the original clearing for the trail through Newaygo and Lake Counties. The West Michi gan Chapter of the NCTA had been formed, and many of the members helped with this. Doing this was one of her favorite activities. The West Michigan Chapter maintains a lot of these miles of trail as well. Of course, we don't notice maintenance much unless it is lacking. Ginny told me that they took out a whole truckload of old appliances. Think of the work that sentence represents. We won't miss seeing those belly-up refrigerators and stoves one bit!

We should also mention that Ginny is a past vice-president both of the West Michigan Chapter (for about 10 years), and of the North Country Trail Association. But I was still trying to get her to tell me more about herself. "I grew up in Oceana County [Michigan - on the big lake], on a fruit farm. And I always had a horse," she said. When she and her husband moved to White Cloud (population about 1000), at first they lived in town before moving to this farm. "But I HAD to be in the country," Ginny clarified. "Even White Cloud was too much town for me." Opening up more, she confided, "As a child I wanted a trail." Yes, she wanted to hike a trail, and her dream was the dream of many young walkers: to do the Appalachian Trail. But, more than to walk, she wanted just what she said, a trail of her own. When she learned that a National Scenic Trail was to be routed only two miles from her home, it was an easy connection for the North Country Trail to become her trail. And some of her favorite spots on the trail are places close to home, ones which she sees in every season. Ones whose every inch she has brushed and pruned and tidied. She particularly loves Second Cole Creek with dark hemlocks

The Adirondack route selection process has moved forward another step. On March 19, a large group of interested people met in Albany New York at the DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) to re view the four primary proposed alternatives. They represented various trail groups, agency personnel (Federal and State), outfitters, communities and other interested parties.

The four routes were discussed at great length and presented by people that had great first hand knowl edge of on the ground conditions.

• The first was a proposed route in the southern portion of the Adirondack State Park comprising ap proximately 179 miles, 144 miles of which would be new trail. There were also six variations on various sections of this route.

• Route two traversed the park in a more central route using many existing trails and roads comprising 147 miles of trail of which 46 miles would be new.

• Route proposal three was the original route through the High Peaks area as designated on the NPS maps and in the NPS Comprehensive Plan for the trail.

-Route four was a combination of route one and two comprising 124 miles of trail with 68 miles of new trail.

Route three was eliminated by unanimous consent due to the current high use in this area. The route that appeared to have the greatest support of the people present was the southern route. The Adirondack Mountain Club expressed concern over the number of new miles of trail to be built and maintained and the resources needed to make this route viable. They steadfastly supported the central route. The NPS ex pressed the opinion that the central route could be used on an interim basis until the southern route could be completed. After spirited discussion of the various routes two were selected for further study by the DEC, the southern route and the central route.

Discussion then turned to policy issues. There was discussion of Wilderness versus Wild Forest areas.

A new route through New York's Adirondacks

After several years of impasse, plans are firming up on

Wilderness is set aside for very limited access and use while recreational use is supported and encouraged in Wild Forest areas. The southern route traverses a fair number of Wild Forest areas that currently have no hiking trails traversing them. Trail standards of con struction were briefly discussed and the conversation went on to linkages with local communities. Spur trails were suggested and supported to local communities, water sources and scenic views. Briefly the NPS certification process was discussed and it was noted that motorized access is prohibited on certified trail. Trail located on roads or snowmobile trail was not generally certifiable.

The biggest policy issue discussed was the Adirondack Park State Land Master Plan and the Unit Management Planning process. Not only does the trail have to be part of the State Land Master Plan but it also must be part of the Management Plan for each unit of the Park (similar to US Forest Districts). Several of the Unit plans were complete and could be amended but a number of the units had no plans in place and the DEC has no funds to start those plans in the near future. This was very discouraging. It seemed that this was going to impede the progress that had just been made by those present. The DEC stepped in and volunteered to work on an "umbrella" plan for the trail across the park as part of their evaluation process of the two routes.

Discussion then drifted into the implementation of the plan. We discussed funding sources, volunteer coordination and local community acceptance and participation. Bill Menke of the NPS staff outlined some of the funding support available from their agency which included the VIP program, Challenge Cost Share and Cooperative Agreements. All of the volunteer groups present indicated confidence that they could find volunteers to do the work. The meeting ended on a high note in spite of the nagging problem of the unit plans.



merely abandon it for the nearest road and pick the trail up at some later loca tion. On a national scenic trail, they deserve better. Likewise, even the indi vidual or family who is out for only an afternoon deserves a well marked trail. If their trail experience leaves them confused or perhaps even wondering if they are still on the trail, they may never return-even to other parts of the North Country Trail because they associate the name with their one bad experience.

On a long-distance national scenic trail, like the North Country NST, not only is it important that the trail be well blazed and signed, BUT it is equally important that the trail exhibit the "thread of continuity." In other words, with only a couple of exceptions, the mark ings should look similar along the trail from New York to North Dakota. What a hiker sees in one location, they should reasonably expect to see in another lo cation.

In 1982, when the Comprehensive Management and Use Plan was published, uniformity in marking was not emphasized. At that time, it was felt that "if the official North Country Trail emblem was maintained along the certified segments, there should be no confusion over the route of the trail despite various types and colors of supple mental markings" (blazes). The National Park Service no longer feels that way. Today, we feel that the "thread of continuity" exhibited by fairly uniform markings is extremely important. Because of that, there is an entire chapter in North Country Trail - A Handbook for Trail Design, Construction, and Maintenance (published in 1996) that is devoted to signing and blazing. See Chapter 7. Beginning about the time that this handbook was distributed, we have taken every opportunity to speak a consistent message about uniformity and have worked with sign suppliers to develop a series of new signs that provide better information to trail users. All of these signs (decals) are available for viewing in a recent amendment to the handbook that many trail workers should have received. If you'd like to see it, ask your local chapter or affiliate trail coordinator to show you their copy.

In the September 1997 issue of the BTA Trailblazer, Jim Sprague (BTA and NCTA Ohio State Trails Coordinator) wrote an excellent article about trail blazing. If you can get your hands on that issue, I heartily recommend it to you. Actually Jim's article is what inspired me to tackle this subject. Of course, there is always the inspiration from our favorite editor whose lobbying for an article never ends. Next issue, I will borrow heavily from the words of Jim Sprague and focus on blaze standards.

.. ..

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By Bill Menke National Park Service NCNST Manager

As a hiker and backpacker, threads hold your gear to gether, repair an article of clothing or a rip in your tent and in general find many uses along the trail. Most serious long distance hikers don't leave home without a small repair kit including a needle and thread. Threads are of utmost impor tance.

But in this case, the reference to threads doesn't have much relationship to that long, skinny piece of cotton, nylon, or polyester. It does have everything to do with that long,

skinny thing we call the North Country Trail. In the last couple of years, the term "thread of con tinuity" has become a frequently used expression.

"Threading" its way across the landscape, the North Coun try National Scenic Trail links outstanding scenic, natural, recreational, historic, and cultural

areas in seven northern states. As a "partnership park," the North Country NST should meet local needs and blend with the character of the landscape. But, it also needs to exhibit continuity in character, quality, and visual appeal sufficient to distinguish itself as a national scenic trail and offer an experience of higher caliber to its users. In other words, it needs to exhibit a "thread of continuity."

Without getting into a discussion about all of the elements such as trail gradients, dryness, bridge standards, and other factors that lead to a trail of higher caliber, let's focus on the "thread of continuity" factor that is perhaps most easily achieved. That factor is the blazing and signing that should be in place along the trail.

While it is true that long-distance hikers (those who are planning to cover more than a couple of days of hiking at any one time) are the exception rather than the rule, long distance hikers are especially dependent on uniform blazes and signs to get through the maze of trails and roads that must be traversed. Long-distance hikers do not have the time or the patience to search for a poorly marked or non-marked trail. If the trail cannot be found in a reasonable amount of searching, they

.·

The Importance of A Thread

Gardiner Lake is reached on an unmarked side road off a woods road located approximately 2.0 miles east of the Bad Medicine Lake overlook on SR 113; the woods road is about a mile and a half west of Anchor-Mattson Road, another woods road that parallels the west boundary of Itasca State Park. Toward the north end of Gardner Lake an informal campsite has frequently been used by trail builders. The trail continues eastward, winding across several valleys with a somewhat up and down profile; a nice view is reached about a mile past the campsite. About 0.9 miles farther on past the viewpoint, the route rejoins the Nichols-Chisholm railroad grade, following it eastward 0.3 miles to a crossing of Anchor Mattson Road, where there is a small parking area, and contin ues east for an other 0.6 mile along the grade to the border of Lake Itasca State Park.

0.0 [0.0] GARDINER LAKE CAMPSITE

The Headwaters Chapter of the NCTA, along with other groups, is working on trail west from Lake Itasca, and the route has reportedly been flagged, but not cleared, to a point about a mile north on CR37, east of Gardner Lake. While partially cleared , this section of the trail is reportedly not complete, but follows the long-abandoned Nichols-Chisholm logging railroad grade westward.

Park. Both Park Rapids and Bemidji are moderate-sized towns, with motels, restaurants, grocery stores, and other services. Lodging and other limited services are located in the park, as described below.

> ...

The Itasca/Bad Medicine area is located well away from major population centers. The nearest towns of any size are Bemidji, about 25 miles north-northwest, or Park Rapids, about 25 miles to the south. US71 connects the two. The western trailhead is located off of SRl 13, about six miles west of the US71 intersection at the southeast corner ofltascaState

Serious trail construction efforts have been under way pushing west from Lake Itasca, with the recent certification of a 2.9 mile segment there, and with more to come in the future. The trail is complete and certified in Lake Itasca State Park, one of the jewels of the whole trail. Trail construction efforts to connect Lake Itasca with the Chippewa National Forest through the Paul Bunyan State Forest, long in the planning stages, are getting under way.

The westernmost part of the North Country Trail, in North Dakota and western Minnesota, is largely prairie country, but north of Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge, the transition from prairie to forest is complete; there's no doubt that this is indeed "north country", heavily forested, rolling and sometimes rugged, dotted with lakes. It's in this area that the North Country Trail in Minnesota ceases to be a largely unrealized plan, and starts to take on reality.

Trail Focus:

Minnesota's Bad Medicine Trail and Itasca State Park


The next certified section of the NCNST is located in the Chippewa National Forest, about40 miles to the east; plans to connect the trail segments are in an advanced stage, and new trail construction is expected soon.

The trail follows a winter snowmobile trail eastward paralleling and somewhat north of the park entrance road (SR48) to the park entrance on SR200 near the corner of US71, where certification ends.

14.4 [2.7] TURN EAST ON MARKED TRAIL

The Ozawindib Trail heads north along the west side of Mary Lake through hilly terrain with fine stands of old growth pines to the South Itasca Center area, where Douglas Lodge is located. After about 0.8 mile, pass junction with the Red Pine Trail; the other shelter is located in this area. The trail continues north about 1.6 miles, passing two other trail intersections, to the South Itasca Center area; the NCNST circles the edge of the east side of the developed area, then joins the bike trail to the headwaters for a short distance before turning east to the park entrance on a separate treadway.

11.6 [2.0] JOIN OZAWINDIB TRAIL

At this point, the trail enters the longer-established park trail system. The trail joins the Eagle Scout Trail heading eastward through some magnificant pine stands with spec tacular views of remote lakes. The first shelter (reservation required) is located near the junction with the Desoto Trail, about 0.3 mile east; shortly afterward, pass a junction with the Deer Park Trail. After 2 miles on the Eagle Scout Trail, the NCT reaches the Ozawindib Trail at Iron Comer Lake. A side trail leads south a short distance to the Iron Comers Historical marker, marking the juction of Becker, Clearwater and Hubbard Counties. A single-site backpack campsite (reservation re quired) is located here.

9.6 [7.0] JOIN EAGLE SCOUT TRAIL

Newtrail,cutespeciallyfortheNCNSTin 1993,certified in 1994 and marked with the NCT markers, starts at the park boundary, and proceeds eastward. After about 2 miles, pass an informal campsite used during trail construction; plans are to develop this as a backpack campsite. The trail intersects an abandoned forest road, proceeding southward, and goes around the east side of Kirk Lake, and continues southward, until reaching an old access road leading eastward, about 5 .2 miles from the park boundary. About 2.8 miles farther on, reach the designated campsites (reservation required) on the shore of Hernando DeSoto Lake.

2.6 [2.6] ENTER LAKE ITASCA STATE PARK


LAKE ITASCA STATE PARKis probably Minnesota's most famous state park, due to the headwaters of the Missis sippi River flowing out the north side of the lake. But, Minnesota's oldest state park-- established in 1891-- has other features, too, including towering virgin pines in Preacher's Grove and a large wilderness area. The 32,000 acre park has over I 00 lakes of various sizes, and many miles of biking, hiking and snowmobile trails. Only the trails involved with the North Country Trail, and the hike/bike side trail are shown on the accompanying map, but the park abounds with dayhiking and overnight backpacking possibilties; all trails are well marked and signed. There are many campgrounds located in the park, some as small as a single backpacking site, but ranging up to a 218-site RV campground with all the conve niences. The westernmost Adirondack shelters to be found on the North Country Trail are located here. The shelters and the backpacking campgrounds all have to be reserved ahead of time. Douglas Lodge, located at the south end of the east arm of the lake, has an excellent, reasonably priced restaurant and lodging facilities; the 1987 NCTA meeting was held here, along with a segment of the 1994 meeting. Various interpretive activities are available. Very limited hiker supplies are avail able at the Itasca Nature Store, located in the Douglas Lodge area. Though not on the trail, most hikers will want to take the 5-mile paved hike/bike trail to the Mississippi Headwaters and interpretive center at the north end of the lake. Bike rentals are available, but only at the park headquarters toward the north end of the trail. An AYH hostel is also located in the headquarters area. For more information, contact Itasca State Park Manager, Lake Itasca MN 56460 (218) 255-3654. For information about the hostel, contact Mississippi Headwaters Hostel, HC05, Box SA, Lake Itasca MN 56460, (219) 266- 3415.

Headwaters of the Mississippi River in Lake Itasca State Park. This is a popular tourist site that few will want to miss if they're in the area. There are lots of visitor facilities in the park.

MARK EKLER

"Then I fit those ideas into the topography of the area." This is a rather amazing response! Mark simply internalized from his experience a great many of the principles now outlined in the Trail Design, Construction and Maintenance Handbook produced by the National Park Service. The handbook promises, "a well designed trail is a low mainte nance trail," so Mark has given the NCT a double dividend. Without knowing that he was responding to Tom's account of the early board's sense of being overwhelmed, Mark said he wanted to create "a good finished project-every inch." He put 550 hours into this 6.2 mile segment of trail. And that's how the over whelming task will be accom plished: inch by inch.

MARK EKLER describes himself as a "fair-weather hiker." There's room on the trail forus all. He is president of the Shenango Outing Club and has volunteered on Keystone Trails Association regular work weekends. During the week he is a custodian at an elementary school, where he stepped down from a supervisory position in order to create more time in his life for being outdoors. He especially likes wildflowers and birdwatching. "You get in touch with yourself' outdoors, he commented.

McConnel' s Mill State Park was an area familiar to him, and when the corridor for the North Country Trail was located through the park, Mark got excited about making it become a reality. He described himself as "driven" to do this project, leading work crews whenever he was free. Having heard good things about the layout df the trail there, I asked Mark where he learned trail design. ''The best trails are established by hikers, not politicians," he chuckled in response. Having hiked a lot, he had mentally noted the good and bad points of trails he had seen.

PENNSYLVANIA

to a new level of professionalism under his guidance. He has held many positions: Cayuga Trails Club president, FLTC president, editor of the FLT News, webmaster for the FLT web site, member of the FLTC Board of Managers, and board member of the Finger Lakes Land Trust. He is currently Trails Chairman of the Cayuga Trails Club, and its newsletter editor. The FLTC will present the Wallace D. Wood Distin guished Service Award to Tom Reimers in April of this year.

You will wonder where all this fits into one life, since Tom is also a professor at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Does it sound like he never leaves a desk? Wrong. Tom's interest in trails began in 1975 when a friend took him backpacking in Colorado. It was "cold, wet, raining and snowing all weekend", said Tom. "Most people would have been miserable and would never have wanted to do that again, but I fell in love with the adventure and discovered the magic of being out there." That overwhelming task of creating thousands of miles of trail is being accomplished thanks to the efforts of folks like Tom Reimers.

TOM REIMERS recalls the North Country Trail Asso ciation when it was little more than a good idea!

The Finger Lakes Trail had been conceived in 1961 by Wallace D. Wood, almost 20 years before the North Country Trail was authorized by Congress. Tom was involved in the FLTC when the North Country Trail Association asked for representatives from what would become known as Affiliates independent groups managing long segments of trail which are concurrent with the NCT. As a member of that early board Tom remembers what seemed to be an overwhelming task. "We had no idea how we would accomplish development of a 3,200-mile-long trail," he sighed.

Within a few years, Tom was elected vice-president of the NCTA, and then president. He served in this capacity for three years, and feels itto be his most valuable contribution to the North Country Trail. He was able to increase communication with local management authorities. This helped make them more aware of the national status of the trail which was being pieced together and

·\built. Tom also saw the NCTA grow from a cub organization

FINGER LAKES TRAIL CONFERENCE

asked is, "how do you select who will be featured?" The answer is simple and quite relaxed. If someone in a

local group suggests another one of the members, they will eventually appear in this column. This is YOUR feature. There are no national standards to be met, no high-level politics being played. Suggestions come from the local level. If a volunteer is important to you, they are important to us all. Several readers have sent me names of people they would like to see spotlighted, and given time, all those people will be contacted. Thanks to you for noticing folks who give so much! We will try to include someone from half of the local groups in each issue. If your Chapter or Affiliate doesn't appear in this issue, we'll catch you next time. Getting to the heart of the matter. ..

With the debut of "Heart and Sole" in the January issue we began to focus on volunteers who help create and maintain our National Trail. It's clear that the Chapters and Affiliates are excited about sharing their stars with us. One question I've been

r------------------, :HEART : I I

:& SOLE : I I I Edited by Joan Young I L------------------~


they are grown. Like some of our other featured volunteers, the skills from the workplace spill over into trail activities.

Brian is a fiber optics engineer with Ameritech, also working with electronic publishing. So it was just natural for him to develop a web site for the Grand Traverse Hikers. He says he's used to "computer quirks." Since he is impressed

BRIAN COXdiscovered the North Country Trail through the local hiking club. He loves to backpack, snowshoe, and ski. These activities give him an opportunity to take himself "out of the comfort zone." He also considers trails to be places where you can have positive family experiences. He wants to help create something for his kids to enjoy both now and when

GRAND TRAVERSE HIKING CLUB

ber expressed it this way, "Lynn is our spark plug and people love to work with him."

LYNN WALDRON

found a portion of a 100-year-old stagecoach trail which may be incorporated into the NCT. When a permit to build a bridge was about to expire, Lynn took the initiative and tackled the paperwork needed to receive Challenge Cost Share money for that project, and several others. Three of these projects were approved.

This new chapter has quickly grown to over 50 members. Lynn wanted me to be sure to mention the dedi cation of many besides him self. But another club mem-

"As the population grows, it becomes harder to find a place of sanctity where you can en joy the peace, hear the sounds of the forest, think, and be with yourself," says LYNN WALDRON. "We NEED to build a legacy for future generations."

Lynn and the brave hearts of Chief Noonday are dedicated to that task. Although this chapter is quite new, Lynn is not a newcomer to the North Country Trail. In the early 1980's he attended a workshop sponsored by an outfitter in Lansing and heard about thenewly created national trail. He helped to build much of the trail near White Cloud and Baldwin, Michigan, including the Sable River Bridge near Peacock. His regular job is managing work crews for an engineering firm, so leading trail crews just came naturally. His favorite thing to do is to build trail he says. "Ilikeexploring and plotting the trail within the corridor." In keeping with this he also maintains the tools for the club.

Right now he's excited about the possibility that they have

CHIEF NOONDAY CHAPTER

PATTI GEHRING Patti is one-third of an informal group calling themselves

the "Trail Trio." They respond to trail needs which require immediate attention. Since none of the "Trio" has children they find themselves more available to meet such on-the-spot requests. She likes rail-trails particularly because "they connect places," and she enjoys the quiet, rural experience they provide.

The trail is "in the rough, now," Patti explained, referring to the cinder-ballast treadway which needs work in some places yet. "But it is rewarding to know that in the near future many people will enjoy the trail, and come to share my enthusiasm."

PATTI GEHRING protested that other volunteers should be featured as well as herself. Not surprisingly, this is an attitude common to many great volunteers who share a spirit of service. With a promise to cover them in future issues she allowed me to interview her. NORTA has recently become an NCTA Affiliate, adding 6.1 miles of certified pathway to the North Country Trail.

Patti is a long-time biker, and has been involved in other Rails-to-Trails efforts. She grew up riding rail-trails in Wiscon sin, and is now a medical technologist for a hospital lab in the Toledo area. Naturally she was attracted to the Northwestern Ohio Rails-to-Trails Association, and went to paint signs one afternoon in 1992. We know what happens next in tales like this!

Before long she was treasurer, and the major record keeperfor the group. When they asked her to become treasurer she exclaimed, "Are you kidding? I'm not an accountant by any means!" But she owned a computer, which was consid ered an over-riding qualification for the job. From straightfor ward requirements such as check-writing, the task has grown as the trail grew. Easements, land ownership and non-profit status all require record-keeping skills. This ability to be conscious of the need for organization is what she considers her strength. She also enjoys hands-on work such as decking bridges and creating vehicular barriers.


Once again, with no selection template used, we've collected a wide range of skills and services. Computers, chain saws, blueprints, pens and hammers - we've hinted at a variety of tools and described the people who use them so proficiently. Many of these volunteers were shy concerning their contributions. But we know they deserve all the thanks we now offer them from the bottoms of our hearts (and soles).

-- Joan

that. He's since seen most of those miles more than once. After the big windstorm of 1995 in which acres of trees were twisted and felled, Al spent 2 days a week, or more, working on the clean-up project. He was responsible for clearing 3.5 miles of trail after this terrible damage. Al says he's a retired CPA, "sort of." Seems like there are always a few people who need some work done, and who count on Al to help them out.

Anotherofhis trail projects is a map he's created of a fairly direct, walkable route, on public land, from the Wisconsin border to the east side of the (rhippbwa NF. Although planning is going forward on the "~rrowhead Route" (we'll tell you more in the June issue of Ndrth Star),Al' s directions offer an unofficial but alternative path for those who do not mind sharing the space with of~~road'v.~hicles. His motivation for working on trails is simple, "People were born to be in the woods," he maintains. Many of us would probably agree.

This past summer two friends and I hiked through the Chippewa National Forest in Minnesota. So when I began talking with volunteer AL MITTEN I thanked him for working to maintain that trail. Al couldn't figure out what the big deal was. "Iget confused w h e n people thank me for some thing I like to do," he said.

Al has been hik ing all his life. I didn't ask his age, but AL MITTEN Jet's just say he's been in the woods for more years than a lot of us! He told me that he was out checking on a beaver dam the day before we talked. He says he can't remember just when he heard about the North Country Trail. But eight ornine years ago he decided to hike its length through the Chippewa NF (63 miles), and had his wife take him out to the east end soon after

HEADWATERS CHAPTER

condition. They also work on trails closer to home in the Kettle Moraine State Forest from time to time. "I like to be outside and to breathe the air," she said. "I like to see the trees, rocks, and mushrooms." She also enjoys rock-climbing, dance classes, and swimming. She's gone dog-sledding with George Tresnek (featured in January). Sarah has recently taken over the duties of chapter secretary, which she claims is pretty simple. (She doesn't understand how much some of us hate dealing with mailing lists and related tasks!) She's happy to be using her computer for something productive.

Her newest responsibility is to transition into editor of the Wisconsin North Country Trail Newsletter. She says she's just beginning to learn what is required for that job. One other club member calls Sarah their "Angel of the Woods." "He's hysterical!" Sarah countered.

SARAH GOKEY is a "lopper specialist about to be promoted to Brush Hog," said the club chairperson. Sarah laughed when I told her this and explained that the promotion is due to the fact that the club is getting a power mower this summer! Meanwhile they have put in lots of hard hours clearing and rerouting trail with hand tools. "My back was sore after a whole day," Sarah admitted. She also helped build puncheon near Drummond.

She is a hairdresser living in southern Wisconsin, as many of the Heritage Club members do. This means a drive of close to five hours to reach the North Country Trail. Sarah and her boyfriend like to hike, and about four years ago they decided to join the club in order to help out with keeping the trail in good

HERITAGE CHAPTER

for club meetings. Grand Traverse Hikers presented him with their President's Club Award for dedication and service in 1997.

Brian, like many of the rest of the featured volunteers in this issue, emphasized that his efforts are focused locally. He expressed his belief that this is a good way to serve the National Trail- more evidence of how completion of a long trail can be achieved in small increments.

Another TC club member summed it up this way, "If you look in a dictionary for the word volunteer, you will find a picture of Brian Cox."


with how much information can be obtained in a short time on the internet he wanted to make info available to club members in a timely manner. Brian leads two popular club trips each summer, to North and South Manitou Islands in Lake Michi gan. He also says that it has been a lot of fun to be involved in the Adopt-a-Trail program. He has learned how much effort it takes to maintain a trail. He says he used to take clear pathways for granted, but he now watches for damage or other needs along the trail. Official capacities include editor of the club newsletter and member of the planning committee

North Dakota 61.8 O 13.0

~~~~~~~~ ~~:~ : ~:~ ~~:~ i Michigan 577.9 + 3.0 50.3 , Ohio 289.0 O 27.5 Pennsylvania 119.3 0 39.8 New York 153.2 0 24.5 TOTAL 1363.7 + 13.1 32.5

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------; :~~eoo miles c=;~!~ied by t~:a:g:ar 2000 % I,,',,,,

certified since last issue Done

State Current Change Members members since last issue Trail miles to goal

North Dakota 12 +2 20% 475 463 Minnesota 46 -3 -6% 375 329 Wisconsin 68 +2 3% 220 152 Michigan 492 + 13 3% 1150 658 Ohio 55 +2 4% 1050 995 Pennsylvania 90 + 22 32% 300 210 New York 72 0 625 553 Other 81 0 n/a n/a TOTAL 916 + 38 4% 4195 3279

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

One for

One 2,000

by 2000

NCTA's goals for m.em.berships and new trail One member for every mile of trail projected

Our Top Recruiters to Date: 4 David Adams 52 John Kincaid 3 Darlene Snyder If you think we may have 5 Carol Atwell 10 Mary Kunzler-Larmann 30 Bob Tait missed crediting you with 8 Len Baron 3 John Leinen 6 Stephen Willeumier some of your recruits, 6 Derek Blount 5 Rod MacRae 19 Gaylord Yost please let us know so we

11 Dave Cornell 16 Bill Menke can get up to date. 5 Claudia Day 48 NCTA Office 4 Gene Elzinga 5 Bob Papp Our records for recruiters Thanks to everyone for all 8 Richard Grau 13 Kathy Sabel go back to the fall of 1996. your help! 4 Grace Hutchinson 8 Dave Sheldon

Public support is critical to the ongoing development of the North Country National Scenic Trail. To encourage you to help us build this support, we offer awards to those working to recruit new members to our organization. Those. listed in bold below already have qualified for prizes, to be delivered soon. We've also listed everyone who has recruited at least three new members, so you can keep an eye on where you stand. To receive credit for recruiting a new member, just write "recruited by" or "sponsored by" with your name somewhere on the new member's form. (All types of new paid memberships count for credit, not just the $15 introductory ones!)

Awards Given to NCTA's Top Recruiters!


I Sponsored by: Our Sponsored Membership Program allows current NCTA members to sign up new members at an introductory rate of just $15. To qualify, Sponsored Members must be new to NCTA, or not have been members for at least two years. The $15 rate is good only for the first year of membership. To use the program, just fill in your name as "Sponsor." Then, give the form to your friend to finish. Feel free to make as many copies as you need!

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS! To begin your membership, please complete this form and send it with your $:15 payment to: North Country Trail Association • 49 Monroe Center NW, Suite 2008 •Grand Rapids, Ml 49503

$15 INTRODUCTORY RATE! Do you know someone who you think might like to be a new member?

We gratefully acknowledge the support of all our members and donors who share with us the vision of the North Country National Scenic Trail!

Donors: USDA Forest Service Joe Gerzina John and Elin Parmelee Washburn, Wisconsin Betsy Gibson Gregory Parrish

Cecil and Joanne Dobbins USDA Forest Service Butler Area Public Library George Patton Dennis Donathen Warren, Pennsylvania John and Nancy Gingrich Daniel Peden Clifton and Kay Edwards Butler Outdoor Club Bill Gottschalk Michael Pendo Richard E Gray Toledo Metroparks Bill Grau Linda Philpott William and Sue Sanger Dan Grau Fred Post, Boy Scout Troup85 Gary Werner New Members: Doug Grau Patrick Powers

Walt and Dory Grau John Pulver Pathfinders: Ml Mountain Biking Assoc Jack Haines Barbara Putt

SW Chap William Hansen Val Rauceps Duane Elenbaas Recreational Outdoors Club Roger and Alice Harbin Joseph Raught

John and Linda Altman Sally Hartle Bob and Grace Rudd Trail Leaders: Lori Baker Steven Hicks John Seidel

Bob Barker Joan Horn David Singer Judith Esterline Tamara Barnes Jack Huffman Suzanne and Steve Alonzo Hannaford Frederick Base Paul and Linda Johnson Sippel I Hamilton John Clay Kincaid Craig Begeman Chas Juhl Janice Springer James & Dena Mackey/Smith Janice and Steve Bittenbender Arnold Kepple Gary Talsky Pat and Kathleen Miller Walt Bowen Jeff Lane Jeanne Thomas Gregory Parrish Isabelle Champlin Jim Martin Stephen Townsend Allen and Mary Shoup J.D. Cox Evelyn Matteson John Trone Curtis Vanek Joan Dickey Carol McCormick Jean Ward

Robert Dolce Phillip McDowell Toledo Metroparks Organizations: Ann and Bob Dressel/Matiko Bud McMellen Ann Weir

Theodore Dreyer George Moore David and Kandace Wilson AYH Pittsburgh Council Gary Drushel Anthony Movinsky Doug and Sara Wilson Ml Mountain Biking Assoc Paul Egbert Jean and Graig Nadeali Jim Wilson SW Chap Wind & Water Boatworks Julie Nietung Jacob Wolf Recreational Outdoors Club Duane Elenbaas Ruth Ostrowski Paula Wolf Superior Hiking Trail Assoc. Terry Geiger Mahlon Palmer

Contributions, Special Renewals and New Members since our last issue of the North Star

Trail Supporters NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, April-May 1998

$ 4.50

$ 2.50 $ 5.50 $ 5.50 $ 3.00 $ 2.50

$ 8.00 $ 9.50 $ 5.50

$ 3.50

$ 3.50

$ 2.00

April-May, 1998

Pennsylvania Allegheny NF & Cook State Forest

DhiD Wayne National Forest Burr Oak-Sinking Spring Sinking Spring to Milford Little Miami Scenic Park Miami & Erie Canal

Michigan NCT in Lower Michigan NCT in Upper Michigan Ml-37 to Doblesky Rd.Wilderness SP

Wisconsin Chequamegon N.F. and Brule River S.F.

Minnesota Chippewa National Forest

North Dakota North Dakota

SE Lenawee Co. to W. Calhoun Co. NE Kalamazoo Co.to SE Newaygo Co. SE Newaygo Co. to NW Wexford Co. NW Wexford Co. to SE Charlevoix Co. Charlevoix Co. to Mackinaw City St. Ignace to SE Marquette Co. Marquette area to Ironwood

Ml-A) Ml-B) Ml-C) Ml-D) Ml-E) Ml-F) Ml-G)

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 Michigan Map Sets by Arden Johnson

Certified Sections of the North Country Trail by Byron and Margaret Hutchins Detailed information and maps covering many of the longest and best off-road segments of the Trail. These are accurate route descriptions by experienced guide-book writers who have walked the sections with a measuring wheel. In easy to use looseleaf form.

Proceeds benefit the North Country 'lraiJ .A.88oclatfon in it.lJ dfora to buiJd, maintain, and promote the North Country National Scenic 1rcdl.

TrailSho N


They are published by $3.50

Buckeye Trail (Ohio) Section Maps These convenient and detailed maps cover the North Country Trail where it overlaps with the Buckeye Trail. the Buckeye Trail Association. per map Belle Valley: Bowerston: Ceasar Creek: Defiance.: Delphd~: Loveland: Massillon:

Old Man's Cave: Hocking, Ross and Vinton Counties Scioto Trail: Ross and Pike Counties Sinking Spring: Adams, Pike and Highland Counties St. Marys: Auglaize and Shelby Counties Stockport: Morgan, Perry and Athens Counties Troy: Greene, Miami & Montgomery Co's West Union: Adams and Brown Counties

Morgan, Noble and Guernsey Counties Harrison, Carroll and Guernsey Counties Greene and Warren Counties Defiance, Paulding, Putnam, Henry & Wood Counties

· Putnam, Allen and Auglaize Counties Clermont, Warren and Hamilton Counties Stark and Tuscarawas Counties

North Country National Scenic Trail Mug Official trail emblem on both sides in three colors. $ 5.95 ea.

TShirt-96 (white) White cotton pre-shrunk "Beefy-T." 3 color NCTA logo on front and 2 color trail map on back. Slogan on back reads "Going the Distance on the North Country National Scenic Trail" and includes a seven state map of the trail. S,M,L,XL: $10.95 - XXL: $11.95

TShirt-97 (tan) Finally, a TRAIL CREW shirt for volunteers! Tan 50/50 blend. Two color design on front with map and a "fired up" volunteer. M,L,XL: only $8.95! - XXL: $9.95 (sorry, no small sizes)

NCTA Trail Building & Maintenance Manual by Thomas J. Reimers This great manual for volunteers provides: 1) guidelines for planning and construction of the North Country Trail, 2) guidelines for continued maintenance, and 3) helpful suggestions regarding trail construc-tion and maintenance. It covers rural and roaded natural, semi-primitive and primitive trail. 22 pgs. $2.00

$ 3.00 ea.

$1.50 ea.

$ 3.00 ea.

$1.50 ea. State Patches Available for all seven states.

Round Patches Yellow, blue and black on white background.

Volunteer Patch Blue thread on white background.

Trail Supporter Pin 3/4" cloisonne, gold color lettering and star.

Cap E (center): $16.95 "Pro-wash" cotton twill with extended bill, blue-grey crown and bill, adjustable buckle on leather strap.

For the Trail Supporter Cap A (lower left): $14.95

Low profile washed cotton, khaki crown, dark green bill, adjustable buckle on fabric strap.

Cap B (upper left): $12.95 Low profile cotton twill, solid navy crown and bill, plastic snap strap

Cap C (upper right): $12.95 Low profile cotton twill, solid khaki crown and bill, plastic snap strap

Cap D (lower right): $10.95 Mesh back, cotton twill front, royal blue, plastic snap strap.

lr-:-~~1 ..

North Country Trail Caps Embroidered design with eight thread colors. Similar to NCTA logo only it reads "North Country National Scenic Trail." Adjustable sizes in five styles.


$5.95 $2.50 $7_95 $6.95 , \. --~~~~~~~~~~~~,

FLT in Cortland County FLT End-to-End Guide for Backpackers FLT: Conservation Trail to Hornell FLT in Steuben Co. (Hornell-S. Bradford)

NY-A) PA border - Portageville NY-8) Portageville - Watkins Glen NY-C) Watkins Glen - NW of Cuyler

Guide to the North Country Trail, Chippewa National Forest by Roderick MacRae Description of the route and trail log, east to west. Wonderfully written by a Chippewa National Forest expert. 12 pgs. $1.25

Minnesota Guidebooks Published by the Finger Lakes Trail Conf., these helpful books cover various parts of the North Country Trail where it overlaps the FLT in western and central New York.

Map Sets $4_00 per set These excellent looseleaf maps of the trail in NY are published by the Finger Lakes Trail Conference.

Finger Lakes Trail Resources

Backpacker's Handbook Extremely thorough, up-to-date guide covering basics of back packing. Includes information on the latest gear, cooking techniques, skills, and environmental hazards, with an emphasis on minimizing impact and enjoying the outdoors. This book is highly educational whether you are new to backpacking or an experienced "pro." 340pp. $18.95

DllYHlKER'S HANDBOOK

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore - A Guide by Olive Anderson A centerpiece of the North Country National Scenic Trail, Pictured Rocks is a rugged, beautiful, and unique coast on the Lake Superior shore. This revised guidebook includes maps, and excellent descriptions of the many recreational opportunities available at Pictured Rocks. 56pgs. $6.95

Dayhiker's Handbook Comprehensive guide for begin ning 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, managing food and water, weather lore, walking techniques, traveling with kids, first aid, and more. Many short features, fun tips and anecdotes. 216pp. $14_95

HIKING! A fresh look at hiking and its benefits. Chapters include: philosophy of hiking, stress management, physical and health benefits, creativity and hiking, & romance on the trail. The authors also explore how hiking addresses the issues of today: strengthening family ties, improving communication, offering a healthy lifestyle for children, pursuing an inexpensive passtime and providing seniors with a natural prescription for health. A must read for anyone who currently enjoys hiking and for those who are thinking about starting out. 245pp. $14.95

Trail Atlas of Michigan by Dennis R. Hansen Michigan trail enthusiasts - don't get caught without this atlas! New Second Edition includes maps and descriptions for over 6QQ hiking, biking, skiing, and nature trails in Michigan. Search by location or types of use! $29_95

Trails Across America by Art & Marge Miller Subtitled "A Traveler's Guide to Our National Scenic and Historic Trails," this book is the first to provide engaging descriptions and advice on all 19 trails in our National Trail System. Includes North Country, Morman Pioneer, Pony Express, Appalachian, lditarod, Lewis and Clark, Pacific Crest, Trail of Tears, Florida Trail, Continental Divide and many others. 308 pgs. $19_95

Following the North Country National Scenic Trail by Wes Boyd, NCTA newsletter editor Full of information, this book directs readers to more in-depth resources on the trail. Although not really a guidebook, it's our most inclusive publication covering the whole North Country National Scenic Trail. 64 pgs. SALE PRICE: $2.95!

Great Books ...


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Trail Shop Order Form NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, April-May 1998

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PENNSYLVANIA April 18-19: Davis Hollow Cabin Cleanup, contact Bob Tait, 724/287-3382 April 18: Deadline for state newsletter, Bob Tait724/287-3382 April 20: Lawrence/Beaver Co. NCT Meeting, Richard Lutz, 724/625-8185 April 23: Pittsburgh AYH meeting program, Bob Tait, 724/ 287-3382 April 25: Earth Day Cleanup with Butler Outdoor Club, Bob Tait, 724/287-3382 April 25: Davis Hollow Cabin Cleanup, Bob Tait, 724/287-3382 April 25: Gamelands 148 Hike, Richard Lutz, 724/625-8185 April 26: Gamelands Hike, Bob Tait, 724/287-3382 April 27:Planning Meetingfor5/15 TrailworkTraining 6:30pm, Brian Koehler, 724/445- 7528 May 2-3: Deck & Railing - Hidden River @ Moraine, Brian Koehler, 724/445- 7528 May 9-10: Overnight Hike Jennings/Moraine, Bob Tait, 724/287-3382 May 11: National Trail Days Planning Meeting @ Depot 6:00pm, Bob Tait, 724/287-3382 May 15: State Planning Meeting@ Moraine State Park, Bob Tait, 724/287-3382 May 15-17: Trail Work Training - $1 oo registration. At Lutherlyn. This will be a fantastic opportunity for people from western PA and east Ohio clubs to learn design, construction, and maintenance techniques used in the National Parks & Forests. Ask your club for partial or whole sponsorship. This is hard core - no wimps! Bob Tait 724/287-3382 May 23-25: Butler Outdoor Club Canoe/Hike/Bike weekend, Bob Tait, 724/287-3382 May 30: Setup display at Butler Public Library for 2 weeks, Bob Tait, 724/287-3382 May 30-31: Hike Jennings/McConnell's Mill, Bob Tait, 724/ 287-3382 June 6: National Trails Day - North Country Trail Assoc., B.0.C., Sierra Club, Eastern Mountain Sports - hikes, demonstrations, backpacking, trailwork, water run off control maintenance on NCT/Glacier Ridge Trail. Watch for EMS picnic afterwards. Bob Tait, 724/287-3382 June 6: NTD Slippery Rock Gorge, Richard Lutz 724/625-8185. June 8: Landowner training planning meeting, Bob Tait, 724/ 287-3382 June 13-14: Hike the North Country Trail, Bob Tait, 724/287-3382

August 17-21: ALLEY CAT Trail Crew Work Week #2 at Little Pond Campground in the Catskill Forest Preserve for Mill Brook Ridge Trail (FLT) project.


NEW YORK April 18: meet 9:30 am at parking lot south end Cazenovia Lake on Rt. 20. Central NY Chapter work hike. April 24-26: Annual Meeting of Finger Lakes Trail Conference. Genesee River Hotel, Mt. Morris, NY. Sponsored by the Genesee Valley Hiking Club and Irene Szabo. April 26: Cayuga Trails Club Earth Day hike. Contact Tom Reimers. (716) 272-8679. May 2: Cayuga Trails Club Trail Maintenance Workshop. Contact Tom Reimers, (716) 272-8679. May 9: Wallace D. Wood Founder's Hike for all FL TC members and friends in Letchworth State Park. Meet at the Parade Grounds parking lot on the east side of the river at 9:30 a.m. Linda Mattice, leader (716/768-6167). May 9: FL TC Trail maintenance workshop, 9:00 a.m., J. Warren Cutler Scout Reservation, Naples, NY. Contact Howard Beye for information. May 9: meet 9:30 am at parking lot south end Cazenovia Lake on Rt. 20. Central NY Chapter work hike May 16: Deadline for submitting material for the summer issue of Finger Lakes Trail News. May 16: meet 9:30 am at parking lot south end Cazenovia Lake on Rt. 20. Central NY Chapter work hike May 24: Cayuga Trails Club trail maintenance session on FLT near Burdette, NY. Contact Tom Reimers (716) 272-8679. June 6: National Trails Day June 6: meet 9:30 am at parking lot south end Cazenovia Lake on Rt. 20. Central NY Chapter work hike June 20: FLTC Board of Managers meeting, 9:30 a.m., Geneva Chamber of Commerce, Geneva, NY. June 22-26: ALLEY CAT Trail Crew Work Week #1 at the Cayuga Nature Center's Hammond Hill camp, Dryden, NY. July 25: FL TC President's Hike for all members and guests on the main FLT in the Hoxie Gorge area (FLT map M-20).

-c, Leader George Zacharek (315/635-8438).

NCTA May 2: NCTA Board meeting, Romulus, Ml June 1: Newsletter deadline. August 1: Newsletter deadline. September 24-27: Annual Conference. Lake Ann Baptist Camp, 1 O miles west of Traverse City. Empahsis on family activities and strengthening chapters. Call NCTA Office 616- 454-5506. October 1: Newsletter deadline. October 1: Deadline for 1999 Challenge Cost Share proposals and reporting VIP hours. January 1: Newsletter deadline.

ITEMS FOR THIS COLUMN must be received before the deadline date . We welcome listing activities of affiliated organizations, but we must be aware of them in sufficient time for publication.

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MICHIGAN April - May: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) UP Softies Hikes, weather permitting. If you would like to be called for softies hikes, contact Jan at (906) 225-1295. April - May - June: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) will help Herb Grenke's Hiking Class with trail work at Sand River. Times, dates, TBA. Call Herb at (906) 249-9180. April 18: W Ml hike 40th St to 3 Mile Rd- 11 miles. Call Dave Sheldon 616-784-8978 or Mary Payne 616-773-6986 April 19: W Ml Schoolhouse Workday. Meet at North Star Cafe on M-37 & 40th St, Newaygo at 9 am or at the Schoolhouse at 10 am. Cleaning, repairing, painting yard work planned. April 25: Chief Noonday Membership hike day. Meet 9 am at Kellogg Forest parking area, 42nd St. south of M-89 in Augusta. April 25: W Ml hike 3 Mile Rd to Pierce Rd-11.5 miles. Call Dave Sheldon 616-784-8978 or Mary Payne 616-773-6986

Trails Day by updating the Blue Blazes along the entire Buckeye Trail. Call 1-800-881-3062 (from Ohio) for details. June 20-21: BT A Trail Crew Work Party: Burr Oak State Park in Morgan County. Put trail on side hill along Lake Shore towards C-15 from Bloody Run. Call Jim Sprague, 440-884- 4757 or Herb Hulls, 740-585-2603. June 27-28: 10:00 a.m. BTA Circuit Hike. Meet at Point 28, St. Mary's Section both days (at 9:00 a.m. Sunday). For more information, contact Dana Zintek, 2369 Suncrest Dr., Cuyahoga Falls, 44221; 330-928-8931. Sept. 9-13: BT A Trail Crew Work Party: Clendening Reservoir in Harrison County. Return to Clendening Reservoir to build more new trail on north side of Reservoir. Call Jim Sprague, 440-884-4757, or Herb Hulls, 740-585-2603. Sept. 27-28: BTA Trail Crew Work Party: Scioto Trails State Forest in Ross County. Improve grade on trail between Higby Bridge and South Ridge Road in this State Forest. Call Jim Sprague, 440-884-4757, or Herb Hulls, 740-585-2603. Oct. 10-11: BTA Trail Crew Work Party: Burr Oak State Park in Morgan County. Improve trail that has eroded into the Lake between Boat Dock #2 and the Lodge. Call Jim Sprague, 440- 884-4757, or Herb Hulls, 740-585-2603. Oct. 17-24: (note date change): BTA. Cranberry Glades Wilderness Area, near Richwood, West Virginia. We are planning to carpool to West Virginia to hike and backpack the Gauley District of the Monongahela National Forest. There are over 200 miles of maintained trails with many access points to accommodate day hikers and backpackers alike. The Seneca Rocks/Spruce Knob Recreation Area is nearby, so by carpooling, shuttling will not be a problem. The cost of the trip should be around $45 per person. Any questions or to make your reservation, call Mike Shumway, 937-434-5689, or Herb Hulls, 740-585-2603. Oct. 29 -Nov. 1: BTA Trail Crew Work Party: Riddle Forest Products in Hocking County. Build new trail on private properties belonging to Dale W. Riddle Forest Products. This company has invited BTA onto their property to assist in oversight of trespassers. They have also offered to provide materials to build a leanto. We anticipate at least 8 miles of new, off-road trail when this project is complete.Call Jim Sprague, 440-884-4757, or Herb Hulls, 740-585-2603.

OHIO April 11-12: BTA Trail Crew Work Party: Piedmont Reservoir in Belmont and Harrison Counties.Call Jim Sprague, 440- 884-4757, or Herb Hulls, 740-585-2603. April 24-26: STA Annual Meeting. Akron Rotary Camp, Akron, Ohio. May 2: 10:00 am. BT A Hike-A-Month along the shores of Caesar Creek Lake with hike leader Mike Shumway. Meet at the Caesar Creek State Park Visitor's Center on Clarksville Rd. Call Mike at 937-434-5689. May 2-3: 10:00 a.m. STA Circuit Hike. Meet both days at Point 16, Bowerston Section, by FOX Pizza. Contact Dana Zintek, 2369 Suncrest Dr., Cuyahoga Falls, 44221; 330-928- 8931. May 2-7: Second Annual New Straitsville Through Hike Lead by Rich Pfeiffer, Section Supervisor. Call Rich Pfeiffer, 614- 279-9492 or [email protected] May 10-16: STA Trail Crew Work Party: American Electric Power properties in Morgan County. This is a limited seating performance. Sign up directly with Herb Hulls (740-585-2603) or Jim Sprague (440-884-4757), but volunteers signing up for the whole week or obtained through AHS will receive preference. May 30-31: STA Trail Crew Work Party: Tar Hollow State Forest in Vinton County. Finish new trail. The work will include benching and installation of water controls near Forestry HQ. Call Jim Sprague, 440-884-4757, or Herb Hulls, 7 40-585-2603. J une 6: BTA GO TO BLAZES! DA YCelebrate National Trails Day and Go to Blazes! Day anywhere along the Buckeye Trail. The Buckeye Trail Association will celebrate National

June 20: Working with Landowners Training, Deb Hines, 724/287-3382 June 27-28: Hike in ANF, Joe Smith, 724/287-8374 June 29: Chapter Meeting @ Butler YMCA 6:30pm, Brian Koehler, 724/445- 7528 July 3-12: Hike 95 miles in Allegheny National Forest, Bob Tait, 724/287-3382 July 11-12: Trail work, Brian Koehler, 724/445-7528 August 1-2: Trail work, Brian Koehler, 724/445-7528 September 1: Challenge Cost Share Grants for 99 due to State Coordinator, Bob Tait, 724/287-3382 September 5-6: BOC Slowdowns & blazing on Glacier Ridge Trail, Brian Koehler, 724/445-7528 September 11-13: KTA North Country Trail work Butler/ Moraine, Bob Tait, 724/287-3382 September 19-20: NCTA PA Camping, Hikes, & Trailwork in Cook Forest Area, Carol Atwell, 814/354-2778 September 25-27: KT A Crystal Lake Camp near Hughsville in Lycoming Co., Bob Tait, 724/287-3382 Sep 28: Chapter Meeting 6:30 @ Butler YMCA, Brian Koehler, 724/445- 7528 October 2: 30th Anniversary signing of National Trails System Act, Bob Tait, 724/287-3382 D ·cember 22: Chapter Meeting 6:30 @ Butler YMCA, Brian Koehler, 724/445-7528 This schedule subject to change - call to confirm work times Visit Pennsylvania NCTA web Site at http://nauticom.net/ www/outdoorlnctlpa.html to check dates and changes.


MINNESOTA April 18-19: Wilderness Leader's Workshop sponsored by the Kekekabic Trail Club. Workshop to be held at BSA Conners Canoe Base near Ely. $50 cost includes food and lodging. Contact Mike Walsh, (218) 365-3374. April 24-26: The Great Outdoor Expo at Midwest Mountaineering. Volunteers needed to help staff the NCTA display Friday evening through Sunday afternoon. Contact Rod MacRae (612) 377-0130. May 2: an 8.8 mile hike from Obert Mt. to Lutsen. Meet at the Lutsen Ski Hill parking area on CR 36 (US61 at Milepost 90.1)

WISCONSIN April 16: Brule St.Croix Chapter Meeting, Contact Peter Nordgren, 715-394-8528 April 21: Heritage Membership meeting. Milwaukee and Mykonos Restaraunt, Greenfield at 82nd St., Call Jim at (414) 425-5146. May 16-17: Brule-St. Croix Spring Work Days, Contact Peter Nordgren, 715-394-8528 June 6: Brule-St. Croix National Trails Day Hike, Contact Peter Nordgren, 715-394-8528 June 6: Heritage Chapter National Trails Day event. Tentatively in Hurley, WI. Call Jim at (414) 425-5146. Sept 17: Brule-St. Croix Chapter Meeting, Contact Peter Nordgren, 715-394-8528 Sept 26&27: Brule-St. Croix Fall Work Days, Contact Peter Nordgren, 715-394-8528 Oct 15: Brule-St.Croix Chapter Meeting (elect officers for next year), Contact Peter Nordgren, 715-394-8528

Days celebration with NCTH and Down Wind Sports. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704. June 6: Chief Noonday National Trails Day event TBA. Call Tom Garnett, (616) 382-2561. June 9: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) Membership meeting and slide show on the Yellow Dog River by Dan Hornbogen at Internet Bagel Cafe. Refreshments available. For more information call Gene at (906) 225-1704. June 13: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) New trail construction at Sand River area. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704. June 13: WMI hike Loon Lake to Campbell Rd-12 miles. Call Dave Sheldon 616-784-8978 or Mary Payne 616-773-6986 June 16: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) join Sierra Club for cleanup and hike of Little Presque Isle area. Call Dave at (906) 228-9453. June 20: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) New trail construction at Sand River area. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704. June 27: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) New trail construction at Sand River area. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704. July 6-11: Western Michigan Chapter day hiking in Smokey Mountains. $245 includes dormitory lodging, all meals & naturalist. Contact Mary Payne (616) 773-6986. October 6: W Ml board meeting 7:30 pm at Hoogterps. 616- 677-1621 December 8: W Ml Chapter Meeting and Christmas Party 6:30 pm. Call Ruth Arthur 616-453-8622 for reservations.


April 25: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) join Sierra Club for hike and cleanup at Little Presque Isle. Meet at LPI Parking lot at 10:00 AM. Call Dave at (906) 228-9453. May 2: W Ml hike Pierce Rd to Highbanks- 9 miles. Call Dave Sheldon 616-784-8978 or Mary Payne 616-773-6986 May 2: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) new trail construction, Sand River area. Call Don at (906) 225-1585. May 6: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) Trail Maintenance, Crooked Lake to Long Lake. Call Denise at (906) 225-1030. May 9: Chief Noonday work day May 9: W Ml hike Highbanks to Big Star Lake Rd-11.7 miles. Call Dave Sheldon 616-784-8978 or Mary Payne 616-773-6986 May 9: Nature Society West Michigan- Aman Park. Walk with Mary Jane Dockery 1- 3 hours May 9: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) Trail maintenance at McCormick Wilderness. Call Sally at (906) 226-8515. May 14: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) Trail maintenance from McCormick Wilderness to Dishno Creek Rd. Call Dick at (906) 226-1075. May 16: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) Trail maintenance from H-01 to Laughing Whitefish Falls. Call Bea at (906) 226-2158. May 16: W Ml hike Big Star Lake to US 10- 12 miles. Call Dave Sheldon 616-784-8978 or Mary Payne 616-773-6986 May 20: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) Trail maintenance from Lake Eleanor to McCormick Wilderness. Call Roland at (906) 226-2996. May 23: W Ml hike US 1 Oto Loon Lake- 11 miles. Call Dave Sheldon 616-784-8978 or Mary Payne 616-773-6986 May 23: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) UP Softies hike west from Little Presque Isle. Call Jan at (906) 225-1295, May 23: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) New trail construction at Sand River area. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704. May 23-25: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) McCormick backpack. Call Steve (248)650-4491 or Gene at (906) 225-1704. May 23-31: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) Join work group from lower Michigan for maintenance of NCT east of Muskellunge State Park. Call Mary at (906) 228-3410. May 27-31: W Ml Trail clearing Two-Hearted River- Eastern UP and Muskallonge State Park. Call Dave Sheldon 616- 784-8978 , Ginny Wunsch 616-689-7876, Tom Learmont 616-984-5917, or Gladys Hoogterp 616-677-1621. May 30: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) New trail construction at Sand River area. Call Gene at (906) 225-1704 .

. May 30: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) Join Sierra ClubJQLcleanup and hike of Little Presque Isle area. Call Dave at (906) 228-9473. June 2: W Ml Chapter Meeting and June elections. Potluck dinner with hot dogs provided. Johnson Park at Wilson Ave and Butterworth Rd. 6:30 pm. Call Ruth Arthur 616-453-8622. June 6: National Trails Day at the White Cloud Schoolhouse. Festivities start at 10 am. June 6: National Trails Day Hike Highbanks to Pierce Rd- 9 miles total, but those who want to walk only half the distance will be accomodated. Call Dave Sheldon 616-784-8978. June 6: North Country Trail Hikers (Marquette) National Trail

CALL FOR FREE BROCHURE 517-371-1330 310 Seymore,Apt.610

Lansing, Michigan, 48933

Backpacking • Canoeing • Photography Trout Fishing • Spike Camps • X-Country Skiing

Mountain Biking •Winter /Summer Survival Environmental Education

Wilderness Skills

Hiking partners sought Hello fellow hikers- I am planning on thru hiking the Appalchian trail this summer and I was wondering if any NCT A members might be interested in joining my small party of 2 for any length of the trek? I don't know if there is any central location to post such requests for the members to read. any other means of getting in touch with interested hikers? I am determined to go but gaining support for such an undertaking with only 2 people is hard ... there are safety in #s!

Thanks, Lisa [email protected]

Some risks are inherent in any NCTA, chapter or affiliate activity. Each Association member, guest, or non-member participant agrees to accept personal responsibility for his or her safety and the safety of minors accompa nying such persons. The Association cannot ensure the safety of any partici pant or hiker or activities. In participating in Association or Association-related activities, each such person agrees to hold harmless and free from blame the activity leaders and the Association, its officers, directors and members, for any accident, injury, or illness that might be sustained from participating in hikes or other Association activities.

Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Contact TOTA 501-666-9032 June 6: National Trails Day, sponsored by American Hiking Society. Contact 301-565-6704 June 29-July 2: Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation 30th Annual Meeting, Great Falls, Montana. Contact L&CTHF 503-234-5321 July 4: Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center Grand Opening, Great Falls, Montana. Contact USDA FS Jane Weber, 406- 791- 7717

The Superior Peninsula Seasons in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

by Lon L. Emerick, Ph.D. Join a long-time lover

of the "U.P." as he explores on foot, skiis, •·

snowshoes and by canoe ·•· through all the seasons. Hlke the Grand Island Bay de Noc pathway. Wander the dunes and cliffs of the Pictured Rocks and backpack Porcupine Mountains. Discover hidden lakes, summer berries and autumn colors along the peninsula's old woods roads.

A book which celebrates a special people and a special land

Color photos - B/W drawings * $19.95 shipped At book &.. gift stores ( ISBN 09650577-5-5)

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~ VISA &.MASTERCARD accepted •9""' .. ,- .. ,-;•:·-rn;-;

OTHER NATIONAL TRAIL EVENTS April 18-25: March for Parks, nationwide. Sponsored by National Parks and Conservation Association. Contact NPCA, 800-628-7275, ext 236. April 22: Earth Day, nationwide events April 24: 25 Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation Annual Meeting, Poynette, Wisconsin. Contact IAP& TF, 414-691- 2776 April 25-28: Rally Ill For America's Real Places: Best Practices in Heritage Development and Cultural Tourism Chicago, Illinois. Sponsored by National Center for Heritage Development. Contact 212-885-8910 April 27-28: National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council Annual Planning Meeting, Bismarck, North Dakota. Contact 503-234-5321 April 29-30: Trail of Tears Association Conference,

for shuttle to Oberg Mt. SHT A Sponsored. June 6: National Trails Day. NCTA will mount a major effort to visit resorts and lodges near the Minnesota trail. Lots of volunteers needed. Call Rod MacRae (612) 377-0130. June 6: National Trails Day. A 5.7 mile hike from Britton Peak to Oberg Mountain. Meet at the Oberg Mt. parking area on FR 336 (US61 milepost 87.5) for shuttle to Britton Peak parking area on the Sawbill Trail. SHT A sponsored. July 4: A 6.8 mile hike from Cook County 1 to Cross River. Meet at the Spur Trail Parking area in Schroeder (milepost 79.1 ). Shuttle to Trailhead on CR1. SHTA sponsored.


Bulk Rate U.S. Postage

PAID Grand Rapids Ml

Permit 340 North Country Trail Association 49 Monroe Center, Suite 2008

Grand Rapids, Ml 49503

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NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, April-May 1998 Page32

north star vol. 17, no. 2 (1998)

Documents

trail focus

north star

ncta s ginny wunsch

traverse city area

new route

new regular section

miles sw of traverse

annual conference mark