Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 47

Caledonia, Ml 49316

U.S.: Human Kinetics- P.O. Box 5076 •Champaign, IL 61825-5076 Canada: Human Kinetics• 475 Devonshire Rd., Unit 100

3823 Windsor, Ontario N8Y 2L5 L------------------------------------~

Canada-TOTAL

Canadians add 7% GST k?() ~~ Mailto:

U.S. or outside Canada-TOTAL

Postage/handling ($3.75 first book; $.85 each add'I book)

IL residents add 6.25% sales tax

Subtotal 30-day money-back guarantee!

Item Number Quantity Title Price Total

PPOS0568 Hiking Illinois PST00583 Hiking Michigan PHIN0567 Hiking Wisconsin

~------------------------------------~ I I I I I I J Name (please print) _

J Address _

J City State Zip _

J Daytime Phone _

J Method of Payment: U Check/money order O VISA O MC O AMEX

I Account No. Exp. Date _

I Signature I Note. We cannot process credit card orders without your signature.

I

To Order: Call TOLL-FREE 1-800-747-4457 (1-800-465-7301 in Canada) OR visit our Web site-http:#www.humankinetics.com/ OR Mail the order form below

E ach book in America; s B~st ~~y Hiking Series feafures • detailed descriptions of 100 or more trails; '·

• more than 100 easy-to-read park and trail maps; . _ • practical information about parks, from park ~ours to availabl~ fa~i\~pes;.~!i

• a section on nearby points of interest, with contact phone numbers; and" • a convenient trail-finder grid, which provides a summary of eacli~trail:~ fea!tJ.ies and

location in the book. · _::. "1"1 · 'l\i,Wlli• <;~. · 17J• The books in the series also provide detailed descriptions of the hi~tC>ry, ~~rrail}~ flot~, an~,faun~·of each featured hiking area, ensuring that you won't miss a_ thing on your outings. .~· ··· · , ... :••• '$~· ·

1997 • Paper • 224 pp Item PPOS0568

ISBN 0-88011-568-8 $19.95 ($29.95 Canadian)

• ' ;iii;,

NORTH STAR: TI1e Newsletterof the North Country Trai/Associatfon; 'Apr-May. 1997 Page 2

CHAPTER CHAIRS Headwaters: vacant: Chequarnegon: Kurt Schmitt, R2, Box 326, Butternut, WI 54514; Heritage: Pete Budde, 3803 S. Brook Place, St. Francis, WI 53235 (H) 414-769-0441; NCT Hikers: Gene Elzinga, 12 Middle Island, Marquette Ml 49855 (906) 225-1704; Traverse City: Gregg Law, 1953 Lardie Rd., Traverse City, Ml 49686; Western Michigan: Bill Van Zee 7744 Thornapple Bayou Dr. SE, Grand Rapids Ml, 49512 Central New York, Bill Coffin, 328 Deepspring Drive, Chittenango NY 13037. (315) 687-3589.

REGIONAL AFFILIATES New York: Finger Lakes Trail Conference, PO Box 18048, Rochester NY 14618-0048; Ohio: Buckeye Trail Association, PO Box 254, Worthington OH 43085; Pennsylvania: AYH PittsburghCouncil, 5604 Solway, #202, Pittsburgh PA 15217

STATE COORDINATORS New York: Howard Beye (see above); Pennsylvania: Donald Dorn, Star Route, Box 476, Sheffield, PA 16347 ( 814) 968-5759; Ohio: Jim Sprague, 4406 Maplecrest, Parma OH 44129 (216) 884-4757; Michigan (Lower): Arden Johnson (see above); Michigan (U.P.): Gene Elzinga, 12 Middle Island, Marquette Ml 49855 (906) 225-1704; Wisconsin: Gaylord Yost (see above); Minnesota: Rod MacRae, 1210 W. 22nd St., Minneapolis, MN 55405; North Dakota: vacant

TERMS EXPIRING IN 1998 West Central (Ml) Rep. Derek Blount 906 N. Alexander, Royal Oak Ml 48067 (810) 548-1737 djblount@aol.com At-Large Rep. Wes Boyd 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach Ml 49253 (517) 547-7402 wesboyd@delphi.com At-Large Rep. David Cornell 514 Cordes Rd., Delton, Ml 49046 (616) 623-8659 janc128@aol.com East Central (OH) Rep. Elwood Ensor 1304 Horizon Dr., Fairborn OH 45324-5816 (513) 879-2068 ejensor@prodigy.com West Central (Ml) Rep. Arden Johnson 600 Tennyson, Rochester Hills, Ml 48307 (810) 853-0292 At-Large Rep. John Leinen, Jr. 111 Quant Ct So, Lakeland MN 55043 (612) 436-1795 jleinen@mtn.org

TERMS EXPIRING IN 1999 FLT Appointee Howard Beye 202 Colebourne Rd., Rochester NY 14609 (716) 288-7191 fltc@axsnet.com At-Large Rep. Bill Herron 423 W. Park Street, Marquette Ml 49855 (906) 225-1030 At-Large Rep. Susan Nelson 1170 4th Avenue South, Park Falls WI 54552 (715) 762-2461 At-Large Rep. Kathy Olstad P.O. Box 1017, Bismarck ND 58502 (701) 250-4242 ext.3618 kolstad@gp.usbr.gov East Region Rep. Harmon Strong 76 Shellwood Dr., Rochester NY 14618 (716) 586-3846 Honorary Appointment Joan H. Young 861 W. US 10, Scottville, Ml 49454 (616) 757-2205 jhy@t-one.net

GaylYost@aol.com

wv12@aol.com

wesboyd@delphi.com

djblount@aol.com GaylYost@aol .com

NCTAssoc@aol.com NCTAssoc@aol.com kim_bair@nps.gov bill_menke@nps.gov

(218) 573-3858 (616) 235-2330 (216) 884-0281 (715) 373-3735 (412) 364-2864 (414) 354-8987

(810) 548-1737 (414) 354-8987 (218) 573-3858 (517) 547-7402 (810) 853-0292

(616) 454-5506 (616) 454-5506 (608) 264-5610 (608) 264-5610

BOARD OF DIRECTORS TERMS EXPIRING IN 1997

R1, Box 221A, Ponsford, MN 56575 49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B, Grand Rapids, Ml, 49503 6502 Olde York Rd., Parma Hts OH 44130 R1 Box 36A Washburn WI 784 Olive St., Pittsburgh, PA 15237 2925 W. Bradley Rd., River Hills WI 53217-2052

OFFICERS 906 N. Alexander, Royal Oak Ml 48067 2925 W. Bradley Rd., River Hills WI 53217-2052

Bad Medicine Lake, R1, Box 221 A, Ponsford, MN 56575 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach Ml 49253 600 Tennyson, Rochester Hills, Ml 48307

STAFF 49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B, Grand Rapids Ml 49546 49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B, Grand Rapids Ml 49546 National Park Service, 700 Rayovac Dr., #100, Madison WI 53711 National Park Service, 700 Rayovac Dr., #100, Madison WI 53711

West Region Odell Bjerkness At-Large Rep. Werner Veit BT A Appointed Emily Gregor West Region Rep. Pat Miller Gnl. Affiliate Appointee Glenn Oster, At-Large Rep. Gaylord Yost

President: Derek Blount Vice President(Trails): Gaylord Yost Vice President (Admin): Odell Bjerkness Secretary Wes Boyd Treasurer Arden Johnson

Bob Papp Claudia Day Kim Bair Bill Menke

Executive Director: Office Manager: Planning Assistant: NPS Administrator:

* •• NORTH STAR: RPERCIOYNNCTELEDD (i) ~....J the newsletter of the '~ North Country Trail Association PAPER NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION ·- .... ·•···-·-·-···-·-·-·-- 49 Monroe Center, Suite 2008, Grand Rapids, Ml 49546

Phone (616) 454~5506 •FAX (616) 454~7139 • Email: NCTAssoc@aol.com WWW Site: http://people.delphi.com/wesboyd/ncnst.htm Editor: Wes Boyd, 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach, Ml 49253

Page 3 NORTH ST AR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Apr-May 1997

Following a change in board policy last fall, the North Country Trail Association will be awarding as many as three Distinguished Service Awards at the Annual Meeting next August.

Starting this year, one of the Association's Distin­ guished Service Awards is reserved for someone who has shown exceptional service to the trail who is not an Association member. This person can be an affiliate member, a member of a managing agency, or other supporter.

Nominations for the award for both members and non-members of the Association are now being sought. If you know of someone who deserves this award, please contact the Awards Committee Chairman, Wes Boyd, 14815 Rome Rd., Manitou Beach, MI 49253, or e-mail at "wesboyd@delphi.com". A brief written description of why the nominee deserves the award is requested with the submission. The deadline for nominations is June 15, 1997.

Nominations sought for NCTA service awards

Thank you. We've tried to make the website a useful information point on the web, and we 're proud that someone has noticed. -- WB

Web page gets award LookSmart, the next generation of web directories

committed to quality and superior user web experience, is delighted to award you The Editor's Choice Award for the following site:

http://people.delphi.com/wesboyd/ncnst.htm This award conveys the highest standard for pro­

viding a useful and high quality website. You may be unaware that LookSmart, unlike other

directories that simply index the web and include any­ body that asks, has editorial standards for inclusion in the LookSmart Directory. We have viewed literally over a million websites to select the 11,000+ chosen to meet our standards.

Congratulations on your achievement. You are welcome to display the Editor's Choice symbol of excel­ lence. As a subsidiary of The Reader's Digest, editorial standards have been a hallmark of our company for over 75 years. Display the symbol with pride.

Best wishes, David Gold

Manager, Content Partnerships LookSmart International

When all the paperwork gets done, the "Arrowhead" relo in Minnesota will include some great trails -- the Superior, Border Route and Kekekabic. I've spent some time recently looking into these, and they are going to make great additions to the North Country Trail.

I'm particularly fascinated with the Kekekabic -­ which everybody calls the "Kek" -- and the Border Route. These penetrate the famed Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, which though better known for canoeing, also provide some of the nation's greatest wilderness hiking opportunities. There used to be many miles of hiking trails there, but budget cuts in the mid­ '80s cause the Forest Service to quit supporting them. By 1990, the Kek was a mess, and the Kekekabic Trail Club was formed to rescue the Kek and other Boundary Waters trails, and they've done a great job. The Kek is only 38 miles long, but there's no easy access for maintainers; most work parties go into it by canoe. Being a "no motors" wilderness, chainsaws are banned, so Kek maintainers get pretty good with old-fashioned crosscut saws, the kind you see hanging on the walls of the sort of restaurants that have a lot of antiques. There's not a lot of end-to-end use; at the end of the trail, you're 150 road miles from your car. But wilderness? Wow! When all the paperwork is done, this is going to be the best wilderness experience on the NCT.

***

Once again, I need a photo of Peter Wolf. Does anyone have one I could borrow, even for a day or so?

***

The deadline for the June-July issue of the Newsletter is May 26, 1997. Items received after that date cannot be assured of a place in the newsletter. Items received well before that date are much appreciated. The deadline for the August-September issue of the newsletter will be July 24, 1997.

You'll notice that the deadlines for the summer issues of the newsletter have been moved ahead a week. You know how summers are -- busy as all get-out, and this year is no exception. It turns out that the newsletter deadlines happen to fall right at my two busiest times of the summer this year, and something had to give. A deadline, for me, isn't when I start working on the newsletter, it's when I finish it; it will most likely be on the press the same day. The upside of all this is that you'll receive the next two newsletters a little sooner than normal.

Keyboard • Trails II.:: ~ ~

by the Editor \~11 '·.~~~\ er

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Apr-May. 1997 Page 4

Executive Director's report 6 Trail head 7 NCT Annual meeting to be in Ohio 8 Adirondack encounter 9 Check out the NCTA trail shop Center Section North Country Trail - Scenic or Historic? 15 News from the N PS 15 Dogsledding with George Tresnak 16 Membership policy changes 19-- Lots of. coming events 20

OUT OF THE blue of the east­ ern sky one day, the NCTA office received an application for a new chapter in central New York state, based in Madison County. The group is very interested in the con­ nection between the FLT and the Adirondacks, and had been consid­ ering forming as a separate non­ profit organization but decided it was easier to become a chapter instead. For information, contact Bill Coffin, 328 Deepspring Drive, Chittenango, NY 13037. (315) 687- 3589.

***

ITWASKINDofalast-minute thing, but the Winter Trails Event held at the NCTA Schoolhouse proved to be successful, with over 100 people showing up for the six­ hour program, which was also at­ tended by Sherpa Snoowshoes, Mountian Safety Research and Eastern Mountain Sports. Several new members also resulted from the event.

***

and decertifications bring the total certified length of the trail to 1320.4 miles, and the total signed length to 1332.5 miles.

SOME NEW CERTIFICA­ TIONS recently announced by the National Park Service help out toward the 2000 by 2000 goal. The new certifications include 0.4 miles in Michigan's Mackinaw State Forest, and three segments totaling 3.3 miles in Michigan's Pere Marquette State Forest. Also certified was a long-awaited 4.2 mile segment in Brule River State Forest in Wisconsin -- Bill Menke is the trail adopter for this seg­ ment, so you can be sure it was all the way up to snuff1 Against that, 0.2 miles were decertified in the Pere Marquette State Forest due to remeasurement by GPS, and 2.0 miles in Michigan's Ottawa National Forest were decertified following a relo. The ce~tifications

***

ADDING TO THEpresence of the North Country Trail on the World Wide Web is the new website the National Park Ser­ vice has just put up: http:// www.nps.gov/noco/. This site was put together by Bill Menke and Dick Williams, of the Lewis and Clark NHT. The site has been linked to the NCT A web page: http ://people. de lphi. com/ wesboyd/ncnst.htm.

THE BUCKEYE TRAIL­ BLAZER has a new editor, follow­ ing the death on Christmas Eve of Harry Cameron, who took over the Trailblazer after the death of long­ time editor O.P. Murphy. The Trailblazer's new editor is Judy Clinebell, and from the first ap­ pearance, she's taken the job well in hand. Our sympathies to the family of Harry Cameron.

***

MORE PROOF that hiking is popular came from an from an annual survey of manufacturers by the World Federation of Sport­ ing Goods International. The sur­ vey finds that the fastest growing sports are (1) walking for exer­ cise; (2) in-line skating; (3) snowboarding; (4) football and soccer; (5) golf; (6) basketball; (7) hiking/trekking; (8) exercising with machines. Bicycling did not make the top ten list. "Growing product categories mirrored some of the top sports growth," the re­ port on the survey said. "Equip­ ment leader is golf; footwear leader is non-athletic leisure foot­ wear for walkers, and the apparel leader is outdoor sports clothing reflecting the interest in h\iking/ trekking."

***

HIKING POPULAR in state parks: The Cayuga Trails News­ letter reports the results of a survery of more than 3000 New York Park visitors. Some signifi­ cant points: 78% enjoy hiking, 43% enjoy swimming, 40% enjoy visiting historic sites, 30% enjoy camping. 92% favor more oppor­ tunities for natural outdoor rec­ reation activities rather than fa­ cilities such as golf courses, and 75% would like to see a statewide program to assist grassroots trail and greenway development.

Page 5 NORTH ST AR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Apr-May 1997

and we also plan to market them at wholesale prices to other vendors, including outfitters and park or forest concession operations.

The second major project involves some significant support we've recently received from Recreational Equip­ ment, Incorporated (REI). In response to an application I sent in, REI has agreed to provide us with $3, 725 in funding. This will go to two main activities.

The first of these will be the printing of full color posters to promote the North Country National Scenic Trail. Copies of the poster will be shipped to sites along the trail to help alert the public to the presence of trail. As I'm sure you may have noticed, most people have never even heard of the NCNST. These posters are one step that we'll be taking to try to improve public awareness.

The second part of this initial grant will fund two year subscriptions to the North Star for 150 public land managers and outdoor writers for local newspapers along the length of the trail. This is meant to build support among these key people for the trail, and to encourage them to more actively promote the trail and the efforts of our volunteers to the public.

REI has also stated that they are very interested in the concept of helping to build our constituency of trail supporters. For us, this translates into boosting our membership. To accomplish this, we'll be working closely with REI and an organization called the Envi­ ronmental Supper t Center to develop and implement a plan to increase public awareness and support of the North Country National Scenic Trail. So far, this project is still at the conceptual stage, but REI and ESC are committed to providing assistance and funding as our plans develop. This effort has a lot of exciting potential and we are very grateful to REI for both their interest and support of our cause. If you have a· store near you, or if you're a member of REI, I encourage you to drop by or send them a note thanking them for their support of the NCTA

I'll be sure to keep you updated as both the mapping project and the REI initiatives progress.

Now that spring is here, I hope you'll have a chance soon to get out and eajoy the trail. Also, please remem­ ber to RECORD YOUR VOLUNTEER HOURS and send in your tallies now and then. Statistics on volun­ teer hours are critical to us. They allow us to demon­ strate to potential funders the strong public support our trail enjoys. Please give us a call (616-454-5506) or drop us an e-mail 'note with your mailing address (NCTAssoc@aol.com) if you'd like us to send you some forms for recording your hours. Thanks for your help!

Several projects have been keeping us busy here in the office since the first of the year. Some of these are very exciting to me. Although they're still in prelimi­ nary stages, I want fill you in on some of the details of two of them.

The first is that I've been gathering together the pieces needed to finally begin our commercial mapping program. This is something that's been in the works for a long time. You might think that it would be a fairly simple project. You make some maps, you print them, you sell them. Right?Unfortunately, it's not that easy.

Staff and volunteers of the Association have been researching map making for quite some time. A lot of questions needed to be answered. Would we make maps ourselves or find a company to make them for us? What would be used for the base map? How would the trail be applied to the map? How would we print and market the maps? Each of these questions led to more questions and sub-questions, possibilities and dead-ends. Luckily for me, a lot of the groundwork had already been done.

To cut to the chase, here's how it will work. The Association will be producing maps internally. Once I've done the first· few prototypes, I'll be looking for a local volunteer to take over the project. The maps will be full-color, will include topography (contour lines that show the "lay of the land"), and will be printed on "plastic paper" for durability: I'm shooting for about 30 trail miles per map, but I really won't know the distance we can cover until we get down to the nitty gritty of laying the maps out.

The base maps we will be using initially are United States Geological Survey topographic maps that have been scanned in to a computer format. Eventually, we will probably shift to a different type of map called a vector-based map. Vector maps provide cleaner details, but they usually don't have labels oflocal features and they are only sporadically available right now.

The software we'll be using will allow us to lay data from hand-held GPS units directly onto the map. GPS units use satellite links to figure out the exact location of the trail. We'll then drop the map image into a desktop publishing program to build the text and other graphics around it. Once that's done, we'll give the computer disk to a printer and twiddle our thumbs until we see the finished project.

We're hoping to print five maps this year, with more new maps to follow each year. I expect our first maps to be of segments in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan's U.P., and Pennsylvania. Once the maps are done, they will be available for purchase through our Trail Shop,

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Apr-May. 1997 Page 6

NCTA has received many small grants in the past five years; finding and applying for these grants will continue to be part of the boards responsibility in conjunction with our Executive Director. Helpinghimmanageandexpand the Trail shop will also bring additional revenue into the NCTA

I am frequently asked why we need a larger budget. Currently, the NCTA employs an Executive Director, a Recreational Planner and a part-time Office Manager in addition to maintaining an office. With 4,100 miles of trail to manage, it has been almost overwhelming at times.

For example, the NCTA and NPS is working toward a major trail reroute in Minnesota that will add several hun­ dred more miles. With this must go a public planning process that includes many interests. Our Planner, Kim Bair, is currently up to her eyeballs in planning in northern Wiscon­ sin after finishing in northeastern Ohio.

In addition, in New York we will be meeting with the Adirondack Mountain Club to negotiate a route up to and through the Adirondacks. This, too, will involve a planning process. !know Kimhasagreatreachbywiskingbackonforth to various meetings across the states but this may stretch even that. Beyond that we have counties in all seven states to planfor,withnoviablewaytodothatyet. Wemayhavetohire another planner to handle the increasing load.

The mail has increased steadily this past two years since opening our office. As the trail expands in usable miles so do the challenges. More issues arise concerning endangered species, soil conservation, bicycle issues, lumbering, gas and oil drilling, mining, grazing, etc. The demand for trail guides and maps is rising and there is limited selection to chose from. We will need additional staff in the near future. We already use some volunteer help and frequently use college interns to offset this need. In the future it won't be enough. By compari­ son, the Appalachian trail has multiple offices and numerous paid staff people to handle their 2,200 miles of trail with 3-4 million users every year. We are going to be twice that length and twice the complexity. Half of our trail will be on private lands and will require surveyors, real estate specialists, lawyers and right-<>f-way agents to negotiate passage. This, as you can imagine, is not cheap.

We are already in contact with numerous legislative offices regarding legislation on trail and related issues. There are 128counties, fourteen Federal Senators, and 105 Federal Representatives across the seven states. This doesn't even count the seven State Legislatures, DNRs and Departments of Transportation. These contacts will only increase as the trail increses in importance; this will entail trips to Washing­ ton and state capitals to meet with Legislators and testify in congressional committees. All of this costs time and money. The board will continue to be deeply involved in this legisla­ tive and financial effort to support and protect the trail.

What I mention here is only the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot more. We have done exceedingly well to come this far but we still have a lot farther to go. It will take money, time, staff and lots more volunteers to get to the final mile. As we continue to grow we may have to scramble to get things done or find financing to get it done but you can be assured that we can and will do it. It seems, at times, like an overwhelming task. We are now over 1,300 miles into it and it now seems to be less overwhelming. We have built confidence in the fact that the job can be done because we are doing it!

Page 7

Spring is a time of new growth; It's especially so for the NCTAthisspring. Moremembersarecroppingup. Wehave anew chapter in central New York State. We're getting more inquiries about where to go hilting on the trail. It seems like each month more trail is certified. It's an exciting time.

Along with this growth comes a need to better serve our members and serve the needs of the trail. Five years ago the NCTA made some big changes in its structure. We stopped being a small club that built trail and became a major force in the national trail system. We grew in membership and reformed our board to work more efficiently and better serve the membership and trail. We have continued to grow, and the trail along with it. We have grown over 300 certified miles in that period. It's a major accomplishment, thanks to our members, affiliates, trail clubs and especially our local chap­ ters. Along the way I felt we had lost touch with some of our chapters. I felt they had little input to the process. In addition, I saw a need for the board to change its direction. As a result I have proposed a major change in NCTA structure.

Therestructuringseparatestwofunctions the board now tries to handle via committees. The work is too big for the board to handle alone. First is financial, legislative, public relations, marketing, corporate policymaking and personnel. These areas will continue to be handled by the Board. Second is trail management. I am proposing a separate Trail Council to handle trail construction and maintenance issues.

Until now trail management has been handled by a committee set up by the Board with the VP ofTrail Manage­ ment as its Chair. Comprised of eight State Trail Coordina­ tors and the VP, it almost never met; it was too difficult and expensive to meet across seven states. Regional meetings worked better, but still did not include some ofour major trail builders, the chapters. I am proposing the new organization be comprised of one representative selected by each affiliate, by each Chapter, and the eight State Trail Coordinators, and selected others. This Council would run trail management and developpolicyrecommendations for board approval. The board would no longer be deeply involved with the details of trail management unless the Trail Council needed a policy decision. Don't panic here! The Board will not lose contact withthetruepurposeoftheNCTA,theNorthCountryTrail.

This Trail Council would be divided into four regions and meet regionally. The four regions would be East (New York andPennsylvania),EastCentral(OhioandLower Michigan), West Central (Upper Michigan and Wisconsin), and West North Dakota and Minnesota). This eliminates the need for someone to travel a thousand miles or more to a meeting. Eachregionwouldselectachairforthegroupandthatperson would bea Vice-Presidentforthatregionservingon the Board and the Executive Committee. The purpose would be to keep a strong trail management presence on the Board so as not to lose the focus of our prime responsibilities.

The Board would continue with all the other responsibili­ ties noted above. Financing will be a primary function; the

Southeast Ohio natural history

•

Trail promotion, development and

building

•

Backcountry techniques

Learn good times

• good friends,

• Great scenery,

Enjoy

Historic canals, ferries and rlverboots

Scenic river towns

Visit

Wayne National Forest

• Burr Oak State Park

Buckeye Trail

Hike

Name------------------------~ Address _

City State Zip _

Mail to North Country Trail Association, 49 Monroe Center, Suite 20'.JB, Grand Rapids, Ml 49503

or call (676) 454-550'5, or e-mail "NCTAssoc@AOL.com" I'm interested in attending "Bringing Trails to the People." Send me more information.

REGISTRATION FORM

Co-Sponsored with Buckeye Trail Association August 21-241 1 997 Hervida 4-H Camp • Beverly, Ohio •"Bringing Trails to the people" will be a great---------­ chance to meet new friends and enjoy old ones, while hearing interesting speakers and learning about techniques for outdoor activities and trail development. • Currently planned for the conference are workshops on working with private landowners and local media, building organization membership, and several backcountry techniques and natural history presentations, plus hikes on the North Country Trail. • Hervida 4-H Camp is in a rustic setting in picturesque southeastern Ohio. It features dormitory rooms, a pool, and group kitchen. • Costs for the conference will be between $60 and $95, depending on the number of nights and meals. This includes dorm rooms (camping permitted, but at no discount), meals, box lunches, and meeting materials.

Come join us and have a great time!

North Country Trail Association Annual Meeting

Bringing trails to the people ...

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Apr-May. 1997 Page 8

disappointed. We certainly didn't break any speed records. A

teenager, looking at my album last month, scoffed when he saw the legend "2.3 miles this day." Oh well. Actually we would recommended taking the Adirondacks slowly and savoring them. We altered our original plans from covering more miles, to more sensibly allow for the vagaries of the weather and terrain. We probably could have made our planned-for ten miles per day (our aver­ age turned out to be 6.1 mpd), but it would have been at the expense ofhaving the chance to spend a whole day on the top ofMarcywith the wind and shadows playing over our faces. We would not have visited the tiny but excellent museum at Heart Lake. We could not have taken time to read the log books which reside in the lean­ to's. Those who stop are welcome to add entries, and the reading is often hilarious as well as descriptive of the area in all weather conditions. We spent one morning just playing around our campsite in the dappled sunlight watching a chipmunk, and discovered five new (to us) kinds offungi right there. We scaled Slant Rock and we let the dog fetch sticks in Heart Lake until he was almost tired. These relaxed times are also an essential part of hiking.

On a practical note, if you do plan a hike through the High Peaks, there are only a limited number of trailheads for thru­ hikers which are ac­ cessible by vehicle. Once we decided that our original plan was too ambitious, the next choice we could scale back to, in order to be picked up, shortened the trip considerably. We really wished for some place to end the hike midway between Upper Works and our

For several of us, the route of the North Country Trail through eastern New York includes the High Peaks of the Adirondacks. We are assured of this wonderful privilege because we hav€: hiked these miles early, before the official route is chosen. The Adirondack experience is one which I would wish for every NCT hiker, but only time will tell what course the trail will ultimately take.

Three ofus humans, Marie Altenau, Mathilda Nance, and myself, with Chips the hiker dog, followed a north­ ern route through the High Peaks in July, 1996. Since we had seen the western end of the trail in North Dakota the previous year, we opted for the eastern terminus this time. Our route followed roads from the Crown Point bridge, through Port Henry to the trailhead below Noonmark Mountain off NY 73. We entered the woods, passed by Mt. Dix, through the pass between N oonmark and Round, and descended to the AuSable Club. Climb­ ing immediately up the other side of the valley we crossed the shoulder of Hedgehog Mountain, to Lower Wolf Jaw. Descending again to the col between the "jaws" we turned west and headed for John's Brook Loj. From here we made a side trip south to Slant Rock and to the summit of Mount Marcy (Tahawas - the Cloud Splitter), then back to the Loj. The next ridge was crossed by way of Klondike Pass and South Meadow to

reach the Adiron­ dackLoj. Afewmore days took us to Scott's Clearing, over Indian Pass beside Wallface, and south to Henderson Lake and the Upper Works Trailhead where we ended this hike twelve days later. The sounds of these names alone, even without the topo map in hand, evoke im­ ages of wild and rug­ ged scenes and expe­ riences. Wewerenot

by Joan H. Young

Encounter Adirondack

Page9 NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Apr-May 1997

Editor's· Note: The original plan for the NCT called for pen­ etration of the High Peaks. However, for more balanced use of the park, a route to the south is under contem­ plation.

experience.

are blue in every shade, and narrow-leaf closed gentian bloomed, gem-bright purple, in damp and hidden co­ verts. Sadly, we did not see Champ as we passed Bulwagga Bay, although many residents claim to have done so. (He's the resident lake monster.) But we did see a bear, a swarm of White Admiral Butterflies, and one wet day so many red efts it was hard to keep from stepping on them. The sounds of water on rocks, frogs singing all night at Round Pond (which Chips did not like for some reason, so he barked all night too), a vesper sparrow's two notes and a details of moss, snails, or caterpillars because the battleship-size rocks provoked feelings of insignificance. Some days we met groups of hikers or camped at established sites, and at other times we were totally isolated from trail sounds and interac­ tions by pressing just a short distance into the forest. Wherever we ventured there was some wonder to be encountered and sampled.

A common beliefis that the trails of the Adirondacks are over-used, over-run with hikers. This did seem to be true of some of the more popular routes. And no matter where you go, you are unlikely to spend days without meeting someone else. However, we avoided the high­ traffic trails, and fomd it easy to feel the peace, solitude and wildness of the area. Take in the Adirondacks and you may discover instead that they have taken you in. So go east, choose your own route, and make these peaks part of your North Country Trail

Page 1 O NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Apr-May. 1997 original destination of Blue Mountain. Although the guidebooks and maps were good, checking with a ranger in person about the condition of a marked road would be wise. Most people in the area are day-hikers, or one­ night campers who park at a known trailhead, enter the woods, and then return to their cars. It is more difficult to find access points for thru-hiking. Several roads shown on the map turned out to be impassable. Also, the trail surfaces, except on the "tourist trails," are rough and uneven with rocks, roots, and mud. Many streams must be forded, and some were swift, knee-deep or deeper, and churning. The Yankees (Eh-up, I c'n say that 'cause I was born one) like it that way! It did provide an element of challenge that was not disagreeable, but it contributed to our slow progress. It's just good to know ahead of time that this is the situation. Junctions are usually well-marked with routed signs, but markers along some rocky paths are hard to come by. We spent a fair amount of time searching for the trail in less­ traveled areas. One of the best trip jokes is courtesy of a group of Boy Scouts. As they passed us scaling some rocks one of them said (to us three "old" ladies), "Wow, I'm really tired. I don't know how you are doing this!" Another one followed up with a less ego-shattering comment, ''Yeah, we found a section of marked trail back there and we thought we were lost."

None of this is meant to sound negative. On the contrary, these two weeks in the "forever wild" Adirondacks are destined to be, for me, some ofmy most memorable ones on the Trail. All my senses can yet recall and resonate with the experience. The Adirondack color wheel includes red baneberry, orange mycena and yellow patches or fungi. Grass green snake fern con­ trasted with the deep green of hemlock. The mountains

Finger Lakes Trail (New York) Map Sets These excellent looseleaf maps of the trail in NY are published by the Finger Lakes Trail Conference.

$4.00 per set NY-A) Covers PA border to Portageville NY-B) Covers Portageville to Watkins Glen NY-C) Covers Watkins Glen to NW of Cuyler

Buckeye Trail (Ohio) Section Maps These convenient and detailed maps cover the North Country Trail where it overlaps with the Buckeye Trail. They are published by the Buckeye Trail Association. $3.50 per map

OH-A) Belle Valley: Morgan, Noble & Guernsey Co's OH-I) Old Man's Cave: Hocking,Ross&Vinton Co's OH-B) Bowerston: Harrison, Carroll & Guernsey Co's OH-J) Scioto Trail: Ross & Pike Counties OH-C) Ceasar Creek: Greene & Warren Counties OH-K) Sinking Spring: Adams,Pike & Highland Co's OH-D) Defiance: Defiance, Paulding, Putnam, Henry OH-L) St. Marys: Auglaize & Shelby Counties

& Wood Counties OH-M)Stockport: Morgan, Perry & Athens Counties OH-E) Delphos: Putnam. Allen & Auglaize Counties OH-N) Troy: Greene, Miami & Montgomery Counties OH-F) Loveland: Clermont,Warren & Hamilton Co's OH-0) West Union: Adams & Brown Counties OH-G) Massillon: Stark and Tuscarawas Counties OH-P) Williamsburg: Brown & Clermont Counties OH-H) New Straitsville: Athens, Hocking, Morgan and Perry counties

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.

Whole set w/ binder Pennsylvania

Allegheny NF & Cook State Forest Ohio

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

Michigan NCT in Michigan (153 pages) Manistee National Forest Ml-37 to Doblesky Rd,Wilderness SP Ottawa National Forest

W1sc_qnsin Chequamegon National Forest

Minnesota Chippewa National Forest

North Dakota Sheyenne National Grassland

• ·-· .. e · · · · . " ... ~." · . • ~. • · . . .~ • · ~ · " T - . ..., • .. _T~e North· ~ountry _National Scenic Tr?il stretches over 4,000 miles through ·some of the. most scenic ',,. i~

. , backwoods, rural and suburban landscape in the country. Proceeds from -the Trail Shop benefit the - ·· '>­ North Country Trail A;sociation, a noil-profit organization dedicated to the ongoing development of the trail •. ·

• ,. '" ,.., ~ • • ii ~ • ~ I : '°'

Michigan Map Sets by Arden Johnson An excellent reference for the entire North Country Trail in Michigan. $4.00 per set

Ml-A) SE Lenawee Co. to W. Calhoun Co. Ml-B) NE Kalamazoo Co.to SE Newaygo Co Ml-C) SE Newaygo Co. to NW Wexford Co. Ml-D) NW Wexford Co. to SE Charlevoix Co. Ml-E) Charlevoix Co. to Mackinaw City Ml-F) St. Ignace to SE Marquette Co. Ml-G) Marquette area to Ironwood

$ :t.50

$ 3.50

$ 3.00

$17.00 $ 4.00 $ 5.50 $ 4.00

$ 2.50 $ 5.50 $ 3.00 $ 2.50

$ 4.00

$26.50

Tl'ail Maps

Trail Atlas of Michigan by Dennis R. Hansen $26.95 Michigan trail enthusiasts - don't get caught without this atlas! Includes maps and descriptions for over 500 hiking, biking, skiing, and nature trails in Micrugan. Search by location or types of use!

Guide to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore by Olive Anderson $6.95 Pictured Rocks rs a centerpiece of the North Country Trail - a rugged, beautiful, and unique coast on the Lake Superior shore. Maps are included in this revised Lakeshore Trail Guide. 56pgs.

."t (H.!fDF.

l

t•;.:: fl.If;!;;) RO' ;~" I "MT;.x·1~1 t ,\1-.t::>:miu·

NCTA Trail Building and Maintenance Manual by Thomas J. Reimers This very useful manual for trail volunteers provides: 1) guidelines for planning and

construction of the North Country r····· l Trail, 2) guidelines for continued ~

1, maintenance of the NCT, and 3) ~ helpful suggestions regarding ···:,~;.: .. ·~· ... trail construction and rnainten- '··~~··-· I ance. It covers rural and roaded ; ---~:.i:.~ natural, semi-primitive and r ·ti·· pnmitrve trail. 22 pgs. $2.dO I . .,._j .J

I Following the North Country National Scenic Trail

l 'ollo\' in~ the "inrlh C ·vutttry

~;iti1mJI Srenle Ii .ul

FLT in Cortland County $5.95 FLT End-To-End Guide for Backpacker_$2.50 FLT: Conservation Trail to Hornel1 __ $7.95 FLT in SteubenCo.(Hornell-S.Bradford)_$6.95

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

eall US fDI' illf Dl'tnafiDll Db

Whole.sale Pl'iee.s

(6 t 6)-454-5506 Items must be purchased in quantities of ten or more.

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

Trails Across America by Art & Marge Miller Subtitled "A Traveler's Guide to Our National Scenic and Historic Trails," this new book rs the first to provide engaging descriptions and advice on all 19 trails in our National Trail System. 308 pgs. $19.95

Go West Old Man, Forty-Five Days on the FLT by James E. DeWan $6.95 DeWan's rendition of his 45-day end-to-end hike of New York's Finger Lakes Trail. Lovingly written by someone who really knows the trail.

Guide to the North Country Trail, Manistee National Forest by The M1ch1gan Treutinders Offers a detailed description of the trail from the White Cloud Trail head to Big Star Lake and from US10 to McCarthy Lake. Includes maps. $2.95

NSW!: Hiking! The Ultimate Natural Prescription for Health and Wellness by Philip Ferranti, M.Ed. and Cecilia Leyva, with Joie Goodkin A fresh new look at hiking and its many benefits. Highlighted chapters include: the philosophy of hiking, stress management, the physical/health benefits, and creativity and hiking. Romance on the trail is also featured. The authors further 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 would welcome a new health­ enhancing recreational pursuit. $14.95

~BoOks 8hd GuideSJ

How far have you hiked in a single day on the NCNST? Available for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or 35 miles. Please specify mileage when ordering.

$ 2.00 Hike Distance Patches

Trail Patch $ 3.00

Multi-colored embroidered design is based on the NCTA logo, only it reads "North Country National Scenic Trail" and features a more prominent star. Adjustable sizes. CAP1: Low profile washed cotton, khaki crown, dark green bill, buckle strap CAP2: Low profile cotton twill, khaki crown and bill, snap strap CAP3: Low profile cotton twill, navy crown and bill, snap strap CAP4: Mesh back, cotton twill front, light blue, snap strap

Plea•e tul'll the page £0,. the r,.al/ lhop Dl'de,. Fo,.m •••

[ig.T. -VOLUNTE~r Volunteer Patch $ 1.50

$14.95 $12.95 $12.95 $10.95

$ 10.95 $11.95 for XXL

NCT A T-Shirt White cotton pre­

shrunk - 3 color logo on front and 2 color trail map on back! Adult: S,M,L,XL.

$1.50

on both sides. s 5.95

With official trail emblem NCNST Mug

"' .. .., +4.t°" la-

NORTH -t- COUNTRY '(Ill. TRAIL CAPS! 4'-

NEW

Backpacker's Handbook Extremely thorough and up-to-date guide covering the basics of backpacking. Includes information on the latest gear, cooking techniques, skills, and environmental hazards all with an emphasis on minimizing impact and enjoying the outdoors. This

=··".:""'""·' ,. •·· ·,,,,., ···-·'"""".,. ··~ book is highly educational whether you are new to backpacking N or an experienced "pro." 340pp. $18.95 £W

~ NCW NCW N~ NRV NSW NSW NEW NEW NEW NEW N

Tl'ail •uppol'fel' Mel'eharntdise

NEW NEW NIEW NEW Nl:W NSW NSW NCW NEY'NEVI N~Nl"\y

Dayhiker's Handbook A comprehensive guide for hikers designed to inspire and =·D· .ltV'Ull{ER'S instruct beginning wanderers and those exploring new country . .Bl il '! Topics include choosing the proper clothing, selecting footwear

HANDBOO K and raingear, using a map and compass, predicting the diffi­ culty of a hike, knowing when to turn around, managing food and

,-,, .,~: .. 1:,.·.,.:,, .•.:t ·; ..• ,.,.-.-. ,.,.,,;.,, 1 water, the ten essentials, weather lore, walking techniques,

traveling with kids, first aid, and more. Laced with short features and "pithy tips and anecdotes." 216pp. $14. 95

• Make check or money order payable and send to: NCTA I 49 Monroe Center, Suite 2008 / Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 • --------------------------------------~ Phone: ---~-------~-

Name: ~-----~------~ MERCHANDISE TOT AL: NCT A Members deduct 10%: Ml residents add 6% sales tax: Shipping/Handling: GRAND TOTAL:

. - Item Description Qty. Price Ea. . ·Total Shipping and

handling fees: $2 on orders up to $10.00 $3 on orders

$10.01 - $25.00 $4 on orders

$25.01 - $100 $5 on orders

over $100

--------------------------------------~

At what level would you like to join?: Would you like to be a Member-at-Large, or Annual Memberships Life Memberships a Chapter Member (Please check one): D $ 25 Individual D $400 Individual O Member of a specific Chapter: D $ 35 Household D $600 Couple D Member of my closest local Ch_a_p-te_r_(_if_o_ne-ex-is_ts_)_

D $ 50 Trail Leader 0 Member-at-large (not affiliated with any Chapter) D $100 Pathfinder -- -- --- 0 $ 45 organization D Optional: I would like to further support the work D $500 corporation of NCTA with my tax-deductible contribution of: $ _ - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ... - - - - - - - - - - - _ ..

e-mail: --------------- 5 kills to volunteer?(optional): _

Phone: _ --------------------------------------~

State Current Change Trail miles Members State Miles Change % members since Jan 1 in state to goal certified since Jan 1 Done North Dakota 11 + 2 435 424 North Dakota 60.5 0 13.9 Minnesota 41 0 375 334 Wisconsin 44 + 3 155 111 Minnesota 81.0 0 21.6

Michigan 454 + 23 875 421 Wisconsin 70.7 + 4.2 45.6 Ohio 41 0 700 659 Michigan 571.0 + 1.5 65.3 Pennsylvania 39 0 180 141 Ohio 277.4 0 39.6 New York 52 + 11 520 468 Pennsylvania 119.3 0 66.3 Other 70 + 4 New York 140.5 0 27.0

Our challenge for the year 2000 is to have 2,000 certified miles completed. Since the first of the year, we've added a few more miles in Wisconsin and Michigan, as paperwork caught up with trail work. Thanks to the volunteers involved in those projects!

NCTA memberships climbed about 6% in the past three months! This was especially good, considering we've been in the middle of winter with few hikes or trail work projects scheduled. The formation of the new Central New York Chapter led to the big jump in that state. Also, Michigan is now the first state to pass the halfway point on the goal of one member for every mile of planned trail. Congratulations!

The official trail emblem has been revised ... We are all familiar with the blue and gold trail

emblem that has been the official marker of the trail since the early 1980's.

Each of the other national scenic and national his­ toric trails has a similar emblem--all designed along the lines of the familiar "fat" triangle. As the various trails were approved by Congress and as they then developed their own trail emblem, various differences in the shape of the triangle, lettering fonts, width of black borders, and other subtle differences began to appear.

During the last several years, NPS Washington Office personnel began an effort to bring about a higher degree of uniformity to the emblems so that they truly looked like a "collection" of emblems. A graphic designer was contracted to analyze all of the emblems and make suggestions for uniformity as well as suggestions to improve the appearance of each emblem.

After a series of meetings between the trail admin­ istrators and partner groups various refinements to the designer's suggestions were incorporated and a final design for the North Country Trail has been selected. It

by Bill Menke:

News from the National Park Service

someone significant to the history of the area. Imagine the many events that have happened along

this segment of the trail and the colorful campfire stories that could be told by someone familiar with the history. Maybe someday, just such an event can be arranged as Wisconsin members work to complete more of the trail across the state forest. In the meantime, visit the trail and see for yourself. In addition to the historic aspects, the trail is very scenic especially where itis located near the top of some steep hills that provide views for literally miles across the valley of the Brule.

Does a trail's designation as a national sce­ nic trail mean that it doesn't have historic points of interest? And conversely, does the fact that a trail is designated as a national historic trail mean that it isn't scenic? The answer to both questions is--of course not.

In the case of the newly certified segment of trail in northern Wisconsin's Brule River State Forest, the trail is both historic and scenic. Over half of the 4.2 miles of trail that were certified, follows the "Historic Portage" between the headwaters of the Bois Brule River, in the Lake Superior watershed, and the headwaters of the St. Croix River, in the Mississippi River watershed. This historic portage has been used by Native Americans, fur traders, voyageurs, and early explorers for hundreds of years as a route between the two major watersheds.

If time allowed and there wasn't a deadline for the newsletter, a little research could undoubtedly discover many interesting facts about the route. As it is, I can only share with you some of the things that I learned and observed while working on the trail last fall to get it ready for certification. Along the trail are seven sizeable stones, with small brass plates that have a name and a date--Dulhut-1680, Lesueur-1693, Carver-1768, Curet- 1803, Cadotte-1819, Schoolcraft-1820, and Luci us-1886. Colorful names all, but I only recognize two.

Henry Rowe Schoolcraft is rather famous as an early explorer, at least in the lake states area. I recognize the name from my days in Minnesota. In his quest to discover the headwaters of the Mississippi River, Schoolcraft passed through Cass Lake and stopped on a large island. While camped on Star Island, he made arrangements with a local chieftan (whose name es­ capes me right now) to accompany him as he continued upstream toward the headwaters. Eventually Schoolcraft charted Lake Itasca, in today's Itasca State Park, as the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

I recognize the Lucius name because the route of the North Country Trail passes through Lucius Woods County Park in Solon Springs, WI. These "woods" are named after the Lucius family--prominent early settlers in the in the Solon Springs area.

When I first saw the stones, I asked the local forest manager if these persons had met their fate along the portage. The answer was no-the stones were placed some years ago by one of the local civic groups to serve as "memory stones" commorating the use of the route by

by Bill Menke

North Country Trail - Scenic or Historic?

Page 15 NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Apr-May 1997

l -,

GEORGE TRESNAK harnesses Bear, one of his dogs.

A dog-sledding weekend with George Tresnak

by Byron and Margaret Hutchins George Tresnak is a newspaper feature writer and

a member of the newly organized Chequamegon Chap­ ter of the North Country Trail. He also has a hobby of dog-sledding and his cabin is only a mile from the trail near Mellen, Wisconsin.

At the 1996 annual meeting in Spooner, Wisconsin, George donated a weekend of dog-sledding to the highest bidders as a contribution to the trail association. We were two of the highest bidders, along with Martha Jones. Martha had a conflict, so friends from Chicago bought her halfofthe bid and joined us for the weekend of February 22. We spent a fascinating time at George's cabin, learning how to handle a team of 7 frisky dogs by outselves and watching George feed and harness them. We also snowshoed on the wooded terrain. George prepared sour­ dough pancakes and sausage with homemade maple syrup and jam. He also prepared other high-energy meals.

Even though we brought our own sleeping bags and slept on the floor, it was an exciting experience for us. Since George would like to offer this service to others next winter, we suggest you contact him about prices and nail down a date. He can handle two couples or a family of four at a time. You need to be flexible in case your designated weekend has impossible weather condi­ tions and you need an alternate date.

Another attraction for us was the variety of song­ birds that gathered daily at his feeding platform. We watched evening grosbeaks, nuthatches, chickadees, finches, hairy woodpeckers, and aggressive bluejays.

George can be contacted by telephone in the evening at (715) 27 4-2401. His address is George Tresnak, R.R. #1, Box 175, Mellen, WI 54546. It's a great remedy for the winter doldrums!

Handbook seems to be well received ... Our recently published North Country National

Scenic Trail-A Handbook for Trail Design, Construction, and Maintenance seems to be well received. In various discussions local trail managers, have commented that they thought it was going to be a useful tool.

In Beaver Creek State Park (OH), the park man­ ager and his staff are reading one chapter per month and discussing· at their staff meeting. It is gratifying to hear of these kinds ofuse of the book. Our intent in publishing it was to increase the degree of uniformity along the trail and bring about a more consistent look of the trail. Over time as new segments are constructed or as older segments are improved, we are confident that this will happen.

Additional trail certified ... On Valentines Day, it did our heart good to certify

some additional trail segments. These include 0.4 miles in Mackinaw State Forest (MI), three segments totaling 3.3 miles in Pere Marquette State Forest (MI), and 4.2 miles in Brule River State Forest (WI). The new total of certified mileage is now 1,320.4 miles. Yes, still a long way from 2,000 by 2000 but that goal is not without hope. There are lots of existing trail segments still uncertified for a variety ofreasons. One of these reasons is just that volunteers working to build trail don't follow up with the last step of applying to us for certification. See the related article on Brule River S.F. segment.

North Country Trail brochure revision is pro­ gressing ...

NPS brochures for the trail were last updated and printed in 1990. At that time, 250,000 copies were prepared. This supply has now been depleted and we are in the process of updating and procuring a new supply. In addition to the update of addresses due to the passage of time several other changes can be expected.

The new emblem will be incorporated, additional completed segments will be shown, major route changes will be incorporated, and a revised estimate of the overall trail mileage will be mentioned.

was one the trails where the overall appearance of the emblem will not change dramatically. Yet, the changes improve the appearance. The primary change is to the star itself. It has been enlarged to better occupy the space within the blue inner triangle and the color has been changed from yellow and black (which many thought looked more like a "compass" star) to gold and white which, to at least some, looks more like a "north" star. This color change causes the star to pop out rather than break apart as one steps away from it.

We are just now starting to work with sign man ufac­ turers to produce the new version. These will be incor­ porated along the trail, over time, as the existing signs deteriorate and need to be replaced. We are also working with manufacturers to develop some new usage control (road crossing) and connector decals. You'll see more on this in coming months.

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Apr-May. 1997 Page 16

NCTA Chosen by Harmon Strong to Receive Funds

As a long time member of the NCTA Board of Directors, Harmon V. Strong knows well the dreams and limitations of our organization. Like all nonprofits, the North Country Trail Association has set inspiring goals for itself and its members. However, our ability to achieve these goals depends completely on the dedica­ tion of our volunteers and the availability of necessary funds. Through his volunteer service with the Associa­ tion, Mr. Strong has worked diligently to help fill one of these needs. Now, through his further generosity, he is helping us along with the other.

In what is expected to result in the largest private donation we've ever received, Harmon Strong has named the North Country Trail Association as one of the bene­ factors, along with the Finger Lakes Trail Conference and other charities, in a life insurance policy. This fund was established through a local Foundation which will eventually manage the distributions. The use of the funds is undesignated, meaning the Association will be able to apply them to whatever project or use the Board decides is appropriate when they are received.

As mentioned in the accompanying article by Jim Maher, planning future donations to the North Country Trail Association is an excellent way to have a lasting impact on the trail. Through our work we are truly building an amazing legacy for future generations. Planned donations help ensure that the resources will be available to continue making our dream a reality.

Harmon Strong's ongoing support of the North Coun­ try Trail serves as an inspiration to us. The North Country Trail Association is extremely grateful for both his many years of volunteer service and this generous donation toward our efforts.

by donating either party, while keeping the other part for yourself or your heirs.

Keep in mind that the amount you can deduct in any one year depends on several factors, including your income, the type of gift, the receiving charity, and the charity's use of your gift. You should consult with your team of tax and investment professionals to see how your giving may also result in your receiving.

Please give Jim Maher at A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc., a call if you have any further questions, at 1-800- 908-1213.

You may not realize it, but you give to other people every day of your life, whether it's your time, your talents, your encouragement or your material goods. And there are times that when you give, you can also receive. This certianly holds true when it comes to certain charitable contributions.

The tax laws allow you to deduct the fair market value of many of your charitable contributions to public charities, as long as you itemize deductions on your tax return. You also should keep in mind that deduction limits will vary depending on the type of asset given.You can think of your actual cost of giving as the value of the property you give, minus your tax savings.

If you have been thinking about making a charitable contribution, you should start the process now. Only those charitable contributions completed by Dec. 31 can be claimed as itemized deductions on your 1996 tax bill. When evaluating which financial tax contributions you can make, consider the following items as tax-deductible gift possibilities:

• Appreciated stock. By donating appreciated stock, you can obtain a tax deduction for the current fair market value of the stock -- limited to 30% of your adjusted gross income for the year-- if you have held the stock for more than one year and you itemize the deduc­ tion. You also avoid paying taxes on the capital gain you would have realized if you had just sold the stock and donated the proceeds. Plus, the tax-exempt charitible orbanization can sell the donated securities without being liable for any tax on the gain.

For example, let's say you bought 100 shares of ABC stock five years ago for $20 per share ($2,000 total). Let's also say the stock is now trading at $25 per share ($2,500 total), meaning you have a capital gain (on paper) of $500. If you simply sold the stock, you would have to pay taxes on the $500 gain. However, if you donate the stock to an eligible charity, you may be able to deduct $2,500 from this year's tax bill. This is only an example and does not reflect any specific investment.

• Charitible trusts. If you intend to give a substan­ tial amount, you might consider setting up a charitible trust. Assets can be split into two portions -- the income interest or the remainder interest. The income interest provides the beneficiary (you or the charity, depending on the type of trust you establish) the right to receive income payments earned on the assets during the term of the trust. The remainder interest is the right to the property in the trust when its term is completed. With a charitible trust, you can receive a current tax deduction

Give now to receive· later

Page 17 NORTH ST AR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Apr-May 1997

The favored North Country National Scenic Trail route, Alternative 2, has been refined with the use of the county plat maps, USGS topographical maps and digi­ tized versions called DRG's, aerial photographs, and state wetland inventory diskettes. Technology provided by the National Park Service and the Wisconsin Depart­ ment of Natural Resources allowed the trail route to be digitized upon the DRGs.

The Arcview program has provided the opportunity to enlarge the topographical lines to be more exact with the trail layout, and to designate when the trail crosses private holdings, _oublic lands, rivers and creeks, and roads. While initially this whole process may seem more time consuming, the quality of map products has im­ proved and the digitized information will provide a more efficient and malleable trail planning record for years to come.

It should also be mentioned that while placing the trail route on the maps, several trail design principles were considered. The planning team's primary concern is to have the least impact on wetlands. Where wet areas could not be entirely avoided, the route crosses at the narrowest location and where the vegetation variations indicated a slight rise in elevation. The proposed route has been designed to achieve long term permanency by utilizing public land and large tracts of private land, remaining off road, utilizing the most scenic route, and adhering to a 10-percent maximum sustained grade.

The current status of the planning process is that a draft environmental assessment needs to be written, and the open house presentation maps need to be cre­ ated. Another set of open houses will be held in the summer of 1997 to record the responses of the affected landowners and public.

Technology as a Tool for NW Wisconsin Planning By Kim Bair, NCTA Recreation Planner

Eastern regional coordinator meeting

Last September, the NCTA Board authorized a series of State Trail Coordinator meetings to monitor activities, surface issues, develop priorities, and provide for chapter and affiliates to discuss concerns in each of the North Country Trail states. The Board provided expenses for travel and requested Vice President Gaylord Yost to represent it at the meetings. The first of the series of regional meetings was held 13 November in Allegany State Park, New York.

Attendance at the meeting included NCTA Coordi­ nators Howard Beye, New York, and Don Dorn, Pennsyl­ vania, Allegheny Outdoor Club, Warren, Pa. members Breda Dorn and Merle Caldwell, Finger Lakes Trail Conference members Bob Mueller and Gene Cornelius, Mary Hosmer, Recreation Specialist, Allegheny Na­ tional Forest, Warren, Pa., and Gaylord Yost, NCTA Trail Management VP.

The participants discussed a number of topics rel­ evant to their respective states including organizational situation and expansion, trail protection and use, priori­ tizing their work, computer use, trail development, signing, and National Trails Day.

While large segments of the North Country Trail in Pennsylvania are in place. both states current organiza­ tional situation needs improvement. Four groups have emerged to work on the NCT and include the Allegheny Outdoor Club, Shenango Trail Club, Butler Outdoor Club, and the Allegheny Valley Trail Association. Iden­ tifying and fostering other groups and volunteers is a must if progress is to be made to punch the trail through between the Allegheny National Forest and the Ohio border.

New York NCTA organizational structure continues to be vested, mainly, in the Finger Lakes Trail Conference. The North Country Trail is located on the Finger Lakes Trail from the Pennsylvania border to east of the Finger Lakes. The Conference and its member clubs (chapters) and diligent volunteers cover 380 miles of the Finger Lakes Trail and the NCT at the same time. Where the NCT goes after it leaves the Finger Lakes Trail will help to determine what additional organizations will be in­ volved with the trail. Several potential cooperator organ­ izations exist further east with the main one being the Adirondack Mountain Club.

NCTA Trail Coordinators in both states will need to maintain contacts with existing organizations and try to identify additional organizations along unbuilt NCT segments. Discussions with the Adirondak Mountain Club might lead to further meetings and some additional trail mileage over most of the rest of the NCT'sjourney to Vermont over trails maintained by the Club.

PA Coordinator Dorn discussed his past and current priorities which included; (1) getting a route established in "blank" areas, (2) getting trail on the ground, and (3)

Page 18 NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Apr-May. 1997

obtaining information on "blank" area existing or poten­ tial organizations, contacting them, and energizing them into action

NY Coordinator Beye's priorities are (1) getting an eastern route determined, (2) getting the trail on the ground, and (3) protecting and maintaining the existing trail and its corridor.

Three additional trail coordinator meetings may be scheduled before summer. They include one involving the upper penisula Michigan and Wisconsin, one for North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, and one for Pennsylvania, Ohio, and lower Michigan. Dale Ander­ son, the North Dakota Trail Coordinator recently re­ signed which means a replacement will need to be appointed prior to a meeting.

The NCTA Board is looking forward to the results of the rest of the meetings as it believes local energy can be further galvanized within NCT states by focusing on priority work in each state.

Finger Lakes Trail Bed and Breakfast Package Hiking Tour

Relax and absorb the beauty of terrain and wildlife along the twenty mile section of FLT which passes through Plum Valley near South Otselic, NY. In Plum Valley, you will pass through spectacular Grouse Gorge, verdant meadows, scenic ponds and beaver dams in the Pharsalia Wildlife Management area, and get a pan­ oramic scenic view of the rolling hills of the New Michi­ gan State Forest.

The hike will be conducted rain or shine. A sag wagon is available at all crossroads with extra water and transportation for weary hikers.

Overnight accomodations will be provided in his­ toric bed and breakfast inns and homestays built be­ tween 1820 and 1890. These include a beautifully re­ stored farmhouse and High Victorian Painted Ladies. Package price is $175.00 per couple based on double occupancy and includes hot breakfasts, boxed lunches, country church supper on Saturday night and a video presentation on the Finger Lakes Trail. A few individual rooms are available for a package price of $95.00.

Two weekends are available: May 2 through 4, and June 13 through 15, 1997. Hikes will be taken in ten mile sections on Saturday and Sunday,and are organized and led by Finger Lakes Trail Conference members.

To obtain registration packets, contact Clair Ders, Northwest Corners Bed and Breakfast, HCR70, Box 141, South Otselic, NY 13155-9705 (315) 653-7776, ore­ mail czezzaj@mkl.com.

not jeopardize their chapter membership. After discussions with the chapter presidents, the

membership committee concluded that the chapters would make extra efforts to convert these local members to the association as a quid-pro-quo for another change in the membership rules. This change will result in the automatic enrollment in a local chapter for new mem­ bers who do not specifically request at-large member­ ship.

Previously, new members automatically became at­ large members unless they chose a chapter. Under the new rules, ifno specific request is made, the new mem­ bers will be enrolled automatically into the nearest local chapter. New members may. of course, make their own choice of chapters, or become at-large members. In addition, current at-large members, will be more strongly encouraged to join a local chapter at renewal time.

While these changes, the. membership committee believes, will facilitate enrollments, they are no substi­ tutes for new and ongoing enrollment efforts which are critical to the long term success of the trail. The commit­ tee hopes that each member will continue to take the responsibility for recruiting new members. in order for the organization to grow, as it must if it wants to continue to build and maintain trail.

"If every current member would bring in just two friends as recruits, we would far exceed our membership goals," President Derek Blount observed.

The Board of Directors, at its Winter meeting, ap­ proved some subtle but significant changes in the North Country Trail Association membership rules to strengthen the partnership between the Association and its Chapters.

The most important of these changes will allow new sponsored members to enroll in Chapters with $5 of their dues going to the selected Chapter.

Under the previous rules, this class of membership worked as follows: current members could sponsor new members for an introductory rate of only $15 per year during the first year of membership instead of the usual $25 for a single membership. These "sponsored" mem­ bers were required to be "at-large" members who did not belong to local chapters. Nor did the chapters, who normally received $5 from regular, full memberships, get any portion of the $15 dues money. After a year of "sponsored membership"these new members were asked to renew at $25. They could then enroll in chapters if they wished and $5 of the new membership dues went to the chapters.

Under the new rules, sponsored membersjoining in 1997 or later are enrolled in the chapters immediately, unless they specifically choose to be at-large members or no nearby chapter exists. Further, $5 of their dues payment, is forwarded to the chapter. Thus, only $10 of the dues money nets to the association.

The chapters are being asked to enroll existing sponsored members who joined in 1996 into the chapters right away, that is before their anniversary of member­ ship occurs sometime during 1997. For those members, the chapters will not receive $5 until renewal time.

These changes were formulated by the membership committee of the association, consisting ofWerner Veit, Joan Young and Susan Nelson, in consultation with the presidents of the local chapters who were enthusiasti­ cally in favor of the changes.

The Board agreed that these changes would provide sponsored members with a more complete experience in their first year by encouraging them to become involved with local chapters. In turn, the chapters will encourage those new members to stay on with the association by renewing as regular members once their introductory year is over.

While the chapter charters require that chapter members also belong to the parent association, this provision has never been enforced and the Board decided that those chapters which have such local-only mem­ bers, may continue to do so, if they wish. However, the change should make it much easier for chapters to encourage such members to join the national associa­ tion, since they will have a low introductory rate and will

Board makes changes in membership policy

Page 1,9 NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Apr-May 1997

Page Single Three Five Issues ~ ~ ~ (Fyll Y~ar) 1/8 $20.00 $50.00 $80.00 1/4 $32.00 $80.00 $128.00 1/2 $50.00 $125.00 $200.00 1 $80.00 $200.00 $320.00

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING FEE SCHEDULE

Minnesota April 25-27: Midwest Mountaine~ring Canoe/Outdoor Adventure Expo. Volunteers needed to staff NCTA booth for

April 17: Grand Traverse Hiking Club meeting. Program is thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, with Verna Soules. 7PM, Career Tech-Center/Adult Work Center, Parsons Rd. & 3- mile, Traverse City. Contact Gregg Law, (616) 941-4964. April 19: Western Michigan Chapter hikes Deerfield in Mt. Pleasant. Contact Dave S. at (616) 784-8978 or Mary P. at (616) 773-6986. April 19: Western Michigan Chapter hikes Ludington State Park. Contact Dave S. at (616) 784-8978 or Mary P. at (616) 773-6986. April 21-24: North Country Trail Hikers Hike with Herb Grenke's hiking class. Meet at 1 P.M. at the Dome, back by 4 P.M. Call Herb, (906) 249-9180. Apr 22: North Country Trail Hikers Backpacking workshop sponsored by the Sierra Club. NMU West Science room 270 at 7 P.M. Dave (906) 228-6744. April 26-27: Trail work project in Lost Nations State Game area, Hillsdale County. Contact Arden Johnson, 600 Tennyson, Rochester Hills, Ml 48307 (810) 853-0292. Apr 27: North Country Trail Hikers Little Presque Isle tract cleanup sponsored by the Sierra Club. Meet at 1 O A.M. at the LPI parking lot. Dave (906) 228-9453. April 29: Grand Traverse Hiking Club. Adopt-a-trail assign­ ment meeting. 7:00 1045 Draka Rd., Traverse City. Contact Arlen Matson after April 20 (616) 941-4152. May and June: North Country Trail Hikers Hike or trail work with Herb Grenke's class. For times call Herb (906) 249-9180. May 3: North Country Trail HikersTrail work, location TBA. Gene (906) 225-1704. May 3: Western Michigan Chapter spring Schoolhouse maintenance and cleanup. Call Ruth at (616) 453-8622 or Ginny at (616) 689-6876. May 3-4: Trail work project in Lost Nations State Game area, Hillsdale County. Contact Arden Johnson, (see above). May 7: North Country Trail Hikers Hike Bruno's Run trail in Hiawatha N.F. 8 miles, 70 min. drive each way. Bea (906) 226-2158. May 10: Western Michigan Chapter hikes Aman Park in

Michigan

May 17: Board of Directors meeting, Romulus, Ml. May 28: Newsletter deadline June 1: Ballots due for board election July 24: Newsletter deadline. August 21-24: NCT A Membership meeting, Board of Directors meeting, Hervida 4H Camp, Beverly, Ohio. Contact NCTA office, (616) 454-5506 October 1: Newsletter deadline. October 1: Deadline for 1998 Challenge Cost Share proposals and reporting volunteer hours. November 8: Board of Directors meeting, Romulus, Ml.

NCTA

ITEMS FOR THIS COLUMN must be received before the deadline date given on Page 4 of this newsletter. We welcome listing activities of affiliated organizations, but we must be aware of them in sufficient time for publication.

NCTA TRIPS AND ACTIVITIE

Page 20 NORTH ST AR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Apr-May. 1997

[il~BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBii1 Grand Rapids. Contact Dave S. at (616) 784-8978 or Mary P. at (616) 773-6986. May 10: North Country Trail Hikers U.P. Softies hike. west from Rumely Road to the Bridge at Laughing Whitefish River. THE HALFWAY POINT! Celebrate with trail maintenance on new section of trail west of the bridge Jan or Bob (906) 225- 1295 or trail work only call Gene (906) 225-1704. May 10-11: Trail work project in Lost Nations State Game area, Hillsdale County. Contact Arden Johnson, (see above). May 15: North Country Trail Hikers Journey into Spring. Hike the Addis Ponds area of Hiawatha N.F. 5 miles, leave at 1 P.M. Birds, wild flowers. No pets please Lon (906) 942-7879. May 17: North Country Trail Hikers McCormick bushwack to lakes and views. Try to find the Acropolis Richard (906) 226- 7934. May 17: Western Michigan Chapter hikes Owasippe Scout Reservation in Muskegon. Contact Dave S. at (616) 784-8978 or Mary P. at (616) 773-6986. May 21: North Country Trail Hikers Trail work in the McCormick and hike to Lake Raymond. Sally (906) 226-8515. May 24: North Country Trail Hikers Rain, snow date for May 17 or trail work, location TBA. Gene (906) 225-1704. May 24-27: Western Michigan Chapter hikes Wilderness State Park. Overnight tenting. Contact Dave S. at (616) 784- 8978 or Mary P. at (616) 773-6986. May 31: Western Michigan Chapter hikes Seaton Creek on the Manistee River trail. Contact Dave S. at (616) 784-8978 or Mary P. at (616) 773-6986. May 31: North Country Trail Hikers Little Presque Isle tract cleanup and hike. Meet at the LPI parking lot at 10 A.M. Dave (906) 228-9453. June 3:Western Michigan Chapter meeting, 7:30 PM, location TBA. Jun 7: North Country Trail Hikers National Trails Day with NCTH and Down Wind Sports Gene (906) 225-1704. Jun 14: North Country Trail Hikers Trail work in Craig Lake State Park. Denise (906) 225-1030. Jun 20: North Country Trail Hikers Solstice Sojourn; Meet at 6 A.M. atthe Sugarloaf parking lot. Climb Sugarloaf, Hogsback, and Mt. Marquette. Strenuous Lon (906) 942-7879. Jun 21: North Country Trail Hikers Little Presque Isle tract cleanup and hike. Meet at the LPI parking lot at 10 A.M., Dave (906) 228-9453. Jun 21: North Country Trail Hikers Trail work, location TBA, Gene (906) 225-1704. Jun 28: North Country Trail Hikers Trail work between McCormick and Lake Elinor. Roland1(906) 226-2996.

"A thrilling love affair with the U.P .... many readers will end up putting it high on their gift list."

-- Glen Sheppard, Northwoods Call

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 abandoned gold mines and ghost towns. Saunter down old woods roads. Take a hike on the Bay de Noc - Grand Island pathway. Visit winter water­ falls and enjoy a pasty picnic on a remote hillside as spring arrives.

Color photos, b/w drawings, 106 pp. $17.95 +$2.00 shipping. Order from:

North Country, Dept NS 355 Heidtman Rd., Skandia Ml 49885

New York April 19: FL TC Wallace D. Wood founder's hike, about 9 miles in Letchworth State Park. Meet at Parade Grounds picnic pavilion at 10:00 AM. April 27: Cayuga Trails Club maintenance weekend, Shindigan Hollow SF. Contact Tom Reimers (716) 272-8679. May 3: Trail Maintenance Workshop, sponsored by Finger Lakes Trail Conference and Finger Lakes National Forest. For information, contact Howard Beye (716) 288-7191. May 9-11: The FL TC Spring meeting will be May 9-11 at

and Carleton peak. Contact SHT A at (218) 834-2700. July 23: A 7.6 mile hike including vistas of the Poplar River area. Shuttle back. Contact SHTA at (218) 834-2700. August 1-3: Campsite construction project on the Chippewa section. Hike into work site and build new site from scratch. Base cost of $40 includes trip food and group gear. Call Rod MacRae at (612} 377-0130. August 2: An 8.1 mile hike along Bally Creek Rd. to Pincushion Mt. Contact SHTA at (218) 834-2700. August 23: A 6.8 mile hike with vistas of Lake Superior and Sawtooth Range. Shuttle back. Free and open to public. Contact SHT A at (218) 834-2700. September 27: An 8.1 mile hike from Crosby Manitou State Park to Caribou Wayside. Shuttle back. Free and open to the public. Contact SHTA at (218) 834-2700. October 11: A 2.5 mile round trip hike overlooking the Sawmill Valley. Free and open to the public. Contact SHTA at (218) 834-2700.

Page 21

~ilt ie«44e/l'4 Mountain Tours Visit us on the web: www.russellours.com

From $900/wk

Call (toll free) 800 669-4453

free Trail Guide

Stay in first class hotels with superb meals. Hiking from village to village.

3-Cufture Hikes In The Alps J

Hike in the Alps or the Rockies Daily guided hiking in some of the most beautiful places in the

1 world.

2-5 hours. Call Rod MacRae (612)377-0130 or Paul Wright (612) 423-5006. May 3-4: Spring Trail Clearing, Kek Trail. $50. Call Pat Duerr at (612) 484-0538 for info. May 10-11: Superior Hiking Trail Association Annual Meeting on the north shore. Contact SHTA, (218) 834-2700. May 10-11: Spring Trail Clearing, Kek Trail. Three sections: Parent Lake to Disappointment Lake (Canoe in), Beartrap to Medas Lake (Canoe in), West trailhead to Parent Lake (Hike in). $50.00 Call Pat Duerr at (612) 484-0538. May 17-18: Survey hiking trip in the Paul Bunyan section. Using map and compass and detailed maps, identify exact trail route for future construction. Shared costs. Contact Harlan Liljequist at (612)) 559-5994. May 17-18: Spring trail clearing, Kek Trail, South Lake Trail. $50. Call Pat Duerr, (612) 484-0538. May 23-26: Backpacking trip on the Superior Trail, organized by the Staring Lake Outdoor Center. Limit 10 participants. Cost $85, all inclusive. Call Rod MacRae (612) 949-8479 for information. May 24-26: Spring Trail Clearing, Kek Trail, East Trailhead to Harness Lake. $50. Call Pat Duerr (612) 484-0538. May 29-June 1: Trail clearing project on Bad Medicine section. Prepare final half mile for certification. Shared costs; work from base camp. Contact Paul Wright (612) 423-5006. June 6~8: National Trails Day weekend. One trip will prepare guidebook notes for Itasca-Bad Medicine section. Trip of $40 includes all trail food and group gear. Call Rod MacRae (612) 377-0130. June 7: A 10 mile hike along one of the more challenging sections of the SHT. Shuttle back. Contact SHTA at (218) 834-2700. July 5: A 4.8 mile hike which includes the popular Britton Peak

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Apr-May 1997

+ The Hiker's Paradise +

KANDERSTEG Moderate optional length DAY hiking ZERMATT MURREN along skyline trails. 7 - 2 week tours LENK basing at 15 mountain 3-4 star hotels. ~EE:i.~~~ALP All hikes guided by NCT member Cecil RIGl-kALTENBAD Dobbins. For a free color brochure call GRINDELWALD (216) 867-3771 or write to· SAAS-FEE . GSTAAD ALPINE ADVENTURE TRAILS TOURS, Inc. FLUELEN 783V Cliffside Dr. ENGELBERG LEUKERBAD Akron, OH 44313

SWISS ALPS

Wisconsin April 26: Chequamegon Chapter hike, location and time TBA. For more information call George Tresnak, (715) 274-2401. May 17-18: Heritage Chapter work days, location TBA. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-5146. June 7-8. Chequamegon Chapter National Trails Day Hike.

Pennsylvania Sept 5-7: Work trip to build trail in SGL95. Contingent on PA Game Commission approval. Contact Mark Eckler (412) 588- 6164.

Hike. Galyan's Trading Company and the Buckeye Trail Association. Meet on the Buckeye Trail at Tecumsey Lake just off SR 93, south of Shawnee and north of New Straitsville in Perry County. Look for the BTA HIKE sign. Some work, some play! Bring water and a sack lunch. Come out to help out! June 7, 10:00 a.m. NE Ohio BTA. Our Northeast Group will work on a NE Ohio Buckeye Trail segment. Final arrange­ ments haven't been made, so call Lee Shainker, 216-641- 5791, for location and sign-up. June 7. 11 :30 a.m. COHC. Scioto Trails State Park. This state park has challenging wooded trails and excellent scenery. Located about 15 miles south of Chillicothe. Leader Carolyn Whitesel, 614-967-3943. June 7. Columbus Outdoor Pursuits. Work trip to Scioto Trails State Forest. Call Ann Gerckens for information, 614-298- 0555. June 21-22. BT A Work Party. Clendening Reservoir (Harrison County). August 21-24. BT A hosts the North Country Trail Associa­

tion Annual Meeting, Beverly, Ohio. September 11-14. BTA Work Party. Tar Hollow State Forest (Vinton County). September 20-28. BTA. Adirondack Mountains, New York. The definite dates for the Adirondack Hiking Trip are Septem­ ber 20 to 28, 1997. This is a great time of year to go to New York with a great group of people. Since we are carpooling, the cost will be very reasonable. There are lots of trails, so you can do as much or as little as you like. We'd love to have you. Call Herb Hulls, 614-585-2603. October 10-11. BTA Work Party. Burr Oak State Park. See page 6 for details. October 30-Nov. 2. BTA Work Party. Fort Hill State Park.

For Further information and a brochure please contact:

Michael Guerin Bergtrekkers

PO Box 611 549 Port Huron, Ml 48061

(81 0) 385-5609

l 0 Days and 9 Nights in the Montafon Valley

6 Days of Guided Hiking based on your skill level

June 3, 1997 - June 12, 1997

I ng1n Austria

Hiki

Ohio April 19-20. BTA Work Party. Piedmont Reservoir (Harrison County). April 25-27: The Buckeye Trail Association annual meeting will be held at Butler Springs Christian Assembly, Highland County, Ohio. For more information, contact Herb Hulls, 38450 CR46, Lower Salem, OH 45745 (614) 585-2603, April 25-27. BTA Annual Meeting. Questions, call Herb Hulls, 614-585-2603. May 10-11. BTA Work Party. Tar Hollow State Forest (Vinton County). May 17-18, 10:00 a.m. BTA Circuit Hike. Meet at Point 8, Caesar Creek Section. June 7, 9:00 a.m. BTA. National Trails Day Work Party &

Cazenovia Lake. For more information, contact FL TC, PO Box 18048, Rochester NY 14618-0048 or call (716) 288-7191. May 25: Cayuga Trails Club trail maintenace, near Enfield. Contact Tom Reimers, (716) 272-8679. June 9-13. Alley Cat Trail Crew, west of Watkins Glen. For information, contact Howard Beye (716) 288-7191. Sept. 22-26: Alley Cat Trail Crew, building shelter in Allegany SP. For information, contact Howard Beye (716) 288-7191.

NORTH STAR: The Newsletterofthe North Country Trail Association, Apr-May. 1997 Page 22

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

Nancy Papish Michelle Penoyer Jim Petreszyn Chuck and Caryn Rieb Bill Roorbeck Anne B. Saltman Mike Shaw Charles P. Silas Carolyn J. Silverstein Carol J. Smith Carol Stetter Charlice M. Stewart Tom Sutter Schawna Thoma Norma Vanderlaan Margaret Day Verrnerris Cliff Welch Karen Wellner George Zacharek

Lee Douglas Margaret Dunning Clifton and Kay Edwards Randy Ehinger Betsy J. Flowers Kelly Golley Richard L. Halbert John G. Harris Richard and Beverly Harvey Ken and Mary Hinchman Chris Hunter Frank and Susan Johnson Pierce and Nancy Johnson Rita Krochalk Mary Kunzler-Larmann Albert F. t.arrnann Ed Leach Burt Marshall Emily 0. Marshall Kathryn Mehlenbacher Tim Mueller

Jerome E. Allen Mitzi Beckman Dennis C. Bell Lane and Dawn Bennett Mike Bessette Tim Sewer Justin Booth Peter Cann Larry and Susan Chase Steve & Sharon Churchill Shirley Ann Cloud Mary C. Coffin Barbara Day Charles and Jean Day Claudia Day Julianne Irene Day William and Isabelle Day Bruce A. DePree Joseph M. Desantis Nola Dick Art Diehm

New Metnbet"s:

' • Organizatioo

Superior Hiking Trail Association USDA Forest Service (Warren, Pennsylvania) USDA Forest Service (Washburn, Wisconsin) Foothills Trail Club

Pat and Kathleen Miller Allen and Mary Shoup

Trail Leader Lyle Bailk Alonzo Hannaford John Clay Kincaid

Joined 01' Renewed in a epeeial t!atego .. y:

Howard W. Hintz Jimmie and Kathie Richardson

Dennis R. Donathen Emily S. Gregor

Recreational Equipment, Inc.

Duane and Judy Bennett Robin Spry-Campbell

Do1ao .. s:

Other National Trail events April 12-16, 1997: "Protecting Trail Resources," Fifth National Conference on National Scenic and National Historic Trails, Orlando, FL. For information contact NCT A Office. August 1-8. 31st meeting of the Appalachian Trail Conference, Bethel, ME. Contact ATC, (304) 535-6068.

information call George Tresnak, (715) 27 4-2401. Oct. 18-19: Heritage Chapter work days, segment H-J. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-5146. Dec. 6: Heritage Chapter get-together, Milwaukee, WI. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-5146.

Page 23

For more information call George Tresnak, (715) 274-2401. June 7-8: Heritage Chapter National Trails Day event. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-5146. June 21-22: Heritage Chapter work days, segment D-E. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-5146. July 19-20: Heritage Chapter work days, segment F-H. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-5146. August 2-10: Heritage Chapter Campout and work days, Weber Lake. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425- 5146. Sept. 5-7: Heritage Chapter membership meeting, location TBA. For more information call Jim Burow, (414) 425-5146. Sept. 27: Chequameon Chapter Fall Hike. For more

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Apr-May 1997

To begin your membership, please complete this form r--j e--m-a-il·-. --- J., and send it with your $15 payment to: I "f'~ COLiNT'Ry- North Country Trail Association f--------------------------1 ~ Jk :¥~. 49 Monroe Center NW 11 would like to volunteer the following skills (optional):

;f: d• !11!1!1!1 ~ Suite 2008 • Assoc 1 AT r-e'N • Grand Rapids, Ml 49503

------- -- -- ----

Please choose your regional affiliation (check one): D Member of a specific chapter: ---,--------, D Member of my closest local chapter (if one exists) D Member-at-Large (not affiliated with any Chapter)

----------------- ------~ Our Sponsored Membership Program allows current members of the NCTA to sign up an unlimited number of new members at an introductory rate of just $15. To qualify, Sponsor­ ed Members must be new to NCTA, or not have f------------------------~--- ---------------­

been members for at least two years. The $15 Name(s) of New Member(s): rate is good only for the first year of membership. To use this program, just fill in your name and Add .

. . t cess. membership number, then give the form o your friend to complete the shaded area. If you _ sponsor enough members, you may win a prize! I City, state Zip:

!sponsored by: --- l L___ _ -· ------ I Phone: Membership #:

elGN UP YOUR FRISNDe AT A$ f 5 IN';RODUt!TORY RATS!

* Our Executive Director, Bob Papp, is not eligible for any prizes. He 's just in it for the sport.

The Results •o Fa1t ••• Members Members

Recruiter's Name(s) Recruited Recruiter's Name(s) Recruited

Bill Menke 13 Derek Blount 1

Claudia Day 6 Jim Burow 1

Bob Papp* 6 Lois Cole 1

Gene Elzinga 2 Frank and Carolyn Jones 1

Len Baron 1 Fred and Kathy Sabel 1

We'll record the recruiter's name for each new paying member who joins through Aug. 15, 1997. At the Annual Meeting, we'll announce the final results. You don't have to attend the Annual Meeting to receive your prize.

Any member of NCTA can participate. If you get someone new to join, just ask them to write down your name as "sponsor" or "recruiter" and we'll be sure to give you credit. Good luck, and thanks for your help in getting the word out! Please call us if you need more forms or have any questions: 616-454-5506, or NCTAssoc@aol.com

Het'e's the eeoop:

Grand Prize (1): Jacket with embroidered logo Runners Up (5): $25 gift certificate at the NClA Trail Shop

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Apr-May. 1997