North Star Vol. 15, No. 5 (1996)

• Our New Address is: r-:

1]' [.e 've moved aeatn f NCTA,49MonroeCenter,Suite2008,GrandRapids,Ml,49503 ff C ~· • New Phone, (616) 454-5506; FAX (616) 454-7139

Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 47

Caledonia, Ml 49316

REGIONAL AFFILIATES New York: Finger Lakes Trail Conference, PO Box 1 0048, Rochester NY 14618-0048; Ohio: Buckeye Trail Association, PO Box 254, Worthingtori OH 43085; Pennsylvania: AYH PittsburghCouncil, 5604 Solway, #202, Pittsburgh PA 15217

CHAPTER CHAIRS Headwaters: v«o.;ant: ·~hequamegon: Kurt Schmitt, R2, Box 326, Butternut, WI 54514; SE Wisconsin: Bate Budde, 3803 S. Brook Place, St. Frai icls, WI ·i3235 (H) 414-769-0441; NCT Hikers: Gene Elzinga Gene Elzinga, 12 Middle Island, Marquette Ml 49855 (906) 225-1'~94; :'.'raverae City: Greg Law, 1953 Lardie Rd., Traverse City, Ml 49686; Western Michigan: Bill Van Zee n44 Thornapple 1:Jayou lJ(. SE, Grand Rapids Ml, 49512

/

STATE COORDINATORS NewYo~Howard Beye (see above); Pennsylvania: Donald Dorn, Star Route, Box 476, Sheffield, PA 16347 814-968-5759; Ohio: Jim ~prague, 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: ftqci MacRae,1210 W. 22nd St., Minneapolis, MN 55405; North Dakota: Dale Anderson, RR1, Bax 10, Oslo, MN, 56744 (2{8)9654508

STAFF Executive Director: Bob Papp 49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B, Grand Rapids Ml 49546 (616) 454-5506 [email protected] Office Manager: Claudia Day 49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B, Grand Rapids Ml 49546 (616) 454-5506 [email protected] Plamlng Assistant: Kim Bair National Park Servk:e, 700 Rayovac Dr., #100, MOOison WI 53711 (608) 264-5610 kim _ [email protected] NPS Administrator: Bill Menke NalioNi Park Servk:e, 700 Rayovac Dr., #100, MOOison WI 53711 (608) 264-5610 bill_ [email protected]

i:_~i.;.,~ «.,.. OFFICERS .... _ President: Derek Blount 906 N. Alexalider, Royal Oak Ml 48067 (810) 548-1737 [email protected] Vice Prealdent(Tralls): Gaylord Yost 2925 W. Br~(11ey Rd., River Hills WI 53209 (414) 354-8987 [email protected] Vice President (Admln): Odell Bjerkness Bad Medicine Lake, R1, Box 221A, Ponsford, MN 56575 (218) 573-3858 Secretary Wes Boyd 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach Ml 49253 (517) 547-7402 [email protected] Trtll'l'er Arder1>Johnson 600 Tanh~ Rochester Hills, Ml 48307 (810) 853-0292

-~ ;t>'•

BOARD OF DIRECTORS " TERMS EXPIRING IN 1997

West Region Odell Bjerkness R1, Box 221A, Ponsford, MN 56575 (218) 567-3858 At-Large Rep. Werner Veit 60 Monroe Center, Suite 500, Grand Rapids, Ml, 49546 (616) 235-2330 [email protected] BT A Appointed Emily Gregor 6502 Olde York Rd., Parma Hts OH 44130 (216) 884-0281 West Region Rep. Pat Miller R1 Box 36A Washburn WI (715) 373-3735 Gnl Affiliate Appointee Glenn Oster, 784 Olive St, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 (412) 364-2864 At-Large Rep. Gaylord Yost 2925 W. Bradley Rd., River HUis WI 53209 (414) 354-8987 [email protected]

TERMS EXPIRING IN 1998 West Central (Ml) Rep. Derek Hlount 906 N. Alexander, Royal Oak Ml 48067 (810) 548-1737 [email protected] At-Large Rep. Wes Boyd 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach Ml 49253 (517) 547-7402 [email protected] At-Large Rep. David Cornell 514 Cordes Rd., Delton, Ml 49046 (616) 623-8659 [email protected] East Central (OH) Rep. Elwood Ensor 1304 Horizon Dr., Fairborn OH 45324-5816 (513) 879-2068 [email protected] 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 [email protected]

TERMS EXPIRING IN 1999 Fl T Appointee Heward Beye 202 Coleboume Rd., Rochester NY 14609 (716) 288-7191 fltc@axsnetcom At-Large Rep. Bill Herron 423 W. Park Street, Marquette Ml 49855 (906) 225-1030 At-Large Rep. Susan Nelsoo 1170 4lh Avenue Soulh, Park Fals WI 54552 (715) 762-2461 At-Large Rep. Kathy Olstad P.O. Box 1017, Bismarck ND 58502 (701) 250-4721 [email protected] 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 [email protected]

Page 2 NORTH STAR: The.Newsletter OttheNOlth Counlly Trail Association, Oct. -Dec. 1996

~CA. j-. ~ NO~!!!e~!AR: =~:0 ~

~ North Country Trail Association PAPER ~· SOCIATION

.uw~~~~~~-~.~=-;;.;,,_;H_ 49 Monroe Center, Suite 2008, Grand Rapids, Ml 49546 Phone (616) 454-5506 •FAX (616) 454-7139 • Email: [email protected]

WWW Site: http://people.delphl.com/wesboyd/ncnst.htm Editor: Wes Boyd, 14815 Rome Road, Manlk»Beach, Ml 49253 ...

ll11IJlllll _ BTA trail workers now have chuck wagon 6 Decision on mountlan bikes In Manistee NF 7

-A note from the Manistee NF 7 - What's next? 7 - 80/30 a biker perspective 8 - Falling apples: an editorial 9

Check out the NCTA trall shop Center Section End to end marking studied at conference 15 Why we should mark the trall end to end 17 NCTA Distinguished Service awards 18 Wisconsin conference report 19 NW Wisconsin planning continues 21 Lots of coming events 21

*** THERE ARE STILL funds

available in the Challenge Cost Share grant program, the NPS's Bill Menke says. Funding for the program in the new federal bud get came in higher than espected. Contact Bill for more information.

A CONFERENCE on the Land and Water Conservation Fund is planned for November 3- 6 in California. The conference represents a landmark in the growing campaign to restore Fed eral funding for land and water conservation, recreation, and heritage preservation reports Partnership for the National Trails System chair Gary Werner. The campaign became necessary becauseyearafteryear,Congress has appropriated less and less money for LWCF projects, and has appropriated no funds for grants to the states during the last two years. For more informa tion, contact Werner at (608) 249- 7870, or e-mail him at "nattrails@aol .com",

THE NATIONAL MAP in cluded in the October National Geographic showing federally held lands includes a first -- it shows all the National Scenic Trailsonit,includingtheNCNST. According to Executive Director Bob Papp, the map has already resulted in new memberships for the organization.

***

WTS OF LOCAL opposition was raised to Champion Paper Company's proposal to exchange lands they hold in the Adirondack Park area of New York for state lands in six counties in the cen tral part of the state, as we re ported in the last issue of the newsletter. Strong public and po litical opposition to the proposal caused the company to backpedal hard, the FL Ts Ed Sidote reports. In a statement released by the company, it was maintained that the proposal was an idea to ex plore, and not a serious offer. In any case, it looks like it's not going to happen.

THE LONG DISTANCE Trails Program of the National Park Service, which administers 14 of the 19 national long distance trails, has become part of a newly named office, the National Center of Recreation and Conservation (NCRC), which combines the former Recreation Resources As sistance and Recreation Grants divisions. Long distance trails fall under the jurisdiction of the Cen ter as part of the Trails and Greenways Division. Tom Ross is Division Chief, and Steve Elkin ton remains the Program Leader for National Trails System Program ming.

***

*** BOARD CHANGES: NCT

end to end hiker Chet Fromm has resigned from the board. Named to replace him is Werner Veit of Grand Rapids, outdoor columnist for Booth Newspapers. Werner is a former President of Booth News papers and is a former Chair and current Board Member of the Michigan Nature conservancy. He also writes a bi-weekly column printed in eight newspapers on hikingopportunitiesforseniorciti zens.

SENATOR CARLLEVIN'S (D-MI) office is producing a ten minute promotional video on the NCT.Although the video is about the entire trail, it will have a leaning toward Michigan, be cause it's the senator's home state. The video will be sent, along with ·printed information on the trail, to various organiza tions, land managers and schools in Michigan, where Levin, a great friend of the trail in the past, is up for re-election this fall. The NCTA will receive copies of the video.

Page 3

While rve still got the platform, rd liket.o thank those responsible for awarding me the NCTA Distinguished Service Award for my work with the newsletter. It was highly appreciated, but I could not have accomplished much without a lot of contribut.ors, a lot of backing, and a little encouragement from time t.o time. Thanks t.o all myou.

Incidentally, George Tresnack, who I mentioned above, happens t.o be another weekly newspaper edit.or in his case, from Park Falls, WISCOnsin. I got home t.o an extremely busy week, complicated by some unexpected health problems, and I knew George was planning on doing an article about the conference, so I asked him t.o let me have a copy for the newsletter. As you will see, he really did a bang-up job, for which rm veiy appreciative. Needless t.o say, I hope we see his byline in the newsletter again. Thanks, George!

We really did do quit.ea lot of serious business at the conference, which was attended by people from all over the map. The session on end-to-end marking will, I think, prove t.o be a watershed for the trail. End t.o end marking has been kicked around for t.en years or more, but after that session, I think the question has been moved from "Should we do it?" t.o ''How are we going t.o do it?". The presentation on the trail standards handbook was excel lent; it settles several issues that have needed t.o be settled. The conference on map-making, presented by a group from the University ofW1SC0nsin - Stevens Point, which I had expected t.o be a yawner, turned out t.o be one of the best rd ever seen. These guys have some great ideas of how t.o do a map that's useful t.o a hiker, and still easy t.o produce, using some of the available modern technol ogy. Some of the ideas from this session will doubtless be reflected in upcoming NCNSTtrail maps. The sessions on using the World Wide Web as a trail resource proved t.o be an eye-opener for a lot of people. I know other people got a great deal out of other sessions. All in all, it was a most interesting and valuable weekend.

The joint North Countiy/Ice Age Trail conference in WISCOnsin the weekend after Labor Day was a memo rable one in many ways. rm t.old that the hikes were pretty good - the only one that I had on the schedule t.o go on was cancelled - but the sessions were very good, and they included some of the best that wve ever had.

Hunt Hill Nature Cent.er proved t.o be an excellent location for the meeting, and the staff was very accomodating. Plus, there were a lot of good people around, and we all learned a lot and made new friends.

The conference did suffer some organizational and scheduling problems; the registration information for the conference got out quit.e late, and that probably cut int.o attendance. There were also some last-minute schedule changes that made things a bit confusing. While this is nothing new - we've had that problem at most of our conferences-this time, it did open the door for one of the most enjoyable evenings we've had at one of these events.

When I realized that due t.o schedule changes my stargaze was the only item left on the Sunday evening schedule, and that it was cloudy, I arranged t.o scrounge some firewood from the Hunt Hill staff, and invited everybody up t.o the fire ring for an old-fashioned camp fire. We had a good time, and had a lot of fun!

Dave and Jan Cornell t.old st.ories of their walk through the Cotswolds in England, and the Pennine Way in Scotland; Joan Young t.old of her hike through the Adirondacks on the congressionally-proposed NCT rout.e, which the Adirondackers laughingly refer t.o as a trail; GeorgeTresnackwasproddedint.oreciting,frommemoiy, his poem, "The Trek of '93", which will be in a future newsletter.

That last deserves an aside. rd already seen the poem, and, in fact, had typeset it for the newsletter-and it's good. But, it's so much better to hear around a blazing campfire, with a bunch offriends, with George's excellent presentation, and t.o hear some of the background behind the st.oiy of George's dogsled trip through the Chequame gon National Forest.

In addition t.o that, there were a lot of other st.ories t.old; someone produced a guitar and sang some country music; someone else produced an Irish penny whistle, and it even cleared off enough for me t.o get out the telescope and show off the Andromeda Galaxy, the Hercules Clus-

The deadline for the January-March issue of the Newsletter is January 1, 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 April-May issue of the newsletter will be April 1, 1997.

by the Editor

Keyboard Trails • .

.

Page 4 NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Oct. -Dec. 1996

t.er and a couple of other sky showpieces. All in all, it was a veiy laid-back, refreshing evening .

So, I was pleased a couple of days after I got back from the conference t.o receive the following in a letter from Joan Young: "Just wanted t.oletyou knowthatl think the campfire you organized and MC'ed so expertly was one of the most important things that occurred at the confer ence. The only way that such a politically diverse group of folks, each with their own trail agendas and t.errit.ories, will pull together is if they (we) begin t.o feel like a group of our own. Allegiances t.o groups are formed by eamara derie and shared experiences, not by attending meetings and seminars. I think that lots of folks have good things t.o share if they feel welcome t.o do so, and are prodded a bit. I know that there were several people I would not have gotten t.o know at all this weekend without the campfire experience. Also, each person you called on goes home feeling valued and wanted. Don't worry, I know that meetings are important too, but I also know that both dimensions are important. So thanks!"

Thanks t.o you too, Joan. let's do it again, sometime.

Follow the electronic North Country Trail! The new NCTA Web site Is: http://people.delphl.com/Wesboyd/ncnst.htm Note the lack of the "www" common in ~.if not m09t web ate URL..

to give away per year. Trail Leader Members will receive one. Our hope is that after a free year of membership, people won't be able to resist joining NCTA at regular rates. This program could lead to one hundred Free Members renewing as paying mem bers each year. It also means an additional benefit for folks joining at our higher levels of membership.

The final new category is that of Sponsored Mem ber. Now, every member ofNCTA can "sponsor'' an unlimited number of new members at an introduc tory rate of $15 for their first year. These new members must either never have been a member of NCTA, or must not have been a paying member for at least two years. Here in Michigan, John Kincaid, has already signed up more than thirty new members using this program! It's a great way to spread the word and convince new people to try us out. Look for forms printed elsewhere in this edition of the North Star, or call us if you want a bundle.

In addition to new membership categories to help spread the word, we also have two new interns working in the office who will be doing the same. One, Mike Boer, is our Wholesale Marketing Intern. He'll be working on placing some of our Trail Shop products on the shelves of park gift shops and outfit ters along the trail. He'll also be researching new products and purchasing procedures used by some of the bigger chain stores. With a little more visibility, we hope to bring in more revenue and increase aware ness of the trail.

Tiffany Wicks is our new Public Relations In tern. Her job will be writing press releases to in crease our media exposure along the trail. I expect the toughest part of her work will be coming up with ideas on things to promote. If you have any sugges tions, please call Tiffany or me at the office. Both interns will be putting in ten hours per week through December.

Lastly, I'd like to thank all the people who re sponded to our 15th Anniversary Fund Raising Chal lenge. So far, we've received $1,112.50 in donations for the General Fund, $1,374.50 for the Land Trust, and $418.00 in equipment repairs. With the pro ceeds from our Auction in Wisconsin, our Land Trust is now very near the $5,000 mark! The Challenge is still on, by the way, and we will acknowledge all new donations in our January North Star. The support to date has been a great demonstration of the dedica tion of our members to the vision of the North Coun try National Scenic Trail.

Yes, the new t-shirt.s are in! They were a big hit at the Conference in Sarona, Wisconsin; we'd hoped to have a cover photo of them for you in this issue, but production problems got in the way. We sold more than fifty shirts! In fact, Pve already had to reorder. The new shirt is white and is 100% cotton (pre-shrunk). The front has a three color version of our new logo (green, blue and rust) and the back has a two color seven state map of the trail with the projected miles for each state. The back also says: "Going the Distance on the North Country National Scenic Trail." Our operators (or, actually, letter openers) are standing by!

Speaking of the Conference in Wisconsin, Pd like to thank all of the volunteers from the North Country Trail Association and the Ice Age Park and Trail Foundation that worked so hard to pull it together. Everyone there seemed to enjoy the variety and depth of the sessions, as well as the field trip activi ties. All the behind the scenes work by the planning committee really paid off. I only wish I could have escaped a meeting or two to enjoy a field trip myselfl

Last issue, I mentioned that we were working on new ways to help you all spread the word about the North Country Trail and the Association. Since then, the Board approved three new official membership categories. Each of these is designed to bring new people into the Association.

The first, Affiliate Supporter, is actually an un official category that has been offered in the past but has now been formalized. Current members of the Buckeye Trail Association and the Finger Lakes Trail Conference can now join the NCTA at a reduced rate of $15 per year. We hope to advertise this new category by printing a form once each year in the newsletters of each organization, or through directed mailings to their members. To qualify, people will need only to submit an Affiliate Supporter member ship form with verification of their membership in BTA or FLTC. The verification could be a copy of their membership card or mailing label, or even just a signature from a crew leader.

The second new category is that of Free Member. Each year, we will distribute a limited number of Free Member Tickets to current members for them to give away. The Tickets are good for one year of free membership in NCTA, including all benefits of regu lar membership. The only catch is, you can't give one to yourselfl Each State Trail Coordinator, Life Mem ber and Pathfinder Member will receive two Tickets

Page 5 NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Countly TraU Association, Oct - Dec. 1996

Chuck wagon a bit of luxury for BTA workers

Memorial Day weekend, May 24 through 28, was the maiden voyage for the new Buckeye Trail Asso ciation chuck wagon. It will be in service for extended work parties to supply the trail builders with three meals a day at a nominal charge -- experience so far has show this to work out at about $4.00 per person. The wagon has storage for cooking utensils, camp stoves, food, and some trail tools; each person brings his own table service. It has a 55 gallon water barrel for sites without water, and electric outlets for places with electricity. It even has an honest-to-goodness ice box!

On the initial outing, three out of four days with rain was a real test, and showed where improve ments can be made -- but it was so nice to have the stoves and cooking separated from the tables and eating. Breakfast was served about 8 AM, alternat ing days with hot and cold meals. The workers then each packed their own lunch of fruit and sandwiches. Each afternoon, the cooks for the day left their trail work early to return to camp to begin the evening meal. Since menus have to be planned ahead for the purchase of food supplies, the cooks only have to prepare what's on the menu for the day, but cooking the right amount for the number of workers each day takes practice. The first time out, the BTA trail cooks came out a little short on this and a little long on that, but no one went hungry.

Look for the BTA Chuckwagon at upcoming trail maintenance events in Ohio.

source of the mighty Mississippi. Cold winds whistling across the Great Plains

cause us to pull our coats closely around our necks reminding us of the pioneers that first came to this open country in search of land to farm. The vast grasslands that gave birth to sod roofed homes wave in the wind beckoning us across their vast expanse.

With each season I find a new variety on our trail to be found nowhere else. The North Country Trail is unique among trails. The people who live along it's length are also unique. They are a blend of many cultures and religions. Dutch, Germans, Finns, Nor wegians, Danes, English, Irish, and many more are spread across the breadth of the North Country. We have a richness not found anywhere else.

Have an enjoyable harvest time and happy trails!

As the dust of the summer trail is dampened by fall rains and we bid good-bye to mosquitoes, flies and other nasty critters we now welcome a change in color and a cooling of the air. Days are still warm but nights are cool and the long hot days of summer a brief memory.

In our wanderings along the trail we can appre ciate the sections of our trail that follow colorful woodlots and yellowing cornfields. We can watch farmers as they harvest the fall crops. A stop by McConnel's Mill, in Pennsylvania, reminds us of the bread we will see from the grains harvested along the trail. Stops along the trail at farm vegetable and fruit stands offer an experience not found on ridge top trails. Walking through New York vineyards reminds us of the heavily laden grapes now in har vest and soon to be fine wine. A walk along Ohio canal towpaths remind us of days when water travel took the harvest to markets all over the midwest.

Walking through Fort Michlimackinac reminds us of the harshness of seasons in our Revolutionary War times when food had to be stored for the entire winter season. Where herbs and flowers are dried for later use and game dried and salted. This harkens us back to a time where the preparedness of the people determined the quality of life in remote villages and forts, a time of danger and uncertainty.

Views of the Great Lakes along the trail cause us to remember the first explorers who came by boat from the east coast. The Griffin and many other ships lost in storms on the lakes over the last two centuries. The lighthouses that still warn of shoals and rocky shores. You can almost imagine the steam ers that plied the waters between Detroit, Duluth and Chicago bringing raw materials from northern mines and finished goods back into the North Coun try.

Camping in the Northern Michigan woods on these cool mornings brings to mind the loggers who felled the great trees in the last century. The smell of pancakes and coffee that fed the lumberjacks and started their days with their tales of Paul Bunyan. And later, the hiking along the bed of their old narrow gauge rail lines that hauled the lumber from the forests. You can almost hear the steam engines in the distance.

In Wisconsin and Minnesota we feel the brisk cold of evenings fall with perhaps a wisp of snow reminding us of Old Man Winter's imminent arrival. We cross the old portage trails and remember the voyagers hurrying their cargo canoes to paddle back to Montreal before ice seals the lakes and rivers. We can see the early morning frost at water's edge at the

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Oct. - Dec. 1996 Page 6

Bob Papp, &ecutive Director As you've heard, the U.S. Forest Service recently

issued an Executive Order banning mountain bikes from 38 miles of the North Country Trail in the Huron Manistee National Forest. The remaining 80 miles of t.his segment are now classified as "multi-use," and

What's Next?

National Scenic Trail we manage. We sent letters seek ing input for our analysis to interested parties, organi zations and agencies interested in our management of the North Country Trail. Over 150 responses were received, with approximately 80 percent in favor of keeping the trail open to various non-motorized uses. Forest staff conducted field reviews on all sections of the trail and considered the enviornmental and social ef fects of uses. Based on our findings, Forest Supervisor Stephen Kelley decided to adopt a special order to limit mountain bike use to 80 miles of the trail and prohibit the use of pack animals, except llamas, on the entire trail system. The total length of the trail will continue to be open to foot travel. It is our hope that this action will ensure a quality trail experience while ensuring no unacceptable impacts occur to the Forest resources, The Forest will be monitoring the effects of this decision and will make adjustments as necessary.

The forest will be working closely with all our trail partners to implement this decision. We appreciate your interest and support in helping us provide a quality trail experience on the North Country National Scenic Trail. If you would like any further information, please contact me at (616) 723-2211.

John R. Hojnowski, Assistant Ranger This September, Forest Supervisor Stephen A.

Kelley decided to restrict some trail uses on sections of the North Country Trail across the Huron - Manistee National Forests. The new regulation prohibits pack animal use and restricts mountain bike use to desig nated sections of the trail. This decision was made to address the growing controversy over uses on the trail.

Since construction began in the early 1980's, recreationists have flocked to the Huron-Manistee Na tional Forests to enjoy the North Country National Scenic Trail. Originally, trail use was light and hiker oriented. The . long, winding trail opened the door to experiencing some of the most beautiful areas the forest has to offer. As word spread, trail use rose. In the mid- 1980's, we noticed that mountain bike use was becom ing popular on the trail. At first, the amount of use was light and appeared to be acceptable by trail users. Around 1990, mountain bike use began to increase dramatically. By 1995, mountain bike use was esti mated to account for approximately 60 percent of the total trail use on the forest, whereas 39 percent was foot travel and 1 % was pack animal use. As mountain bike use has grown, so has controversy over its appropriate ness on the trail.

In 1995, the Forest began analyzing the issue of acceptable trail uses on t.he section of North Country

A note from the Manistee Forest

Page 7 NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country TraH Association, Oct - Dec. 1996

For more than a year, the staff of the Huron-Manistee National Forest has been studying the issue of mountian bikes on the North Country Trail in the Manistee National Forest. On Septem ber 10, it was announced that Forest Supervisor Stephan A Kelley had by passed the review process then under way, and opened 80 of the 118 miles in the national forest to mountain bikes, despite serious concerns on the part of theNationalParkServiceandtheNorth Country Trail Association about degredation of the trail experience. At the same time pack animals, with the exception of llamas, were banned.

Kelley's adtion was stated verbally as an "experiment"; in a ''j~tificati?n statem~nt" issued at. the same time it was stated "This order allows the North Country Trail to provide a quality non-motorized experienc~ protects the ~nique attributes of the trail, and ensures no unacceptable impacts occur to the resources df the area." Needless to say, many feel that the For:st S~rv,~ce stateme'!t ~.~ ac~ion was wrong and wrong-headed. The Forest Service concedes that the issue is c~ntroversiaf ; it wil_l be no less so in the future. In an effort to thorougly examine the issue, several different points of view have been solicited for the articles below:

An MMBNMountain Biker Perspective by Dwain Abramowski,

Michigan Mountain Bike Association The US Forest Service - Huron-Manistee National

Forest has completed a lengthy study of the North Country Trail.

The facts: About 80 miles are open I About 30 miles are closed.

There were about five different scenarios pro posed for the Huron/Manistee section of the North Country Trail. Ranging from all opened to all closed. Some officials in the National Parks, who administer the North Country Trail, were opposed to bikes on any section of the trail. Some officials of the Huron/ Manistee (U.S. Forest Service) were not opposed to a non-motorized multi-use position allowing bikes on the trail. The membership of the NCTwas somewhat divided. Meanwhile, members of the Michigan Moun tain Biking Association had been volunteering their time maintaining the trail along with North Country Trail volunteers, who with the help of the forest service helped put in the Huron-Manistee sections of the trail. But basically, for the last several months everyone was waiting for an official position to find

80/30

In sanctioning bike use, the USFS has officially taken on the difficult responsibility of effectively managing a multi-use trail.

segment. Our view must belong term, re quiring slow but steady progress. C a t a - strophic or dramatic re- actions to this decision will only cause unpredictable and uncontrollable consequences. Remember to keep the big picture in mind. None ofus expects the trail to be completed in the near future, so it's ok to take one or two steps back. What's important is that we keep our sights on the future and turn stumbles to our advantage.

users, you were wrong.

If you thought your voice didn't matter, or that the Forest Service would cater to the minority of trail

bikes will be allowed in groups of six or fewer. Horses, by the way, have been banned from the entire 118 mile segment. In response, many people are asking, ''What do we do about it?"

If you're a hiker who's upset by this decision, bu tyou didn't take the time to contact the Forest Service during the period of public input, the first thing you need to do

is kick your self in the seat of the pants. Of the 155 let ters the For est Service received on this issue, only 26 advo- cated a foot

traffic only trail. 79% of the letters supported multi use. The writing's been on the wall for this decision since last spring when the public input period closed, If you thought your voice didn't matter, or that the Forest Service would cater to the minority of trail users, you were wrong.

Shortly after the decision was announced, I wrote an article for the newsletter of the Michigan Moun tain Biking Association. In it, I repeated our ongoing concerns about the sustainability of bike use on the trail and the impact of bikes on the experience of hikers. I also stressed that the real work in the Huron-Manistee was just beginning. Multi-use on this type of trail will require active maintenance, redesign and improvement, not to mention continu ous evaluation by and education of trail users. Per haps most importantly, I stated that the North Coun try Trail Association would work with the Forest Service and the Mountain Biking Association in these efforts.

In turn, we will expect the Forest Service and the Michigan Mountain Biking Association to expend con siderable efforts along the trail. In sanctioning bike use, the USFS has officially taken on the difficult responsi bility of effectively managing a multi-use trail. In pressing for and gaining bike access, MMBA has as sumed the responsibility all trail users have to main tain and improve the trail. For the good of the trail, we can not allow either of these organizations to neglect these responsibilities.

This is not to imply that we will, in any way, walk away from our own responsibilities. The North Country Trail Association is married to the North Country National Scenic Trail, for better and for worse. We can not abandon our commitment to this segment of trail any more than we could abandon a spouse in intensive care. The trail needs our strength and our passion now, more than ever.

Let me put that a little more bluntly. This segment of trail will survive, with or without the support of hikers. If we are not active and vocal in the ways I mentioned above, we will lose the trail to other inter-

Page B NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Oct. - Dec. 1996

ests, and the trail will lose the identity and the vision that we give it.

So, what's next? To begin with, rn be meeting with representatives from the Forest Service and the Michi gan Mountain Bikers Association to ask that same question. ru be pushing for specific trail head improve ments, including: an evaluation system with forms and drop boxes for trail users; and interpretive signage that describes our vision for the NCNST. These are small but important steps that will help us document problems and build support for the National Scenic Trail concept.

It's also critical that volunteers and hikers con tinue to take ownership in and have a presence on this trail

by Wes Boyd Editor, North Star

One morning, about four hundred years ago, Isaac Newton was sitting under a tree, minding his own business, when an apple hit him on the head. Doubtless, he said something that was unrecorded largely because it was unprintable, but upon reflection he made some comments about the way things work.

Well, folks, the apple has hit us on the head, and most of us have had our comments, unprintable or not, about it. But, Newton's comments still apply:

1. A body at rest will stay at rest, until some force acts upon it to set it in motion.

Let's face facts. We shot ourselves in the foot on the mountain bikes in the Manistee National Forest issue, largely due to inaction. Of the 150-odd comments re ceived on the issue, only about fifteen percent opposed allowing them there. Where'd everybody go? Did we let ourselves get complacent, and think that the Forest Service would never let something like this happen? As NCTA members and North Country Trail supporters, we sure did! A hundred letters, a couple of hundred, would have made a lot of difference ... maybe.

Going back over the old documentation, it seems clear that the intent of the Forest Service from the beginning was to open the trail in the Manistee Na tional Forest up to mountain bikes, and damn the consequences. In fact, when the Forest Supervisor took executive action to override the review process, it would appear that the reviews were going against the moun tain bikers, who are at least literate enough to write letters. Although not stated, it's implicit in the proposal that closing the whole trail to mountain bikes was the least desirable alternative for the Forest Service. Actu ally stated in documentation were comments that said if hikers didn't like the decision, they should go some where else. We should have seen it coming, and taken more action a year ago, instead of letting this happen.

The National Park Service has made their case against mountian bikes on the trail rather forcefully. Your president, and the past and present executive directors have put a lot of effort into the issue - but

... and an editorial comment

Falling apples

spring and summer is there regardless of the intentions of humans. The trail does not care for - or about us as hikers or bikers. Anything that the trail "is" - is brought there by each of us who use it.

When I bike or hike the North Country Trail, I will bring to the trail a sense of wonder, an appreciation of it's beauty and a respect for it's power. The trail "will be what it is" with each step I take or circle ofmy wheel. I will take joy in my freedom on the NCT and find freedom in my joy on the NCT.

I wish the same to you.

Mountain bikers retained some of the most glorious and inspiring ribbons of trail

For mountain bikers, the adventure of meeting mother nature through the eyes of dynamic motion called to the child in them.

out where they fit in to the use and responsibility for the trail.

Understandably, the biggest complaint from hik ers on the trail was that of solitude. The expectation of traveling down a trail alone for miles at a time beckoned each of their foot-steps to unfold a special secret, the secret perhaps: "in solitude alone can a man know true freedom" (Montaigne). For mountain bikers, thead venture of meeting mother nature through the eyes of dynamic motion called to the child in them, hailing them from every grain of sand, leaf, rock, root and stick on the trail. In riding a bike there is a child-like joy waiting for all ofus and ''to miss the joy is to miss it all" (R.L.Steveuson).

But the talk is finished. The sharing has begun and our care and responsibility for the trail is now duty. To share the sections open to multi-use and abstain from mountain biking on those sections closed to multi-use.

The closed sections are from Dilling Road South to M-55 (10 miles), from the Bowman Lake trail-head near Baldwin south to Nichols Lake (17 miles) and from M- 20 south to Croton Dam (19 miles). Mountain bikers retained some of the most glorious and inspiring rib bons of trail including the Marilla trail-head south from M-115 and the US 10 portion of trail North through Freesoil. This is not to say that the pine plantations north of the Croton Dam and other portions of the NCT didn't have their unequivocal magic when put into motion on a bike. They will be missed. But the solitude

has been gifted to all those who would take the time to seek it on these sections closed to mountain biking. It should be noted that the fact is, other than a busy weekend in the summer or fall, the gift of solitude is there for taking, like a big red raspberry in the bounty of mother nature's

most fruitful season (sorry ... the trail just does that to you ... ), for anyone who so chooses to ride (open portions) and/or hike the trail, just about any other day of the year. This was true even before the decision.

Much can be said about the nature and implication of positions by officials of the National Park Service, officials of the Huron/Manistee National Forest, the NCT, and the MMBA. But the fact of the matter is the trail does take anything or give anything to anyone who chooses to use it. The beauty of it's fall colors or the harsh unforgiving blanket of winter, or the potential of

Page 9 NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Oct - Dec. 1996

to want to turn a.nice walking trail into a linear sand dune.

They have just proven that they have people that are dumb enough

But, I'll let you in on a secret: maybe it doesn't have to be. It won't be easy to reverse this decision, but we - and I mean all of us, not just your NCTA president or executive director-would be disregarding our duty if we didn't tcy. And, there are things that we can do.

The first, and by far the most important thing that we as lovers of the North Countcy Trail can do is to make our concerns known - not just on the issues, but on the consequences.

• If you're out on the trail, and some biker comes by you at 40 miles an hour, flips you the bird and yells, ''Get the%&*()#%"& out of my way'', or you see other such uncivilized stuff, don't give up on the trail! Instead, make darn sure that you report the incident to the Forest Service. When you write, send a copy to the NCTA office, so that we can independantly compile a packet of documentation to use at the right time. It might not hurt to drop a copy to your senator or con-

gressman, too. •If you see un

acceptable trail damage from mountain bikes - waterbars by passed, gullies, ero sion - report it! Bury them in let ters, tie up their phones with com plaints! By sanctioning this activ

ity, the Forest Service has at least morally taken the responsibility for it - it's our duty, as individuals and as an organization, to hold them to it. The Michigan Mountain Bike Association has said that they will take a hand in repairing trail damage - let's either hold them to it or prove that they're talking through their backward-facing hats.

• Most especially, if you see ANY mountain bike activity on the closed sections of the trail, report it immediately! The Forest Service has said that they intend to monitor and police bike activity on closed sections. Again, let's hold them to it, or else prove that they're only giving lip service to it!

Hikers have put many, many hours of work into the NCT in the Manistee National Forest for many years, and, in light of this decision, rd have a hard time blaming any trail maintainer for throwing their hands up in disgust and walking away - but, please, DON'T do it! If for no more reason than we need people familiar with the trail to document damage - people that have worked with the Forest Service in the past. The reports and comments from these people will bear more weight than a report from someone not known to the Forest Service personnel.

It won't be easy. It would have been better had it not happened at all, but sitting under a tree, waiting for the next apple to fall,just guarantees that we're going to get whacked in the head again.

8. For every action, there i8 an equal and opposite reaction.

The Forest Service may think this is a done deal. The "serious dirt" mountain bikers that want to tear up a treadway may think that this is a done deal forever and ever, amen.

2. A body in motion will stay in motion until a · force acts upon it to stop it.

There can be no doubt that this represents a foot in the door. Nowhere else on any National Scenic or His toric Trail has any National Forest approved mountain bike use. There are cases where it is allowed because no action has been taken, but it's unsanctioned. This action sets a precedent that is causing serious concern in the whole trails community. Keeping mountain bikes off of National Scenic and Historic Trails has just become a more difficult and serious issue for evecyone involved with the trails.

And, people know it; the first calls I got querying the action came from Washington, and not from Michigan. I've heard of serious concern from the Appalachian Trail people, and of vecy serious concern from the Florida Trail people - made more serious in their case by the fact that they are a Forest Service trail, and not under the Park Service. Is this policy an indicator of new national policy by the Forest Service? They've got a right to be concerned!

Let no one in the trails community think that the Forest Service is watching out for the best interest of your trail. They have just proven that they have people that are dumb enough to want to turn a nice walking trail into a linear sand dune.

This does give trails people elsewhere a chance to build a case against similar multiple use on other traila or on the NCT. We - or they - will be able to say in a few years, "The Forest Service tried multiple-use in the Manistee, and it didn't work. Here's the documentation to prove it." The only fly in that ointment is that there are already adequate studies to show that hikers and mountain bikers don't mix. Now, we get to learn it first hand.

The next time the wolf comes to the door, we need to know to go get the shotgun, rather than just saying, "Nice doggie. "

except for a handful, the attitude was "Let George do it." Let this be a lesson to us. The next time the wolf

comes to the door, we need to know to go get the shotgun, rather than just saying, "Nice doggie." In the future,

we're going to all have to be much more activ ist, or we're going to lose our trail be fore we finish it. Postage is cheap; pens and papers

are easily come by. It's the first step, and it's still the most important one.

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail AsSociation, Oct. -bec: 1996 Page 10

Buckeye Trail (Ohio) Section Maps These convenient and _detailed maps cover the North country Trait' where it overlaps with the Buckeye Trail. They are publtshed by the Buckeye Trail Association.

$3.50 per map OH-A) Belle Valley: Morgan, Noble & Guernsey Co's OH-B) Bower!!ton: Harrison, Carroll & Guernsey Co's OH-C) Cea5ar Creek: Greene & Warren Counties OH-0) Defian~: Defiance, Paulding, Putnam, Henry

& Wood Counties OH-E) Delphos: Putnam: Allen & Auglaize Counties OH-F) Loveland: Clermont,Warren & Hamilton Co's OH-G) Massillon: Stark and Tuscarawas Counties OH-H) New Straitsville: Athens, Hocking, Morgan

and Perry Counties · OH-I) Old Man's Cave: Hocking,Ross&Vinton Co's OH-J) Scioto Trail: Ross & Pike Counties OH-K) Sinking Spring: Adams,Pike & Highland Co's

1 OH-L) St. Marys: Auglaize & Shelby Counties OH-M)Stockport: Morgan, Perry & Athens Counties OH-N) Troy: Greene, Miami & Montgomery Counties OH-0) West Union: Adams & Brown Counties OH-P) Williamsburg: Brown & Clermont Counties

x . ,;~i1 \ ~: .t~ 1-~. Michigan Map Sets > ~ 11~ -- . by Ardef! Johnson

:'.j , \ An excellent reference k- . :;~~!Mil ., ~; ·., for the enti~e .No~h _ h~f;fil@~~z-;-::1,- .> , '-Country Trail in M1ch1gan

~.:..-dJ ----=-- .:» $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

<< M-APSS

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. 0() per set NY-A) Covers PA border to Portageville NY-B) Covers Portageville to Watkins Glen

-+NY-C) Covers Watkins Glen 1<> NW of Cuyler

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 descnptlons by experienced guide-book writers who have walked the sections with a measuring wheel. In easy to use looseleaf form.

Whole set w/ binder $26.50 New:NCT in Michigan (153 pages) $17.00

·Allegheny NF & Gook State Forest $ 4.00 Wayne National Forest $ 2.50 Burr Oak-Sinking Spring $ 5.50 Little Miami Scenic Park $ 3.00 Miami & Erie Canal $ 2.50 Manistee National Forest $ 4.00

New:Ml-37 to Doblesky Rd,Wilderness SP $ 5.50 Hiawatha NF east, Taquamenon SF $ 4.00 Pictured Rocks, Hiawatha NF west · $ 3.00 Ottawa National Forest $ 4.00 Chequamegon National Forest $ 3.00 Chippewa National Forest $ 3.50 Sheyenne National Grassland $ 1.50

1l'RADIL >>

NORTH (OUNTRYL___~~'-=----

TRADL IHOPO<T·DE<,'96

U • Following the North Country Nat'/ Scenic Trail D i North Country Trail Association 0 • Guide to the NCT - Chippewa National Forest n 11

• Michigan Map sets u ' Trail Building and Maintenance Manual u • Trail Supporter Pin 0 1 by Thomas J. Reimers $2.00 i! • Trail Supporter Mug 0 · This very useful manual for trail volunteers provides: ,, • NCTA T-Shirt (Two-sided, white, cotton, pre-shrunk) 1) guidelines for planning and construction of the 1'

• NCTA Trail Building and Maintenance Manual ~ ' North Country Trail, 2) guidelines for continued t: J maintenance of the NCT, and 3) helpful suggestions ,~ For information, 0 regarding trail construction and maintenance. It r: ca// the NCTA office at (61.6)-454-5506 C covers rural and roaded natural, semi-primitive and '" ::_- J :.--::-: C::J r:_-: 1= cc-c =' C:::J r.r.: :·:-: c:::::: ::_::i .::-_: = = c'J • primitive trail. 22 pgs.

by Dennis R. Hansen Michigan trail enthusiasts - don't get caught without this book! This incredible work includes maps and descriptions for more than 500 hiking, biking, skiing, and nature trails in Mictugans UP and lower

n : L! peninsula. Search by location or types of use!

0 :

$26.95 Trail Atlas of Michigan

$6.95 Go West Old Man, Forty-Five Days on the FLT by James E. De Wan 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.

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

$19.95 Trails Across Amerjca

$2.95!

Following the North Country National Scenic Trail SPECIAL SALE PRICE: by Wes Boyd, NCTA newsletter editor Full of information, this book directs readers to more in depth resources they may need to follow the trail. Although not really a 'i~~~{jj~~~I guidebook, this is our - most inclusive publication covering the whole North Country National Scenic Trail. 64 pgs.

80011<1 OF IPIECIAL DNTEREIT

Wholesale prices are available for these items in quantities of 1. 0 or more:

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~ WHOLElALE PRICEl ~ 0 D

$5.95 $2.50 $7.95 $6.95

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

Finger Lakes Trail Guidebooks Published by the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, these helpful books cover various parts of the North Country National Scenic Trail where it overlaps the FLT in

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

by The Michigan Trailfinders Offers a detailed description of the trail from the White Cloud Trailhead to Big Star Lake and from US10 to McCarthy Lake.

$2.95 Guide to the North Country Trail, Manistee National Forest

TRAIL GUIDIEI

• Make check or money order payable and send to: NCTA Trail Shop/ 49 Monroe Center, Suite 2008 /Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 •

Name: MERCHANDISE TOTAL: ------------ Address: NCTA Members deduct 10%:

Michigan residents add 6% sales tax: _________ , -- ---- Phone: Shipping/Handling:

---------- GRAND TOTAL:

Shipping and handling fees: $2QQ on orders $0°0 - $10QQ 1-----------------i---+------+------1 $3QQ on orders $10°1- $25QQ 1-----------------i---+------+------1 $4QQ on orders $25Qj,·$100QQ $5QQ on orders over $100QQ

Item Description Qty. Price Ea. Total Order Form ~------------------- Available for all seven states

$1.50 State Patch Trail Patch $ 3.00

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

N 1 5· 5-35 MILE T HIKING CLUB

'96 Conference Patch $ 3.00

l!N.C.T. -VOLUNTEERf I Volunteer Patch $ 1. 50

NCNST Postcard 40¢ Blue ~rail map

$ 5.95

Trail Supporter Pin$ 2.95 3/4" cloisonne /.{----0."-,

II a :;,.\'

~~~,~J

MERCHANDISE TRAIL IUPPORTER

STATE CURRENT CHANGE TRAIL.MILES MEMBERSHIPS MEMBERSHIPS SINCE AUG 1 IN STATE TO GOAL

North Dakota 9 - 2 435 426 Minnesota 39 - 2 375 336 Wisconsin 35 - 2 155 120 Michigan 386 + 38 875 489 Ohio 41 + 1 700 659 Pennsylvania 38 - 2 180 142 New York 38 - 3 520 482 Other States/Countries 58 n/a

Our new membership goal is one member for every mile of trail planned. Some states lost members this time around as non-renewals from our busiest month (June) dropped out of our "grace period." Look at Michigan go! Thanks go to John Kincaid. Using the hew Sponsored Member program, he signed up more than 50 new members in August and September!

North Dakota s Mlnnesota e Wisconsin* Michigan 'Ohio* Pennsylvanta e New York

• A S S 0 C I' AT I 0 N_ ~

STATE MILES CHANGE % CERTIFIED .SINCE AUG 1 DONE

North Dakota 60.5 6 13.9 Minnesota 81.0 0 21.6 Wisconsin 70.9 0 45.7 Michigan 563.9 0 64.4 Ohio 277.4 0 39.6 Pennsylvania 119.3 0 66.3 New York 137.6 0 26.4

Our challenge for the year 2000 is to have 2,000 certified miles completed. We now have more than 1,300 miles certified. No additions this time, but we hear there are a few coming up the pipe! Here's the current breakdown by state:

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

1 Address: _

: City/ST/Zip+4: _ I 1 H-Phone: W-Phone: _ I . 1 E-Mail: _ I 1 Skills to Volunteer: _ I

Name: _

Please make check payable and mail to: NCTA • 49 Monroe Center Suite 2008 • Graid R~ids Ml 49503

$ _

Would you like to be a Member-at-Large, or a Chapter Member (Please check one):

D Member-at-Large D SE Wisconsin D Headwaters (MN) D Grand Traverse Clb D Chequamegon {WI) D Western Michigan D North Country Trail Hikers (Michigan UP)

D I would like to further support the work of NCTA with my tax-deductible contribution of:

D $ 25 Individual D $ 35 Household D $ 50 Trail Leader D $100 Pathfinder

r- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ..

:·MEMBERJHIP FORM: D YES! I want to support the North Country 1

Trail Association. Enter my annual member- I ship at the following level: '

I D $ 45 Organizationt D $500 Corporation · Lifetime Membershl s:

0$400 Individual 0

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF HAVING A CONTINUOUSLY-MARKED TRAILROUTE? The major advantage of having a continuously-marked trail rout.e is that it would respond to the reasons-the "whys"-for end-to-end trail marking discussed in the previous section. In addition, the following advantages were identified:

- Off-road trail segments simply cannot be estab lished through some areas of the overall route without the expenditure of huge sums of money to acquire a right-of-way. An end-to-end trail marking policy would ensure that there is some type of marking along the entire general rout.e of the trail even if some parts are never established as off-road trail.

- There are some areas along the trail where the physical features of the landscape are an obstacle to establishing off-road trail segments. The only option for passing through the area is to walk along established road or highways. Without an end-to-end trail marking policy, these roads could not be marked as connections between off-road trail segments.

- Having the trail [route] marked from end to end would allow communities along the route to identify with thetrailandhavetrail-relatedevents, even if there are presently no off-road trail segments in the vicinity.

- End-to-end marking of the trail Iroutel would help to creat.e the identity of the continuity or "connected ness" of the trail.

- The local, but coordinated, efforts to identify a safe, continuously marked rout.e, install the markers, and maintain them would provide an opportunity for involvement by volunteers who may not have the inter est or physical ability to participat.e in constructing and maintaining off-road trail segments.

- Impromptu users of the trail, who have not re searched the details of the current completion status of the trail, would be able to continue their use beyond the end points of existing marked otl'-road segments, with out having to obtain maps or guidebooks.

allows those in the local area, who know area roads and other routes best, to give significant consideration to hiker safety in the selection of those routes, since a large portion of the connecting routes would likely place the hiker in an environment designed for motor yehicles.

Having the trail lroutel marked along its entire length would help to establish local recognition and support for the trail. Mapping companies, such as the DeLorme Map Company, which is publishing a series of Stat.e atlases, would likely be more amenable to includ ing the trails on their maps if they could show a continu ous line for the trail instead of lots of disconnected pieces.

Another reason for marking a continuous rout.e is to improve the level of safe passage for those who int.end to walk the entire trail Iroutel or long sections ofit. Pre identification of routes to connect existing off-road trail segments by local int.erests would enable them to take into consideration the safety of walkers along various alt.ernative routing opportunities.

Page 15

WHYWOULD WEWANTTOMARKTHETRAIL ROUTE FROM END TO END?

As more and more people are becoming aware of the outstanding recreation opportunities afforded by these trails, int.erest in hiking "the entire trail [rout.el" or long segments ofit is increasing .. End-to-end marking would facilitat.e their travel between existing off-road trail segments and provide the opportunity for the trail partners to identify and mark the best connecting routes between these segments. 'Ihe identification process

WHAT DO PEOPLE HAVE IN MIND WHEN THEY SPEAK OF "END-TO-END TRAIL MARK ING?"

This means a variety of things to those who propose it, including:

- Placing markers at regular int.ervals along a continuous rout.e that has been identified between the two t.ermini of the authorized rout.e of the trail, includ ing existing off-road trail segments and other routes where such segments do not presently exist.

- Using backroads (little-used or low-volume coun try roads) and other alt.ernative routes to fill in gaps between existing off-road trail segments, resulting in a continuous rout.e along which trail markers can be placed.

- Marking a continuous rout.e so that, at a mini mum, the "general rout.e" of the entire trail is marked and visible in the areas through which it passes.

- Connecting existing off-road trail segments with other types of marked routes, providing users with a way to get "from here to there" in areas where such segments do not presently exist.

- Marking in some fashion, as part of the trail, routes that are presently "uncertifiable" and, therefore, not eligible to be marked with the official trail emblem.

End to end trail marking studied at conference workshop

Within both the North Country and loo Age Na tional Scenic Trails communities, there has been dis cussion of what is generally referred to as "end-to-end trail marking." The Sept.ember 1996 joint annual con ference of the North Country Trail Association and the loo Age Park and Trail Foundation near Sarona, WIS consin, provided an opportunity to explore this issue during a workshop session with some of those who were in att.endance. The following information and notes resulted from the ideas contributed by those at that session.

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Oct - Dec. 1996

[Workshop session led, and summary written, by Tom Gilbert, Superintendent, Ice Age, North Country, and.Lewis and Clark National Trails, National Park Sero ice]

POSSIBLE FOUNDATIONAL PREMISES FOR ANY END-TO-END TRAIL MARKING SCENARIO:

- No partner will take a permanent interest in lands involved in a temporary route.

- Permission will be obtained from the responsible managers before placing any markers. This could include, for example, the agency responsible for the road right-of-way and the utility company that owns the utility poles (if markers are to placed on them).

lieu of marking the route on-the-ground. - Signs used to mark the route between existing off

road trail segments should specify ''t.emporary'' or "in terim."

- Compile and publish only a narrative description of the connecting routes between off-road trail seg ments.

- Use the standard [paint] blaze along connecting routes as on off-road segments, but without any addi tional signage specifically identifying the name of the trail.

- Use the standard blaze, but with a 'T' superim posed on top of it for "Temporary,"

- Use a consistent marker along connecting routes, but one that is different than along off-road segments.

- Do not mark the connecting routes, but place informational signs at both ends of off-road trail seg ments identifying where the next off-road segment begins.

- Mark only "true" connecting routes (e.g., those 5 miles or less in length) between off-road segments, not long spans in the general route where there are no existing off-road segments.

- Use a combination of approaches; it doesn't have to be all one way or the other. Consider a combination such as maps, an accompanying narrative description, and on-the-ground marking of "true" connectors or connect ing routes.

- Publicly identify the proposed/preferred/ultimate route first, before marking the temporary connecting routes, so that the temporary status of the route is clear and does not undermine efforts to establish off-road trail segments.

Along with these suggestions, several people men tioned other issues that would need to be considered, but which could not be discussed in the time available. These included:

- Frequency of marking decisions-Should line of sight spacing be used on marked temporary routes, or should only turns in the route be marked?

- Joint involvement decisions-Will all of the major partners participate in the identification and marking of the temporary routes as well as support and promote them?

- On what will the markers be placed/posted?

WHAT ARE POSSIBLE WORKABLE SCE NARIOS FOR IMPLEMENTING THE END-TO END TRAIL MARKING CONCEPT?

Considering the reasons for establishing a continu ously marked trail route, and taking into account the advantages and disadvantages to the extent possible, those at the workshop session suggested the following:

- Develop and publish only maps of these routes in

WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF HAV INGACONTINUOUSLY-MARKED TRAILROUTE?

Despite the reasons and advantages for establish ing end-to-end trail marking, there are some legitimate concerns and drawbacks to such a proposal.

- Local officials may not be receptive to the idea of encouraging public recreational use of roads by pedes trians due to liability implications and concerns.

- Those working to establish and maintain a con tinuously marked route could be in the position of inviting users into ''unsafe" conditions, i.e., an environ ment designed for motor vehicles.

- The pattern of vehicle use along roads included in temporary, continuous marked routes could change drastically and/or suddenly, changing the complexion of relative "safety'' on previously low traffic volume roads.

- Marking the route of the trail in some fashion along its entire length could undermine efforts to estab lish off-road trail segments. Landowners might be less willing to consider allowing the trail across their lands when they can see that a marked, usable route already exists. Public and private sources of support (agencies, foundations, etc.) might be less willing to commit re sources (funds) to securing lands for the trail when a continuously marked, usable route exists.

- Having the trail continuously marked, end-to-end, may mislead long-distance users and others into think ing that the work of establishing the trail is done.

- There would be more trail markers and signs to maintain.

- Installing and maintaining markers along roads and other ''t.emporary'' routes would utilize volunteer efforts that otherwise could possibly be used to estab lish more miles of off-road trail.

- Volunteers who establish and maintain marked ''t.emporary" routes could get emotionally attached to these routes and support them as the permanent route. Communities along roads included in temporary routes could likewise become attached and fight against re routing the trail along newly completed off-road seg ments.

- Uses that would be permissible along temporary road routes, such as A'IVs, horses, and bicycles, but would or may not be permissible on adjoining off-road segments may be tempted or enticed to continue onto the off-road segments.

- The identification and marking of a continuous route may invite or encourage trespass or misuse of lands for cam ping, water source access, etc. where there are no support facilities along temporary routes (and unlikely to be any efforts to establish such facilities).


Ed Talone

was a constant source of confusion to hikers. Today, even non-hikers see a white blaze and know

it is the AT. This reaps enormous benefits including land and cash donations, rides to town, etc.

The NCT is currently marked with every color you could think of. Some areas are very confusing. Now is the time to let the "blue blaze" inspire future dreams.

We can increase membership! Currently, six of the seven NCT states have less than 50 members. In all six states, trail designation fill the "North Country 'I'rail" is downplayed. Only "certified" sections are marked, and never is the idea put forth to the hiker that they are standing on a 4500 mile trail from New York - North Dakota. This is wrong! The NCT is a big deal and we should proclaim it!

Casual hikers who walk three miles on a New York trail probably won't remember it. If they know that it was three miles of the famous 4500 mile NCT, you can bet they will remember it.

This identification is what the NCT is missing. This does not mean taking down FLT signs in New York, etc. but the trail certified and temporary should be clearly shown as NCT.

Today, the NCT exists in disconnected pieces, all of them away from populated areas.

A marked trail will increase use. People will walk a trail (and join up, maintain, etc.) if they see it. Even if it is along a road. When they walk it they might like it. Often, they own land along it, or near enough to be useful. Someday, they might donate land for the tail, or leave money for its protection. Current benefits include campsites, shuttle services, etc. Many land owners allow trails on their land simply so they can adopt a section.

Chapters will be more easily started in towns if they see the marked trail passing through (Towns along the AT cherish "their" trail).

Best of all, maintainers will be easier to recruit. People will work on what they can see. It is harder to sell a concept.

Finally, the strongest argument for marking a con tinuous NCT is the concept of the NCT itself.

I have maintained sections of the AT for 13 years. I cannot set foot on it without thinking "Maine to Georgia.• You can feel it in your soul and see it in every white blaze.

The NCTcould have this. Evezy blue diamond should remind you that the miles you walk or maintain are linked for over 4500 miles from New York-North Dakota.

Think about it - Dream about it

I have learned with dismay that a workshop/discus sion was held at the annual meeting debating the pros/ cons ofmarkingtheNCT. Dismay, because I couldn't be there.

I will begin the discussion by dealing with the negatives to marking trail which I have heard most regarding the NCT. As support for my arguments, I will use the example of the Appalachian Trail (AT) which has 75 years of history to call on.

1. We can't (or shouldn't) mark non-certified trail, or road miles because it is not the final route.

Answer - As recently as 1970, nearly 25 percent of theATwasonroads. --ItwasALLmarked. Today,only 30-40 road miles remain. There is no history to support the argument that marking road miles is detrimental to a trail project.

Certification of trail is very important to the quality of the trail experience. We do not need to wait for it though as a reason to mark the trail.

-- Again to the AT: It was continuously marked by 1938. It is still not

all certified 58 years later (about 30 miles to go). 2. It will divert many person - hours to mark the

trail. Besides I (The Trail Enthusiast) like the road the trail is on. I don't want to see it moved.

Answer - In places where the NCT is not marked there is currently little activity (e.g. North Dakota). This becomes a self-fulling prophecy. Ifwe don't provide a trail for people to notice, why should they take an interest in it? Putting up say one marker pin every half mile on road walks is do-able and will have numerous benefits. (Keep reading!)

As to the notion of keeping a section of trail on roads, the NCTA must intervene. Member clubs must be reminded of the overall objective of having the NCT become a continuous off-road trail.

The AT Conference had to fight similar battles with loyal members over the Cumberland Valley, Pennsylva nia road walk.

3. Can we do it? How much needs to be marked? Answer - Yes!! Currently around 2500 miles is

marked in some fashion. This leaves around 2000 miles to connect the "pieces." (note: Sue Lockwood, Gordon Smith and I marked many miles of trail during our 1994 thru hike. It was easy and a lot of fun.

Long-term NCTA goals should include consistent marking of the trail with one standard marker.

The white rectangular AT blaze is the most famous in the hiking world. It was not always thus. Until the 1950's, the AT was marked in a myriad of colors. This

End to end marking

The North Country Trail needs to be fully marked now!

Page 17 NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Oct - Dec. 1996

'The planning team now plans to identify the favored route within a corridor of opportunity specifi cally recording and considering landownership pat terns. A draft environmental assessment will then be written, and another set of open houses will be held in the winter of 1996-97 to record the responses of the affected landowners and public.

Forming a local chapter in northwest WJ.SCOnsin so the trail route can eventually be implemented and maintained is integral to the planning process. All interested parties should contact Gaylord Yost, the W1SC0nsin State Trail Coordinator, for more infor mation.

• Written comments were received from 23 indi viduals either during· the open houses or by mail. Virtually all of the respondents fully supported the general concept of a National Scenic Trail and all of the opportunities it offers as a primarily hiking trail across the planning region.

•The majority of visitors supported Alternative 2 - Moose River, the planning team's preferred alter native. The comments received reiterated that Al ternative 2 seems to be the most scenic, dry, and feasible opportunity to hike across Douglas County.

• Four people supported Alternative 4 - 18th Street/Amnicon Falls because this alternative would be near their homes giving them direct access to the trail, and the alternative comes directly into the city of Superior along the Lake Superior shoreline. An other person supported Alternative 6 - 1982 Compre hensive Plan Route since he was enthused about promoting ''quiet'' sports near Danbury, his town of residence.

NW Wisconsin Planning Marches On

By Kim Bair, NCTA Recreation Planner 'Three ''open house" meetings were held to share

information and seek public input about identifying a specific route for the North Country National Scenic Trail (NST) in northwest W1SC0nsin and Min nesota during the first week of August. In summary, seven individuals visited with us in Solon Springs, twelve stopped by in Superior, and nine came to the Ashland open house. Some people came to ask questions of a general nature and to just learn more about the North Country Trail. However, most people had specific comments regarding trail routing across the planning region. These comments will be extremely helpful in the next step of the planning process.

'The following is a general compilation of the public feedback:

Each year the NCTA awards the Distinguished Service Award to dedicated volunteers for their out standing contributions in furthering the purpose and objectives of the NCTA. This service can take many forms as the three recipients this year show. First, I need to explain that last year no one submitted a name for the award. Since three were submitted this year the Board decided to award one for 1995 and two for 1996.

The 1995 Distinguished Service Award is presented to Baird Stewart, from Ohio. Baird has contributed hundreds of volunteer hours in building the Buckeye and North Country Trails. He has worked on bridge projects, trail clearing, design, and many other aspects of trail construction and maintenance. From 1990 through 1993 Baird also served on the NCTA Board of Directors.

For 1996 we selected two recipients. The first was Wes Boyd, our newsletter editor since 1989. Wes was instrumental in making the North Star one of the finest periodicals in the trails community. He has written much of what was published in those many newsletters that have graced your mailbox. In addition, he has written two editions of the booklet "Following the North Country Trail" which many of you received whenjoining the NCTA. Wes has spent many hundreds of hours putting together newsletters, brochures, pamphlets and flyers for the NCTA. Beyond that he was a active advocate for the NCNSTcrossing Michigan State Game lands. This year, partly through Wes'sefforts, the Michi gan DNR finally allowed the NCNST to cross some of the State Game lands. Wes has also served since 1987 on the NCTA Board of Directors, and as Secretary for the last year.

Our second 1996 recipient is Merrill C. Gilfillan. Unfortunately, this award is presented posthumously. Merrill passed away July 12 of this year. For some years, he worked for the Columbus Dispatch, under the pen name of Perry Cole. In November, 1956, he wrote in the magazine section that a foot trail should be established between Cleveland and Columbus. In 1959, at a meeting in the Columbus YMCA, Gilfilian was joined by Roy Fairfield, Bill Miller, Robert Paton, Bill Price, Ken Crawford, Merle Mariette, Jim Robey, T.J. Frye and Emma Gatewood in the inaugural meeting of the Buckeye Trail Association. From there on, with Gilfilian's assstance, the BTA grew, estabilished a con stitution and opened up the first part of the trail. BTA honored him with their Founder's Award in 1991.

If you kow of anyone who merits an award please submit their name and biography (less than 1,000 words) to Derek Blount at the NCTA office.

1996-96 NCTA Distinguished Service Awards announced


that chapters form also with partnerships with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other groups for trail work and activities. That suggestion was pursued in more detail at a later session, when one participant told of Boy Scout Eagle projects that can be developed by working with scout leaders to set standards.

'The meeting was followed by a review by Menke of a new trail handbook recently completed. The handbook included addressing needs of people with disabilities without drastically changing the trail.

Medford Attorney Robert Rusch conducted a session on landowner liability as it affects trail agreements with landowners who would be willing to have a trail run through their property so long as it wouldn't result in any liability exposure. The consensus during Rusch's session and one that followed was that WISCOnsin's trespass law was the best in existence from the standpoint of protect ing landowners from lawsuits by someone injured while using their land for recreational purposes.

Rusch said that despite the landowner protection, the law can't prevent people using trails from filing lawsuits against owners of land through which the trails pass. He said landowners would have to defend them selves in court against such lawsuits, incurring legal expenses even though most judgments would be in their favor. He said some plan is needed to cover such landown ers, either by directly providing an attorney or by reim bursing landowners for their legal expenses.

During a session that followed, participants became aware ofbenefits both for trail development and to society that are possible by working with various agencies to accomplish trail objectives. Presenters included Bob Nelson, Northwest Regional Coordinator of the WISCOn sin Conservation Corps; Bonnie Burcaw of the Price County Department of Human Services, David Phillips, Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation member who works in corrections; Steve Clark of the Ice Age foundation who directed an Ice Age Trail youth work program called Project Reliant for two consecutive years; and Susan Sopiwnik of Polk County Social Services, who worked with Clark on the program.

Nelson said WCC crews consisted of five to seven young men and women. Their services are available for projects that meet certain criteria, including obvious long-term conservation benefit and meaningful diversity in the work provided. Commitment by sponsors includes materials, tools and providing a vehicle for transporta tion to projects, materials and tools.

Burcaw, manager of the job; program for the Price County Human Services Department, described a coop erative project between the department and Forest Ser vice in which three juvenile offenders and two adult welfarerecipientswereputtoworkonatrailbuildingand brushing project. She said the money for the project came directly from the state, and provided for hiring an intern to supervise the crew.

She said the attitudes of the~ <m.anged markedly during the course of the project, with~ adult welfare recipients even serving as mentors for the juveniles. She said one of the welfare recipients even demonstrated skills from his farm background that case workers weren't

Page 19

North Country, Ice Age trail groups explore future possibilities

by George Tresnack MembersoftheiceAgePark&TrailFoundation,Inc,

the North Countiy Trail .As.sociation and guests belong ing to other trail groups from New York to Florida began a joint conference assessment of this nation's environ mental future.

'That assessment was provided by keynote speaker Gaylord Nelson, who told over 100 people gathered at the Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary near Sarona that the future looks bleak if current immigration trends and population growth continue.

He held out hope that those concerned about the kind of nation being passed on to futui e generations would succeed in instilling a conservation ethic in younger people. He predicted that without such an ethic held by the majority, the long followed practice of industrial nations to in effect borrow from future generations would continue, forever preventing the development of a sus tainable society. He saw reason for encouragement in the interest in the environment that has developed among educators and in the media since 1970, when he organized Earth Day.

He credited those assembled with fostering a conser vation ethic through their dedication to developing and maintaining a national trail system that gives every American opportunities to get close to nature regardless of their means.

He reviewed his own role in establishing that system as a U.S. Senator from WISCOnsin, recalling as well the more humorous side of his years of public service for the entertainment of his audience.

Nelson reminded the audience that funding of the Appalachian Trail by the federal government came about due to concern that trail easements through private land would disappear over generations as ownership changed. He also reminded them that the other national scenic trails were not similarly funded.

'That lack of funding already was heavy on conference participants' minds as they prepared to attend two days of meetings to discuss such matters as connecting uncon nected trail segments, and maintaining trails with volun teers and personnel participating in innovative social programs.

Both matters came up early Saturday morning. May 7, during a meeting of North Country Trail Association members. Bill Menke of the U.S. Park Service reported that North Country Trail completion has been progress ing at the rate of about 100 miles a year fora total of 1,311 miles, about 40 percent of the original rongressional figure.

'The members briefly discussed organizations with trail crews available to associations. It was suggested

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Oct - Dec. 1996

Nicolet National Forest to fonn a large connecting loop. Andy Savage, program director for the Ice Age Park

and Trail Foundation, led a workshop on getting the most out of public relations and publicity efforts. He suggested that trail organizations form public relations committees rather than leaving the entire task of publicity up to one individual. He listed a number of media outlets that could be used for dissemination of information on trails in addition to commercial print and broadcasting media, including syndicated radio shows, ethnic newspapers and fitness magazines.

A husband-wife team, Chequamegon and Nicolet National Forest Archaeologist MarkBruhy and Dr. Katie Eagen, a state archaeologist, conducted a session on identifying archaeological sites along trails and how to treat the discovery of such sites. Bruhy reviewed the history of the Great Lakes Region, showing how the historyispreservedandit.sappreciationenhanced through such sites, including those within the boundaries of the two national forests. He explained that National Register of Historic Places criteria are used to determine the significance ofitems found during investigation of appar ent historic sites within the two national forests. The two archaeologists advised that anyone making an apparent archaeological find consult the state archaeologists' office for advice on how to treat the site.

Conference participants also had opportunities to participate in sessions on using trails as a cultural resource, implementing recreational objectives into for est planning, and interpreting trails for use in publica tions and public relations. Of special interest as the intense workshop schedule neared an end Sunday was a session on designing and developing sophisticated trail maps through use of computers.

Conference participants took a break from heavy workshop sessions Saturday night to hear Ann Bancroft tell about her South Pole accomplishment as team leader for the American Women's Expedition. She showed slides of the group of four women, taken while skiing over 660 miles pulling 200-pound sleds to reach the South Pole on January 14, 1993.

'The conference also provided abundant opportuni ties for those who preferred to alt.ernat.e between outdoor activities and the more serious trail support and develop ment sessions. They included bird walks; a field class through interesting geological sites; hikes on the Hunt Hill Audubon Sanctuary grounds and on segments of the North Country and Ice Age trails; a canoe trip; a field trip to learn about WISCOnsin populations of elk and wolves; and late night sessions on astronomy and night life of wildlife around the sanctuary.

Wes Boyd, NCTA board member and editor of the NCTA newsletter "North Star," brought along his tele scope to help in viewing the constellations. He also hosted a Sunday night campfire gathering during which partici pants were asked to tell about their experiences on the North Country Trail.

'Those who could stay until Monday had the opportu nity to see a demonstration of the Global Positioning System/Global Information System and learn of ways trail organizations can use the new technical innovations.

aware he had. She said the crew members were in the process of going in to jobs upon completion of the program.

Other programs cited during discussion that could be utilized for trail projects included the Jobs Training Partnership act and the Summer Youth Employment program. Criteria cited for most programs were similar, including a meaningful work experience and adequate supervision. It was suggested that trail association mem bers join such crews at the work sites from time to time to help show the program participants that they are doing meaningful work and to show that theirworkis appreciat.ed.

Clark said the Reliance project that he organized on the Ice Age Trail was made possible originally by a Bremer Foundation grant. He said it qualified for the last two years for a Challenge Cost Share grant from the National Park Service under which volunteer labor from the trail organization qualified as a matching share. In 1995theprojectwasexpanded tosixcounties, with a half time supervisor provided from each county during the summer. Theprojecthad to be downsized in 1996because of less money available.

One session participant suggested that trail organi zations and chapters make use of a Sierra Club program that provides volunt.eers for projects that are well planned and for which tools are provided. The program requires a place to camp for volunteers, manyofwhoare:retired people.

Attorney David L. Kinnamon, a member of the Ice Age Park & Trail Foundation board and a past president of the Foundation, gave a detailed presentation on trail corridor protection, including various techniques that have been used by the foundation. One was purchase of an entire tract up for sale rather than just the strip needed for the corridor itself. The mortgage and other items served as security, and the land not needed for the corridor was then sold within six months to developers planning a low density development. The sale price was the same as the foundation paid for the entire tract. Kinnamon offered advice on a number of aspects of corridor protection, including liability, monitoring of conservation easements and helping landowners with appraisals.

Steve Elkin ton, National Park Service Trails System Program Leader, offered perspectives on trail groups working together. Elkinton did not limit his advice to working with other trail groups and a number of conser vation organizations, but urged that contacts be made with motorized trail users as well when necessary to resolve conflicts. He sparked discussion of a broad spec trum of issues by asking participants to identify chal lenges. He also urged political involvement as a means to further trail development, and discussed ways for trail groups to get together more frequently.

In that connection, he raised the possibility of phYsi cal]y connecting the Ice Age and North Country trails, a question thatPeteBuddeofMilwaukeehadraisedmonths earlier during the joint conference planning process. Budde, a member of both organizations sponsoring the conference, met later during the conference with other representatives of the organizations to discuss such a connection. The group discussed side trails possib]y run ning through both the Flambeau River State Forest and the

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North CountJy Trail Association, Oct. -Dec. 1996 Page 20

Beginning March 1, 1997, I, Ed Talone will be thru hiking the NCT. The hike will cover 4500 miles, and becompletedarOUlcf November 15.Anyoneinterested in joining me can cortact me a: Ed C. Talone, 605 Pershing Drive, Silver Spring, MD, 20910 (301) 587- 0330). Section hikers are welcome as long as their sched.lles are sanewhat flexible. Daily mileage will be around 18 miles per day a a moderate pace. The NCT is an incredible trail - come experience it!

This feature brings together NCTA members for shared hiking adventures. To respond to or place an ad, call or write the NCTA office. See the inside front cover for address, phone, fax and e-mail information.

TRAIL CONNECTIONS

October 12: Erv Markert Memorial Hike. Contact FLTC, PO Box 18048, Rochester, NY 14618-0048 or call (716) 288- 7191 .

New York

December 3: Western Michigan Chapter Christmas Dinner. Social meeting 6-6:30 PM. Dinner 6:30 - 7:30 PM. Meeting at 7:30 PM. Call Ruth (616) 453-8622.

November 23: Western Michigan Chapter hikes NCT, 3 mile to 9 mile. Contact Mary P., (616) 773-6986

November 30:Western Michigan Chapter hikes Allegan State Game area. 1 O miles around Swan Lake. Contact Mary P., (616) 773-6986

November 9: Western Michigan Chapter hikes NCT, 40th to Croton. Contact Mary P ., (616) 773-6986

November 16: Western Michigan Chapter hikes Bow man Lake Foot Travel Area Contact Mary P., (616) 773-6986

November 6: North Country Trail Hikers member ship meeting at Peter White public library, Marquette, 7 PM. Doug Cornett will speak about Michigan's rivers.

October 30: Northern CountryTrail Hikers miscaneous trail work. Contact Gene at (906) 22& 1704.

November 2: ~astern Michigan Chapter hikes Nordhouse Dunes Trail. Very Scenic. Contact Mary P ., (616) 773-6986

L'Anse at 9:30. 4WDs needed for shuttle at start. For information, contact Doug at (906) 338-2680 or Richard at (906) 226- 7934.

October 26: North Country Trail Hikers North Huron MOUltains view hike. Vf!JPf streruous with climbs. Carpool from Marquette at 8 AM or meet at Hilltop Restaurant in

October 26: Western Michigan Chapter hikes Yankee Springs on NCT. 10 mi. Contact Mary P., (616) 773- 6986.

October 23: North Country Trail Hikers miscellaneous trail work. Contact Gene at (906) 22& 1704.

October 25: North Country Trail Hikers U.P. Softies group continuing hike of the NCT. For information, contact Shirley at (906) 228-6666.

October 22: North Country Trail Hikers board meeting at 12 Middle Island Point, Marquette. All members welcome.

October 18: The U.P. Softies group of the North Coun try Trail Hikers continuing hike of the NCT in day-by-day segments. Contact Shirley at (906) 228-6666.

October 19:The North Country Trail Hikers join with the Sierra Club for the monthly cleanup of the Little Presque Isle area. Meet at 10:00 AM at Little Presque Isle. For information contact Judy at (906) 228-9453.

October 19: Western Michigan Chapter hikes Owasippe Scout Reservation in Muskegon. 12.4 mile hike on rolling to hilly terrain. Contact Mary P., (616) 773-6986

Michigan

August 1: Newsletter deadline.

October 1: Newsletter deadline.

1997 January 1: Newsletter deadline

April 1 : Newsletter deadline

June 1: Newsletter deadline

NCTA November 8-9: Board of Directors meeting, Courtyard Inn, Romulus, Ml.

ITEMS FOR THIS COLUMN IIJJSL 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.

Page 21 NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Oct - Dec. 1~

+ The Hiker's Paradise +

KANDERSTEG Moderate optional length DAY hiking ZERMAIT MURREN along skyline trails. 7 - 2 week tours LENK basing at 15 mountain 3-4 star hotels. ~~~~P All hikes guided by NCT member Cecil RIGl-kAL TEN BAD Dobbins. For a free color brochure call ~Ei:AL.o (216) 867-3771 or write to: GSTMD ALPINEADVENTURETRAILSTOURS, Inc. FLUELEN 783V Cliffside Dr ENGELBERG • LEUKERBAD Akron, OH 44313

SWISS ALPS

1ews1r.11e nvemlSlfls ••: I• : / • FEE sctieouliE •: •·• :" : ••Jttt ) ~I~ ~;~~ $i6§1gr~ · ·~aui i~uMl t .

/ ~~> I\ : • ~~~:~~ .. ···1······.1·······: .. ::1 .. :··1 1.· 1.· 1:· •· .. ··:······· ··: ·•• ··1 ···• ··1 ....• •• ....•• 1 .....• • ·.• :· .. • .. • .. •.:·•: .. :•• ·1 ·· .. ··•.• ·•.•' ·· .. ·····1 i ·· .. ··•··· i ·· :.·1 ··· i i · ····r.:·.· •. : ..• •28.1.·.•.·• .. • ••...•. 2.o~.· .. • .. •.• .•. ~~.o·.···oo·.·, .. ·.:··· .. ·•.Q~ •.• ·•:.••• •... ·1.1 1:1 1 .. ·.1 .. ····:.· ··t ·: .. ···: ·:.······.····.·····• ·!.····1 .. ····:···1.··.······ .. :•.•• ·i .. ··i 1.··j.····.·· .. ··•• i :i·:.··i i i : 1: i • .. •• i i i .. l:: ••1•1••········~·11•·········································•·:•••••••••••••i~:·~~ ~ uu

April 12-16, 1997: "Protecting Trail Resources," Fifth National Conference on National Scenic and National Historic Trails, Orlando, FL. For information contact NCTA Office.

Other National Trail events

December 8: 1: 15 PM, Central Ohio Hiking Club Downtown Columbus Holiday Walk, possibly in the German Village area. Contact Betty Cox, (614) 889- 2051.

November 23: 1: 15 PM. Ohio-to-Erie Rails to Trails hike by Central Ohio Hiking Club. This hike will follow the steps of Worldwalker Steven Newman on the bed of the London, Ohio section of abandoned railroad tracks. Leaders: Marge Barnes and Therese Roy, (614) 852- 2335.

November 16-17: Several years ago BTA members did a circuit hike of the Buckeye Trail, hiking one weekend per month. Now, they're doing it again. Hike will begain near Cleveland on the Burton Section, Point 22 at 10:00 AM. In the future, these hikes will move to the section of the BT shared with the NCT. If you wish to join these explorers, contact Dana Zintek at (330) 928-8931.

November 10: Central Ohio Hiking Club hikes at Guthrie Place - Christmas Hill, a few miles north of Cantwell Cliffs. Contact Jay Hammil and Patti Krause (614) 231- 7858.

Color photos, b/w drawings, 1 06 pp. $17.95 +$2.00 shipping. Order from:

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

"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.

For Further Information and a brochure please contact: Michael Guerin

Bergtrekkers PO Box 611549

Port Huron, Ml 48061 (81 0) 385-5609

Hiking in Austria 10 Days and 9 Nights in the Montafon Valley 6 Days of Guided Hiking based on your skill level

June 3, 1997 - June 12, 1997

October 25-27: Work weekend at Piedmont Lake Reservoir. Work at Piedmont Lake reservoir to improve existing BT/NCT along the west shore of this beautiful reservoir. NOTE: Shawnee State Forest work, scheduled for this weekend, has been postponed. This is a replacement. Call (216) 884-4757for details.

October 19-20: BT A 2nd Annual Autumn Amble at Burr Oak State Park. Contact Herb and Susie Hulls, (614) 585-2603.

Ohio


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

Randee Rewerts Gary Rossetter Ray Sanocki Richard Satterlee Patty Simpson-Gokee Paul Smith Michael and Sarah Staples Guy Stermin Denny Strohkirch Mark Talcott Tim Travis Brian Tweedale Bill Tyler, Jr. Charles&Linda VanSistine Dale Walters Dana Waters Max Watts Robert Weimer Warren Wiethaupt George Williams Max Wright

Eric Jones Ronald Jones Tom Kauffman Erin Kincaid Sean Kincaid William Kincaid R. Lenahan Terri Lumbert Rodney Martin Rod & Sondra Matter Randall McConnell Pat McQuillan Cory and Sue Meyers Scott Miller William Nuenke Kim Nichols Ken Olson Bob and Annette Papp Glenn Piper William Pritchett Linda Reber

Therese Brown Steven Cappadonia John W. Castle Dick Chapin Todd Chapin Michelle Chartrand Richard Chenoweth Eric Conner Gary Cook Paul Craig Robert & Elizabeth Cutler Michael Freeman Eric Hansen Barbara Hawke David Hoseth Denise Houghton Philip Hughes Brenda Hull Brian Jason Shawn Jenks Mark Johnston

IPIECDAL MIEMBIERIHDP (ATIEGORDIEI

1-800-531-9531 1-800-327-8552 1-800-558-3600 1-616-365-0009 1-800-438-0286 1-612-388-8211

4000 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134 P.O. Box 97000, Redmond, WA 98073-9700 N850 Cty. Hwy CB, P.O. Box 1817, Appleton, WI 54913-1817 1650 Broadway, NW, Grand Rapids, Ml 49504 221 O Newton Drive, Statesville, NC 28677 314 Main Street, Red Wing, MN 55066-2337

Life Virginia and Art Fish Carolyn Sue Hammers

Pathfinders Andrew Newcom Werner Veit Trail Leaders Marvin Deur Paul and Liz Forsberg James and Mariah Hope David Kinnamon Claire and David Stokes New Members Terry Adams Dianna Almy James Bailey Gordon Bernstein Lorna Brown

Cascade Designs Eddie Bauer, Inc. Jansport, Inc Metz Farms, Inc. THOR·LO, Inc Vasque

DoNATDONI FOR THIE 1996 CoNFIEIRIEN<IE AucvnoN

Martin O'Toole Glenn Oster Bob and Annette Papp Marguerite Schubert David Schutte Lewis Snyder Jim Sprague·r ... \., .. -s,

Fred Stavely Charles Thompson Clinton Tompt Richard and Joan Wayman Babette and Gregg Welch/Seiple Kevin Wilson "-, Gaylord and Marlene Yost

-Joan Young Cayford and Phyllis Younghans Dana and Lisa Zintek/Daiber

Clarence Fredlund Pamela and Martin Gargaro Richard Gray Ted Grisez Harry Gubbins Chris and Helen Haller Howard Hintz Dan Hornbogen Keith and Katharine Horngren Herb and Susie Hulls Arden Johnson William and Ruth Kurtz Gordon Lachniet Nelson Leavitt John Leinen Harlan Liljequist Edith and John Maynard/Allen James McMillan William and Donna Menke

Richard Almquist Albert and Patricia Althoff Jack Amelar Daniel and Constance Arnold Charles Axthelm Cbarles Benjarnira """'

· Jay and Joyce Billingsley Derek and Margaret Blount Sally Brebner Betty Bruderly Lois Ann Cole David and Janet Gqmelt Stella Crowe '"' · ''>. William DeVries Donald Edwards Jean and Gene Elzinga Judith Esterline Sheila A Ferrari Virginia and Art Fish

'&TH ANNDVIERSARY (HALLIENGIE .....

'Contributions, Special Renewals and New Members for August and September, 1996

Page 23 NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail AssociatiDn, Oct - Dec. 1996

·----------------------- To begin your Membership, send a $15 payment with this form to:

North Country Trail Association 1 49 Monroe Center Suite 2008, Grand Rapids Ml 49503

I would like to volunteer the following skills (optional):

e-mail:

IY'I): Phone(H):

Zip: State: City:

Address:

Name(s) of New Member(s):

:1 Sponsored by:

Normally, membership dues for the North Country Trail Association are $25 or more per year. However, any current member can "sponsor" a new member, like you.

As a Sponsored Member, you enjoy all the benefits of regular membership but pay only an introductory rate of $15. After your first year, we'll send you a renewal notice reflecting our regular membership rates.

I I I I I I I I

:11PCNIORED MIEMDIERIHllP 'TRY Ut OUT AT AN INTRODUCTORY RATEi

·-----------------------

·----------------------- To begin your Membership, send a $15 payment with this form to:

North Country Trail Association 1 49 Monroe Center Suite 2008, Grand Rapids Ml 49503

I would like to volunteer the following ski/ls (optional):

e-mail:

IY'I): Phone(H):

Zip: State: City:

Address:

Name(s) of New Member(s):

Sponsored by:

: *~ c,oUNTJ?y : ~ ~~~ ~~ : ~~ I •ASSOCIATION•

:11PCNIORED MIEMDIERIHllP 'TRY Ut OUT AT AN INTRODUCTORY RATEi

Normally, membership dues for the North Country Trail Association are $25 or more per year. However, any current member can "sponsor" a new member, like you.

As a Sponsored Member, you enjoy all the benefits of regular membership but pay only an introductory rate of $15. After your first year, we' II send you a renewal notice reflecting our regular membership rates.

r----------------------- To use the program, just fill in your name and membership number on the forms below. Then give them to your friends to complete. (Look for your new membership number on your mailing label.) Please call us if you need more forms!

To qualify, Sponsored Members must be new to NCTA. Past supporters who have not been members for more than two years also qualify. The $15 rate is good only for the first year of membership.

Our new Sponsored Membership Program allows current members of the Association to sign up new members at an introductory rate of just $15.

AT AN INTRODUCTORY RATE! YOUR FRDIENDI UP SSIGN

NORTH STAR: The Newsletter of the North Country Trail Association, Oct. - Dec. 1996 Paae 24

North Star Vol. 15, No. 5 (1996)

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