north star vol. 17, no. 5 (1998)

Volunteer Award Winners

The Miami and Erie Trail: St. Marys - Minster, OH

1998 Conference in Traverse City, Ml

October-December 1998 Vol. VXll, No. 5 The Magazine of the North Country Trail

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS! To begin your membership, please complete this form and send it with your $:1. 5 payment to: North Country Trail Association• 49 Monroe Center NW, Suite 2008 •Grand Rapids, Ml 49503

I'd like to volunteer the following skills (optional):

Phone: Please choose your affiliation (check one): o Member of a specific chapter:_..,.- _ 0 Member of my closest local chapter (if one exists) D Member-at-Large (not affiliated with any Chapter)

*~coUNT'Ry. ~~·~·\ •ASSOCIATION•

Our Sponsored Membership Program allows current I Sponsored by: members to sign up new members at an introductory rate of '--· ------------------------~ just $15. To qualify, Sponsored Members must be new to NCTA, or not have been members for at least two years. The Name(s) of New Member(s): $15 rate is good only for the first year of membership. To 1-A-d_d_r_e-ss-:----------------------1 use the program, just fill in your name in the "Sponsored by:" box. Then, give the form to your friend to finish. City, State Zip:

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

Regular Donors: REI - Northville, Ml Michigan Trails Girl Scout Trey Eldridge Bill Patton Peggy Grant Tricia Ryan Council Tom Ellenbecker Gary M Peters

Teresa Agostini Salamanders/McLain Cycle USDA Forest Service Explorer Post #2014 Victoria E Ploegman Gene and Jean Elzinga Cheryl Williams Manistee, Ml Michael Fiala Jim Rainwater Lydia Hoff Carol Willwerth USDA Forest Service Charlie Flach Sam Reed Neil Juhl Walker, MN Joseph D. Folzenlogen Mark Reynolds Tim Klingler Life Members: Bettina Frisse Jade Roth Jack and Ella Knoll New Members: Lori Gaston Jim Rugh Natalie Maki Milton Jones Karen Gentry Linda J Salazar Joseph Marconi Janette Sweasy Angela and Mark Addington Brian and Claudia Gillette Terry Sanders James Roberts Lynn Waldron Teresa Agostini Gwen Glatz Sharaza Saur Fred and Kathy Sabel Alicia Anderson Jim Graves Eric Schweigert Neil Sanders Pathfinders: Catherine Andrews Jane Gray Fred Scott Tim Shaw Laverne BeBeau Friederike Greuer Mark Sheely Ouaine Stueck Bill and Donna Menke Pete Beck Michael and Carol Weymier Andrew Newcom Maureen Haupert Maxine Sherburn

Bob and Annette Papp Renee Bercury Herbert Heger John Skeel

Kevin and Robin Wilson Richard Berg Seth, Howard, Candy and Robin Smith Joe Bevirt Kari Hopkins Maryann Snyder

98Auction Trail Leaders: Richard D. Boettner Mike Humphreys Thomas Somers Donors: David Adams John and Corina Stan Johnson James and Louise Staple

Sally Brebner Bolenbaugh Mary Jane Jones Stan Thomas Anonymous Barbara Hawke Brad Bosley Jerry D. Keeney Stuart Thompson Backcountry Outfitters James and Mariah Hope Cheryl Bosley Kenneth R Kuipers Gaylene Traggiai Daisy Den Stitchery Michael & Virginia O'Keefe Seth D. Braun Robert and Beverly Laughna Jane B. Trotter Eddie Baur Irene Szabo James and Mary Brigham Karl L Luce Debra Trowbridge Eastern Mountain Sports Michael and Carol Weymier Jim Bruce Bill Majernik Scott Tyrrell Madison, WI Dewey and Kay Wobma George Casterline Marina Restaurant Kenneth and Sharron Voe! Eastern Mountain Sports Rob and Chris Yuill Richard Chamberlain Linda D Mattice Michael J. & Carol Weymier Traverse City, Ml Edward and Nancy Chappel Nancy McCain Rodney Wilbur Erehwon Mountain JoAnne Clark Outfitters Organizations: Robert R. Michiel Mary Wilcox

Chet and Christie Cook Bob Miller Gordon and Betty Wilkes The Fish Hook Barnes County Wildlife Cathy Crane Steven A. Miller Doug Willer Flipside Records Federation Mary Jo Desantis Daniel Moore Boots Williams Fontana Sports Buckeye Trail Association Bill and Denise Deschaine Carver Nixon Kathryn G Woodruff Lake Ann Baptist Camp Explorer Post #2014 Donna M Drew Fred and Karen Olsen Louis and Mary Jane Zako REI - Madison, WI Grand Haven, Ml Peter C Eldridge Karen Ottenweller

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

Trail Supporters

11

Page3

Cover Photo: Tom Learmont, President of the West Michigan Chapter, admires the dunes of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore at the 1998 Annual Meeting.

Regular Departments The View from Monroe Center 5 Keyboard Trai Is 6 Trail head 7 Hiking Shorts 8 Heart and Sole 22 North Country Trail Shop 24 Lots of coming events 29

Western Pennsylvania1s newest addition 21 Enthusiasm is the keynote of developing a new chapter.

Airlift moves bridge materials 20 Several bridges are rebuilt in the Allegheny National Forest

Collaborative Management for the NCNST 19 Many agencies, groups and individuals working together are

needed to make the trail a reality.

The Miami & Ohio Trail: St. Marys to Minster 16 New local efforts are making a historically significant section

of the trail into a hiking showpiece to be proud of.

NCTA Volunteer Awards 15 A lot of people put a lot of hours in to trail work. Here, we recognize our wonderful volunteers.

Changes to member categories 14 Streamling and refining levels of membership.

Thoughts on the 198 Conference 13 Pennsylvania's Bob Tait reports that he learned a lot from this year's

conference -- and promises that next year's will be even better.

The 1998 Conference, near Traverse City, was a lot of fun for all.

Features Annual NCTA Conference a success!

The Magazine of the North Country Trail Association Vol XVII

hStar

PRINTED ON RECYCLED

PAPER WITH NATURAL SOY INK

Secretary Kathy Baer

PO Box 1017, Bismarck ND 58502 (701) 250-4242 x3618 • [email protected] Published five times annually in January, April, June, August and October by the

North Country Trail Association, a private, non-profit501 (c)3 organization as a

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

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

Country Trail Association.

Vice President(Trails East): Lynn Waldron

8133 Norris Rd., Delton Ml 49046 (616) 623-5340 • [email protected]

Vice President of Trails (West): John Leinen, Jr.

14205 St. Croix Trail N, Stillwater MN 55082-9587

(612) 433-4456 • [email protected]

Vice President (Financial): · David Cornell

514 Cordes Rd., Delton Ml 49046 (616)623-8659•[email protected]

President: Werner Veit

49 Monroe Center, Suite 200B, Grand Rapids Ml 49503

(616)454-5506•[email protected]

OFFICERS

Contributing Editor: Joan Young

861 US 10, Scottville Ml 49454 (616) 757-2205•[email protected]

Editor: Wes Boyd

14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach, Ml 49253

(517) 547-7402 •[email protected]

Bob Papp Dirk Mason

Diane O'Hara Margie Kindel

Executive Director Recreation Planner Office Manager Program Assistant

~· NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION

49 Monroe Center, Suite 2008, Grand Rapids, Ml 49503

Phone (616) 454-5506 FAX (616) 454-7139

Email: [email protected] www.northcountrytrail.org

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December 1998

Butler County Chapter Joe Smith, Interim President

233 E Christy Ave, Butler PA 16001-6303 (724) 287-8374

Central New York Chapter Randall Brune, President

101 Dorset Rd, Syracuse, NY 13210-3047 (315) 476-9483

Clarion County Chapter Don Landfried, President

HCl Box 176B, Leeper, PA 16233 (814) 744-9325

Finger lakes Trail Conference Harmon Strong, Council Rep.

76 Shellwood Dr., Rochester, NY 14618 (716) 586-3846

American Youth Hostels Pittsburgh Council

Jim Ritchie, Council Rep. 221 Sixth St.,

Oakmont, PA 15139 (412) 828-0210

[email protected]

PA State Coordinator Bob Tait

277 S Duffy Rd. Butler, PA 16001 (724) 287-3382

Bob_ T [email protected]

East End 'Ira.ii Council Chair & NY State Coordinator: Howard Beye

202 Colebourne Rd Rochester, NY 14609

(716) 288-7191, [email protected]

0~ Buckeye Trail Association ~,t~~ Dana Zintek, Council Rep.

o~ut'. 2369 Suncrest Dr., Cuyahoga Foils, OH 44221 \\.\t'.-«-. (330) 928-8931 ~~

Chair, Ml (lower) State Coordinator & Council llep. For Chief Noonday Chapter

Lynn Waldron 8133 Norris Rd, Delton, Michigan 49046 (616) 623-5340, [email protected]

Chief Noonday Chapter Dave Cornell, President

514 Cordes Rd., Delton, Ml 49046 (616) 623-8659, joncl [email protected]

Harbor Springs Chapter

OH State Coordinator Jim Sprague

4406 Maplecrest, Pormo OH 44134 (216) 884-4757

Northwestern Ohio /lails-to-Trails Association

Gene Markley, Council Rep. PO Box 234, Delta, OH 43515


Western Michigan Chapter Tom Learmont, President

10554 Colby Rd, Gowen, Ml 49326 (616)984-5917

Len Baron, Council Rep. 10822 26th Ave

Grond Rapids Ml 49544 (616) 677-3598

Spirit of the Woods Chapter -"" Joan Young, President

861 West US10 Scottville, Ml 49454


Grand Traverse Hiking Club (Chapter) Richa'rd Naperala, President ""

1086 Quaker Volley Drive Troverse City, Ml 49684

(616) 223-7903

OH-Ml 'Ira.ii Council

Heritage Chapter Jim Burow, President

6841S11 lth St Franklin, WI 53132

(414)425-5146

Chequamegon Chapter Kurt Schmitt, President

2121 S 87th St, West Allis, WI 53227-1719, (715) 769-3527

Brule-St.Croix Chapter -------~~~r"=-'i Peter Nordgren, President ~~~'""iii:::;~-~~-~~

1800 Grand Avenue, Superior, WI 54880 (715) 394-8340, [email protected]

Ml (Upper) State Trail Coordinator & President, Harth Country Trail Hikers

Gene Elzinga 12 Middle Island, Marquette, Ml 49855


Chair: Pat Miller RR#4 Box 135, Cliffwood Dr Prairie DuChien, WI 53821

(60B) 326-7354

Great Lakes 'Ira.ii Council

WI State Coordinator Gaylord Yost

2925 W Brodley Rd River Hills, WI 53217-1719


MN State Coordinator & Headwaters Chapter

Rod MacRae 1210 W 22nd St., Minneopolis, MN 55405

(612) 377-0130

Superior Hiking Trail Association /lovers Outing Club

Kekebabk Trail Club To be assigned

Chair: John Leinen 14205 St.Croix Troil North

Stillwater, MN 55082-9587 (612) 433-4456, [email protected]

West End 'Ira.ii Council

NCTA Trail Council Directories

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

(616) 623-8659, [email protected] (724) 287-3382, bob_ [email protected] (607) 272-8679 , [email protected] (608) 326-7354, [email protected] (414) 354-8987, [email protected]

(715) 373-2664, pstone<[email protected] (616) 235-2330, [email protected] (616) 757-2205, [email protected] (616) 623-5340, [email protected] (612) 433-4456, [email protected] (612) 835-2186 (330) 928-8931

(715) 373-2667 (701) 250-4242,x3618, [email protected] (716) 288-7191, [email protected] (716) 586-3846

David Cornell, 514 Cordes Rd., Delton,MI 49046 Bob Tait, 277 S Duffy Rd, Butler, PA 16001 Tom Reimers,]( Wildflower Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850 Pat Miller, RR#4 Box 135 Cliffwood Dr., Prairie DuChien, WI 53821 Gaylord Yost, 2925 W Bradley Rd, River Hills, WI 53201-1013

At-Large: At-Large: East Division: Great Lakes Trail Council Chair: West Division:

Terms Expiring in 1999 At-Large: Susan Nelson, Ill E Bayfield St, Box 578, Washburn, WI 54891 At-Large: Kathy Baer, PO Box 1017, Bismarck, ND 58502 East End Trail Council Chair: Howard Beye, 202 Colebourne Rd., Rochester NY 14609 East Division: Harmon Strong, 76 Shellwood Dr., Rochester, NY 14618 Terms Expiring in 2000 At-Large: Paul Stone, 834 W. Bayfield St., Washburn, WI 54891 At-Large: Werner Veit, 49 Monroe Center,Ste 200B, Grand Rapids,MI 49503 At-Large: Joan Young, 861 West US 10, Scottville, Ml 49454 OH-HI Trail Council Chair: Lynn Waldron, Bill Norris Road, Delton, Ml 49046 West End Trail Council Chair: John Leinen, 14205 St.Croix Trail North, Stillwater MN 55082-9587 West Division: Daryl Williamson, 5901 Timberglade Drive, Bloomington, MN 55438 At-Large (temporary seat): Dana Zintek, 2369 Suncrest Dr.Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221 Terms Expiring in 2001

North Country Trail Association Board of Directors

If it's been a few months since your last visit to the NCTA web site (www.northcountrytrail.org), you might want to stop by for another look around. In the past month, several new pages have been added to our "under construction" area.

Two Chapters have uploaded their own pages, Brule-St. Croix and Western Michigan. Paul Haan and Peter Nordgren and Paul Haan are doing some great work on behalf of these Chapters. I've dropped some simple informational pages onto the site for many other Chapters, but I still need to finish pages for our western groups.

Our magazine editor, Wes Boyd, also has been uploading some informational pages. Most of these are in the "Explore the Trail" section, but he also has added some pieces and a temporary index to the "About the NCTA" section. In the Explore section, be sure to visit Wes' text for the newest version of his book, "Following the North Country Trail." Wes is hoping that people who know about local conditions and locations of the Trail will review this text for accuracy and e-mail, call, or write him with suggested changes (see page 3 of this North Star for contact info on Wes). We are expecting to go to print with the new version sometime in the next few months!

NCTA Web Site If you haven't received yours already, you'll soon find a

copy of our Annual Appeal letter in your mailbox. While your thinking about just what to do with the letter, I'm hoping that you' II keep these thoughts in mind.

Unlike most nonprofit organizations, the NCTA only badgers you with a request for donations once per year (not counting your dues renewal notice). This is NOT because we need your support less than other organizations!

As you know, the NCTA has been growing dramatically over the past few years. Our number of local Chapters has quadrupled and our membership has doubled. Although this means more support i~ coming in, it also means our activity level is MUCH higher and we're experiencing real growing pains. Also, we're trying to provide more funding and assistance than ever before to our Chapters, and we' re pushing forward with new programs, like trail mapping and building public awareness.

Your support really is critical to our continued success. By responding to ouronce per year request for contributions, you can help ensure that our outstanding forward momentum is not broken by a lack of resources. The excitement and achievements will continue to build over the coming years, with your help.

by Executive Director Bob Papp

That Time of Year

Monroe Center


With this year's appeal, we will offer two choices for how to assign your donation. The first is that you may leave it "unrestricted," allowing us to use it where it's needed most. You also may assign your contribution to the Land Trust to preserve trail corridors. As always, your donations to the NCTA are fully tax-deductible. Thanks VERY much for keeping us in mind for your charitable contributions this year'

The view from

We have all seen nice, quiet, natural places destroyed by development, the love of money, and the power of money, by too many people with too much money. Places that were once natural now echo with the roar of jet skis, their soil shredded by trail bikes and ATVs and bulldozers, the bird song replaced by loudspeakers. Obviously, there's a demand-- someone can make a buck by turning those places to "higher uses". We're all poorer as a result, but only a few of us realize it.

Parks are not immune. I can point out any number of state parks that are overused and overdeveloped, where hikers and tent campers and paddle boaters have been in effect squeezed out to cater to the population with six-figure motor homes. Even the national parks have suffered from overdevelopment; we each know of places that were once quiet and full of wonder that have been ruined by too much interpretation, too many signs, too many guard rails and too many rules to sanitize and trivialize the wonder to something that resembles a poor attempt at Disneyland, that brings too many people to have a superficial experience.

As I said, too many people, too much money. I fear those of us that like the quiet places will be doomed to see them trashed and developed and disappear, all too quickly. Even getting access to places is becoming more difficult, thanks to development -- though most of the NCNST states have realistic riparian laws, there are other states where rivers have been closed to boaters because private landowners don't want the common scum intruding on their seven-figure "wilderness" retreats. This should sound familiar, and will become an increasing litany as we attempt to build and keep open trails on private lands across the length of the trail. There are places along the trail now where an off-road trail route is impossible without the application of serious amounts of money, and I suspect that there will be many more of them in the future.

I wish I could find a bright spot, and say that there is a solution, but there isn't. About all we can do to preserve some of those fine and private places is to keep working. Often, we will fail, but we will succeed at times, so it's worth the effort.

We, as hikers and North Country Trail advocates, cannot stand by ourselves. We have to stand together with others with the same concerns, if not the same goals -- and, we have to recognize that we have, as individuals and as members of a group, many varied interests, some of which don't match up as well as we might like. As hikers, we may find ourselves at odds with others who would use our trail, but sometimes, those others are among us as well, and we'd all agree that having a trail to use is vastly superior to the only alternative being a six lane highway.

Though there will continue to be differences of opinion and goals, with many of them justifiable, we can't afford to be Johnny One-Notes any more, or else there will eventually be no more trails that can be hiked or ridden, no more rivers than can be paddled, and no more places to be alone and enjoy the quiet.

?TH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December 1998

There were fourteen of us from four states sitting around a campfire last weekend on one of the Lake Erie islands, where we'd taken our sea kayaks for a little bit of big water before winter shuts us down. As the flames flickered in the darkness, lighting the multicolored hulls of our boats drawn up on shore only a few feet away, the stories began. We were a scattered group of people, men and women ranging from their twenties to their sixties. Each of us knew several of the others, but no one knew everyone else, so there was a lot of storytelling and shared experiences -- and a few lessons.

The stories were pretty good; one person telling about their month-long 500 mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, and another about their annual canoe/hike along the shores of Lake Powell; a third told of their experiences doing ski patrol; another told of their transcontinental bike trip; another, his canoe racing experiences, and, of course, sooner or later, I got to talking about the North Country Trail.

But one thing that impressed me was that all of these people were pretty outdoor oriented people, and none of them was a Johnny One-Note. Everybody seemed to have two or three or even more ways that they got out to enjoy the outdoors. Though we were all seakayakers, it'd be tough to come up with a list of all the varied outdoor activites that this group of people enjoyed. Under the circumstances, of course, the most com mon activity was kayaking, but hiking/backpacking was a strong second, comfortably ahead of canoeing, somewhat to my surprise. And, birdwatching and skiing and biking and rock climbing and astronomy and who knows what else. There were even people there that enjoyed mountain biking, but I wouldn't mind running into any one of them out on a trail, for, if we had one thing in common besides kayaks, it was a dedication to a quiet and responsible use of the outdoors.

But though this was an enjoyable occasion and an enjoy able group of people, there was also more than a hint of sadness, for we knew that we'd never be sitting around a campfire at that private campground, telling stories again. The days of the campground are numbered; by the time this sees print, the bulldozers will have moved in, and by next spring, our quiet beachfront campground will have become a row of luxury condos.

The deadline for the January-March issue of the North Star is December 15, 1998. Items received well before that date are much appreciated. The deadline for the April-May issue will be March 15, 1999.

by the Editor

Keyboard Trails

Details of this year's conference are reported upon else where in The North Star, but I do want to mention some of the highlights for me:

-Each of the seven states that have a part of our trail was represented by at least one attendee. (Naturally, Michigan had the most registrants but Pennsylvania was next. Each member of the delegation made it a personal point to promote the 1999 conference.)

• Bob Nordstrom of the host chapter was able to call on four other members attending the meeting who had through hiked the Appalachian Trail in one season when he led a discussion of AT experiences. There were at least three others in the audience who completed the AT in stages who contrib uted. A memorable and inspiring evening.

•A quiet, non-denomination Sunday morning service, led by Joan Young, on the shores of Lake View early on a peaceful morning after a night of violent thunderstorms.

•Two of the "volunteer of the year" awards presented to the winners by their husbands.

-Bob Papp, our executive director who can sell anything, auctioning off two dozen of his dentists' toothbrushes after we all wondered how he would top his successful auctioning of bite-sized Snicker bars last year.

-The aplomb of our keynote speaker, Jim Dufresne, who had to time his remarks between enormous thunderclaps.

-Dan Good's thrice-daily pronouncement: "No one ever goes hungry at Lake Ann. There's more through the door." (That door to the kitchen where we were served cafeteria style led to one memorable meal after another).

-Learning how to dry foods for carrying on the trail from Joan Young and then sampling the stuff we made, beef jerky (very salty), various fruits and a concoction made with cottage cheese and pickle! It was actually delicious.

•Seeing the look on the class' faces when the compass needle pointed due west during an orienteering class. (The table on which the topos were laid and the compasses used had metal edges).

•Watching the hikers take off on their all-day jaunt along the Manistee Riveron the NCTA trail after a heavy, heavy rain the night before and more rain forecast and not a single person dropping out for fear of the weather. (Their zeal was re warded. There was no more rain until after they returned at supper time.).

-Meeting all kinds of folks face to face whom I had known only through e-mail or the telephone. That I particularly enjoyed.

Do make plans to come next year. I'd enjoy getting to know many more of our members.

A special thanks also needs to go to the Chief Noonday Chapter, from Southwestern Michigan, who organized and conducted most of the excellent workshops. Great going to all concerned!

You may want to mark your calendars now: August 26-29, I 999, the date of the annual North Country Trail Association conference in Prospect, PA.

If you attended this year's conference at the Lake Ann Baptist Camp in northern Michigan, you know how much fun and useful-these conferences are becoming. You also know how determined the Pennsylvania folks are to provide a memorable experience for us next year.

If you could not make it this year, think about coming in 1999.

All three Pennsylvania chapters - Butler County, Clarion, and Wampum - and several supporting groupshave joined to make sure we have a memorable experience in Western Pennsylvania.

They have planned hikes in Moraine and McConnell's Mills State Parks, sites of some of the best sections of the North Country Trail, tours of the Old Stone House, Grist Mill Covered Bridge and Davis Hollow Cabin and workshops covering outdoor experiences on the trail.

Site of the conference is Lutherlyn, a retreat and confer ence center, 40 miles north of Pittsburgh. The 640-acre site has 17 miles of trails, lakes for fishing and swimming, a heated swimming pool. It can house lOOpersons in 12cabins as well as RV and tent sites, a favorite with our members.

Bob Tait, Pennsylvania coordinator and a newly-elected member of the Board of our association, assures one and all that the staff of Lutherlyn will be as hospitable as those who took care of us this year at the Lake Ann Baptist Camp.

That will take some doing. Most ofus have seldom been made as welcome as we were by the folks at Lake Ann. Dan Good, Director of Guest Relations for the camp, was particu larly helpful. No mother hen cared for her chicks better than Dan. From making sure everyone in a tent had an alternate, safe shelter during a tornado warning, to seeing to the ice cream bars, cookies, fruits and drinks between the wonderful meals at the dining hall, to donating items for our auction, Dan seemed to be everywhere to take care of us.

Our host chapter, The Grand Traverse Hiking Club, and its President, Gregg Law, also deserve our special thanks. The chapter provided hike leaders, transportation, presenters and arranged for all kinds of items for our auction which benefited the NCTA Land Trust.

Gregg, by the way, is winding up two terms as President of the chapter. He will be succeeded by Richard Naperala.

by President Werner Veit

Trail Head

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Countrv Trail, October-December 1998

GINNY RUPPE and Adam Arvidson at the NCTA booth in Walker on June 6.

Headwaters National Trails Day event The Headwaters Chapter staged its second National Trails Day event in

Walker, MN, to highlight the Chippewa section of the trail on June 5 and 6. Friday evening, a group of local civic organizers were invited for a trail walk and a cookout supper on a trail campsite. About 15 people showed up for what threatened to be a walk in the rain. However, the clouds passed, and the group enjoyed a 1/2 mile hike into the Gut (or Long) Lake campsite. Woodsmoke Associates (aka Rod MacRae) staged an elegant trail supper with French menu. The purpose of this gathering was to introduce the trail to civic leaders who were not yet involved and to encourage membership and active support. Barry Babcock, of the Owl's Nest Motel in Hackensack, organized the event. All came away with good feelings about the trail.

On Sunday, the Chapter set up an exhibit tent in downtown Walker near the Chamber of Commerce to meet the public. While not a lot of passersby stopped in, the few that did were good contacts for the Association, and one membership was received. Ginny Ruppe and Adam Arvidson helped tend the booth.

·-·--·-···-- 0 TRAIL . ASSOCIATION

Former NCTA President Larry Lemanski dies Former NCTA President Larry Lemanski died August 20 of a heart

attack while leading a group on a mountain trip in Utah, according to Sue Pemberton and former NCTA Executive Director Pat Allen. Lemanski was one of the three original incorporators of the North Country Trail Associa tion, along with Lance Feild and Ginny Wunsch, and served as the second president of the Association in the early 1980s.

Certification Report The Madison NPS office took a

break to get their wind back follow ing the breathtaking 115-mile certifi cation in North Dakota, reported on in the June-July North Star, but got back down to business in August.

New certifications reported by the Park Service's manager, Bill Menke, include:

• 1.4 miles in Pennsylvania's Moraine State Park between North .Shore Drive and the Highway 422 ramp. This section includes the "Hidden River Bridge" and the new foot trail discussed in the August September North Star. In related actions, the certified location of the trail was switched to the north side of Slippery Rock Creek between McConnell's Mill and Eckert Bridge. A 2.6 mile non-certified connecting section was listed between McCon nell's Mill and Moraine State Park.

• 0. 7 miles in Wisconsin's Lucius Woods County Park.

• 3.1 miles in Minnesota's Jay Cooke State Park, from the south end of Bear Chase Loop to the north end of the Swinging Bridge.

• 2.8 miles in Michigan's Lake Superior State Forest were added to the measurement of previously certified trail, based on remapping.

• 3.8 miles in Ohio, on the BTA's New Straitsville map were added to previously certified trail, also based on remappmg.

The actions bring the total certified length of the North Country National Scenic Trail to 1496.2, estimated to be 35 .8 percent of the eventual distance. Noncertified connecting sections total 19.5 miles, for a total of 1515.7 miles.

Park Service and Trail Associa tion officials are still optimistic about reaching the goal of 2000 certified miles by the end of the year 2000.


Hiking Shorts PageB

Just as a reminder, the new address for the NCTA's website is http://www.northcountrytrail.org. This replaces the old website, which will be taken down early next year.

New NCTA website address

The University of Minnesota Backpacker's Club (U/M YMCA) came out for their first project with the NCTA this summer. They installed newly cut trail signs at various locations on the Bad Medicine and Itasca sections. They also began clearing a new campsite on the western end of the Itasca segment. The new site, about 1 1/2 miles east of the Anchor-Matson trailhead, is on the shore of a pretty little nameless pond. The site is partially cleared and needs a new work group to complete clearing and installing the firegrate and biffy. The volunteers camped at Dell Bjerkness' on Bad Medicine Lake.

In early May, Rod MacRae inspected the Itasca segment in company with Ken Thole of the Itasca State Park staff. The park had built at NCTA's request a small puncheon bridge over a beaver dam cut in late March. They found that local horseback riders (not a legal park activity) have already damaged the bridge and much of the trail. MacRae says, "We need more of an effort to contact these local folks about trail uses and etiquette."

Tiffin River Bridge work completed Northwestern Ohio Rails-to-Trails Association

(NORTA) workers managed to finish up the decking of the 210-foot Tiffin River railroad bridge in early July, and immediately turned to another bridge redecking project, a 49-foot bridge somewhere to the east, near Eckley. "After working on the 210-foot long Tiffin River bridge, this 49- foot bridge seems like child's play," reported NORTA's Patti Gehring.

NORTA's Annual Meeting will be held on October 10, at the Linck Inn in Maumee, Ohio.

·--,._

More progress on Little Miami The Yellow Springs Village Council has agreed to

provide a loan of $20,000 to allow the reconstruction of the Yellow Springs Train Station, according to former NCTA Board Member Woody Ensor.

The station will be located near where the Little Miami Scenic Trail and the North Country National Scenic Trail crosses US-68 in downtown Yellow Springs. Total cost of the building is $130,000. Grants were received from Ohio Nature Works, Greene County GRIP Grant, and private funding. The train station will have rest rooms on either end and will have the Yellow Springs Chamber of Com merce in the center. The Little Miami Scenic Trail is being paved from Yellow Springs to John Street in Springfield. This will be completed by Oct. 30th; NCNST certification will be.applied for.

The Clark County Historical Society is spending $6 million to revenovate the old market building near the new library. The City of Springfield has purchased the Little Miami Railroad from downtown Springfield to SR 72; this section may also become part of the North Country Trail.

Currently, the Buckeye Trail through northern Dayton is used as a temporary bypass of this section, and, accord ing to Ensor, "If you want to use the Buckeye Trail and see items of national significance such as Air Force One at the Air Force Museum the route through Fairborn and Dayton is also a good choice. The Kauffman Avenue Bikeway Extension will be complete by Sept 30th. This will be concrete in the City of Fairborn and asphalt in Greene County. This passes the entrance to Wright State Univer sity. Along this route, the Wright Brothers' Memorial was just reopened. The original blue flagstone has just been replaced with stone from the same New York quarry. The Mad River Extension Bikeway has opened from Eastwood Park to the Great Miami River. The bikeways are handi capped accessible. From Wright Brothers' Hill there is a view of Huffman Prairie and Huffman Dam."

Hiking Shorts Page9 NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December 1998

Deer seasons fast approaching

November and December are the main months for firearms deer season in most of the NCNST states. Most experienced hikers are a little careful about being out in the woods during deer season, and should wear blaze orange, stay on trails, and try to avoid affecting hunters. Bear in mind that in several states this year deer seasons have been expanded beyond their normal limits to attempt to control deer overpopulation, so it's wise to check and see when the special seasons are.

by Bob Tait The Pennsylvania Chapters of the

North Country Trail Association were awarded an honorable mention by Dupont Cordova as a part of National Trails Day. They were recognized for their excellence in developing and maintaining recre ational trails, for the commitment to building a community partnership, and for achievements, devotion, and inventiveness in the celebration of National Trails Day 1998. David Lillard, President of the American Hiking Society, sent his congratula tions to the North Country Trail Association. I would like to congratu late everyone who helped plan and implement the Trails Day 1998; they helped earn this award "Trails for Tomorrow". This was the first year that the chapters in Pennsylvania have done a combined National Trails Day. All those who participated deserve a big pat on the back for this award.

Pennsylvania Chapters receive awards

Central New York Chapter reports progress Early in 1998, Central New York Chapter Trail Chair Kathy Eisele set a

goal--Establish the Link Trail from its junction with the FLT to Cazenovia by Fall 98. The goal is within their grasp! Only two gaps remain: (1) A short section just north of NYS Route 80 with the landowner negotiation in progress; (2) The Nelson Swamp Unique Area--the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) is working with the chapter to open this area for a trail and other specified uses by the public-at-large. Landowner permissions to cross private properties have been informally secured which will lead to further trail growth.

From Cazenovia north to Canastota, conceptual planning for use of the old LVRR rail bed is complete. The cooperation of the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation and NYS Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation (NYS OPRHP) has been excellent and is most appreciated. Within the village of Cazenovia proper, there is an attractive trail that provides pleasant viewing and a chance to pass through a village that has retained its historical character and charm.

The Central Region of NYS OPRHP is hosting a Recreation Trails Initia tives Study conference series involving NYS DEC and a number of interested organizations to seek ways and means to identify and prioritize recreation trail initiatives in Madison and Chenango Counties. CNY-NCTA is highly involved and working in a pro-active manner, including the submission of written view points for appraisal at the next session, scheduled for October 27.

New director joins NCTA board Directors of the North Country Trail Association are welcoming a new

member to the board: Daryl P. Williamson of Bloomington, MN. Daryl replaces Tricia Ryan who, unfortunately, had to resign because of other commitments.

Daryl is a member of the board of the Superior Hiking Trail Association which makes his joining the NCTA board particularly apt. With the vote of the Board in August, The Superior Hiking Trail Association has just become the fifth affiliate of the NCTA. Daryl is an enthusiastic outdoorsman. Here's what he says about himself:

"I'm a retired physician (radiologist), married, with two married daughters, and five grandchildren ages 4 to 11... St. Olaf College, U of Minnesota Medical School... US Army 66-68 ... Born and lived through high school in Thief River Falls (NW Minnesota), Boy Scout (Eagle) ... lived in Bloomington since 1968. Have traveled extensively in the US and Canada (much of it by car) ... have been in majority of US and Canadian National Parks ... interested in political process and have done some lobbying.

"Recreational interests: hiking, cross country skiing, biking, tennis, photog raphy, exploring nature and the "woods" (have a cabin on Lake Superior close to the Superior Hiking Trail).

"Recent outdoor highlights: horseback trips in Montana on the Continental Divide and in Glacier, hiking in these same areas, and following the Oregon Trail from start to finish (intend to start the Lewis and Clark next year) ... "

Hiking Shorts NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, October-December 1998

Dan Good, Director of Guest Relations for the Lake Ann Baptist Camp, shows our members the depth of the bog where the camp built its boardwalk.

At our annual North Country Trail Association con ference at the Lake Ann Baptist Camp this fall, you could learn:

To make beef jerky out of inexpensive chuck roast, to use a compass or a clinometer, to read a topographical map, to discuss an easement with a landowner, to build trail in difficult terrain, to plan a National Trails Day celebration, or how to build a new chapter.

Or you could hear: Folksinger Charlie Weaver sing or Wes Boyd and'

friends recite trail tales over a campfire; Bob Nordstrom lead a discussion of Appalachian Trail through hikers; Sue Makrianis share her hiking experiences in Canada's Yukon Territory or kayaking on Alaska's Glacier Bay; Author

Conference is a good time for all

AnnualNCTA

1998 NCTA Conference Activity: (Left to Right) Gene Elzinga, trail coordinator for Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Tom Garnett of the Chief Noonday Chapter, and Lynn Waldron, trail coordinator for the Lower Peninsula, prepare for the trail building workshop. (All photos courtesy Werner Veit.)


BELOW: The main meetings at the annual conference were held in the camp chapel.

CENTER: Richard Naperala, President elect of the Grand Traverse Hiking Club, prepares to lead the Otter Creek hike in the Sleeping Bear National Seashore.

ABOVE LEFT: The cast of the skits that depicted the history of the trail, meetings with local officials and with landowners. All are members of the Chief Noonday chapter.

Jim Dufresne' s enthusiasms about Michigan's scenic treasures during our keynote evening or Bill Menke, manager for the National Park Service of the North Country National Scenic Trail, present his vision for our trail and Bob Papp, our executive director recite all the progress our association has made in member ship growth and trail construction since our last annual meeting in Ohio.

Or you could see: A preview of the North Country Trail

Association's new slide show, as prepared by Barbara Hawke; samples of the new maps being produced by the NCTA and interpretive signs for trail heads being made available by the National Park Service; an enormous, mag nificent white pine pointing to the chapel where the general meetings were held and the lovely, early fall scenery of the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula.

Or you could experience: Hikes among the hidden lakes, where no


Day, because Tom Garnett taught me a lot ofnew things, along with the participants in the class. So you also learn when you attend one of these conferences. We want to thank everyone for a great weekend and one of the best rain storms I ever spent in my ten.t.

I spent the weekend thinking about what we should do in Pennsylvania to attract people. We've already started planning, because we want this to be the best conference ever held. August 26 through 29 - we'll do some things a little bit differently to see how they work, so mark your schedules and plan to meet some old friends in western Pennsylvania, hike some beautiful trails, attend some great programs, and hear some interesting speakers. We're getting ready to put on an excellent conference. One of the things that we hope to do is have everything lined up ahead of time so that you can check off the events that you want to attend when you send your registration in, because we want to know how many people are going to go on each hike and how many people will be coming to the different programs. I could give you just a sample of some of the things we're talking about, but maybe we'll do that in the next newsletter. So remember, see you in Pennsy I vania in '99. We want you to be involved

by Bob Tait Well, just a few days ago after retu~ing from Michi

gan, I sat down and thought about the colerence and the weekend. I really enjoy attending these inds of events. You meet a lot of great people. Unfortunatl ly, I didn't get to go on any hikes, but I attended some excellent programs and the speakers each evening were excellent. The facili ties at Lake Ann were one of the better church camps I've been to. I think the important thing is that you meet a lot of old friends and talk over issues that you' re having about completing the trail or getting new members, a whole list of things that we all face in building this National Scenic Hiking Trail. The programs during the day were excellent. I got to build some trail that will be part of that bog exhibit, and I'll remember that. I can't wait for National Trails

Thoughts on the '98 Conf ere nee in Michigan

BELOW: Our hikers enjoy the great scenery amid the beach grass on the majestic dunes of the Sleeping Bear National Seashore.

ABOVE RIGHT: Barbara Hawke and Len Barron, from the West Michigan Chapter, take a break during the trail building workshop.

motors are allowed, of the Sand Lakes Quiet Area; or along the majestic Manistee River or among the towering dunes of the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore; pork roast and steak dinners; beef stew and taco salad lunches; waffles, pancakes, eggs, sausages and oatmeal breakfasts; warm sunny days and some stormy nights.

Or you buy: At our auction benefiting the NCTA Land Trust:

All kinds of donated outdoor gear, original art work, trail books and guides, CDs of outdoor sounds, cloth ing, trail food, stationary with birding scenes, gift certificates for outdoor experiences and any of 24 tooth brushes our executive director squeezed from his dentist and threw in as "bonuses," to successful, or unlucky, bidders.

But most of all you could rub elbows with fellow hikers from all over the North Country, share experi ences, make new friends and refresh your enthusiasm for our trail.


Our old brochures listing Individual and Household mern bership still are good. We'll make the translation to the new categories whenever we receive old forms here in the office. If you have any questions about these changes, please feel free to call our Executive Director, Bob Papp, at 888-454-NCTA.

Finally, we added some new benefits for our upper level memberships. Beginning with the Trail Leader level, members will receive one Free Trail Membership ticket with their dues acknowledgement to pass along to anyone who currently is not a member of NCTA. Beginning with the Pathfinder level, members also will receive a copy of the Director's Report every two months, with the latest updates on ongoing projects of the Association. In addition to these benefits, NCTPatrons and Life Members also will receive an invitation to a new annual event we are working on called a "Director's Retreat Weekend." Finally, NCT Patrons and NCT Champions also will receive acknowledgement on the back page of the North Star, for the duration of their one-year memberships.

New Benefits

Agencies, Organizations and Businesses

Previously, we had a $45 Organization membership. We're keeping this category, but now it's only available to government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and clubs (not businesses). We're creating a new Business membership at $150. We also have a new top category aimed at businesses, organizations and agencies called "North Country Trail Cham pion" for a minimum contribution of $1,000. Naturally, organizations, agencies, and businesses also may take advan tage of the introductory $15 Sponsored membership for their· first year.

membership. Also, Chapters haven't benefited much from our Life membership program, since they only receive $5 per year for their Life members. We also have a distinction between individuals and households in our Life memberships, that needed to be addressed. So, we' re making a few changes here, all of which will take place on Jan. 1, 1999. We're creating a single "Life Member" category for households, to replace both the old "Life (1 person)" and the "Life (couple)" categories. The one-time dues for Life Members will be $1,000. Also, 20% of these dues ($200) will be transferred to the member's Chapter and the Chapter will continue to receive an additional $5 per year thereafter. Those of you who currently are "Life (1 person)" or "Life (couple)" members will be converted to the new Life Member category automatically, at no charge, of course. Remember, if you were thinking about becoming a Life member, you still can take advantage of the old $400 individual or $600 household rates until the end of the year.


Life Memberships By policy, the Association keeps all life member dues in an

account to generate interest perpetually. Unfortunately, the interest we get from our $400 Life (1 person) memberships actually can be less than the $25 we would get from a regular

New Categories Obviously, when we wiped out the distinction between

Individual and Household memberships, we needed to replace the old categories with new names. The old $25 "Individual" rate is changing to a $25 "Regular Membership." Similarly, $35 "Household" memberships will be converted to $35 "North Country Explorers." We're also adding a new tier above the $100 Pathfinder. The new level, at $250, will be called "NCT Patron."

Household vs. Individual memberships

One major change is that the Board did away with this distinction. Now, all our memberships will be considered "household" memberships. It turns out, many individ~als have been joining as "Household Members" and many house holds have been joining as "Individual Members." In many cases, it seems to boil down to just a question of how much support they want to give to the NCTA. Because of this, we can't use the distinction to get an accurate count of how many PEOPLE are actually members of the Association. Also, since we don't charge admission to anything, the benefit you might have with a Household membership at a zoo or museum doesn't apply.

At its meeting in September, the NCTA Board of Directors voted in some interesting changes to the Association's mem bership program. These included some new categories, new benefits, a little consolidation and a couple of changes in dues rates. Some of the changes will take place immediately. Others, like an increase in Life member dues, will wait until January 1st, 1999. This will give current members a couple of months to squeeze in at the old rates, in case they've been thinking about making a change to a Life membership but haven't gotten around to doing it. To find out more please read on!

Board Adopts Changes to Member Categories

Marquette, Ml Parma, OH

Martha Leppanen Jim Sprague

Marquette, Ml Lower Salem, OH

Jean Elzinga Herb Hulls

400 Hour Award Recipients

Lou Adsmond Grand Rapids, Ml Bill Majernik Canfield, OH Bernice Anderson Marquette, Ml Arlen Matson Traverse City, Ml David Baker Marietta, OH Bill Menke Fitchburg, WI JoAnne Baron Grand Rapids, Ml William Mitton Hackensack, MN Lyle Bialk Croswell, Ml Glenn Oster Pittsburgh, PA Peter Budde St. Francis, WI Richard Pfeiffer Columbus, OH Patricia Carlson Spring Lake, Ml Barbara Powell Ann Arbor, Ml Charlotte Chandler Grand Rapids, Ml Ralph Powell Ann Arbor, Ml Allen Deemer Antwerp, OH Richard Saur Hillsdale, Ml Jake Detrie Butler, PA William Schultz Columbus, OH Norman Gillette Waverly, OH David Sheldon Grand Rapids, Ml Ethyl Hittle Tonawanda, NY C. Dennis Shepard Beaver Falls, PA Martha Hale Marlette, Ml Michael Shumway Dayton, OH Mary Hamilton Dover, OH Joe Smith Butler, PA Bryan Koehler Chicora, PA Amaryllis South Battle Creek, Ml Mary Kunzler-Larmann Canastota, NY Bob Tait Butler, PA Al Larmann Canastota, NY Lynn Waldron Delton, Ml Roderick MacRae Minneapolis, MN Gail Werner Caledonia, Ml

Dana Zintek Cuyahoga Falls, OH

100 Hour Award Recipients

The North Country Trail Association in cooperation with the National Park Service join together to recognize the work being done by its devoted volunteers. Below are the volunteers who have completed 100 and 400 hours of service to NCTA since 1996:

The North Country National Scenic Trail exists because hundreds of devoted volunteers lend their time and their talents to its development and maintenance. It is truly a labor of love. The work can be exhausting ... the conditions nearly impossible at times. The trail, as it winds its way from the prairies of North Dakota to the Adirondack Mountains ... encompassing the very best each area has to offer ... is a testimony to their effort.

Cherish your visions; cherish your ideals; cherish the music that stirs in your heart, the beauty that forms in your mind, the loveliness that drapes your purest thoughts, for out of them will grow de Zig htful conditions, all heavenly environment; of these if you but remain true to them, your world will at last be built.

-James Allen

North Country Trail Association Volunteer award winners announced


A recent visit to the Miami and Ohio Trail south of St. Mary's, Ohio, brought a pleasant surprise: instead of the relatively vague pathway that had been expected, there was a really nice, well-maintained trail, in active use by local walkers, and maintained by an active new local group that has big plans for the future.

The Miami-Erie Canal Corridor Authority (MECCA), headquartered in St. Marys is a local group that is working to preserve the traces of the Miami and Erie Canal in the area. Though a new organization -- established in I 996 - they're very enthusiastic, and have accomplished a great deal in a short period. Over 600 people participated in the "Walk through Auglaize County" from Lock Two to 40-Acre Pond, sponsored in part by MECCA.

But there's more in the works -- a $300,000 project, funded by a federal ISTEA grant and local groups, will put a huge upgrade on the path between Minster and New Bremen, including a three-mile crushed limestone treadway, and several new bridges. This is an Auglaize County project, under a I 5-year "management lease agreement" with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the owner of the land. In addition, a $1. 7 million Canal Improvement Program, mostly funded by Ohio's "Nature Works" funding, is intended to repair and restore several parts of the canal between Spencerville and St. Marys.

The canal, first under construction in the 1830s, operated until 1913. There are many places between Toledo and Cincinnati where traces of the canal can be seen, but it's still most complete between Delphos and Lockington, and the Miami and Erie Canal Trail covers much of the distance between the two. Along the route are many historic structures, bridges, aquaducts, cuts, and, of course, the canal itself, a marvel of engineering for work entirely done with muscle power.

Trail Focus: Miami and Erie Trail - St. Marys - Minster, OH 1

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NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, Octobet-Decemoet 1998

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0.9 [0.9] CROSS OVER AQUADUCT BRIDGE.

The trail heads south through flat, open country. Two miles south of the aquaduct, the feeder canal from Grand Lake-St. Marys enters the canal. Grand Lake-St.Marys was dammed over an eight year period between 1836 and 1842 to supply water to the canal, which continu ally used water for locks, and from leak age. Other such feeder lakes included

KAYAKERS ON GRAND LAKE - ST. MARYS, the largest artifical lake in the world built by muscle power. Built in the 1830s, men with wheelbarrows and primitive horse-powered dump carts were used in the construction. Today, it provides a great recreational opportunity in the area.

0.0 [0.0] CROSS MAIN ST. IN ST. MARYS The route heads south, and generally follows the towpath,

although there are a couple of points where the route has to climb up and follow sidewalks on city streets, the first at the Old St. Mary's Cotton Mill. The route follows the street one

block south, crossing SR66 downtown, and continuing south through Geiger Park, and crosses Greenville Rd. South of that, the trail crosses the St. Mary's River on the on a bridge replacing the aquaduct that was built to carry the canal over the St. Mary's River.

Mary's Chamberof Commerce, 301 E. Spring St. (419) 394- 6202, or Miami Erie Canal Corridor Authority, PO Box 722, St. Marys, OH 45885.

ST. MARYS, OH 45885 (Pop. ·8414). The Belle of St. Marys, a replica canal boat, is on display in Memorial Park. LODGING: Grand Lake St. Marys Bed and Breakfast, 524 W. South St., ( 419) 394-1138. Two motels are also located on the west side of town. RESTAURANTS: Several. GROCERIES: Full service supermarkets, convenience stores. OTHER: Bank, laundromat, hardware, doctor, dentist, hospital. NEARBY: Wapokeneta, OH, 12 miles east, is the boyhood home of Neil Armstrong, first man on the moon. There is an air and space museum there. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact St.

HIKERS ALONG THE CANAL just south of St. Marys and the old aquaduct site. The canal is watered here, and provides cooling water to a power plant. before cascading into the St. Mary's River at an artifical waterfall called "The Tumbles". This is one of many sites due for restoration under a $1.7 million grant for hydraulic restoration and improvement of the canal

NORTH STAR: The Magazine'of the North Country Trail, October-December 1998

Though the canal lands are a very narrow patch of public ownership, they provide a route for the trail where little other oppor tunity exists. The 40-mile Miami and Erie Canal Trail was the first state recre ational trail be be designated under the Ohio Trails Act, and is administered by the Ohio DNR, Division of Parks and Recreation. The canal towpath trail north of St. Marys was discussed in the Octo ber-Decei'nber 1997 North Star.

The route is blue-blazed throughout. Drinking canal water is not recommended, even with treatment; carry insect repel lant in summer. MAPS AND OTHER INFORMATION: Buckeye Trail Delphos and St. Marys Section maps; also, the Hutchins Guide (all available from North· Country Trail Store) cover the section from Delphos south as far as Lake Loramie. The map given here is probably sufficent for most users.

A walk along the canal in this area takes you back into the past on one of the most historically significant sections of tht NCNST.

13.6 [1.0] CONTINUE SOUTH ON TOWPATH The trail heads south through Ft. Loramie City Park, with

a museum at the comer of SR66 and SR 362, where the B1 rejoins. This area is the summit of the canal between the Ohic River and Lake Erie, at 950 feet elevation.

FORT LORAMIE, OH 45845 limited services.

12.6 [1.1] CONTINUE SOUTH ON TOWPATH At SR66, the trail heads south on a white-blazed trail a

short distance to an old aquaduct, then continues on south, partly as a road walk on SR66, to the town of Ft. Loramie. The Buckeye Trail rail heads east 1.1 along a feeder canal 1.1 miles to SR 362, then follows SR 362 past Lake Loramie State Park, where there is camping ( 184 sites), water, toilets, and a camp store and restaurant. Past Lake Loramie SP, the BT continues south, then west, rejoining the NCT in Fort Loramie.

11.5 [1.0] TURN SOUTHEAST ON TOWPATH The route heads southeast on the towpath, crossing SR66

after 1.1 mi. North Country Trail certification ends here.

turns south on Canal Rd., which sits astride the towpath.The route continues south on Canal road, a narrow blacktop road. After one mile, the road changes its name to Friemering Rd. A short distance to the south, the road turns west and the canal turns southeast. Enter Shelby County here.

10.5 [2.6] CROSS TO EAST SIDE OF CANAL; CONTINUE SOUTH ON 4TH ST.

The route follows Fourth Street to the south side of Minster. At Egypt Rd., the route jogs back over the canal and

MINSTER, OH 45865 (Pop. 2557) Restaurants, stores.

7.9 [7.0] CONTINUE SOUTH ON TOWPATH Continuing south, the route goes across a footbridge of

cast iron "bowstring" girders, built in 1864 and moved to this site in 1984, then passes through a city park, which has a swimming pool. The trail continues on a treelined bank, crossing Amsterdam Rd., then SR 119, then continues south to North Corporation Rd. at the north edge of Minster. There is a park nearby with toilets and picnic tables, but no parking. A major upgrade of this trail section, mentioned above, is currently under way.

NEW BREMEN, OH, 45869 (Pop. 2393) Limited services; grocery, convenience stores, restaurants.

The route continues south past the feeder canal, passing an old lock (#8) with the gates missing, but otherwise one of the best preserved locks on the canal, to cross SR219 after 0.6 miles, and continues south on a shady path, occasionally penetrating woodsy areas, crossing Southland Rd. and CR 37, reaching the historic canal-era village of Lock Two (no services) 3.1 miles south of SR219. The towpath angles southwest, and 1.2 miles farther enters New Bremen, crossing SR274 (Monroe St.) downtown. The route leaves the canal and proceeds on sidewalks for a short distance where the canal continues underground.

THE "BOWSTRING" BRIDGE in downtown New Bremen, stands beside a preserved Miami and Ohio Canal lock.


Lake Loramie, which the trail passes to the south, and Indian Lake to the east. Nine miles long and three miles wide, covering nearly 19 ,000 acres -- although quite shallow, averaging only eight feet deep -- Grand Lake-St. Marys still is the largest body of water in the world con structed without machinery. Construc tion took eight years by a crew of 1700, paid thirty cents and a jigger of whiskey a day. The total cost was $600,000; the whole canal cost $8,000,000, had 32 miles of feeders, 106 locks, 19 aquaducts and 3 reservoirs, including Grand Lake and Lake Loramie.

Grand Lake has a State Park Camp- . ground, with 206 sites, flush toilets and

a coin laundry. For information contact Grand Lake-St. Marys State Park, PO Box 308, St. Marys OH 45885 ( 419) 394-3611.

has been designed to safely accommodate the other users, and the segment has been designed to withstand the additional impacts of non-hiking users.

Long distance trails such as the North Country NST embody a mystique of their own. Some of this mystique can be attributed to the fact that they cover vast distances. Some can be attributed to the outstanding scenic areas through which they pass and the culturally significant sites that are connected by the trail. Similar to the mystique of Wilderness, the mystique of a national scenic trail is present whether or not one plans to ever hike the entire distance or even hike on the trail period. The trail has mystique simply because it is there. Can anyone deny that there is a value to someone standing on the trail in the glacial carved landscape of northern Wisconsin and merely being able to imagine that if there was only the time, or the money, or the lack of other commitment, or whatever, they could walk all the way to the Missouri Riveror to Lake Champlain. Some members of the public may have a once in a lifetime chance to visit only a small segment of the North Country Trail and to experience its connection with nature. Idealistically, their visit should impress them with the premier quality of the trail and make them want to return again and again. But if the visit was truly once in a lifetime, it should be such a positive experience that it will never be forgotten. Because national scenic trails are few in number, vast in scope, and individually possess their own mystique, they deserve special care and management.

As the overall administrative manager of the North Coun try NST, the National Park Service encourages trail partners to adopt consistent management philosophies and standards for the trail. To foster a degree of consistency or "a thread of continuity," in 1996 the National Park Service published and distributed North Country Trail - A Handbook for Trail Design, Construction, and Management. For the first time, this handbook outlines desired trail standards and answers the most common questions about the look and philosophy of the trail. While the handbook has successfully increased aware ness about the importance of a "thread of continuity," it is not the complete answer on consistent management.

Bill Menke Manager, North Country NST

In the Summer 1997 issue of Pathways, David Lillard, President of The American Hiking Society wrote an article titled: Instead of Trail Use, Lets Talk About Trail Purpose." In speaking about the national trails system, Mr. Lillard goes on to say:

"No matter where one may stand on the issues surround ing these trails, the people who care most about them ought to be in there mixing it up, facing their disagreements, and inching toward lasting management practices that serve a consistent vision for the National Trails System. Wherever the discussions go, they should start with a few premises: ( 1) Every trail is conceived with a unifying sense of purpose, or a vision. (2) Management plans should be framed by the vision for each trail. (3) National trails are special and, as such, deserve special treatment."

The Appalachian Trail generally serves as a model or pattern for the concept of a national scenic trail. Its strong image as a footpath through primarily wooded areas sets a tone for others-the simple footpath and outstanding scenery are considered unifying elements. However, each National Scenic Trail (NST) has a character and identity of its own, influenced by the landscapes through which it passes.

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

The long-term goal for the North Country NST is to establish a continuous trail that meets the federal legislative intent. It is to be developed and managed as a premier hiking trail, nationally significant in scenic and recreational qualities, and closed to motorized use. Uses, other than hiking and foot travel, may be acceptable in some locations-if they do not detract from the trail's primary purpose, do not detract from the "experience" of the primary user (the hiker), the segment

Collaborative Management for the North Country National Scenic Trail


I :

that helped make this happen", said Adams-Weyant. "Gary Bustamente from the Monongahela NF, and Don Clymer helped me prepare the air ops plan, contract and oversaw the entire operation. Greg Porter designed the bridges and procured all the materials. The Marienville Trail Crew, under the leadership of Randy Demarco, cut and assembled the bridge parts, delivered the materials to two of the sites, and provided security support the day of the project. Joe Hepinger and Bill Hilyer directed the delivery of the stringers to each helispot. Jeff Stevenson delivered materials to the Lower Sheriff site and provided support the day of the project. Megan Gomola provided trail security during the drop at Lower Sheriff. Although we had many delays and changes, everyone demonstrated great flexibility and patience. This was truly a team project that would not have been possible had we not pulled together. "

Allegheny National Forest airlift moves bridge materials

On August 11and12, a helicopter lifted the lumber to three bridge sites on the North Country Trail in the Allegheny National Forest.

"We had planned to start on August 4, but inclement weather kept the helicopter in Minnesota," reports Brenda Adams-Weyant, Outdoor Recreation Planner for the for est. "On August 11, we started shortly after lunch and were able to complete the Coon Creek and Little Salmon sites before dark. The Lower Sheriff site was started early on the 12th and was finished before lunch. The operation went off without major incident.

The Coon Creek bridge was built on September 1-3 by the Marienville Leadership team. Little Salmon was built by the Forest Leadership team on September 15-16. Lower Sheriff was an Operations team project on Septem ber 22-23.

"I would like to give a special thanks to all the folks


In thinking about how a specific segment of a national agreeing on consistent management principles. These com- scenic trail should be managed, the words of a popular bumper munications take place through meetings, letters, telephone sticker seem appropriate. Think Globally-Act Locally. calls, email, and any other means ofinteraction. Cornmunica- Before a local trail manager does anything, which might affect tion should happen at local le~els between NCTA chapters/ the quality of the trail or the experience it offers, they should affiliates and the local trail managers. It should also take place think about how their actions will affect the NATIONAL at regional and trailwide levels. On the AT, collaborative character of the trail. Whether the local action is vegetative management is well established. But, even on the AT, it hasn't management along the trail, signing, blazing, allowing other always been easy. Tough, searching discussions that led to kinds of users, or simply the choice to not maintain the trail, today's successes have gone on for decades. On a massive the end result is that whatever is done locally (micro) affects project such as the AT, or the North Country Trail, progress the national (macro) scope of the trail. A logical conclusion is not measured in weeks or years-it is measured in decades. is that each local segment of a National Scenic Trail should be Any local management decision that would affect the "global" managed with an extra measure of care and regard. or trail wide characterof the trail should be discussed with the

Any inconsistencies in management philosophy and prac- National Park Service, the North Country Trail Association's tice between the agency that has overall administrative respon- national office, in Grand Rapids, MI, or NCTA's local chapter sibility for the trail (in this case, the National Park Service) and or affiliate representative, and other trail managers who the various agencies or organizations managing local seg- manage parts of the trail. inents of the trail should be resolved in the best long-term The North Country NST has been in existence only since interest of the trail through open, ongoing dialogue. The most 1980 but the time is ripe to forge ahead with CM. To delay workable model for consistent management of a long distance could result in fractionalization of the trail to a degree that trail can again be found by looking to the granddaddy of would be difficult to tum around. Each manager or volunteer national scenic trails-the Appalachian NST. should make it a personal goal to create opportunities to

The AT's successful model goes by various names-The communicate more closely with other parties who have a AT Model, collaborative management, unified management, legitimate interest in the trail or with those who manage local and others. For now, lets call it Collaborative Management segments. How can we work together to accomplish the (CM). CM is based on frequent communication between the worthy mission of creating one of the Nation's premier trails? various partners along the trail for the specific purpose of In Mr. Lillards words, "lets mix it up."

Richard Lutz

RICHARD LUTZ really loves maps. I mean really! Richard likes to hike, but he loves maps. Maps are like a puzzle to solve. And it was one such puzzle that got Richard hooked on the North Country Trail when he was just 16. Richard characterizes that introduction as happening "by mistake." The NCT actually appears on a Pennsylvania state map that Richard had, but he could not find it on the ground. "Where is it?" he puzzled. He began gathering info and called Bill Menke of the National Park Service. But Bill was out checking trail, by coincidence, at Beaver Creek, Pennsylvania. Hot on the trail of this trail, Richard chased Bill down and learned that there were still lots of trail miles to be built despite that line on the map. Lots of other things Richard likes about maps are involved in creating trail such as planning potential routes, field checking, and computer skills. When I asked him how he got from liking to work with maps to being President of the new Wampum Chapter, Richard gave what is becoming the common Pennsylvania answer, "Bob Tait." Bob asked him to come to a Clarion meeting, but Richard says he had "no idea how or why or what" Bob was talking about. Next step, President! Richard likes to be in the middle of everything related to the trail and he's sure there. He commented on the value of the Lake Ann Conference. "I met a lot of people, learned what's going on. I'm learning to delegate," he said. He also found some of the seminars valuable. He received the Volunteer of the Year Award for the Wampum Chapter. Richard is now 19, and a student of Recreation and Park Management at Butler County Community College. He hopes to continue to be involved in the NCTA. Beginning "by mistake?" Maybe, but the benefits to the North Country Trail are certainly no mistake.

Wampum Chapter

Clarion Chapter A few years ago CAROL ATWELL discovered that she was rather bored. So she asked

herself, "What do I I ike to do; what makes me happy?" The answer came, "When I'm outside." She did an internet search on the word "outdoor," and found the Butler Outdoor Club. She contacted them and asked what she might do to help. Enter Bob Tait, Pennsylvania's enthusiastic State Coordinator who told her that NCTA could use a chapter in her county. Carol says that "Bob is a riot; his enthusiasm is contagious." She caught the bug and came to the organizational meeting and immediately took on the job of secretary with its many of the record keeping duties. Carol planned and pulled off a Pennsylvania state campout for 15 people. The group did trail work, hiked and met other Pennsylvania folks, some of it in the "pouring down rain." She is the program coordinator for next year's NCTA annual conference. All those time slots to fill with great programs and seminars are her responsibility! Carol also attended a training session to teach others how to do trail maintenance and she has begun to use that new Carol Atwell (on right) skill to train the Recreational Outdoor Club from Clarion University. She was a bit shy about sharing her love for being outdoors. "It's very spiritual for me;" she said, "to be outdoors is calming and meditative. It helps me sort things out." I suspect that many of the readers of this magazine understand her feelings. She says she needed to find a way to share the "miracle of nature" with others. Thanks to her parents and Girl Scouting 'Tm really comfortable in the woods;" she explained, "it's second nature." But many young people don't feel that way and we need to invite and involve them. We need to op~n nature to them and to pass on that comfort- to "young kids and teenagers, even if they are sometimes hard to tolerate," Carol continued. She considers her time on the trail as fun and the organizational skills her gift to the trail effort. Her work experience with the Riverview Intermediate Unit of the local school district has honed those skills. Carol knows that if there isn't someone doing those basic clerical duties: scheduling, planning, communicating, even a great effort can lose its momentum. And she is happy to contribute this important piece.

This past summer has been one of explosive Chapter growth for the NCTA. There are five new ones, two in Pennsylvania and three in Michigan. Of these,four groups elected to nominate an outstand ing volunteer for this feature. We offer the new chapters a hearty welcome and will focus solely on them in this issue.

ART SOLE.a..

Edited by Joan Young


l

On the national news tonight it was reported that Yasser Arafat and Benjamin Netanyahu were invited to rural Maryland to discuss their countries' difficulties because it is hoped "that taking walks in the woods will lead to peace and understanding." Now there's a lofty goal for trails! But the basic premise of that possibility is one that our volunteers this month would not only agree with, but are working hard to make real. Without trails, there would be few people taking walks in the woods. We are happy to enfold the new chapters, with all their new talent and energy. Next issue, we' LL mix the groups up again. If you have a volunteer to nominate for this feature, just contact me at 861 W US JO, Scottville, MI 49454, 616- 757-2205, [email protected].

Spirit of the Woods Chapter The newest NCTA chapter is sandwiched between old faithfuls Western Michigan and Grand Traverse Hiking Club .

. Although the chapter is new, GORDON WILKES is not new to trail work. A long-time friendship with Lynn Waldron guaranteed that Gordon would find himself involved in the trail. About five years ago he and Lynn helped build the Vincent Smith Memorial Bridge over the Sable River. A group of volunteers worked with the Forest Service to build it, and then a prison work crew took it to the installation site. This fine piece of work is only two miles from Gordon's home. He's helped with other construction projects too. He worked with the Girl Scouts to put in a small bridge near White Cloud, and with the Boy Scouts on some trail relocation projects. Gordon was on hand to aid in the recent relocation of a covered bridge by the Chief Noonday Chapter. There are many trail maintenance jobs we never think of that can take quite an effort. One such project that Gordon also helped on was the installation of timber and cable erosion control bars near Baldwin. He's done trail maintenance on his own initiative. He explained, "I like to see the trail kept up." Sounds like Gordon was a one-man chapter just needing to happen! He's a retired tool and die maker, but likes to hike and would like to backpack someday. "We should be looking to the future," he said. Recently he traveled with Lynn to the Ohio-Michigan (OH-Ml) Trail Council meeting. The trail administration was a whole new arena of knowledge. Who knows what Gordon will be doing next? Oh, I hear that he's helping to field check the trail for the forthcoming NCTA maps! Keep it up, Gordon!

Terry Ladd

The folks in southern Michigan face a huge task to create off-road trail miles from Battle Creek to the Ohio border. TERRY LADD has signed on to be part of that effort. He's the Vice-president of the new Baw Beese Chapter. He brings years ofleadership skills from his current job as Sales and Tech Rep for the DuBois chemical company, and from previously owning his own auto-finishing company. There are a few miles of trail on public land there, such as in the Lost Nations State Game Area. But Terry says people "don't know what's available." He's been active in getting this area cleaned up, signed and blazed in order to keep it certified. Terry led some folks in the serious job of clearing after Michigan's big blowdown earlier this summer. He's always been an outdoor person, liking hunting and fishing. He was vaguely aware of the trail from seeing the paved section adjacent to route 99 between Jonesville and Litchfield. Baw Beese organizer Rich Saur signed Terry up and began to show him how much more trail could be available. Terry sees this same sequence as part of the dilemma he wants to help solve. It would be wonderful for people to get out, but if they don't know what's there, they can't. Promotion, publicity and maps are all greatly needed. He values trails as opportunities for our families and kids. "Kids are so computer/couch oriented," Terry noted. Schools have even dropped physical education except for competitive sports. He likes to make sure that his own family (wife Carol and a son and daughter) gets out on the trail for exercise and to see nature. He's only been involved since June of this year, but we can see that Terry's energy will take him far. He too says he's just starting to learn what it means to be an NCTA Chapter. They are beginning to look at a proposed off-road route from Lost Nations to the Ohio border, and Terry is right in the thick of the action.

Baw Beese Chapter


would have guessed the major changes that were about to occur.

After establishing a chapter of the NCTA in Butler County, which is right next door to us, Bob came to Richard with an interesting proposition. Why not start a chapter here in Lawrence and Beaver Counties?

Richard could not have been more eager to do so, or to at least give it a shot. We both knew there would be no guarantee that enough people would be intertested, but either way he was determined to make this a reality.

The first meeting was advertised in a few newspapers and on several radio stations. Finally the meeting was set to take place at the New Castle Public Library. I have to admit I was very suprised at the turnout. Ten people showed up and thus the future of the NCTA in Lawrence and Beaver Counties was launched.

Richard was suprised to be elected president of the newborn chapter by a unanimous vote, and why that was a shock to him I'll never know. Denny Shepard, the chapter's vice-president, and Richard have been working on plans to finally complete the NCT in both counties ever since that first meeting.

A lot has happened in the last two years since Richard and I first set out. I remember driving home one Saturday, about a year ago, after we found out that a route we were going to propose was impossible for some reason. I turned to Richard in frustration and remarked "Why don't they just build the thing along Interstate 80"?

The days of frustration and gridlock here are over, we hope. Things here in Western Pennsylvania concerning the NCT have never looked better, but there is still work to be done.

My Geo and I still stand ready to help in any way that we can, but we now have a whole troop on our side instead of fighting it alone. Now, the Wampum Chapter is ready to do whatever it takes to make the trail a reality in Lawrence and Beaver Counties, and the rest of Northern America.

It may suprise you to know that Lawrence County, Pennsylvania sports probably the only NCTA chapter that began in a Geo Metro.

After my sixteenth birthday two years ago my good friend Richard Lutz asked me ifl could give him a lift to Hells Hollow so he could scout out something. I remember thinking "What on earth is he scouting out here in the middle of nowhere?".

I reluctantly agreed to drive around this big forest for two hours looking for nothing, but it seemed to mean something to him. I would listen to him talk about things like certification and 10% grades and I tried to understand. I readily admit that I have never really been much of a woodsman.

On the drive home I finally decided to ask the question that had been on my mind all day long; "What exactly did we just do"? I just asked one simple question, and my life changed forever.

The answer was definitly interesting, and ifl would have understood one word of it I might have known what I was getting myself into. Richard talked of this trail that would run across seven states and he kept mentioning things like "his planned route", the North Star, and some guy named Bill Menke.

I knew these were important people and things, but I still wanted more information. All he and I talked about for the next two weeks was the North Country Trail, and in the end he managed to recruit me. Ever since then we have been a team.

We spent many of our Saturday afternoons driving all over creation talking to people and trying to generate some interest for the trail in our area.

After driving around attempting to bring the NCT to everyone it occured to us that we just were not making any headway. It was about that time when one name entered our conversation that changed everything ... Bob.

Bob Tait became Pennsylvania State Coordinator in the Fall of 1997. We did not think much of it at first, but I never

By Daniel J. Pacella and Richard A. Lutz

Western Pennsylvania's newest addition to the NCTA chapters


Mesh back, cotton twill front, royal blue, plastic snap strap. (Clockwise from bottom)

CAP MB .•.•••••••••••••••••••••••• $10.95

Low profile cotton twill, solid khaki crown and bill, plastic snap strap.

CAP KH ••.••••••.••••••••••••••••• $12.95

"Pro-wash" cotton twill with extended bill, deep blue crown and bill (looks like denim), adjustable buckle on a leather strap.

CAP PW ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• $16.95

Low profile cotton twill, solid navy crown and bill, plastic snap strap. CAP KG ••••••••••••••••••••••••••• $14.95 Low profile washed cotton, khaki crown, dark green bill, adjustable buckle on fabric strap.

CAP NV ••••••••••••••.•••••••••••• $12.95

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•·• ·~ ·~::: •• 0 1·,.

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cemff ed Semons of the Horth CCJuntry Trail by Byron and Margaret Hutchins Detailed information and maps highlighting the longest and best off-road segments of the Trail. These are accurate route descriptons by experienced guidebook writers who have walked the sections with a measuring wheel. In easy to use looseleaf form. Pennsylvania

NCT in Pennsylvania $5.00 Ohio

Wayne National Forest $3.00 Burr Oak - Sinking Spring $5.50 Sinking Spring to Milford $5.50 Little Miami Scenic Park $2.50 Miami & Erie Canal $3.00 ------

Michigan NCT in Lower Michigan $8.00 NCT in Upper Michigan $9.50 MI-37 to Doblesky Rd., Wilderness SP .$3.50

Wisconsin Chequamegon N.F. and Brule River S.F.$3.00

Minnesota Chippewa National Forest, Itasca S.P .. $3.50

North Dakota NCT in North Dakota $2.50

f .. §hirt '9 (center) Brand new t-shirt reads: North Country National Scenic Trail - Just Beyond Your Backdoor. It's made of heavy weight, 100% cotton, color sage, and features a front design in brick red, forest green, and ivory. The trail line on the map is actually a list of all seven state names. Designed by Jeannie Thomas. (color: sage) S, M, L, XL: $10.95 XXL: $11.95

T-Shirt '97 (left) A TRAIL CREW shirt for volunteers! Tan 50/50 blend. Two color design on front with map and a "fired up" volunteer. (color: tan) M, L, XL: $8.95 XXL: $9.95

T ·hirt NCI_A (right) Pre-shrunk cotton "Beefy-T". Three-color NCTA logo on front and two-color trail map on back. Slogan on back reads "Going the Distance on the North Country National Scenic Trail" and includes the seven state map of the trail. (color: bright white) S, M: $10.95, (color: creme white) L, XL: $10.95 XXL: $11.95

Proceeds benefit the North Country Trail Association in its efforts to build, maintain and promote the North Country National Scenic Trail.

'It.V North Country Trail, October-December 1998

NCTA Trail Building and Ma1ntenanc=e Manual by Thomas Reimers This great manual for volunteers provides helpful guidelines and suggestions for planning, construction and continued maintenance of the North Country Trail. It covers rural and roaded natural, semi-primitive and primitive trail. 22pp $2.00

Volun Blue thread on white background $1.50 ea. State P es Available for each of the seven states $1.50 ea. Round P tch Yellow, blue and black on white background $3.00 ea.

Trail Supporter Pin 3 / 4" cloisonne, gold color lettering and star $3.00 ea.

North Country National Scenic Trail Mug

Official trail emblem on both sides in three

colors $5.95 ea.

Finger Lakes Trall Resources Map Sets These excellent looseleaf rn,gps of the trail in New York published by the Finger Lake rail Conference, $4.00 per set 1

NY l\""Berde - Portageville NY Portageville - Watkins Glen

Watkins Glen - NW of Cuyler. tridel)ooks,.___

Published by the Fin ~ 111 es Trail Conference, these helpful1l e er various parts of the Nort ountry Trail where it overlaps the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) in western and central New York.

FLT in Cortland County $5.95 FLT End-to-End Guide for Backpackers $2.50 FLT: Conservation Trail to Hornell. $7.95 FLT in Steuben Co. (Hornell-S.Bradford) .. $6.95

West Union Williamsburg

Scioto Irai Sinking Spring St. Marys Stockport Troy

Stark and Tuscarawas aunties Athens, Hocking, Mor an, Perry Counties Hocking, Ross nd Vinton Counties Ross and aunties

·--···-"'""Pi,._ and Highland Counties Auglaize and Shelby Counties Morgan, Perry and Athens Counties Greene, Miami and Montgomery Counties Adams and Brown Counties Brown and Clermont Counties

Massil n New S raitsvi lle

Buckeye Tra l (Oh o) S rtlon M These convenient and detailed maps cover the North Country Trail where it overlaps with the Buckeye Trail. they are published by the Buckeye Trail Association. Each map $3.50 Belle Valley Morgan, Noble and Guernsey Counties

Harrison, Carroll and Guernsey Counties Green and Warren C es

--~,fi~nce, Paul · g, Pu am, Henry an aunties

Delph s Putnam, Allen and Aug ize Counties Lovela d Clermont, Warren and milton

Counties

-~.:::=---...:r.··· .... "~~~~~~~~.

Michigan Map Sets by Arden Johnson An excellent reference for the entire North Country Trail in Michigan. Includes all off-road segments and suggests on-road routes where the trail is incomplete. Also provides good // general information about access points, terrain, ~ markers, camping and water, etc. $4.00 per set

~ itJt ///ff,/. MI-A SE Lenawee Co. to W. Calhoun Co. ~ ~ ,-.. 'J ~/

MI-B NE Kalamazoo Co. to SE Newaygo Co. ...-:=-~,....- / ~~~ ..... ,\.'"' MI-C SE Newaygo Co. to NW Wexford Co. 'l '/ // //, MI-D NW Wexford Co. to SE Charlevoix Co. ~ · MI-E Charlevoix Co. to Mackinaw City MI-F St. Ignace to SE Marquette Co. ~ V MI-G Marquette area to Ironwood l -/

50 Hikes in Michigan By Jim Dufresne

This detailed guidebook provides backpackers, hikers, campers, and skiers with all the information they need to plan a trip to the tranquil Porkies in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Includes history, wildlife in the park, fishing opportunities, cabins and shelters, camping areas, family day hikes with complete information on trails, access points, waterfalls and backcountry treks. 160pp $11.95

Porcupine Mountains By Jim Dufresne

Comprehensive guide for beginning wanderers and those exploring new country. Choosing proper clothing, selecting footware and raingear, using a map and compass, predict ing hike difficulty, when to turn around, managing food and water, weather lore, walking techniques, traveling with kids, first aid, and more. Many short features, fun tips ~======--i and anecdotes. 216pp $14.95

'DIYHIKER'S HANDBOOK .,. l.n 1).lHerroin lt.H~seoson Gulde '°""~---"<><Ill-

Dayhiker's Handbook By J. Long & M. Hodgson

A truly fresh look at hiking. Read about: philosophy of hiking, stress management, creativity and hiking, and trail romance. Also, explore today's issues through hiking: strengthening family ties, improving communication, a healthy lifestyle for kids, an inexpen sive pastime and providing seniors with a natural prescription for health. A new twist for anyone who currently enjoys hiking and for those who are thinking about starting out. 245pp $14.95

Hiking! By Philip Farranti and Cecilia Leyva

Michigan trail enthusiasts, don't get caught without this atlas! 2nd Edition includes maps and descriptions for over 600 hiking, biking, skiing, and nature trails in Michigan. Search by location or types of use. 581pp $29.95

Trail Atlas of Michigan By Dennis R. Hansen

Subtitled A Traveler's Guide to Our National Scenic and Historic Trails, this book is the first to provide engaging descriptions and advice on all 19 trails in our National Trail System. Includes North Country, Morman Pioneer, Pony Express, Appalachian, lditarod, Lewis and Clark, Pacific Crest, Trail of Tears, Florida Trail, Continental Divide and many others. 308pp $19.95

Trails Across America By Art & Margie Miller

Winner of the Outdoor Writers Guild Award for Excellence! Extremely thorough, up-to-date guide covering basics of backpacking. Information on the latest gear, cooking techniques, skills, and environmental hazards, with an emphasis on minimizing impact and enjoying the outdoors. This book is highly educational whether you are new to backpacking or an experienced "pro". 340pp $18.95

Backpacker's Handbook By Chris Townsend

m~mr!llm• By Tim Smith and Mark Herrick One whole lot of fun! Buck Wilder and his pal Rascal the Raccoon share their considerable wisdom and wit. Wonderful color illus trations are filled with humor and countless tips and trivia. Though at first glance this looks like a book for kids, adults also find this guide irresistible and informative. 64pp $12.95

Please mail your order (or phone in) to:

49 Monroe Center NW, Suite 200 B Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Toll free telephone: 888:-454-NCTA e-mail: [email protected]

NAME

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[ V1~ l '--=:..-=:.-'

Help is Needed

·---------------------------------------· city, state, zip

address

I really like the NCNST and I'd really like a poster! My check for $6.00, made out to NCT A, is enclosed.

I I I I I Please ship my poster to: I I I I I I I I

I I I I I I ---------------------------------------------I

name I I I I I I

If you'd like one of these posters, the cost, including shipping, is only $6.00. Just clip out the coupon below (or write the same information on a separate slip of paper) and send it with your payment to: NCTA, 49 Monroe Center NW, Ste 2008, Grand Rapids, Ml 49503. You should receive your poster, shipped in a tube, within a couple of weeks.

Through a grant from REI, we've designed and printed a great new color poster promoting the NCNST. Most of these posters will be displayed in public places to build awareness and interest in the trail. However, a generous in-kind donation from our printer, Gilson Graphics, allowed us to print extra copies for members to purchase for their own enjoyment.

NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL POSTERS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!

·-----~---------------------------------·


planning to carpool to West Virginia to hike and backpack the Gauley District of the Monongahela National Forest. There are over 200 miles of maintained trails with many access points to accommodate day hikers and backpackers alike. The Seneca Rocks/Spruce Knob Recreation Area is nearby, so by carpooling, shuttling will not be a problem. The cost of the trip should be around $45 per person. Any questions or to make your reservation, call Mike Shumway, 937-434-5689, or Herb Hulls, 740-585-2603. October 21-22, 11 :00 a.m. BTA Hike-A-Month. Meet at the Burr Oak Lodge at 11 :00 a.m. on October 21 for an October MIDWEEK Fall Hike. With questions, call or write Clyde Ernsberger, #0931, 3494 Gerbert Rd., Columbus OH 43224, 614-267-7012 October 29 - Nov. 1: BTA Trail Crew Work Party: Riddle Forest Products in Hocking County. Build new trail on private properties belonging to Dale W. Riddle Forest Products. This company has invited BT A onto their property to assist in oversight of trespassers. They have also offered to provide materials to build a leanto. We anticipate at least 8 miles of new, off-road trail when this project is complete.Call Jim Sprague, 440-884-4757, or Herb Hulls, 740-585-2603. November 7-8, 10:00 a.m. BTA Circuit Hike. Meet at Point 11, Belle Valley Section. Saturday, carpool to between Points 21 & 22. Hike is about 12.7 miles.Sunday, carpool to between Points 4 and 5. Hike is about 11.8 miles. For questions or more information, contact Dana A. Zintek, 2369 Suncrest Dr., Cuyahoga Falls, 44221; 330-928-8931. FAX 330-926-9574. November 14, 10:00 a.m. Combined Hike-A-Month and NE Ohio BT "LittleLoop" hike. Meet at Alexander Rd. Hike & Bike Trail Parking Lot (Point 7 on the Bedford Map) and going to Hawthorn Parkway Parking Lot (Point 13), about 6.5 miles. Moderate. We will shuttle cars. Bring a lunch. We provide hot beverages. For information about this hike call hike leader, Liz McQuaid, 216-941-3443. To register for this hike call the Jones' at 330-467-4338. December 12, 10:00 a. m. NE Ohio BT Annual "Soup Sampler" Hike. Meet at Jones', 534 W. Highland, Sagamore Hills. For registration and directions, call Jones' at 330-467-4338. Be prepared to carpool. 5 mile "mystery hike"; location depends on weather. December 12, 9:00 a.m. BTA Hike-a-Month with Host Rich Pfeiffer. Join Rich for a 5-mile one-way or 10-mile return hike in the New Straitsville Section. Meet at Tecumsey Lake at Shawnee, Ohio at 9:00 a.m. Hike from there to the Stone Church Hollow Trail Head. There will be some hills with moderate hiking. See you there! Questions, call Rich at 614- 279-9492.

OHIO October 17-24: (note date change): BT A. Cranberry Glades Wilderness Area, near Richwood, West Virginia. We are

PENNSYLVANIA October 20 Wampum meeting - Richard Lutz 625-8185 October 24-25 Hike on the NCT in ANF October 31- Nov. 1: Davis Hollow Outdoor Center Workday Bob Tait. (724 )287-3382. Close up the cabin for winter, tools maintained November 6-8 Hike to be scheduled check web page or call 724-287-3382 November 14-15 Close up the Outdoor Center for winter, tools maintained November 17 Wampum meeting 7:00 pm - Richard Lutz 625-8185 November 21-22 Hike on the NCT in ANF December 15 Wampum meeting 7:00 pm - Richard Lutz 625- 8185 December 22: Butler Chapter Mtg. 6:30 PM Butler YMCA May 14-16, 1999: Trailwork Training Davis Hollow Outdoor Center August 26-29, 1999: NCTA National Cont. Penna. Lutherlyn This schedule subject to change - call to confirm work times Visit Pennsylvania NCTA web Site at http://nauticom.net/ www/outdoor/nctlpa.html to check dates and changes.

NEW YORK November 15: Cayuga Trail Club general membership meeting, Ellis HollowCommunityCenter, Genung Rd., Ithaca, NY. November 21: FL TC Board of Managers meeting at Covenant United Methodist Church, Rochester, NY, 10:00 a.m. December 31: FL TC Trail census reports and bridge and lean-to inspection reports due from trail sponsors. North Country Trail annual report due from sponsors of NCT segments. January 22-23: Board of Managers, officers, and committee chairs retreat. February 1: All FLT system trails on private land closed for 24 hours.

NCTA December 15: Newsletter deadline. March 15, 1999: Newsletter deadline. May 15, 1999: Newsletter deadline. July 15, 1999: Newsletter deadline. September 15, 1999: Newsletter deadline.

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

CTA TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES


North Dakow • M\11ne.oll4 • \Yleconaln • Mlclilpn Ohio• Pennsy1va.nJa • New York

Who runs it? The Schoolhouse is maintained and managed by volun

teers from our own Western Michigan Chapter.

Is it close to the North Country Trail? You bet! Just one and a half miles from the NCNST!

Where is it? 5 miles NW of White Cloud, Michigan, nestled in the

southern region of the Huron-Manistee National Forest

l.lent the NCT.A's l.loont Schoo1IJ0 oo.e ll.se1

What's it for? NCTA's Schoolhouse makes an ideal hostel for your hikes through lower Michigan. It includes a shower, cots, and a kitchenette. It's also a great site for meetings or retreats!

CALL FOR FREE BROCHURE 517 -3 71- 1330

31 O Seymore, Apt. 610 Lansing, Michigan, 48933

·- ....... --~~ Backpacking • Canoeing • Photography

TroutFishing •Spike Camps• X-CountrySkiing Mountain Biking •Winter /Summer Survival

Environmental Education Wilderness Skills

·~·-·--··- ...

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

MICHIGAN October 24: Baw Beese Chapter Trail Crew, at Sandy Beach on Baw Beese Lake, Hillsdale Ml, signing the Saw Beese Trail. For information, contact Rich Saur, (517) 437-0746. October 24: North Country Trail Hikers Little Presque Isle cleanup with the Sierra Club. Call Judy (906) 228-9453. October 24: North Country Trail Hikers trail work in Marquette County. Call Gene, (906) 225-1704. October 31: North Country Trail Hikers trail work in Marquette County. Call Gene, (906) 225-1704. November 7: North Country Trail Hikers trail work in Marquette County. Call Gene, (906) 225-1704. November 12: North Country Trail Hikers Membership meeting, 7 P.M. at the Internet Bagel Cafe. Call Gene (906)225-1704. November 12: 7 PM, Career Tech Center. Grand Traverse Hiking Club. Roger Putman, Executive Director of TART Trail Inc., joins us to discuss the recent combination of the TART V ASA-Leelanau Triad of trails and the Boardman River trail. TART Trail Inc. is underwritten by Rotary Charities of Traverse City. Contact Dick Naperala 223-7903. November 14: Grand Traverse Hiking Club Leelanau Challenge. Hike the Leelanau Scenic Trail from Cherry Bend Road to Suttons Bay! After the hike, we will eat at Boon's in Suttons Bay. Cars will be spotted for the return trip. RSVP Contact Richard Halbert at 947-8485. November 14: North Country Trail Hikers Trail work in Marquette County. Call Gene, (906) 225-1704. December 1: W Ml Chapter Meeting and Christmas Party 6:30 pm. Call Ruth Arthur 616-453-8622 for reservations.


December 19-20, 10:00 a. m. BTA Circuit Hike. Meet at Point 28, Delphos Section. Saturday, will carpool to Point 6, Defiance Section. Hike is about 12.2 miles.Sunday, meet at Point 12, Defiance Section. Will carpool to Point 6. Hike is about 11 . 7 miles. For questions or more information, contact Dana A. Zintek, 2369 Suncrest Dr., Cuyahoga Falls, 44221; 330-928-8931. FAX 330-926-9574. February 6, 10:00 a.m. BTA co-sponsored 19TH ANNUAL WINTER HIKE AT FINDLEY STATE PARK. The entrance to the park is on Route 58, 2 miles south of Wellington in Lorain County. The hike is free and the public is invited. Guided loop hikes will leave from the camp commissary at 10:00 a.m. and will return in 2 to 3 hours. After the hike, State Park employees will provide lunch: bean soup, cornbread and hot drinks. There is no charge for the food, but donations will be appreciated. For further information contact Findley State Park at 440-647-5749. April 23-25. BTA Annual Meeting. Butler Springs Christian Camp and Retreat Center, Hillsboro, Ohio.

2,000 miles certified by the year 2000 State Miles Change %

certified since last issue Done North Dakota 176.8 0 37.2 Minnesota 87.0 3.1 23.2 Wisconsin 80.0 .7 36.4 Michigan 580.7 2.8 50.5 Ohio 292.8 3.8 27.9 Pennsylvania 120.7 1.4 40.2 New York 158.2 0 25.3

11.8 34.41 ·~- .J

TOTAL 1496.2

One member for every mile of trail projected State Current Change Members

members since last issue Trail miles to goal North Dakota 12 0 475 463 Minnesota 49 -2 (4%) 375 326 Wisconsin 73 0 220 147 Michigan 599 +47 9% 1150 551 Ohio 59 +4 7% 1050 991 Pennsylvania 131 +11 9% 300 169 New York 81 +2 3% 625 544 Other 86 0 n/a n/a TOTAL 1090 +62 6% 4195 3191

One for

One 2,000 by

2000

NC)"A's goals for memberships and new trail

Our Top Recruiters to Date: 8 David Adams 4 Kathlenn Eisele 3 James McMellen 6 Werner Veit 5 Jerry Allen 8 Gene Elzinga 15 Bill Menke 3 Doug Welker 9 Carol Atwell 3 Tom Garnett 94 NCTA Office 3 Gihny Wunsch 7 Len Baron 8 Richard Grau 10 Bob Papp 16 Gaylord Yost 3 Dennis Bell 4 Grace Hutchinson 16 Kathy Sabel 10 Joan Young 3 Bob Benham 68 John Kincaid 5 Anne Saltman 9 Derek Blount 4 Bryan Koehler 19 Richard Saur 4 Jim Burrow 11 Mary Kunzler-Larmann 15 Dave Sheldon 14 Dave Cornell 12 Al Larmann 4 Darlene Snyder 5 Claudia Day 4 John Leinen 56 Bob Tait 3 Dennis Donathen 8 Rod MacRae 10 Barb VanDyken

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

Awards Given to NCTA's Top Recruiters!

Nonprofit U.S. Postage

PAID Grand Rapids, Ml

Permit 340

l '

North Country Trail Association 49 Monroe Center NW Ste 2008 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 888-454-NCTA • www.northcountrytrail.org

I _[_J ~:-IJ ]_ _..! I :I 1' I r - l t L _J I I I J: Tl L

Werner and Marianne Veit

~ I ~ Quality Outdoor Gear and Clothing Since 1938

eritech

llTHE LURIE COMPANYI!

North Country Champions (min. $1,000 support from organization, agency, or corporation):

NCT Patrons ($250 annual membership):

ti I

With sincere gratitude, the North Country Trail Association recognize the following conbibutors

for their generous support over the past year:


I I _) ,_ l [ _1,.. l 1 l .._ 1 L l _ _L L..LL_I I

north star vol. 17, no. 5 (1998)

Documents

names of new members

ella knoll new members

north country trail

erie trail

sponsored membership

auction trail leaders

corina stan johnson

regular donors