north star vol. 18, no. 2 (1999)

$15 Introductory Rate • Who Do You Know? Our Sponsored Membership Program allows current I Sponsored by: I members to sign up new members at an introductory rate of just $15. To qualify, Sponsored Members must be new to NCT A, 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 use the program, just fill in your name in the "Sponsored by:" Address:

box. Then, give the form to your friend to finish. City, State Zip:

Please choose your affiliation (check one): Phone: D Member of a specific chapter: D Member of my closest local chapter (if one exists) I'd like to volunteer the following skills (optional): 0

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS! * ~ couNrl?r To begin your membership, please complete this form and send it with your $1. 5 payment to: 4?~.,\ North Country Trail Association • 49 Monroe Center NW, Suite 2008 • Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 •ASSOCIA'f_l_Q~~

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

Donors: Pat and Kathleen Miller Mike Donovan Bill Minard

Rob and Lucy Alt Bob and Grace Rudd Steve and Betsy Duede Ben Mourer Allen and Mary Shoup Dave Dykema David and Jane Norman Shirley Ann Cloud Schawna M Thoma Terry Ensign Onondaga Chapter, Adirondack Bill and Mary Coffin Craig Finkbeiner Mountain Club Robert L Crawford Organizations: Jerry and Linda Forrider Larry and Angela Ortkras Econo-Foods Donald P Freeman Jeff Oswalt Mardy and William Gast A YH Pittsburgh Council Raymond A Gilbert Daniel J. Pacella Newhouse Foundation Butler Outdoor Club John M Gorman Glenn H. Palma Harry L Gubbins Amy Clark North Dakota Tourism Tom and David Greko David Parish Stephen Hamilton and Suzanne Lynn Donches Liz and Dean Hanson Pam Pasley Sippel Onondaga Chapter, Adirondack Paul Janda Darrell Reh Alan and Mary Hunter Mountain Club Gary W. Johnson Eugene and Arlene Renico Martha Jones Superior Hiking Trail Association Robert and Martha Johnson Neil Rinne Gerard and Karen Kempa USDA Forest Service, Warren PA Peggy Jones and Andy Zeek Dale and Angela Rogers Bob Mclaren USDA Forest Service District Audrey Jordan Carolyn and Kully Rohlen Glenn L Oster Ranger, Washburn WI Thomas C. Jordan Rick Rose Daniel Peden Gerard and Karen Kempa Richard P. Roth Orville R Peterson New Members: Greg Kjolhede and Carrie Powers GaryRushlo Richard and Donna Pfeiffer

Carol J Stetter Mark B. Adams Pollie Knight Ross B. Schmidt

Werner Veit DanAdsmond Marje Krumm BobSchrems

Gary Werner Dave and Judy Allen Thomas J. Ill LaRocca, Dennis A. Selburg Edward J, Lawrence Ted Soldan Paula Westerlund Rob and Lucy Alt Tom and Kay Lee Douglas A Sowle Jim and Bonnie Wilson Joseph A Sarnosky

Bruce Booth Bill Lew Loree Speedy Ryan Bowles . Warren A. Lewis Rolf R. Swanson

New Life Members: Beth Brown Jon G Lindgren John and Mary Lou Tanton Bill and Donna Menke Marilyn Burfiend Lawrence H. Lonsway Robert Thompson

Sharon Burtrum Patrick and Sharon Loomis Don Tinson

Pathfinders: Charles and Jane Camp Tom Lyon David Tosten Richard Cannon Coralee J Maggio Ben Travis

Mark B. Adams Kathie Carpenter Jane Maier Bradley A. Vauter Duane Elenbaas Amy Clark, North Dakota Tourism John Malcolm Harmon Ward John and Mary Lou Tanton Mary Jane Clayton James Malebranche Robert Weir

Joseph N. Cook Chris and Kim Martin Robert Wheeler Trail Leaders: Tim Cullenen Mike McGovern Don A. White

David L Kinnamon Elizabeth Daly Harold and Linda McMahon Diane G. Williams

Gary and Marta Konrad Patty Dean Penny Melchoir DNR Wildlife Div Richard A. II Wynalda William L. Diedrich Marie Mercer Duke Yost

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

Trail Supporters NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, April-May, 1999 Page2

5 6 7 8

12 24 28

Page3

Cover Photo: Boy Scout Troop 287 and other volunteers locating Chief Noonday and North Country Trail sign on June 20, 1998. Charles Krammin photo.

Regular Departments Keyboard Trails Trail head Hiking Shorts On The Horizion Vision for the trail North Country Trail Shop Executive Director Report

Putting the puzzle together 23 The Baw Beese Chapter is making progress in southen Michigan.

Trail Focus: Chequamegon National Forest 19 Wisconsin's Chequamegon National Forest lent the name

of its premiere trail to the NCNST. The namesake trail gets out into the north country very nicely.

A cure for the winter blahs 18 Marquette's North Country Trail Hikers have one sure

way to get over seasonal affectional disorder -- a winter hike in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

NCTA Annual Meeting plans firm up 16 There's reason to think that the Annual Meeting to be

held in Pennsylvania will be one of the best ever.

Eagle Scout Project in Yankee Springs 15 Boy Scouts contribute to fixing a long-standing trail problem.

A Long, Long Trail A-Winding 13 Smithipps returns to the North Star after a long absence.

We've missed them and their whimsical humor; it's good to see them back where they belong.

Features Desired Future Condition - What's That? 11

The common goals for the future of the trail are identified.

The Magazine of the North Country Trail Association

hStar

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

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

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

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

Country Trail Association.

Secretary Joan Young

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

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]

Joan Buenavista Melanee Vandermolen

Bob Papp Dirk Mason

Margie Kindel Glory Meyer Carol Gibner

Executive Director Recreation Planner Project Manager Office Manager Records Manager Bookkeeper Cartographer

k•• 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, January-March 1999

PA State Coordinator Bob Tait

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

[email protected]

Butler County Chapter Joe Smith, President

233 E Christy Ave, Buller 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 Carol Atwell, President

P.O. Box 15, Marble PA 16334 (814) 354-2778, [email protected]

Finger Lakes Trail Conference Harmon Strong, Council Rep. 76 Shellwood Dr., Rochester, NY 14618

(716) 586-3846

Rochester, NY 14609 (716) 288-7191, [email protected]

American Youth Hostels Pittsburgh Council

Bob Roth, Council Rep. 80 Roseleof Rood

Pillsburgh, PA 15220 412-279-6219

Allegheny-Adirondack Chair & NY State 'li'ail Council Coordinator: Howard Beye

202 Colebourne Rd

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

Lynn Waldron B133 Norris Rd, Dellon, Michigan 49046 (616) 623-5340, [email protected]

Heritage Chapter Jim Burow, President

6841S11 llh SI Franklin, WI 53132

(414) 425-5146

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

Gene Elzinga 12 Middle Island, Marquette, Ml 49855 (906) 225-1704, [email protected]

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

(608) 326-7354

Great Lakes 'li'ail Council

OH State Coordinator Jim Sprague

4406 Maplecrest, Parma OH 44134 (216) B84-4757

Northwestern Ohio flails-to-Trails Association

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

(800) 951-4788, [email protected]

Western Michigan Chapter Tom Learmont, President ·

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

Len Baron, Council Rep. I 0822 26th Ave

Grond Rapids Ml 49544 (616) 677-3598

Scollville, Ml 49454 (616) 757-2205, [email protected]!

Spirit of the Woods Chapter -" Joan Young, President

B61 West USl 0

OH-Ml 'li'ail Council

Chequamegon Chapter Tana Turonie, President

Box 475, Mellen, WI 54546 (715) 274-2521 [email protected]!

Superior Hiking Trail Association Nancy Odden, Council Rep.

oRG· 731 7th Avenue Two Harbors MN 55616 (218) 834-2700

MN State Coordinator & Heat/waters Chapter

Rod MacRae 1210 W 22nd St., Minneapolis, MN 55405 (612) 377-0130

Chair:John Leinen 14205 St.Croix Trail North, Stillwater, MN 55082-95B7

(651) 433-4456, [email protected]

To be assigned: /lovers Outing Club Kekebabic Trail Club

WI State Coordinator Gaylord Yost

2925 W Bradley Rd River Hills, WI 53217-1719

(414) 354-B987, [email protected]

Jon Lindgren 2001 N 7th SI

Forgo ND 58102-5075 (701) 231-8809

West End 'li'ail Council

NCTA Trail Council Directories NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, January-March, 1999 Page4

meeting, we had so much business to take care of on the board that it was disappointing that we couldn't get out and do some of the other neat things there were to do. Plus, they're making a real effort to keep the costs of this thing under control, so it

At one time, it made sense. Back when Smithipps was the editor, or the early years when I was, there were only a few events in a given period along the length of the trail, and it made us feel good to see there really was some activity out there. But in recent years, partly due to the redundancy, it makes less sense, and "Coming Events" has all but taken over the back half of the magazine in some issues. Plus, given the increase in size, it's become a big job.

So, the new version of "Coming Events" is titled "On the Horizon", and we're going to pull it up with the "Hiking Shorts" section, to give it a little more prominence. We do have some interesting events coming up "On The Horizon", one of them being the Annual Meeting this fall, which will be in Pennsylvania.

"Ho, hum," you may think. "Another annual meeting! Don't they ever quit pounding that drum?"

Well, let me tell you that I confidently expect the last Annual Meeting of the Millenium to be the best we've ever had. Bob Tait and his Pennsylvania Promoters have been getting ready for this meeting for over three years. They've had fall statewide meetings in this time slot for a couple of years, and they have been a great success. There has been a ton of work done on program and promotion, and those of us that know these workaholics know that they don't do it half way. Lutherlynn Conference Center is the place we held the 1992 meeting, and it was one of the better sites we've had. There's a lot of neat stuff to see and do in the area -- I remember that in the 1992

As of this issue, we're going to change the way we handle the "coming events" that have been a part of every Newsletter and North Star since the beginning. We're going to just list the larger events, the ones that have regionwide or trail wide, or even nationwide significance. Most of the chapter events that we have been running the past few years are only of interest to the specific chapters, and since we usually take that list of events from the chapter newsletters, publishing them here is a little redundant.

The deadline for the June-July issue of the North Star is May 15, 1999. Items received well before that date are much appreciated. The deadline for the August September issue will be July 15, 1999.

by the Editor

Keyboard Trails

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, January-March 1999 Page s won't cost an arm and both legs to come enjoy the festivities. It comes down, very simply, to the fact that this is one that you don't want to miss! Registration details are elsewhere in the North Star.

Another change you will see in the "North Star" is a change in the way we're handling Bob Papp's column. Back when Bob started out on the job, he started sending out a monthly letter to Board Members and a few others who requested it to detail what he'd been doing in the headquarters office. Well, it grew and it grew, and all of a sudden it had become a little newsletter of its own; the mailing list ap proached 100 copies, which was a little on the silly side, and it was big enough that he only got it out every couple of months, anyway. It was turning into a major pain in the neck for him, and there are other things he needed to be doing, so to streamline things we're going to drop his "View from Monroe Center" column and move his report in to replace it. We're also going to move it back where "Coming Events" was so he can be a little more flexible about the space it takes up, if need be.

Talking about Pennsylvania and mentioning Smithipps leads me to want to talk about the latter for a moment. Smithipps -- the tightly-knit couple of Dr. John Hipps and Barbie Smith-- were my predecessors in editing the predeces sor to the North Star (yeah, OK, we have come a long way). They've been inactive for a few years, but have returned to the fold like the prodigal children. John is a country doctor-- he's written a couple of books about it, The Country Doctor and The Country Doctor: Alive and Well. You know about how doctors don't make house calls any more? Well, not this country doctor -- for many years, his practice was all house calls, to the point where he didn't have an office!

You can imagine that a person in that position is going to develop a different view of things, a different way of going about them, than the rest ofus. I love Smithipps' storytelling.: you never quite know where they're going to come out. The essay in this newsletter, taken from the latest book, is an example in point. It's good to have one of these essays back with us again.

By the way -- "Heart and Sole" is missing in this issue; editor Joan Young got busy with some other things that had to get done, but she plans to have the popular feature back for the next issue.

There are other interesting things in this North Star, as well. I try to keep it interesting, but as the number of members grows, it becomes much harder to keep up on what anyone is doing. In addition, I'm always on the prowl for stories and articles to go into these pages. I especially like hiking stories and trip reports -- I'd like to run two or three in each issue, if I had enough. If you're planning on hiking someplace interest ing along the trail this summer, why not plan on writing an article, with snapshots, for the North Star? You don't have to be a great writer-- I'll patch up fractured English and spelling, if need be, because passing on your experiences out there is what counts.

Barbara Hawke


"Probing the less-traveled areas of Michigan's Upper Peninsula on the Trail became a subsequent obsession. There my intimacy with the woods increased. Near Muskellunge Lake I walked in reverie, admiring pink lady slippers along the path. A startled ruffed grouse scuttled away, crying pitifully and appearing injured. Only later did I recall that as the classic performance fornest protection. Farther east I tra versed forest floor lined with dried moss like miles of grey-green fairy tresses. The abundant blueberries were a wel come refreshment, but also brought thoughts of foraging bears to mind.

"My love affair with grouse and sandhill cranes deepened as I ex plored the Trail. At Betchler Marsh I tracked herons and cranes as they forcefully informed me I had intruded into their liv ing rooms. In October I gloried in exultant fall fo liage near Tahquamenon Falls. Brilliant sun ig nited leaves of gold, rose, crimson, and apricot against the sapphire sky. My grouse kin revealed themselves with crests held proudly and tails demure.

"Clambering over massive blowdowns from major spring storms, I ventured into more remote areas in northwest Michi gan. An insistent bird cry riveted my attention. Peering from a branch was a ghostly gray raptor, with a finely patterned breast. I stood motionless, examining the unidentified specter. What was a hawk doing in the deep forest? His cry to me was direct and urgent. He flew past.joining a mottled brown mate in furious activity on the ground. As I passed ahead, he instigated rapid pursuit, sheering toward me. I sensed him near my head, and suddenly my vision was filled with enormous talons and a banded tail. In my most efficient manner I proceeded out of the area, but still he pursued me, twice more in near encounter. Even as my distance grew, the ghost raptor cried persistently.

"My racing heartbeat gave way to gratification as I recognized Northern Goshawk behavior exactly as described in Audubon guides. A wild inhabitant of the northern woods had allowed me a glimpse of his untamed world.

"Although my relationship with the North Country Trail is rather new, the Trail is one of the relations I will miss most as I depart for mountain pastures in the West. Thanks to all who are keeping the dream, making the Trail a reality."

-- Barbara Hawke

An Essay Says So Long "The beginnings of my relationship with the North Coun

try Trail are lost in foggy memories of brown leaves and wet earth somewhere north ofM-20 in western Michigan. A fellow outdoor aficionado had mentioned "this great wilderness experience on pathways almost at the backdoor." It's still unclear to me how padding through the still woods became a compulsion, leading to Trail excursions most every weekend. I know the emerging green leaves and quiet renewed my soul after frenzied hours in the office. Hearing sandhill cranes call from elusive locations, watching black turkeys struggle to fly, and eyeing magnificent deer though the trees, elevated my awareness and mood.

beaming the biggest smile in southern Ohio at me. Right off the bat I knew I'd like her-she affects people that way-and somehow right off the bat I knew she'd be a real worker in the cause of the North Country Trail.

It wasn't Jong after we both returned to Grand Rapids turns out she was a member of the Western Michigan chapter although I had not known her -- that through her enthusiasm and diligence she became one of headquarters' willing volun teers. Despite a full-time work schedule with the City of Grand Rapids and the pursuit of a master's degree at Grand Valley State University, she squeezed in work parties on the trail, stuff I needed done but had forgotten and creating the slide show about the North Country Trail you saw last fall if you attended our national conference in Traverse City.

I got to know her well enough to learn she hated to be called "Barb," to get politically incorrect hugs when we met for the occasional working lunch and to appreciate not just her love for the outdoors and its plants and creatures but her passion to share that Jove with all of us.

Barbara is leaving the North Country Trail for the job of her dreams with The Nature Conservancy in Colorado. (I seem to be losing all my friends to the West: Kathy Baer, our former Board secretary, got a job with the Bureau of Land Manage ment in Utah). As a farewell gift, Barbara wrote to our office. I know she won't mind my repeating it here for all the members to share. It says so well how we all feel about common enterprise. Barbara writes:

It was during our 1997 annual conference that I first met Barbara Hawke as she stuck out her hand for me to shake and

by President Werner Veit

Trail Head

wells and building roads to reach the wells. The landscape has changed considerably. We will have our trail crew in this area in April and May to ensure the trail is clear and easily followed. We may also be doing some additional slash disposal, seeding/mulching, and tree planting. I have been working with our oil and gas administrator to lessen the impact whenever possible.

"The Forest Service considers FR 145 and the NCT to be special. We are doing everything in our limited power to influence their well, road and tank placement with consideration given to the landscape character, recreation and wildlife. We are frustrated that we cannot do more to protect this recreation corridor. What we can do is mostly cosmetic. Once the construction is complete (late 1999- 2000), we will be looking over the area to see if there is anything more that can be done to soften the edges. Until then the NCT and FR 145 will look raw."

In the last year an expansion of private oil and gas rights has been occurring near the North Country Trail in Forest County, Pennsylvania, says Brenda Adams-Weyant, Outdoor Recreation Planner. for Allegheny National Forest.

"The US Government did not purchase the mineral rights when the Allegheny National Forest was created." she says. "The mineral rights owners have a right to access their 'land', even though it may impact the surface owner. The surface owners cannot deny access, but we can work with them to influence the well and road layout to a small degree. We require them to perform some mitigation like slash disposal, and we can and will collect some funds to clean up what we cannot require the subsurface owners to do.

"Between Four Mile Run and Little Salmon Creek, the mineral owners have been developing their land by drilling

Drilling impacts trail in Allegheny National Forest

Lyme Disease vaccine now available In December, the Food and Drug Administration approved the first Lyme

Vaccine, LYME-rix. The manufacturer, SmithKline Beecham, will reportedly begin sending this product to doctors' offices within the next few weeks. They did not disclose the cost of the vaccine. The FDA has several reservations about this vaccine:

• It can take a year or longer before the three shot series produces full protection from Lyme.

<Not everyone will develop immunity from the disease even after taking the three shot series.

•Protection provided by the three shot series is of relatively short duration. Booster shots may be required as often as yearly to maintain immunity.

• L YME-rix has not been approved for children less than 15 years of age. SmithKline is testing the vaccine on children to determine safety and effectiveness.

Because of these concerns, even those who take the LYME-rix vaccine will need to continue taking precautionary measures to protect themselves from Lyme disease. These measures include:

-Wear long-legged pants and, for extra protection, long-sleeved shirt and hat. -Tuck pant legs into socks or boots. Tuck shirt into pants. • Wear light colored clothing so ticks can be spotted more easily. • Stay in the middle of trails to avoid ticks waiting in overhanging grass and

brush. <Spray insect repellent containing DEET on clothes and on exposed skin

other than the face, or treat clothes (especially pants, socks, and shoes) with permethrin, which kills ticks on contact.

<Inspect your clothes frequently for ticks when in tick habitat. Have a companion inspect your back.

<Inspect your head and body thoroughly when you get in from the field. Use a mirror or have a companion check your back.

Certification Report There were a lot of minor adjust

ments to the certified trail list since the first of the year.

Changes as a result of GPS tracking included reducing certified mileage in Lake Sakakawea State Park, ND. by 0.3 miles; adding 1.0 mile in Bucktooth State Forest, NY; adding 0.1 mile in Boyce Hill State Forest, NY; adding 0.1 mile in Bear Creek State Forest, NY; and reduc ing mileage by 0.1 mile in Cattaragus County, NY.

Other certification actions included:

•Changing certifications of 0.3 miles in Tompkins County, NY, from state park to private land.

• New certifications on 9 seg ments totaling 20.8 miles in Steuben County, New York.

• A reduction of 0.1 miles in Jennings ELC, PA, due to relocation.

The actions bring the total certified length of the North Country Trail to 1559.9 miles. An additional 19.5 miles are "marked connectors", for a total distance of 1579.4 miles.

Hiking Shorts NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, January-March 1999

New route eyed for Michigan-Wisconsin connection

Following a series of newspaper articles in the Iron wood Globe and Iron County Miner, active citizen support has appeared in the Ironwood-Bessemer area for complet ing the NCNST between the Wisconsin border and the current trail terminus near the Copper Peak Ski Jump along the black river, the Wisconsin North Country Trail News reports.

One proposal under consideration extends the trail west from Copper Peak across lands owned by Goegebic County Forestry Department toward the mouth of the Montreal River near Saxon Harbor. This route would minimize the number of private tracts crossed in Michigan. A final decision to pursue the route is yet to be reached.

In other news in the general area, the North Country Trail Association Heritage Chapter reached an agreement with Whitecap Mountains resort owners Mr. and Mrs. David Lundburg to route the trail across their land in Iron County. This agreement will allow the trail to be built from its existing terminus on the Uller Trail near Weber Lake west to Iron County Forestry Lands on the west side of the Whitecap Mountains property.

answering the old question of were the trail was to head in Minnesota after the realization that the original 1982 route was unworkable.

It looks like the MPTC will be working closely with the NCNST in the future to promote the trail in Minnesota. John Leinen says that at a recent strategic planning session, the MPTC drew up plans that would fit very well with the goals of the NCTA. These plans include beginning work on higher profile projects, such as the NCNST. The co operation of the MPTC with the NCNST will lead to increased exposure for both groups. The MPTC also recently received a 3 million dollar bequest to accomplish their programs.

Part of this money will be spent on the addition of a full time staff person who will be responsible for fund raising, and working with groups such as the North Country Trail Association.

And as if that all were not enough, a newly formed Leech Lake Watershed Association has come forward and volunteered to help build around 35 miles of trail through the Paul Bunyan State Park.

While all this great news will take time to become physical trail, Mr. Leinen hopes that in the next six years there could be upwards of 650 new certified miles in Minnesota. --Dave Delonge

Exciting Times in Minnesota While the state of Minnesota has been long seen as a

large holding of the true North County that the NCNST is all about, the trail has not been able to showcase all that Minnesota has to offer due to planning difficulties and the like. Recent events in Minnesota suggest that this is about to change. With the collaboration of the NCTA and several different hiking groups in Minnesota, including the Superior Hiking Trail Association, the Arrowhead Route is coming to fruition. (See NS June-July 1998).

When last we reported, there were several question marks remaining with this route change. Recently, though, these questions seem to have been given some answers. One question involved the route of the amended trail through the Duluth area. A planning team was formed to scout and study possible routes in the Duluth area, and through the co-ordination of Dirk Mason the group selected a Team Preferred Route. The next step now is for a series of Open Houses to be held to receive public feedback, and inform at the same time. This will lead into Environmental Assessments, and eventually (hopefully) trail certification. Dirk says that this scouting process is often the most time consuming and labor intensive. With the team preferred route now decided, the next steps should follow along quickly, Dirk hopes that by 2000 this section of trail will be completed.

Perhaps the most exciting news from Minnesota though involves the trail west of Ely. Two planning teams were formed to scout out the corridor Ely to the existing trail head in the Chippewa National Forest. These two planning groups now have scouted out possible routes for the NCNST and they will be meeting in late April to finalize the exact route. Dirk Mason again is responsible for co-ordination of these two groups, and their efforts. This section of trail would represent approximately 150- 200 miles of new trail for the NCNST.

The real cherry on top of this news, is that through John Leinen's work with the Minnesota Parks and Trails Council (MPTC), they have agreed to route and build the section of the NCNST from Ely to Chippewa National Forest. This is the same MPTC that helped develop the excellent Superior Hiking Trail (which is now affiliated with the NCNST). The needed funding most likely will come from a combination of private and company dona tions as well as state money from the Environmental Natural Resources Trust Fund. The ENRTF works under the Legislative Commission of Minnesota Resources.

While the final completion of this trail section may take a couple of years, this news brings the trail closer to


Hiking Shorts PageB

Buckeye Trail Association has lots of work planned

1999 is the fortieth anniversary of the Buckeye Trail Association, and there are several things under way to commemorate the event, many occurring at the BTA's annual meeting April 23-25 (see next page for).

But, the BTA has a lot of trailbuilding projects planned for the summer, as well. Included are activities in Fort Hill Historic Preserve on April 25; Clendening Reservoir on May 13-16 and May 16-22; Tar Hollow State Forest on June 5 and 6; a tentative work session in Hocking and Vinton Counties on June 19-20; Burr Oak State Park September 9-12; Wayne National Forest September 10-13; Burr Oak again on October 8-10 and East Fork On October 30-31. The last will be preperations for the much needed relocation of the trail to avoid areas eroded by heavy horse use.

If you're interested in any of these projects, contact Jim Sprague at (440) 884-4757.

-- Werner Veit

an honor to lend my time and resources contributing to a project that encourages family activities and raises public awareness of our nation's beautiful outdoors."

Tim is well experienced in trail work and is a candidate for a seat on the Board of Directors of the Buckeye Trail Association, an NCTA affiliate. He has hiked more than 200 miles of the Buckeye Trail and serves as a section supervisor for the Buckeye Trail. He is responsible for maintenance and promotion of the Delphos section of the trail.

In addition to his memberships in the NCTA and Buckeye Trail Association, he has also been a member of the Ohio chapter of the Rails to Trails Conservancy for three years. He initiated, conducted and published a field survey and analysis of the demographics of Ohio rail to trail users.

Tim is also an avid sailor, racing 18-ft. one designs in Columbus and occasionally crewing on big boats on Lake Erie.

He holds a Master's degree in City and Regional Planning and a Bachelor's degree in business administration from Ohio State University. He previously served as a research analyst and development and rehabilitation technician for the City of Columbus, as an associate planner for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and extension agent and then Director of the Van Wert County Economic Development Office.

Amy Clark, coordinator of outdoor promotions and special projects for the North Dakota Department of Tourism, and Timothy A. (Tim) Cullenen, director of the Corryville Community Development Corporation in Cincinnati, Ohio, have joined the Board of Directors of the North Country Trail Association.

They were appointed to the Board by President Werner Veit to fill the unexpired portion of seats vacated by resignations. Amy will be a candidate for re-election when her term expires this year. Tim will stand for election when his current, partial term expires in the year 2001.

Their appointment fills all vacancies except the board seat vacated by the resignation of Paul Stone. Werner said he expected to fill that seat in the near future from a list of outstanding candidates.

In addition, the nominating committee of the North Country Trail Association, chaired by Gaylord Yost, of Wisconsin, will present a slate of candidates in addition to Amy for our 1999 election. The other members of the nominating committee are Kathy Baer, of North Dakota, who was one of the resignees because of a job move to Utah; Tom Reimers, of New York; Bob Tait, of Pennsylva nia; Daryl Williamson, of Minnesota, and Lynn Waldron, of Michigan.

Ballots will be mailed to all members in April. Success ful candidates will take office during our National Confer ence, Aug. 26-29, in Pennsylvania.

At the North Dakota Department of Tourism, Amy is responsible for coordinating the publication of the state's vacation guide, as well as directing promotions for hunting, fishing, hiking and other outdoor activities in the state.

She is a graduate of the University of North Dakota where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and has completed graduate studies at the University of North Texas. A native of New Jersey, she also lived in Delaware and Wisconsin before settling down in North Dakota eight years ago.

Amy and her husband, Tony, live in Bismarck. In their spare time they like to hike, camp, fish and travel. In addition, they are active members of their church, where they are adult leaders for the Junior/Senior High School Youth Group.

"The vision for the North Country National Scenic Trail is exciting," Amy writes. " I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to help promote and build the North Country Trail in North Dakota and throughout the country. It will be

Vacancies Filled on NCTA's Board of Directors

Hiking Shorts NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, January-March 1999

Sixth National Conference on National Scenic and National Historic Trails • September 12-17

Sixth National Conference on National Scenic and National Historic Trails, Lake Tahoe, NV, September 12-17. Contact Gary Werner at the Partnership for The National Trails System, at (608) 249-7870 for more information.

KTA Annual Meeting and Fall Hiking Weekend • Sept 24-26 The Keystone Trails Association will hold its Annual Meeting and Fall Hiking Weekend at Camp Kanesatake, Spruce

Creek, south of State College, PA, on the weekend of Sept. 24-26. Contact Keystone Trails Association, PO Box 251, Cogan Station, PA 17728-0251 for more information.

NCTA Annual Conference •August 26-29 It's not too early to mark your calendar for the North Country Trail Association's Annual Conference. The Pennsylva

nia Chapters will be hosting the national event this year. It will be held on August 26-29, 1999 at Camp Lutherlyn in Prospect, PA in close proximity to Moraine State Park, McConnell's Mill and many other natural and recreational areas. The conference promises to offer activities that are informational, recreational and entertaining to please everyone who attends. An "Outdoor Fest" will be held on Saturday featuring outdoor stores and clubs from Western Pennsylvania. Mem bers of the NCT as well as their guests and the general public are welcome to participate. Some events will have limited seats (i.e. historical tour, pontoon ride on Lake Arthur, specialized hikes and more!). To get your name on the list for a registration [email protected] or visit our website at http://www.northcountrytrail.org/conf99! Those of you without Internet can contact the NCTA office.

Appalachian Trail Conference Bienneal Meeting> July 9-16 The Appalachian Trail Conference will hold its Bienneal Meeting on July 9-16 at Radford University in Virginia. See

the spring issue of Appalachian Trailway News or contact ATC for more information.

National Trails Day • June 5 There will be events up and down the length of the North Country Trail in honor of National Trails Day, on June 5. Get

out and hike a ways at your local event. If there isn't a local event, create one!

Finger Lakes Trail Conference Annual Meeting> April 30 - May 2 The Finger Lakes Trail Conference will hold its annual meeting at Downsville, New York, on April 30 - May 2, 1999.

The meeting place for all events is the Old Schoolhouse Inn and Restaurant, where the general business meeting will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday and the Board of Managers meeting will be held at 4:30 PM. There will be a number of hiking and biking events in the area. There are several campgrounds, bed and breakfasts, and motels and hotels in the area. For more information, contact the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, PO Box 18048, Rochester NY 14618-0048. For registration information, contact Triple Cities Hiking Club, PO Box 22, Johnson City NY 13760.

Buckeye Trail Association Annual Meeting• April 23-25 The Buckeye Trail Association will hold its Annual Meeting and 40th Year Celebration at Butler Springs Christian

Camp and Retreat Center, Hillsboro, Ohio, on April 23-25. There's much on the agenda for this landmark meeting. Regis tration starts at 1 :00 PM Friday. Lodging and meals are available. Contact Bob and Ruth Brown, PO Box 251, 2552 State Route 61, New Haven, OH, 44850 (419) 935-0668 for more information.

On The Horizon NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, January-March 1999

The North Country Trail, conceived of in the 1960s, was established as a National Scenic Trail in 1980 under the National Trails System Act (16 U.S.C. 1241 et seq.). According to the Act, the North Country Trail is:

• To be a trail of approximately thirty-two hundred miles, extending from eastern New York State to the vicinity of Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota, following the approximate route depicted on the map identified as "Proposed North Country Trail-Vicinity Map" in the Department of the Interior "North Country Trail Report," dated June 1975;

• To be so located as to provide for its maximum outdoor recreation potential;

• To be so located as to provide for the conservation and enjoyment of the nationally significant scenic, historic, natural, or cultural qualities of the areas through which it passes;

•To be administered by the Secretary of the Interior and operated, developed, and maintained in conjunction with other Federal

NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL Statement of Purpose I Desired Future Condition

Agencies, States, their political subdivisions, adjacent landowners, and private organizations and individuals; and

• To be administered in a manner that encourages and assists volunteer citizen involvement in the planning, development, maintenance, and management of the Trail.

The Trail will be administered and managed as a path whose use is primarily for hiking and backpacking. Management of the North Country National Scenic Trail is also affected by other Federal legislation, including, but not limited to, the 1916 Organic Act, the National Forest Management Act, the Wilderness Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the National Historic Preservation Act, the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and the Endangered Species Act. Numerous regulations, policies, plans, and cooperative agreements have been established to provide more specific guidance on management and protection of the North Country Trail.

no deadline, what we are really saying is that over the long term; the vegetation distribution should be as described above. There is no expectation that it will be achieved within the next 5, 10, or any other set period of years. DFC is a goal to move constantly toward.

Desired Future Condition (DFC) is a term used to describe a future condition or quantity of a particular resource. Fre quently, planners use the term DFC. Perhaps a simple example will help. If we were talking about a make believe County Ecological Area, we might say that the DFC of its vegetation is 50-percent hardwoods, 40-percent conifers, and l 0-percent open areas. One caveat is that because DFC has

by Bill Menke Manager, North Country Trail

National Park Service

Desired Future Condition - What's that?


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assimilate a history, this meeting may well be pointed to as one of the key trail decision moments. Primarily this is because the two Federal agencies, who share the bulk of the Federal responsibilities for the trail, reached agreement on a difference of opinon that has existed for the last half-dozen years-that being what uses are appropriate on the North Country Trail. For years, the two agencies (and NCTA) have had discussions about the use of mountain bikes and horses on some portions of the trail. While the meeting discussions were frequently not easy, they were open, candid, and permeated by the willingness to listen to other points of view.

Rather than focusing on each agencies beliefs about how the trail should be managed tomorrow or next summer, the solution which allowed all ofus to get over the impasse was to talk about the DFC. Doing so allowed on-the-ground manag ers to forget about things like budget and staff shortages, which often force them into less than desirable, pragmatic solutions. Rather, we could focus on the long-term desired condition. When this was done, it became quickly evident that there was little disagreement between the two agencies. Deep down in everyone's heart, was the belief that the trail was intended to be and should become a trail that is devoted primarily to hiking and backpacking. The major accomplish ment coming from the meeting is an agreed to DFC, shown on the previous page.

The three underlined words in the last paragraph of the DFC are significant. We have agreed to that goal. Does that mean that mountain bikes and horses will disappear from the trail next year? No. In some locations, where there are not enough NCTA volunteers to maintain the trail, bikers are assisting with maintenance. In other locations, there are only a few bikes using the trail in the entire summer season and they are doing little harm. What it does meant is that no actions will be taken which would allow the bikes or horses to become further entrenched or new types of uses to become established. It also means that as opportunities arise to move toward the DFC, they will be captured.

DFC is indeed a significant step forward. In the months ahead, the DFC will be incorporated into a revised Memoran dum of Understanding between the two agencies and into the ongoing revisions to the Forest Plans. In the years ahead, it will guide us in everyday decisions. If you get the opportunity, be sure to thank our Forest Service partners for being willing to step forward together for the long-term good of the trail.


To meet this vision, our goals are for the trail to become: 1. ... a continuous hiking trail of the highest

caliber with foot travel accorded the highest prior ity to the exclusion of other uses except in short, specifically designated sections.

2. ...a corridor of consistently and clearly marked treadways, blending with local character as appropriate and permanently protected, when ever possible, as a public hiking trail.

3 .... unique among National 'frails in showcas ing the rich variety of historical, cultural, and envi ronmental features in the northern United States.

4 .... a model of resource protection and quality recreational opportunity of national significance with emphasis on identifying, interpreting and promoting features for educational and recre ational benefit.

5 .... an example of highly successful partner ships among the various entities providing fund ing, management of and service to the trail.

Our vision for the North Country National Scenic Trail is that of a premier footpath of national significance, offering a superb experience for hik ers in a permanently protected corridor, travers ing and interpreting the richly diverse environ mental, cultural, and historic features of the north ern United States.

NCTA's Vision for the North Country National Scenic Trail

What does this have to do with the North Country Trail? In November, we were able to accomplish a long sought goal of getting together with our Forest Service partners to discuss a variety of topics related to the management of the trail. The North Country Trail passes primarily through the Forest Service's Eastern Region-headquartered in Milwaukee, Wis consin. Within the eastern region, there are nine national forests that the trail passes through. In addition, the trail also passes through the Sheyenne National Grassland in the Forest Service's Northern Region. However, over the years, the Forest Service has agreed that the Milwaukee office will take the lead on North Country Trail related issues.

I tend to think of the November meeting as a "watershed" meeting. In addition to both National Park Service and Forest Service regional level staff, representatives from five of the ten national forests attended. As the trail ages and as we begin to

of New York leads southwestward on to six hundred twenty five miles of trail that exits the Empire State at Allegeny State Park and enters the Keystone State near Kinzua Dam. It then crosses the northwestern comerof Pennsylvania for a distance of three hundred miles toenterthe southeastern comerofOhio. The Buckeye State boasts a distance of one thousand fifty miles of trail, which encircles the entire state, then enters southcentral Michigan, boasting eleven hundred fifty miles. After a long and winding path north to Mackinac Island, it takes a fairly straight shot west across the Upper Peninsula, then on into Wisconsin for a distance of two hundred twenty miles. This is followed by an upside down boot shaped trail through Minnesota to end at Lake Sakakawea near the center of North Dakota -- after having crossed the head waters of the Mississippi -- to connect with the Lewis and Clark Trail.

When the long, long distance hiker has reached the end of the trail about one year later, she/he has traveled through all four seasons of the temperate north country and has taken more steps than the average pedometer can handle. If one stride is assumed to be about three feet, the number of steps per mile amounts to seventeen hundred sixty. When multiplied by forty-two hundred miles, a very conservative estimate of the number of steps to travel the entire trail is seven million three hundred ninety two thousand. It is more likely closer to ten million by the time a lot of short strides over and around rocks and streams and a multitude of other obstacles are counted in.

A special feature of the North Country Trail compared to other historic and scenic trails is its more latitudinal than longitudinal lay. The east to west rather than the north to south direction allows for a great diversity of terrain, scenery and geology as well as plant life. Its warp in time parallels the early history of the American westward movement as well.

Another of the Trail's greatest assets is a host of volunteers that make up the membership of the North Country Trail Association. While most historic and scenic trails are sup ported by governments and contributing organizations, this trait's birth, growth and development owes its existence to this eager and enthusiastic legion of dedicated members.

The country's system of National Historic and Scenic Trails was conceived in 1968 when signed into law by President Johnson after much pioneering by many visionary individuals in the early l 900's. The trails are nonmotorized

A trail, now, is a pathway for walking to get from one place to another. It is usually found in the great outdoors meandering through fields and forests and over country roads. Unlike walkways in towns and shopping malls, a trail covers dis tances of hundreds of feet to many hundreds of miles. Hiking trails exist throughout the country and are used by tens of thousands of people each year -- summer and winter, rain or shine. In addition to fun and fitness, the chance to experience the manifold pleasures of nature can mean aches and pains, sprains and strains, bumps and bruises, bites and bees and blisters. It can also mean an occasional stroke or heart attack, broken bones, and other major events. So there is a time and a place for Country Doctoring on the trail. Much of it is first aid, of course, and careful attention to prevention and commonsense treatment. Rarely is it necessary to summon a life-flight helicopter for serious problems.

The North Country National Scenic Trail is one of a network of trails encompassing and crisscrossing the United States from the north country to the south and from sea to shining sea. It is the longest, estimated to be forty-two hundred miles. The eastern trailhead in the upper northeastern comer

A legend is a truth on its way to becoming a myth.

By Dr. John G. Hipps, MD excerpted from: "The Country Doctor: Alive and Well"

A Long, Long Trail A-Winding


Footnote -- the credibility of this story can be confirmed by a search of the North Country Trail headquarters archives in the section, "True Tall Tales of the North Country Trail" under the section, A Tail Of One Big Bear and Two Little Bares. The subtitle is, "The Bear Came Over The Mountain To See What He Could See and the Only Thing He Saw Was Another Side Of Himself.

I looked in the mirror one day and discovered my identity --me.

Copyright 1999 John G. Hipps, MD. All rights reserved.

By this time you will realize that the Country Doctor's times on the trail have very little to do with doctoring. It is ninety-nine percent or more recreational, diversionary, fun and fancy. So has been the sharing of myself and my patients with you in the stories.

As the journey over the Trail and through these pages comes to a close, I end on a more whimsical note with the hope that this long, long trail a-winding will connect us with each other again somewhere along the way, and in volume two of The Country Doctor ... Alive and Well.

The couples wide blue eyes looked closer to discover some strands of shining black hairs. They no doubt belonged to a very large bear that no doubt had spent the night there on the comfort of a blueberry bog mattress.

The couple became alarmed that this monstrous creature might still be in the immediate vicinity. They no more than said this to each other than they heard a thunderous roar! They looked up to see a mountain of a black bear running toward them with wide open jaws in whose throat was a pair of tonsils the size of bowling balls. Not having asked the bear to "say ahh", they figured he was up to no good for the two of them. What to do? No weapons! No time to run! The inevitable happened: John quickly disappeared into that wide open mouth. Barbie was quick to grab him by his ankles just as he was about to disappear from sight. She planted her heels into the bushes, pulling as hard as she could, and John suddenly snapped out of the bear's bowels! In the meantime, he grabbed the bear by the root of his tail and pulled him inside out with his own exit. The bear was so embarrassed by this sudden turn of his own event, he whirled around to get away as quick as possible wondering which way to go. And that's the bear truth, now.

In the meantime, John felt like Jonah after he escaped from the belly of the whale and returned home to stand at the doorway, soaking wet, dripping with seaweed dangling from his shoulders. His wife exclaimed, "Jonah! Where have you been? You smell like a fish!" After John had his own feet planted firmly on the ground and the bear was high tailing it inside out toward the woods, Barbie asked, "John, how do you feel? You look a bit wooky."

"Life a worn-out stock market -- very bearish."


and motorcycles, snowmobiles, and other engine-driven ve hicles are forbidden.

At the same time, despite the likeliest of expectations and the best laid plans of hikers, bikers, skiers, snowshoers, runners and horses, strange and unexpected things do happen.

One such happening had its beginning some twenty-five hundred years ago in the northern part of the British Isles. A great many Irish people, men and women alike, felt so crowded in old England that they no longer had room to play with their shillelaghs. They could no longer put up with the English. They decided to leave the country and sail westward to find a new land.

They had an uneventful journey until they approached the coast of what is now known as New England. Within several miles of shore the wildest of storms came upon them. It was later named Typhoon Brogue and it generated a tidal wave so powerful that it swept their ship onto the beach where it came to rest on a mountain of red lobsters -- a place now called Katahdin. The sorrowful Irish men and women looked down over the slope of this huge mound of crustaceans that smelled pretty fishy. They were so green with fright that future generations became known as leprechauns.

The lobsters were not very pleased with this predicament either. They became red in the face with anger and attacked the intruders with their vicious snapping pinchers. West was the only safe way to go. The Irish people streaked rapidly west ward in a somewhat helter-skelter manner over a corridor about twenty miles wide for a distance of some four thousand miles until they came to rest at a neat lake in the midst of a great grassy plain. It just so happened that the route they took laid the groundwork of what was later adopted as the North Country Trail of today.

The Irish people left New England so fast, all they had time to take were their shillelaghs, blarney stones, and blue berry seedlings. These three items accounted for their sur vival. They used their shillelaghs to obtain small animals and upland game birds for food. The blarney stones became trail markers to blaze the trail for future hikers and other nonmo torized users. Blueberry seedlings were planted in the bottom land of valleys along the way. They grew there with unbounded abandon over the years, wide and deep. They became dense and strong enough to walk on, ride horseback, build dwellings, and for all other requirements of everyday living.

Twenty-five hundred years later, a pair of hikers were backpacking the North Country Trail near the outer edge of one of these blueberry bogs. They came to a neat looking place where they could camp overnight and have blueberries for a bedtime snack.

After taking a skinny dip in the pristine waters of nearby Lake Lubber, they browsed around for the best berries of all. It was then that they noticed a spot where the bushes were pressed down into a saucer shape some two yards wide and eight feet long. An outline began to take on a familiar shape.

TROOP 287 of Portage and other volunteers planting trees and shrubs on the old trail. Nearly 300 hours of effort went into the project.

submitting the plan for approval, soliciting materials and financing, and finally supervising others in labor for the project. Other scouts can meet conservation rank requirements by working on this project.

Nate's project involved a hiking viewpoint area, fre quented by many visitors, that originally had wooden steps to get up to the "Graves Hill Area." These steps were deteriorat ing and many hikers walked beside the steps, causing erosion. About ten years ago, when the NCT was laid out through the

park, a gradual sloping trail around and up the hill was constructed. Nate's crew removed the old steps, planted trees and shrubs in the old trail and located signs that said, "Keep Out - New Tree Plant ing." The crew then encouraged hikers to follow the combined NCT and Chief Noonday Trail by moving the trail sign, and by laying logs in a circular pattern to identify and make the eye see the new trail.

The project took 272 hours of plan ning and execution .. Ben Stapish, su pervisor of the recreation area, com mended Nate on the fine work he did on the trail. Nate received his Eagle Scout rank at a Court of Honor in December 2, 1998. Nate, at 14 and a freshman in High School, has moved on to a new scouting program called "Venturing Crew". They hiked 53 miles of the Ap palachian Trail this last summer. On December 26, 1998, Nate participated in the 1999 World Scouting Jamboree near Santiago, Chile.

FALL 1998: THE COMPLETED PROJECT. Note how the log barriers, greenery on the old trail and signage encourage hikers to follow the North Country and Chief Noonday Trail to the right around and up Graves Hill.

by Charles Krammin Nate Triplett of Boy Scout Troop 287, Portage, MI,

completed the Eagle Scout Rank requirements on June 20, 1998, by working on and near the North Country Trail in the Yankee Springs State Recreation Area, the seventh most used state park in the state of Michigan. Nate contacted members of the Chief Noonday Chapter for a project and Charles Krammin, a Chapter Trailblazer, helped Nate in identifying an area that needed attention.

To become an Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts, the scout must take on the leadership role by completing a public or private project from start to finish, which includes finding a need, contacting individuals, developing a plan,

Eagle Scout Project in Yankee Springs


+ First aid emergencies on the trail. + Ultra light backpacking + Interacting with the media + Fundraising and grant writing + Photography + Orienteering/GPS + Working with landowners + Stewardship + Fast chapter + Women and hiking + Signs on the trail

Some of the programs planned for this year include:

Workshops

There will be hikes sure to please everyone. Did you ever think about taking a wildflower or a geology hike or learn about what plants in the woods are edible? How about a Holistic hike to get in touch with your inner self as you hike? With 24 miles of the North Country Trail at our fingertips, this area is a hiker's Mecca. There will be plenty of hiking on some of the most scenic trails along the North Country Trail in McConnell's Mill, Moraine State Park and Cook Forest. For those history buffs, there will be an historical tour of the Old Mill, Stone House and Davis Hollow Cabin. An informative and enjoyable pontoon boat ride will be available on the "Nautical Nature," touring Lake Arthur in Moraine State Park. There is also a boat rental available at Moraine, so you could explore Lake Arthur on your own .

Hikes and Tours

this will be! Other events include a campfire and entertainment on Friday night and an Outdoor Fest of outdoor stores and organizations all day Saturday.

You don't want to miss this one! The North Country Trail Association's Annual Conference will be held in Prospect, Pennsylvania, just minutes from some of the most scenic and historic spots on the trail. Pennsylvania is NCTA 's fastest growing state in terms of new members. Come and see what all the excitement is about!

We are so excited to have two renowned speakers at the conference, the Executive Editor of Backpacker Magazine, Thom Hogan and the Director of the American Hiking Society, David Lillard. What a treat

Keynote Speakers

Thursday, August 26 through Sunday, August 29. Attend all or part!

When

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A few miles west of Butler, Pennsylvania and 40 miles north of Pittsburgh at Camp Lutherlyn. The retreat covers 640 scenic acres, with 17 miles of trail and comfortable accommodations

+ Cabins have spacious bathrooms, paneled walls, carpeted floors and wooden bunks . There also are A-frame cabins available.

+ Limited RV and tent camping sites are available.

+ Beautiful new dining hall with central air conditioning.

+ Other facilities include: Tennis, volleyball and basketball courts. Lakes for fishing and swimming Heated swimming pool Canoeing Picnic pavilions Hiking trails Snack bar

+ Camp Lutherlyn is less than 40 miles from Pittsburgh and is within minutes of North Country National Scenic Trail segments.

+ When staying at the camp, you should direct any incoming calls to: 724-865-2161 .

-.

Where

1999 Annual Conference Prospect, Pennsylvania

NORTH COUNTRY

TRAIL ASSOCIATION

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, April-May, 1999

Then, send your registration to: NCTA, 49 Monroe Center NW,

Suite 200B, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Exp. Date: _ Name on card: _ Signature: _

-,

Or, register by mail: 0 I'm enclosing my check or money

. order made payable to NCTA. 0 Please charge the total amount

shewn to my VISA or MasterCard Cai,:#: _

Call us toll-free (888-454-6282) to register by phone with your VISA or Mastercard.

W<IDU11IP <C®&mt 1t® A.ttit®m<dl Cost per #of Total person people Cost

Registration Fee for each person $25 x -- - Covers most of our program expenses. Any remaining proceeds will benefit the NCTA.

Camp Use Fees (meals, lodging, etc.)

Stay in cabin, arrive Thursday $95 x -- = Stay in cabin, arrive Friday $75 x -- = Stay in RV or tent, arrive Thurs. $80 x -- = Stay in RV or tent, arrive Friday $60 x -- = Stay off-site, arrive Thursday $60 x -- = Stay off-site, arrive Friday $45 x -- =

Total Amount Enclosed:

Do you require any special accessibility, dietary or travel accommodations? -----------

NORTH COUNTRY

TRAIL ASSOCIATION

1999 Annual Conference Prospect, Pennsylvania

- Name(s): _

Address: ------------------- City: St ate: __ Zip: __:.__

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

----..--~------- ---

From the east: On Rt.422, go west past Butler and Mt. Chestnut toward. Prospect. (Landmarks: Kerns Auto Parts on the, right, a· truck weigh station on the left. At the corner where you turn to go to Lutherlyn, there is an 84 Lumber on the left, and Warehouse Sales on the right. TURN LEFT AT 84 LUMBER. There is a small Lutherlyn sign there. Proceed approximately 1.5 miles to the MAIN CAMP ENTRANCE. The main camp entrance has a large wooden sign and evergreen trees. It is about 1 more mile to the parking lot.

Lutherlyn, there is an 84 Lumber store on the right and Warehouse Sales on the left. TURN RIGHT AT 84 LUMBE,R. There is 'a small Lutherlyn sign there. Proceed approximately 1.5 miles to the MAIN CAMP ENTRANCE. The main camp entrance has a large

· wooden sign and evergreen trees. It is about 1 more mile to the parking lot.

From the west: On highway 422, go east toward Prospect and Butler. Pass the Prospect/Rt. 528 exit; pass the Rt. 488 Junction. (Landmark; Garden Gate Restaurant on rlght.) At the corner where you will turn to go to

Camp location: Lutherlyn is located south of Prospect, PA on Dick Road 1.5 miles off highway 422, seven miles west of Butler. It is approximately 40 miles north of Pittsburgh. Lutherlyn signs are located on Rt. 422 and at the head of the driveway.

From the north or south: If you are traveling north or south, Rt. 422 can be accessed from Rt. 79 or Rt. 8. After getting on to Rt. 422 follow the east;west directions below. . ·

Directions to Lutherlyn

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, April-May 1999

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all selected a route with alternatives for those not inclined to complete exhaustion.

Richard was elected to test the ice by skiing down the bank and on to the frozen lake surface. The others waited to see if he would sink, become mired in slush or was it really skiable. We knew from his grin when he finally came to a stop some

dozens of yards from shore that conditions were beyond all expectations. The weather didn't change it was still drizzling and so foggy that the far shore was only a shadow, but it was quiet except for the distant rumble from Lake Superior and the skiing was al most effortless. The cure was amazing and we all set off with renewed enthusiasm and expectations for a successful excursion.

By great planning and a lot of luck, at least the less ambitious group; Marti, Denise, Matthew and Gene, actually accomplished what we set out to do because we were back to the car within 15 minutes of the planned time. However, at this writing several days later, we still haven't heard from Richard, Dave or John and for all we know they may still be out there trying to find Trapper Lake .

LIKE MANY CHAPTERS, the North Country Trail Hiker's Club has a list of activities throughout the year. The amount of winter they have in the Marquette area means a lot of winter hikes. This photo was taken on a ski trip a couple of years ago.

Saturday, February 27 was a dreary, miserable day. Most of the past week was cloudy and so warm that all the good snow was melting.That was the day we had scheduled a ski trip to Pictured Rocks so it was tempting that morning to call the seven still planning on going to cancel. You know all the excuses, it will probably pour rain or the roads are probably slippery or the ice on the lakes is probably too soft or too slushy and besides dogs aren't allowed in the Park and ... well, you know. Even the trip to Munising was depressing with fog on the Lake, wet roads and muddy brown snow everywhere. I'll bet if any of us had been courageous enough to suggest we tum back, we would have.

When we got there, the unplowed road into Beaver Lake had been heavily snowmobiled to the consistency of mashed potatoes. Not the making of a great outing. Can you imagine seven crazies slogging through 3 miles of goop to get to the Little Beaver Lake Camp Ground for lunch? That's how desperate we all were after a week of no skiing and no sun. The term for these symptoms used to be cabin fever but is now called SAD (Seasonal Affectional Disorder).

During lunch the conversation turned to our afternoon itinerary whereupon Dave pulled out some really neat topo maps of the area that he had run off on his computer and we

by Gene Elzinga

North Country Trail Hikers Club finds cure for seasonal blahs


THE TRAIL IN THE CHEQUAMEGON National Forest begins at this trailhead on County Road A.

Country Trail to the seven-state project. The trail in the forest penetrates two designated Wilderness Areas, the Rainbow Lake and Porcupine.

The sixty miles of trail in the Chequamegon National Forest is generally marked with gray diamonds, as opposed to common practice; blue diamonds denote ski trails.CAMPING, as in all national forests, is permitted anywhere, except within 50 feet of the trail. Three Adirondack shelters are located on or near the trail, toward the eastern end; these are first come, first served. There are several good spots for backpack camping. Fires may or may not be permitted due to forest fire conditions. As anywhere else in Wisconsin's north woods, late

spring through mid-summer is bug sea son. BEARS are not unknown, but the forest makes no special warning in their literature about them. There are also a handful of wolves in the forest. MAPS AND INFORMATION: The Chequamegon has a reprint of the 1992 NCNST map available, and it is useful. It, and other information are available from Glidden Ranger District, USDA Forest Service, PO Box 126, Glidden WI 54527 (715) 264-2511; Hayward Ranger District, USDA Forest Service, Rt. 10, Box 508, Hayward WI 54843 (715) 634-4821; or Washburn Ranger District, USDA Forest Service, PO Box 578, Washburn WI 54891 (715) 373- 2667. The Hutchins Guide, available from the North Country Trail Shop, also has a section on the NCNST in the

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The Chequamegon (She-kaw-me-gon') National Forest encompasses 860,000 acres of land in an area rich in both geological and human history. Terrain runs from gently rolling toward the western end, to rocky and mountainous toward the eastern end. Ice age glaciers left their mark on the land, along with ancient volcanos and earthquakes. Indian battles were fought here. Several locations are designated as national archeological sites, and others are part of a historic district. Remainders of the area's logging past are found in abandoned Jogging roads and railroad grades. The North Country Trail in the Chequamegon is one of the longer-established sections of trail; in fact, the Chequamegon Jent the name of the North

Bayfield and Ashland Counties, WI

Forest

Trail Focus:

Chequamegon National


15.0 [1.5) CROSS FR223 After crossing FR 223, the trail heads in an easterly

direction out of the trailhead,jogging a little to cross a stream, and continues to the east, following a bluff overlooking Mirror Lake. The trail bends somewhat to the southeast; somewhat farther, at Esox Lake, is a small campsite. The trail continues southeasterly, jogging around a little, until reaching FR397, a forest two-rut with no parking available.

13.5 [3.3] CROSS FR392; LEAVE RAINBOW LAKE WILDERNESS

The trail heads south out of the trail head, passing Stratton Pond. South of the pond, it again joins an old railroad grade, which it follows part of the time southeast for about a mile, before the trail leaves the grade, and turns east for a distance, before reaching paved FR223. There is a small parking area at this trail crossing.

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an old, closed forest road. near Bufo Lake. South of the lake, it bends to the southeast and joins an other old railroad grade for a distance, then turns south to pass between Reynaud and Wishbone Lakes, reaching FR392 3.3 miles after leaving Rainbow Lake. There is a campsite near Reynaud Lake, and a parking area at this trail crossing.

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10.2 [3.1) PASS RAINBOW LAKE The trail continues southerly; after about a mile, it crosses

7.1 (2.7) CROSS FR228; ENTER RAINBOW LAKE WILDERNESS

The Rainbow Lake Wilderness is located south from FR228, until crossing FR293, 6.4 trail miles to the south. There is a good treadway, but few trail makers except for a handful of posts, so trailfinding care is called for. The 6,600 acre Rainbow Lake Wilderness is characterized by glaciated terrain, mixed hardwoods, aspen, and mixed conifers. The trail descends gradually, then climbs along a bluff to an old railroad grade, continuing to the southeast, past Tower Lake, where the trail turns to the south. After 3.1 miles, Rainbow Lake is reached; a small backpack campsite is located along the trail.

4.4 [2.3) CROSS FR 412 FR412 is a forest two-rut, with no parking. The trail

continues in a southeasterly direction until near tiny Square Deal Lake, then joins an old railroad grade and bears to the east, then northeast, before turning back to the southeast, until reaching FR228, also known as West Delta Rd. There is parking at this road crossing.

2.1 [2.1) CROSS FR 411 There is no parking at the FR411 crossing. The Trail

continues to follow the old railroad grade southeasterly for a short distance, but soon leaves the grade and bends to the south through mixed forest country; after a short distance, it bends back to the southeast, reaching FR412 2.3 miles after leaving FR 411.

The trailhead is located directly east of the f Anderson

intersection with Gravel Pit Road, along Bayfield Lake

County Road A, 4.5 miles north of Iron River. • ----~- The first 0.6 miles of the trail in this section are actually located on an old logging road in Bayfield County Forest lands. The trail soon leaves the old road, and descends eastward across an old clearcut, joining an old logging railroad grade for a short distance before leaving it, crossing a forest road that accesses the south side of Lake Ruth, then soon rejoins it, bending to the southeast and following it until reaching FR 411.

,,

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, January-March 1999 l -.

'

0.0 [0.0] COUNTY ROAD A TRAILHEAD

Chequamegon, giving a detailed trail log and its own sketch maps; it's highly recommended. Hutchins' guide distances are used here, giving a mileage a mile longer than NPS certified figures. SERVICES are available at two locations, at Drummond, toward the western end of the trail, and at Mellen, at the east end.

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ON THE TRAIL in the central part of the Chequamegon National Forest, Near County Road D.

27.7 [1.5] CROSS FR213 (THIRD TIME); ENTER POR CUPINE WILDERNESS AREA

The 6.8 miles between here and CR Dare in the Porcupine Wilderness Area; again, marking is thin, but the treadway is generally adequate to follow. The trail starts out south, jogs around a bit, then settles down on a southeasterly heading, then turns south to cross 18-Mile Creek on a log. The trail then bears to the east, then northeast, arriving at the north end of Porcupine Lake, where there are several potential campsites.

Lake JI Knotting

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FR377

26.2 [3.0] CROSS FR213 (SECOND TIME) The trail heads northeast, then east, for about a mile, then

turns south, reaching a parking area on FR213 after 1.5 miles. Two Lakes Campgrounds, developed, is about 0.2 miles west, then 0.3 miles south. Fee.

23.2 [3.4] CROSS FR213 Forest literature calls the Lake Owen area "especially

scenic." The trail winds through stands oflarge white and red pines and hemlocks. The trail is basically sandwiched between an access road and the lake for the next three miles, crossing the road twice more. Shortly south of the first FR2 l 3 crossing, the trail passes a picnic pavilion, where there is parking. The trail continues south, occasionally on bluffs overlooking the lake; after about a mile, it turns east, still occasionally in sight of the lake, and, after about another mile, bears to the west, crosses the access road, then turns north to cross FR213 a second time.

19.8 [2.8] CROSS US63 The trail heads southerly out of the US63 crossing,

passing through field and forest sections, and crossing two small roads until reaching paved FR213 after 3.4 miles.

DRUMMOND, WI 54832. Limited services; two small motel/restaurants, small general store.

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* 17.0 [2.0] CROSS FR 397

The trail continues southeast out of the trail head, but soon bends to the south, then to the southwest, then back to the south. Continuing south, the trail joins the Drummond Woods Interpretive Trail for a distance. This woods contains an area that escaped the great clearcut, and contains 220-400yearold white pines; there is a basswood tree with a 36-foot base, and a giant hemlock tree. Continuing south, the trail first crosses old US63, where there is a parking area available, then US63 shortly afterward. Drummond, WI is located about I. I miles south west along either of the two roads.


61.6 [1.3] REACH FR 390 TRAILHEAD Discription of this segment ends at this point. Mellen, WI,

is 2.3 miles east. This area was discussed in the August September 1998 North Star.

60.3 [1.9] PASS CR GG TRAILHEAD PARKING AREA This parking area serves at the trailhead for the Penokee

Mountian Cross-Country Ski trails. The trail heads north, following ski trails and a stream for 1.3 miles, until emerging on FR390 about 2.3 miles west of Mellen, WI.

58.4 [2.3] CROSS FR 604 The trail is now entering a network of cross-country ski

trails, so care in trail following is called for. The trail heads generally easterly, winding around a lot, but with only rela tively gentle grades. After 1.9 miles, it emerges at a large, developed parking lot on CR GG.

56.1 [3.0] CROSS FR 188 [THIRD TIME] Just past the last FRl 88 crossing, the trail bends back to

the southeast, and continues easterly for 2.3 miles, until reaching FR604. There is a parking area at the crossing. A shelter shown on forest literature about 0.4 mile west of this crossing has apparently been removed.

53.1 [3.0] CROSS FR 188 The trail continues south for about 0.4 mile, then, at John

Frank Lake, bends to the east, then northeast; after about another 1.1 mile, it recrosses FRI 88. The trail continues northeasterly; after about another 1.5 mile, it reaches and crosses FR 18 8 for the third time.

50.1 [6.2] CROSS FR 187 Lake Three Campground, northeast of the road crossing

is also a developed fee campground. The trail goes by the south side of the lake, and over the earth fill dam, then continues in a generally easterly direction over several small streams. After about 1.8 miles, cross a large bridge over the Brunsweiler River; potential campsites in this area. The trail bends north easterly, passing the south shore of Beaverdam Lake, then continues east, and bends south to cross FR 188.

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, January-March 1999 i ,'\ .I \ I . '

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43.9 [3.4] CROSS FR 383. The trail continues eastward. After 1.1 miles, cross FR

493, a small forest road with no parking. After about another 0.5 miles, enter Ashland County. After about another 1.5 miles, pass a spur trail that leads south to a developed campground at Beaver Lake (Fee). The trail continues northeastward; after 1. 7 miles, near Seitz Lake, an Adirondack shelter is passed. About another 1.5 miles further, reach FR 187 near the Lake Three Campground. There is parking at the campground.

40.5 [1.7] CROSS FR 202 The trail continues east. After 1.2 miles, the Marengo

River is reached. There is a campsite at the crossing; the shelter once located there has apparently been removed, though it's still listed in the forest literature. The trail continues easterly for another 2.2 miles, twisting around a little, and climbing and descending past some overlooks, before reaching FR383 (no parking).

38.8 [4.3] CROSS FR 378 The trail starts out northeasterly, crosses a small creek,

and shortly afterwards bears to the east, reaching FR 202 after 1.7 miles. There is a small parking area at the crossing.

34.5 [3.9] CROSS CR D The trail east of this point is generally more rugged than

to the west, as the topography is getting a little steeper and more rocky. The trail starts northeasterly out of the CR D trailhead, passing Davis Lake, but soon bends back to the southeast, crossing FR 1780 after 1.5 miles (No parking). The trail continues easterly, past an old fire tower on a high bluff to the south of the trail, turns northeasterly, and reaches gravel FR378 after another 2.6 miles; again, no parking.

~ 30.6 [2.9] PASS PORCUPINE LAKE Porcupine Creek, flowing out of the lake, must be waded,

or a crossing on a log found. The trail continues easterly, curving around considerably; at one place, a tricky beaver dam must be used to get across a wet area. After 3. 9 miles, the trail emerges on CR D, where there is a good parking area.

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moment. The Hillsdale connection has been adopted by the Hillsdale Rotary. and the communtiy and county in general. The Rotary has generated considerable interest and funds for its three phase effort. Around $50,000 went into completing Phase 1 last year. A similar effort is going into Phase 2 this year. The Osseo connection is still undetermined but initial soundings with community leaders are very positive. These connections make almost 30 miles of continuous trail.

This hodge-podge should offer a blend of raw nature, scenic farmlands and quiet villages to enjoy. The Baw Beese Chapter has monthly recreation hikes and welcomes all.

The Baw Beese Chapter of the North Country Trail Association has yet to celebrate its first anniversary, but has identified a unique puzzle of interconnecting trails that will traverse Hillsdale County, Michigan. The sections of public lands are continuously interspersed with needed private cross ings. Local interest has sparked membership of over fifty (and growing).

Chief Baw Beese (chapter namesake) is a familiar local hero. He was the leader of the Pottawatomi tribe that was based in the Hillsdale County area but ranged the land of surrounding counties as well. He considered the area his backyard and was considerably miffed when the railroads didn't pay tribute for crossing his lands. He was instrumental in the first Anglo settlement of the area, in the early and mid l 800's. Early settlers wrote of how they wouldn't have made it through the first winders without the help of the tribe. There are many tales of starving settlers finding "the Chief' at their door, laden with food. True to form, with fanfare, the tribe was forwarded to ignominy on a western reservation.

The Baw Beese Chapter currently enjoys two certified sections of trail and a third "ready to certify" section. The Jonesville/Hillsdale bike path is five miles long and was part of the first round of NCT certifications in 1983. The second section is the Baw Beese Trail, which goes from Osseo to Hillsdale. It winds through country settings, over a mile of scenic trail bordering Lake Baw Beese, accesssing parks and beach and into Hillsdale. The third is the Lost Nations State Game Area section, which passes through one of the most pristing and wildest pieces of land in southern Michigan. Experienced hikers compare it to trails in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

The two connectors, through Hillsdale and Osseo, for the three sections, and the southern connection to the Cannonball Trail and the northern connection to trail managed by the Chief Noonday Chapter still need to be developed; a puzzle indeed. But, all the pieces are there.

The two connectors are the chapter's priorities at the

by Dave Dejonge and Rich Sauer

The Baw Beese Chapter: Putting the puzzle together


Certified Sections of the North Country 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.

Navy Cap (C204) $12.95 Low profile cotton twill, solid navy crown and bill, plastic snap strap. Khaki/Green Cap (C202) ••••••••• $14.95 Low profile washed cotton, khaki crown, dark green bill, adjustable buckle on fabric strap.

. "Denim" Blue Cap (C203) ••••••• $15.95 "Pro-wash" cotton twill with extended bill, deep blue crown and bill (looks like denim), adjustable buckle on a leather strap. Khaki Cap (C205) $12.95 Low profile cotton twill, solid khaki crown and bill, plastic snap strap: Royal Mesh-Back Cap (c201) •••• $10.95 Mesh back, cotton twill front, royal blue, plastic snap strap. (Clockwise from bottom)

Pennsylvania NCT in Pennsylvania (M201) $5.00

Ohio Wayne National Forest {M301) •••••••••••• $3.00 Burr Oak - Sinking Spring {M302) •.•.•.• $5.50 Sinking Spring to Milford {M303) •••••••• $5.50 Little Miami Scenic Park (M304) •••.•...• $2.50 Miami & Erie Canal {M305) •••••••••••••••• $3.00 .---------,

Mi~~f~ Lower Michigan (M401) ..••....••. $8.00 ~ - .,,, 't; NCT in Upper Michigan (M402) •••••.•.••• $9.50 ~

Wisconsin ·• " ~ · Chequamegon N.F. and "r"·' ·~-~.·.~)r[,.r Brule River S.F. (M501) •••••••••.••••.•.•••• $3.00

Minnesota Chippewa National Forest, f .. Itasca S.P. (M601) ••••••••.••.••.••••...••••• $3.50

North Dakota ·~Jil NCT in North Dakota (M701) .••••••••••••• $2.50 ~-----.--.

Sage NCNST T-shirt (C-103) (center) New t-shirt reads: North Country National Scenic Trail - Just Beyond Your Backdoor. It's made of heavyweight, 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

Trail Crew T-shirt (c102) (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

NCTA T-Shirt (c101) (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

NCTA Trail Building and Maintenance Manual by Thomas Reimers {LlOl) 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

Volunteer Patch (P121) $1.50 ea. State Patches New York (P111), Pennsylvania (P112), Ohio (P113), Michigan (P114), Wisconsin (P115), Minnesota (P116), North Dakota (P117) $1.50 ea. 3" Round Patches North Country Trail Association (P122), North Country Trail (P123)$3.00 ea.

Trail Supporter Pin (P102) 3/4" cloisonne, gold color lettering and star, $3.00 ea.

North Country National Scenic Trail Mug (P101)

Official trail emblem on both sides in three colors.$5.95 ea.

Troy

St. Marys Stockport

Scioto Trail Sinking Spring

Lovela d

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Buckeye Trail (Ohio) Section Maps These convenient and detailed maps cover the North Country Trail where it overlaps with the Buckeye Trail. they are published by the Buckeye Trail Association. Each map $3.50 Belle Valley (M311) Morgan, Noble and

Guernsey Counties (M312) Harrison, Carr ll and

Guerns au 'es and Wa en Counties

Defiance, Paul ing, Putnam, Henry and Wo d Counties

(M315) Putnam, Allen nd Auglaize Coun ies

(M316) Clermont, Wan en and Hamilton Co ties Stark and T rawas Counties Athens eking, Morgan, Per aunties H c ng, Ross and I{ ton Counties

ass and Pike Counties Adams, Pike and Highland Counties

(M322) Auglaize and Shelby Counties (M323) Morgan, Perry and

Athens Counties (M324) Greene, Miami and

Montgomery Counties West Union (M325) Adams and Brown Counties Williamsburg (M326) Brown and Clermont Counties

-~.:;;:"'"....::.:;'·-·

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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

(M411) SE Lenawee Co. to W. Calhoun Co. ,,,,,,~~ ~' ~ · (M412) NE Kalamazoo Co. to SE Newaygo Co. ,_- .,,, , /. ' (M413) SE Newaygo Co. to NW Wexford Co. ~//r ~ (M414) NW Wexford Co. to SE Charlevoix Co. ~ · (M415) Charlevoix Co. to Mackinaw City . (M416) St. Ignace to SE Marquette Co. ~ V (M417) Marquette area to Ironwood ~ '/

Minne~otafGuide to the Finger Lakes Trail North Country TraiZ', e pewa Resources Map Sets Nation l Forest These excellent loosele¥~a s of the by Roden k MacRae ( 611) trail in New Yor~pub · ed by Descripti n of the r ute and trail the Finger Lake rail Conf rence. log, east o west. W nderfully $4.00 per set ~ written b a Chippe National (Mttr)-PA--bemC- Portageville I Forest exp_ejj:. 12 pages $1.25 ~M' 2) Portageville - Watkins Gle~

3) Watkins Glen - NW of Cuyl r

eboo~ Published by the Finge s Trail Conference, these helpful 01i'lti111~..,,.

various parts of the North C try Trail where it overlaps the Finger Lakes Trail (FLT) in western and central New York.

FLT in Cortland County (M121) $5.95 FLT End-to-End Guide for Backpackers (M122) $2.50 FLT: Conservation Trail to Hornell (M123) $7.95 FLT in Steuben Co. (Hornell-S.Bradford) (M124) $6.95

By Jim DuFresne From one of Michigan's leading outdoor writers comes this comprehensive guide to the best trails in Michi gan's Lower Peninsula. Each hike write-up contains all the basic information you need: access, parking, trail distance and difficulty, hiking time, contour map, and explicit trail directions. Formerly titled 50 Hikes in Lower Michigan. 252pp, (L109) $15.00

50 Hikes in Michigan

This detailed guidebook provides back packers, 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, (L108) $11.95

By Dennis R. Hansen 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, (L102) $29.~5

ricruneo Roms An Illustrated Nr\TIONAL LMEsuoRE Guide by Olive

A GUIDE Anderson. The centerpiece of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is a rugged, beautiful, and unique coast

on the Lake Superior Shore. This revised guidebook includes maps, and excellent descriptions of the many recreational opportunities available at Pictured Rocks. 56pp, (L110) $6.95

· Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

'DJlYHIKER'S HANDBOOK Comprehensive guide for beginning wanderers and those exploring new country. Choosing proper clothing, selecting footware and raingear, using a map and compass, predicting hike difficulty, when to turn around, managing food and water, weather lore, walking techniques, traveling with kids, first aid, and more. Many short features, fun tips and anecdotes. 216pp, (L107) $14.95

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

Hiking! By Philip Farranti and Cecilia Leyva

A truly fresh look at hiking. Read about: philosophy of hiking, stress management, creativity and hiking, and trail romance. Also, explore today's issues through hiking: strengthening family ties, improving communication, a healthy lifestyle for kids, an inexpensive 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, (L106) $14.95

Subtitled A Traveler's Guide to Our National Scenic and Historic Trails, this book is the first to provide engaging

. descriptions arid advice on all 19 trails in our National Trail System. Includes North Country, Morman Pioneer, Pony Express, Appalachian, Iditarod, Lewis and Clark, Pacific Crest, Trail of Tears, Florida Trail, Continental Divide and many others. 308pp, (L105) $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, (Ll04) · $18.95 . . .

Backpacker's Handbook By Chris Townsend

Buck Wilder's Hiking & Cam~ing Guide By Tim Smith and Mark Herrick One whole lot of fun! Buck Wilder and his pal Rascal the Raccoon share their. considerable wisdom and wit. Wonderful color illustrations are filled with humor and countless tips and trivia. Though at first glance this looks like a book for kids, adults .also find this quide irresistible and informative. 64pp, (L103) $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]

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The s ry of th~~~ Co try Trail only begun to ~e itt It is · · en by d~ d public officials, citizen teers, and private landowners cap ivated by the vision of the trail a d the many experiences it will o er to those who follow it in ques::+t~o::+---:~'*""'.;i the North Country's scenic treasures. You can help write that story by becoming involved as a volunteer, joining in the effort to build, promote, and maintain sections of the trail. The North

A side note also related to our planning efforts is that the Northwest Wisconsin and Adjoining Minnesota Implementation Plan now has been distributed to key individuals and vol unteers. If you'd like a copy of the plan be sure to contact the NPS office at (608) 264-5610.

Our Recreation Planner, Dirk Mason, has been spearheading this project. Briefly, the planning team recently held a meeting to weigh the merits of route options between Ely and Grand Rapids. Although no spe cific route has been selected, the op tions are narrowing down to a few. A meeting to coordinate efforts with the USDA Forest Service also was held. Similarly, good contacts were made with the Itasca County Trails Coun cil. Dirk notes that there's good po tential for working more closely with this group, which is actively involved with local trail issues.

Minnesota Reroute

overcome new challenges on this pro ject. Luckily, we're developing a lot of hindsight before we get too far along in the process. Production on future map sets will go much more smoothly, but these initial sets are seeing a lot of start and stop, forward and backward, which sometimes gets a little frustrating. I can't imagine how long it would have taken to de velop our first sets if Melanee hadn't been here these few months, to put in the concerted effort. Now that we're finally seeing some exciting results, I know that the final products will be worth all the frustrations we've had to endure.

Mapping Project We finally licked our problem

with frequent crashes on the com puter running ArcView, our mapping software. Basically, we gave up! A generous donation by our Board president allowed us to purchase a new computer for the project. We also upgraded ArcView to the latest version and crashes are, finally, rare.

In early February, our former mapping intern, Melanee Vander molen, began working full-time for us under funds remaining in a National Park Service Challenge Cost Share grant. She'll be with us through mid May. Our goal during this time was to complete three map sets, a hand book for future interns on map pro duction, and a more complete instruc tions for volunteers that field check our maps. As oflate March, she was wrapping up our first set for the northern segment of trail in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, and was well along on a set for trail in western Pennsylvania.

Melanee is continuing to face and

cesses that you might not hear about otherwise. So, we decided to sus pend the Director's Report as an "exclusive" mailing and add it to the North Star as a regular feature. ·

As you read through the report, you may feel like you're stepping into the middle of a conversation. I apologize for this, and will try to keep it accessible, yet, space limita tions will prevent me from providing a lot of background. Even so, I'm sure you'll pick up quickly. And now, on with the Report!

By Executive Director, Bob Papp

Welcome to the Director's Report!

Although this is a new feature for the North Star, the report itself has been around in various forms for years. Previously, only select volun teers received it. So, to start, I'd like to give you a little background on how this has evolved and why you're seeing it now.

The Director's Report started as a monthly letter to the president of our Board of Directors, updating him or her on the activities of NCTA's staff. It's content then was included in a monthly report to the National Park SeNice, to explain how we had been using NPS funds.

A couple of years ago, we started copying the report to all Board members. Since our Board meets only a few times per year, we thought it might be good for Board members to keep more up-to-date on staff activities. In the following months, we added more names, like Chapter Presidents and newsletter editors, volunteer State Trail Coordi nators, other key volunteers, and, eventually, major donors.

By the beginning of this year, the mailing list had grown to include about 90 people, and the report had evolved into its own mini-newsletter. The time had come to re-evaluate.

Really, the purpose of the report always had been to keep people in formed about what was happening "behind the scenes." The content always was candid and open, with the intent being to provide informa tion that might be useful and provide some context to our volunteers. Yet, we realized that this type of informa tion could be just as interesting and useful to all our members. After all, the report was detailing how all of your dues and donations were being put to use. It also noted challenges and strategies, and highlighting sue-

Director's Report Updates and Commentary to NCTA Members


Office Management We went through another slight

reshuffling of staff this winter. Our Office and Membership Services Co ord., Carol Gibner, asked to reduce her hours, so we hired a volunteer who had been working closely with Carol to pick up the slack. We also reshuffled responsibilities somewhat, so that Carol now is responsible mainly for records management (paper and digital) and our former volunteer, Glory Meyer, is handling more of the general office manage ment functions. Both overlap in re sponsibilities somewhat, though, and they each work different days, so ei ther one should be able to help you with basic requests.

Equipment Incorporated (REI) last summer to launch a direct mail cam paign of about 35,000 pieces to so licit new members for the Associa tion. We originally had hoped to get the mailing out last fall, but, the proc ess being new to us, other priorities, and the impending holiday season, all conspired to force us to delay until this spring. We now are well along in the process and expect the pieces to be in the mail by late April.

There are a surprising number of details that you might never think about in this type of project, yet eve rything is important in its own re spect. Decisions ranging from the source of our mailing lists to the color of ink used on the solicitation piece all contribute to the success or disap pointment of the mailing.

On the other end, we expect that this mailing will increase membership in the Association by at least 25%! Naturally, this will create its own challenges, as we struggle to absorb all these new people, both within our national systems and at the local level through your own Chapter activities. By next issue, I'll have some solid re sults to report.

As you can see, 1998 was similar to 1997, but neither year has come close to matching the response rate of 1996 (our 15th Anniversary Appeal). In general, the Annual Appeals are doing very well. Yet, they are a key source of private funding for our work, and I suspect that we aren't making a strong enough case for how the funds will be used and why they are needed. Hopefully, we can im prove our response rate by zeroing in on this challenge in 1999.

Direct Mail Campaign For those who haven't heard, we

received a grant from Recreational

1998 1997 1996 Total gifts: $4261 $3270 $3072 Avg. gift: $40.20 $54.50 $24.98 #of donors: 106 60 123 Response rate: 10% 7% 22%

We now have final results to re port from our '98 Annual Appeal. This table summarizes the results and compares to previous years:

consin and Minnesota specifically for corridor protection for the North Country Trail.

Perhaps most importantly, we requested support for a substantial increase in funding for the National Park Service to manage and support the Trail. Most of this increase would remain with the NPS, but it also would mean a sizeable increase in funding the NPS provides directly to the Association. Between the two of us, we would be able to hire an ad ditional planner, a GIS specialist, a Corridor Protection specialist, a pub lic relations coordinator to build pub lic support, and regional staff to pro vide more direct and immediate assis tance to volunteers. Naturally, we could dramatically increase funding opportunities for Chapters and Affili ates as well, and significantly expand many ongoing programs.

Finances Advocacy In mid-March, president Werner

Veit, Legislative Chair Derek Blount, volunteer Jaimie Smith, and I traveled to Washington D.C. to meet with other trail organizations supporting National Trails, and to lobby Con gress on a few critical issues related to our own trail. Our general feeling was that our success was mixed, but that we received a lot of verbal en couragement and support.

Specifically, we were pushing once again for co-sponsors to a bill that would grant the National Park Service the authority to purchase land from willing sellers in order to protect the trail corridor. This type of authority has been critical to the near completion of the Appalachian Trail, and many feel that our trail never can be adequately completed and pro tected without such authority.

We also pressed for Land and Water Conservation Funds to be allo cated to New York, Michigan, Wis-

As you may have noticed, NCT A's web site has undergone some dramatic improvements in the past couple of months. I redesigned most of the national pages, and Chapter pages really are starting to flourish. We also have a new section promot ing the 1999 Annual Conference. I have a few more small projects to do personally on the site, then I need to rewrite our guidelines for volunteer web masters.

Already, volunteers are playing a big part in managing the site. From Chapter pages to the bulletin board, to the Conference pages, to a new links page in the works, we have many cooks in this stew! The site also is receiving plenty of traffic. A counter installed on the main page recorded 680 visits in just 24 days!

Web Site


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

members since last issue Trail miles to goal North Dakota 14 + 2 16% 475 461 Minnesota 45 - 4 (8%) 375 330 Wisconsin 75 0 220 147 Michigan 647 + 33 5% 1150 503 Ohio 68 + 9 15% 1050 982 Pennsylvania 153 + 4 18% 300 147 New York 78 - 1 (1%) 625 547 Other 94 + 4 4% n/a n/a TOTAL 1174 + 43 4% 4195 3115

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

certified since last issue Done North Dakota 176.5 0 37.2 Minnesota 90.0 0 24.0 Wisconsin 81.3 0 40.7 Michigan 580.7 0 50.5 Ohio 293.2 0 27.9 Pennsylvania 121.1 0 40.4 New York 217.1 + 20.8 34.7 TOTAL 1559.9 + 20.8 37.4

One 2,000 by

2000

for One

Update on our goals for members and new trail

Our Top Recruiters to Date: 8 David Adams 5 Kathleen Eisele 3 James McMellen 68 Bob Tait 7 Jerry Allen 13 Gene Elzinga 15 Bill Menke 11 Barb VanDyken 11 Carol Atwell 5 Tom Garnett 3 Richard Naperala 7 Werner Veit 7 Len Baron 9 Richard Grau 100 NCTA Office 5 Doug Welker 3 Dennis Bell 5 Grace Hutchinson 10 Bob Papp 6 Stephen Willeumier 3 Bob Benham 70 John Kincaid 16 Kathy Sabel 3 Ginny Wunsch 9 Derek Blount 4 Bryan Koehler 5 Anne Saltman 19 Gaylord Yost 4 Wes Boyd 11 Mary Kunzler-Lannann 24 Richard Saur 14 Joan Young 11 Dave Cornell 12 Al Lannann 18 Dave Sheldon 5 Claudia Day 4 John Leinen 4 Darlene Snyder 3 Dennis Donathen 9 Rod MacRae 3 Amy South

Because public support is so critical to the success of the Trail, we award people who help recruit new members to the NCT A. Those

listed in bold already have received awards. We've also listed every one who has recruited at least three new members, to track their progress. To get credit for recruiting a new member, just write "recruited by" or "sponsored by" with your name somewhere on the new member's form. (All types of new paid memberships

count for credit, not just the $15 introductory ones!)

You can Win an Award for Recruiting New Members!


Sherpers, Inc. 225 East Wisconsin Ave., Oconomowoc, WI 53066

(414) 567-6847

Sherpers, Inc. I 0730 West Janesville Rd Hales Comers, WI 53130

(414) 425-6888

Business Members The North Country Trail Association now has a "Business Membership" program, with annual dues of $150. Benefits include a reduced rate on ads in the North Star, and . regular placement of a business logo and contact information both here and within our web site. We welcome the first of our Business Members, Sherpers Sporting Goods, recruited by NCTA Board member Gaylord Yost!

\\There do I get .J..- more information? ~ y. COUNTJ?y ~

Just call our office at 888-454- #,:IA,,, jM ~~ NCTA and ask for a copy of - the Schoolhouse Brochure! • A s s 0 c 1 A T 1 0 N •

\\Tho 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!

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

southern region of the Huron-Manistee National Forest

aent the NCTA's aoont SchooU.0 oo.e Ilse,

\\Tha~sitfor? • 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!

(616) 623-8659, [email protected] (724) 287-3382, [email protected] (513) 527-4732, [email protected] (607) 272-8679, [email protected] (608) 326-7354, [email protected] (414) 354-8987, [email protected]

(616) 623-5340, [email protected] (612) 433-4456, [email protected] (612) 835-2186 (330) 928-8931

(616) 235-2330, [email protected] (616) 757-2205, [email protected]

(716) 288-7191, [email protected] (716) 586-3846

(715) 264-2003, [email protected] (701) 223-8659, [email protected]

David Cornell, 514 Cordes Rd, Delton Ml 49046 Bob Tait, 277 S Duffy Rd, Butler PA 16001 Tim Cullenen, 6737 Murray Ave, Cincinnati OH 45227 Tom Reimers, JC 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

Werner Veit, 49 Monroe Center Ste 200B, Grand Rapids Ml 49503 Joan Young, 861 West US 10, Scottville Ml 49454 Appointment pending Lynn Waldron, 8133 Norris Road, Delton Ml 49046 John Leinen, 14205 St. Croix Trail North, Stillwater MN 55082-9587 Daryl Williamson, 5901 Timberglade Drive, Bloomington MN 55438 Dana Zintek, 2369 Suncrest Dr Cuyahoga Falls OH 44221

Harmon Strong, 76 Shellwood Dr., Rochester NY 14618 East Division:

Terms Expiring in 2000 At-Large: At-Large: At-Large: OH-Ml Trail Council Chair: West End Trail Council Chair: West Division: At-Large (temporary seat):

Terms Expiring in 2001 At-Large: At-Large: At-Large: East Division: Great Lakes Trail Council Chair: West Division:

At-Large: Nominee has been received to fill this position in the 1999 election Allegheny-Adirondack Trail Council Chair: Howard Beye, 202 Colebourne Rd., Rochester NY 14609

Mary Lucas, P.O. Box 54, Glidden WI 54527 Amy Clark, 1646 Capitol Way Apt. 101, Bismarck ND 58501

Terms Expiring in 1999 At-Large: At-Large:

North Country Trail Association Board of Directors ·


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

Nonprofit U.S. Postage

PAID Grand Rapids, Ml

Permit 340

3NI Classic Camion

Th insulate INSULATION

GILSON GRAPHICS

Quality Outdoor Gear and Clothing Since 1938

A American H Hiking S Society

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

With sincere gratitude, the North Country Trail Association recognizes the following contributors

for their generous support over the past year:

NORTH STAR: The Magazine of the North Country Trail, April-May, 1999 Page32

north star vol. 18, no. 2 (1999)

Documents

names of new members

swanson new life members

adirondack bill

sponsored membership

mary lou tanton bill

specific chapter

introductory rate

mary shoup dave dykema