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

Chequamegon National Forest: Hikers in the Chequamegon National Forest in Wisconsin will find it easier to cross wet areas as a result of work done in 1987. The NCT _portion crossing the Chequamegon has been completed for about 20 years. This year, significant improvements. were made to wetland and drainage crossings. A corduroy crossing was installed through a swamp, a bridge was replaced, several culverts were installed, and about one-fourth mile of trail was rerouted to avoid a beaver pond.

Other work included new road junction signs at some trail heads, development of a one-mile interpretive loop off the trail near Drummond, and development of about one-fourth of a mile ot the trail as part of the Penokee Mountian Cross-Country Ski Trail. Much of the work was done by people working under the: Older Americans (SCSEP) and Youth Conservation Corps (Y~C) p.rogram'.

Allegheny National Forest: The NCT on the Allegheny National' Forest in Pennsylvania is totally in place. Annual projects are designed to make the trail better and a more enjoyable facility for hikers. The summer field season of 1987 was spent on a variety of trail improvement projects. . _

On the Marienville Ranger District the trail was returned to its former location through the tornado swath. In 1985 nearly two miles of the NCT was obliterated by a devastating tornado that touched down near the Kelletville area. On the Sheffield Ranger District about two miles of the trail was relocated off an old railroad grade to a mcire pleasing location along a small stream. On the Bradford Ranger District, Summer 1986, an $11,000 steel foot bridge was erected across Chappel Fork. .

In addition to these improvements, the entire ninety-one miles of trail tread was maintained and brushed out. Much of this work was accomplished. by enrollees in the Youth Conservation Corps and Boy Scout volunteers, as well as Forest Service trail maintenance crews. The trail, as it crosses the forest is well marked and most trail heads that the trail logo sign in place. Hiker use of the trail, particularly in the vicinity of the Allegheny Reservoir, seems to be on the increase. ·

by Gaylord Yost

The following gives a brief update on some of the significant NCT activites on several of the National Forests:

Hiawatha National Forest: There were two major achievements on the Hiawatha National Forest, Michigan, portion of the NCT in 1987.

In Alger County, an 8 mile segment of the trail was officially dedicated to public use on September 7 (Labor Day). Taking part in the trail dedication was honorable Robert W. Davis, member of Congress. The trail portion being dedicated was completed by the Munising Ranger District last summer. It stretches between M-94 south of Munising· near the Valley Spur Ski Trail westward through the forest to a connector trail of the Bay de Noc - Grand Island National Recreation Trail. Another connector route starts at Munis­ ing Falls and follows highway and street rights of way between ..die falls and the Yalley Spur area. This connector route will have specially marked signs. All this was established in cooperation with the City of Munising and the Michigan Dept. of Transportation.

The other special achievement in 1987 took place in Chippewa C?un.ty on the Sault Ste. Marie Rangc::r District. Last fall, Ranger District personnel started the construction of a 110 foot suspension bridge across the Naomikong River in the Whitefish Bay area of Lake Superior. The bridge is unique because it resembles the "Big Mac Bridge" and was designed and built entirely by Forest Service personnel. It was a major accomplishment for District personnel and will. be one of the focal points of the trail in Michigan's upper pemnsula.

The forest also was honored to have Sierra Club members perform trail maintenance during the month of July.

"Recreation Opportunity Guides" for the trail are now available from the Forest. These guides give the reader detailed information about each trail segment. They can be obtained by writing to the Forest Supervisor, Hiawatha National Forest, 2727 N. Lincoln Rd., Escanaba, MI 49829.

National Forest Progress Report

The Southeast Michigan Chapter of the American Youth Hostel is organizing a group backpacking hike on the North Country Trail this fall, September 16-25. They will be hiking a section in the upper peninsula of Michigan in the Ottawa National Forest. If you are interested in this week long trip and would like further information, you may call or write the AYR office, 3024 Coolidge Hwy., Berkley, MI 48072, (313) 545-0511, or contact the trip leader, John Kalarn at (313) 681-9160, or by mail through the AYH office, Attn. J. Kalam.

A YH Hike Alert

A total. of 673 miles have been certified by Congress (the finished trail will be 3200 miles long). Only 285 miles of the existing trail is open to horse use. 88 of those miles are in Ohio.

34 miles NO HORSE USE ALLOWED NO HORSE USE ALLOWED

4.0 miles

Private Land/Trail Organizations Shore to Shore Trail (Michigan) Finger Lakes Trail (New York) Keystone Trails (Pennsylvania) Yellow Springs Trail (Ohio)

1.5 miles 1.0 miles·

44.8 miles 8.6 miles

17.0 miles 7.8 miles 6.2 miles

On Federal Land, Chequamegon NF 60 miles Chippewa NF (Minnesota) 68 miles Sheyenne National Grasslands (North Dakota) 25 miles (Note: Other National Forests may not allow horse use on the trail itself, but have told me they will help route horsemen along forest roads. Wayne National Forest in Ohio is still planning and building their segment -- they will only allow horse use if we push for it.)

On State Lands Fort Ransom State Park (North Dakota) Sheyenne State Forest (North Dakota) Little Miami Scenic Park (Ohio) East Fork State Park (Ohio) Burr Oak State Park (Ohio) Salt Fork State Park (Ohio) Beaver Creek State Park (Ohio)

Existing (certified) segments of the North Country Trail are distributed between trails on Federal/State land and hiking trails on private land, maintained by volunteer organizations. Of these private organizations, only the Shore-To-Shore Trail and the Buckeye Trail permit much horse use.

Horse use on existing NCT segments by Tomi Lou Spyker

Summerl988

PO Box 311 White Cloud, Ml 49349 Editors PO Box 243 Emporium, PA 15834

-

Newsletter of the

North Country Trail Asmciation

* indicates individual is serving second consectutive 3 year term. ** indicates individual is serving third consecutive 3 year term.

Expires May 1989: Chris Bredlow, Tom Reimers, Cecil Dobbins, Tomi Lou Spyker, Herschel Rubin, Glen Oster.

Expires May 1990: Pat Allen", Bob Dries*, Virginia Wunsch*, Paulette Johnson", Candice Bowen Bosworth", Derek Blount, Wes Boyd, Martha Jones.

Expires May 1991: Linda Vargason, Gaylord Yost, Rod Macrae, Tim Knopp, Ed Solstad, Vince Smith, Judy Martin, Art Holland*, Emily Gregor*, Ken Gackler**, Jim W armels*, Ruth Sack *, Barbara Smith*,. John Hipps**· Two vacant posts also exist, expiring in 1991.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS TERM OF OFFICE

Milt Lord

What are the. membership fees? I hope to join you folks. Since I attended the first conceptual meeting held in Columbus,

Ohio, I have had an interest in its future. Some years ago (before NCNST) I pushed the village of Yellow

Springs to purchase the ROW for some 7 miles (as a hiking trail). With the assistance of a $50,000 anonymous donation, we did just that. We now have interested the city of Xenia and the officials of Greene County and they have acquired a direct connection between the village and the county seat, Xenia. The Greene County Park District has agreed to manage the entire segment. Soon· we will have a continuous trail (60 miles) to Cincinnati. Things are chugging along. At this point in time we are going into the engineering state (Bike Trail) with an ODOT grant. We hope to start construction late next summer. Most of the early clearing was done by volunteer citizens.

Since I serve as advisor for the Village of Yellow Springs and serve as chairman of the park board of the county, I've been able to affect many of the environmental concerns associated with trail planning.

Thought you'd like to be updated! Green County Park District has agreed to administer and maintain these 12 miles.

Looking forward to your Newsletter to keep myself and associates up on what you guys are doing.

Letter to the Editors

The spring meeting of NCT A was a great event! The marathon Board of Directors meeting also was verv successful. We had manv important items on the agenda and ver~· few were left unresolved. Plans for the 1990 End-to-End Hike are moving along. The program ~>n estab~ishing the trail across areas of private ownership was very informative. Thanks to Tom Gilbert. National Park Service. Garv Werner. lee Age Trail Council and Ruth Blackburn. Appalachian Trail Conference. for their participation.

l cordially. invite. all NCTA members to attend the fall meeting of NCTA. It will be in Ithaca. NY, from October 7-9, 1988. l think those who saw the slide program on beautiful upstate New York will agree that the Ithaca area is special with many trails and opportunities to hike, backpack, and camp. Headquarters for the meeting will be at the Meadow Court Motel. For room reservations call (607) 273-3885. Other motels close by include Wonderland Lodge (607) 272-5252, Grayhaven Motel (607) 272-6434; Kenton Plaza Motel (607) 273-0424; Super 8 Motel (800) 843-1991; and Economy Inn (607) 277-0730. Buttermilk Falls Bed and Breakfast (607) 272-6767 is less than a mile away.

If you want to camp, I recommend either R.H. Treman State Park (273-3440) or Buttermilk Falls State Park (273-5761). Both are south of the city near the meeting headquarters and are beautiful! A soon to be official section of North Country Trail, which we will hike, passes through Treman Park.

The weekends activities will include an NCTA Executive Board meeting on Friday night and a brief general membership meeting on Saturday. Saturday and Sunday will have interesting programs and hikes on sections of the Finger Lakes Trail that have been certified as official North Country Trail.

Finally, I want to thank the Board of Directors for re-electing me. I hope I can serve NCTA as expected.

.Trail Head II A letter from the President

NCTA Newsletter, Summer 1988

Four Issues $40.00 $80.00 $120.00 $200

Single Issue $15.00 $25.00 $40.00 $70.00

Page size 1/8 1/4 1/2 1

NEWSLEITER ADVERTISING FEE SCHEDULE

Please report any errors or ommissions to the Editors.

REGIONAL CHAPTERS I COORDINATORS I AFFILIATES New York: Finger Lakes Trail Council: Tom Reimers Pennsylvania: Barbara Smith I John Hipps Ohio: Buckeye Trail Association: Emily Gregor Michigan: Michigan NCTA Coordinating Committee

Southeastern: Martha Jones Southern: Wes Boyd Western: Jim Warmels Upper Peninsula: Pending

Wisconsin: Bob Dreis Minnesota: Minnesota NCTA Coordinating Committee:

Rod Macrae, Ed Solstad, Tim Knopp North Dakota: Linda Vargeson

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR Tom Gilbert, 904 Donegal Circle, Papillion NB, 68046 (402) 542-2317 (H)

North Dakota Judy Martin, 114 Ninth Ave. N, Fargo ND 58102 (701) 237-9029 Linda Vargeson, 1031 1st St. E, West Fargo ND 58078 (701) 281-1491

Minnesota Chris D. Bredlow, 1115 North Shore Dr .. Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 (218) 847-7357 Tim Knopp, 1953 Midland Hills Rd., Roseville MN 55113 (612) 636-3244 Rod Macrae, 1210 W. 22nd St., Minneapolis, MN 55405 (612) 377-0130 Ed Solstad, 3701 Pillsbury Ave. S, Minneapolis MN 55409 (612) 882-0569

Wisconsin Robert E. Dries, 1632 Smith St., Spooner, WI, 54801 (715) 635-8193 Gaylord Yost. 2925 W. Bradley Rd .. River Hills, WI 53209 (414) 354-8987

Michigan Pal Allen, 2535 Abbinton Dr. SE. Grand Rapids Ml 49506 (616) 452-4487 Wes Boyd. 14845 Rome Rd.. Manitou Beach. Ml 49253 (517) 547-7402 Derek Blount. 906 N. Alexander. Royal Oak Ml 48067 (313) 548-1737 Ken Gackler, 413 W. Johnson si., Caledonia. Ml 49316 (616) 891-1366 Ari Holland, 492 Four Mile Rd .. Comstock Park. Ml 49231 (616) 784-6641 Martha K. Jones. 1857 Torquay Avr>., Royal Oak. Ml 48073 (313) 280-2921 Ruth Sack. 2317 Foster NE. Grand Rapids, Ml 49505 (616) 363-5966 Vince Smith, Box 76, Whitmore Lake, Ml 48189 (313) 231-1257 Jim Warmels, 696 Plymouth NE. Grand Rapids. Ml 49506 (616) 454-0545 Virginia Wunsch, Rt. 1, Mundy Ave .. White Cloud, Ml 49349 (616) 689-6876

Ohio Emily Gregor. 6502 Olde York Ad. Parma Hts .. OH 44130 t2161 888-0281 Cecil Dobbins. 783 Cliffside Dr .. Akron OH. 44313 (216) 867-3771 Tomi Lou Spyker. 7044 Africa Ad. Al. 1. Galena OH 43021 (614) 882-8023 Herschel A. Rubins. 324 W. 4th St .. E. Liverpool. OH 43920 1216) 385-7122

Pennsylvania Barbara A. Smtih. PO Box 243. Emporium PA 15934 John G. Hipps. PO Box 243. Emporium PA. 15834 Glenn Osler. 84 Olive SI.. Pusburqh. PA 15239 14121 364-2864 Paulette Johnson. c/o Wesl. PA Consevancy. 316 4th Ave .. Prttsburqh PA 152.22

New York Candice Bowen Bosworth. Al. 1. Box '70. Cor mth, NY. 12822 Thomas J. Reimers. 30 Wildflower Dr .. llhaca. NY. 14850 16071 272-8679

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS President: Thomas Reimers. 30 lf/lldflower Dr . llhaca NY 14850 007-272-8679 Vice-President: Glenn Oster. 84 Olrir: St. P•ttsburr;h. PA 15239 .:12·36">·20&~ Secretary: Tomi Lou Spyker 7044 Africa Ad. Galena OH 43021 61·1·b82·h023 Treasurer: Kennelh Gackler. 413 W Johnson. Carecorna Ml 49316 616-891-1166 Hq. Manager: Virqm1a Wunsch. R1 4. While Cloud Ml 49349 616-689-6h76 Membership Chairperson: Martha Jones 1990 Hike Coordinator: Derck Blount Founding President: Lance F1P.ld

NEWSLETTER GI.the

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION PO Box 311, White Cloud, Ml. 49349

Co-editors: Barbara Srrutn & John H11,ps PO Bei, 2~3 Eir; or« .. rt PA 15f.j~

Page 2

The American Volksmarch Association will assist the North Country Trail Association to encourage local AV A clubs to conduct events along segments of the North Country Trail during Labor Day Weekend of 1990. ·· ·

~inda Vargason of West Fargo, ND, is the AVA contact point for this venture.

One subject that keeps coming up is the word "Volksmarch." Several AV A member clubs have informed AV A Publicity Chairman Brian W. Lewie that it is difficult to explain to Americans that "Volk~mar~h" means. It h~s been s~ggested that they use a word more identifiable to Amencans. Tuts is very easy to accomplish. The AV A rules state that the term ''W alkfest'' can be used in lieu of "Volksmarch." The term "Volkswandering" is also acceptable.

V olksmarch publicity corner

Paae 3

and then only if the hiker doesn't mind a double shot of winter. It's virtually impossible to tell at this point, but even today,

annual use of the trail in shorter segments has to range in the thousands of individuals, if not the tens or even hundreds of thousands.

Let's ignore the question of what percentage of those users even know that they're on the nation's longest foot trail, though it deserves to be addressed sometime. How do we tum those thousands into millions of visitor days, so the NCT, like the Appalachian Trail. can be percieved as "has", so it can "get" the funding sources it so badly needs?

It is possible to hear complaints about the concept of "linear trails"; in fact, once you get involved in trying to develop one, it's almost impossible to not hear them. Critics contend -- and rightly -­ that few people will ever use a trail like the NCT from end to end.

Quite obviously. most use of a long linear trail is in shorter segments, and on the North Country Trail, the ability to use shorter segments usually involves a great deal of inconvenience.

Suppose you were to walk the trail through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, from Munising, Michigan, to Taquamenon Falls, about~ .nice two weeks tri~. You have two choices of ways to get to Munising: car or bus, if the latter service hasn't been canceled, and bus line cancllations are thicker than politicians' promis~s in an electi~n y~ar. Getting back to Munising is impossible unless you hitchhike, or have gone in a large enough group to have placed a car at the falls earlier. So much for emulating Colin Fletcher on a solo walk.

t;.way from airports, pub.lie transportation in this car-fat country is a Joke, anyway; and besides, when the Park Service drew the general route of the trail, they avoided towns big enough to have air service like speeders avoid cops.

When we have -- by the most optimistic possible figuring -- only half of the North .country Trail marked (including road miles), this ~ay be ~ . daun!il?g statement: we need to help develop return hiking, biking, riding -- and maybe off road vehicle routes off the NCT where we can.

We need to visualize the NCT as part of a chain of loop trails, from one day to one month in length, rather than a single line through seven states. .

Obviously, it's a pipe dream to hope that the whole length of the trail could be part of such a chain -- but some links are in place, and there are plenty of possibilities to complete others.

As activists for the North Country Trail, then, we must not keep ou~ eyes merely on our own path. We need to be aware of other trail efforts near the NCT, and be wlIIlli~ fo exchange efforts with others -- even motorized others -- to develop these loops.

Another idea is to develop a list of people that are willing -- for expenses -- to provide "ferry service" back to a car and then · publicize a centralized phone number where users can be referred to these volunteers.

The end result should make it a lot simpler for a user to plan the transportation logistics of a day's weekends's, two-week's or month'~ use. This can make the trail much more easy to use, and should mcrease the number of marks on various official tally sheets.

It's all a part of being percieved as having the use that will justify the getting something to carry on with.

July 16. Saturday Kids Hike. Meet at the schoolhouse at 10 AM. There will be about a two mile hike. We will have a weiner roast for lunch, followed by swimming in the' afternoon. Please reserve for lunch and surprises. Call Bernice Baron, (616) 456- 6157 or Darlene Snyder, (616) 784-5050 (H) or 364-8722 (W).

August 8-13. A long distance hike on the Pictured Rocks Lake Shore Trail: Call Art or Mary Holland (616) 784-6441 or Elsie or Les Demorest.

September 18. Meet Sunday at the schoolhouse. A 20 mile hike from 40th to Nichols Lake in Manistee National Forest. For more information, call Art Holland or Wally Doane (616) 874-7455.

October 7 to 9. Fall National Meeting of NCTA in New York. October 23. Meet Sunday at the schoolhouse for a hike and

• potluck. Bring a hot and cold dish to pass and your own table service. Coffee and tea will be provided. Call Ginny Wunsch, (616) 689-6876 or Doris Poll (616) 455-0150.

1988 Western Michigan NCT A Action

A proposed NCT song composed by Margie and Carol

- waitresses at Ellis Restaurant and Motel Trout Lake, Michigan

Over the river and through the woods, a hiking you will go You tripped on a root, and broke your foot, a hiking you will go.

Over the river and through the woods, a hiking you will .go,' You tripped on a lo.g"' and kissed a frog, a hiking you will go.

. Over the river and through the woods, a mzmg you wm go. You went on your 4th away up in the north, a hiking you will go.

Over the river and through the woods, a hiking you did go. With bones so sore, I feel so poor, I ain't gonna hike no morel * Not applicable to tried and true NCT hikers -- the editors

Sincerely yours, Dorothy Gregerson, President

Allegheny Outdoor Club 107 N. Irvene St., Warner PA, 16365

Dear sir: Mr. Arnold Irvine has informed me that the Forest Service is

considering allowing horses on the North Country Trail within the Allegheny National Forest. He asked me to provide comments by the Allegheny Outdoor Club as the club maintains 32 miles of the trail within the forest on a volunteer basis.

After a discussion among the members a unanimous consensus concluded that use of the trail by horses or pack stock would be detrimental to the trail and in many places would make it unusable for hikers. Unlike arid parts of the country, Allegheny Forest rainfall is frequent and heavy and much of the area has poorly drained soil. In this situation horse traffic cuts up the trail and makes it a muddy morass. On slopes this would accelerate erosion and make it nearly impossible to maintain a suitable hilting surface.

For these reasons the Allegheny Outdoor Club suggests that horses have designated trails other than hiking trails, as motorized vehicles do.

March 15, 1988 District Ranger US Forest Service, Sheffield, PA, 16347

Horse use opposed

First rule of funding: them that has. gets. On paper. the North Country National Scenic Trail is 3289 miles

long; in practice. it may come out closer to 3600. To the best of anyone's knowledge. only two people have ever traveled the general route end to end. Hiking it from end to end is just barely possible,

by Wes Boyd

Gettin~ back: the ~f.T"!-i Ad1illes Heel?

NCTA Newsletter, Summer 1988

NCTA Newsletter, Summer, 1988 Tomi Spyker announced program changes for the weekend

events. . . Tom Reimers presented a report on the 1988 Fall Meeting in New

York on October 7 - 9. Wes Boyd introduced the idea of reanalysis of how the meetings

are arranged for use of time on business versus recreational activites. It was discussed that more board meetings might be held as well, on a regional basis. Glen Oster was appointed to present a position paper at the fall meeting on this issue.

Wes Boyd presented a report on the NCTA brochure progress in revising. Until a new brochure is ready the old will be reprinted to meet demands after the printing of the NCT article in the American Hiker.

Tom Gilbert reported on progress on the cooperative agreement between the NPS and the Rails to Trails Conservancy to identify such abandoned rail road routes. This project will begin soon. Next year the studies of trail routes through state and federal wildlife areas and the potential of the Ohio Canal Lands will be explored.

Tomi Spyker announced that the Rails to Trails Conservancy will now be notifying the NCTA of new railroad abandonments. Information will be sent to the board members in the appropriate states to see if the abandonment has any application for NCT use.

Art Holland reported on the 100 mile hike for 1988 on August 8-13 in the Pictured Rocks area.

Tom Gilbert reported no progress on the reforming of the Advisory Council. Tomi Spyker requested that minutes of the Advisory Council (when formed) be sent to the members of the board of directors of the NCTA. TomGilbert reported that he had more T-shirts made up at his own expense for this spring meeting. Tomi Spyker moved that the excess T-shirts from those brought by Tom Gilbert be purchased by the NCTA for sale at other events. Wes Boyd seconded the motion. Motion approved.

Wes Boyd reported on the progress on trail .guides. Tom Gilbert brought up the discussion of the potential liability question in routing people along motorized roads for connecting links between certified off-road sections. The marking by NCTA of a road link between off-road segments would definitely open the door to future litigation by a user injured on such a segment. The use of just suggested routes in a guide with many accompanying warnings may provide a partial solution.

Tom Reimers reoorted on the NCTA membership in the American Trails Network. Dues for the NCTA would be $50.00 per year. Emily Gregor moved that the NCTA join the ATN. Derek Blount seconded. Motion approved.

Tomi Spyker presented an amendment to the bylaws for the creation of a position of Advisory Board of Directors. After discussion it was determined that all the bylaws should be examined and a consistent platform of amendments be brought before the board of directors at the fall meeting.

Tom Reimers presented a report on the National Trails Sympos­ ium, scheduled for September 11-13 in Georgia. He proposed that the organization should send a delegate to the symposium. John Hipps moved that the president or his delegate be sent to the meeting and that the organization contribute $200.00 to the delegate. Bills may be submitted to the board after the meeting for approval for recompensation. Motion seconded by Wes Boyd. Motion approved.

Martha Jones presented a report on the associate membership category. Chris Bredlow moved that the category be dropped as a membership choice. Seconded by Wes Boyd. Motion Approved. A disucssion ensued on the term covered by the yearly memberhsip dues. Any dues paid after July 1st are good until the September of the following year. It was moved by Martha Jones that this information be stated on the membership application. Seconded by Derek Blount. Motion approved.

John Hipps presented the idea of actively soliciting membership from .user groups other than hikers. Discussion was tabled until the Sunday 1990 Hike meeting.

Tom Reimers presented the slate for fall meetings. New York, 1988; Ohio, 1989. The fall meeting place for 1990 had not been designated. Tom suggested North Dakota. It was mentioned that October of 1990 will be after the 1990 Hike activites and should be in a central location for a wrap-up meeting. The upper peninsula of Michigan was proposed and accepted. It was suggested that the fall meeting in 1991 be in North Dakota.

Tom Reimers presented the need to provide some compensation to officers, especially the president, for expenses incurred while on

MINUTES Board of Directors Meeting, May 20, 1988

White Cloud, Michigan

The meeting was called to order at 8:20 PM by president Tom Reimers. A welcome was extended to all those members and guests in attendance.

The minutes of the October 9, 1987 meeting were accepted as mailed by vote of the board.

Ken Gackler presented the treasurer's report, Total income tor the past year was $3, 765.35. Total expenses- were $3,481,93. The checking account balance at the end of this period was $2,747.23.

A discussion occurred about a bill recieved from US Government Data Publications. It was determined that the materials involved would be returned and credit for the bill requested. John Hipps moved that the book be returned and the subscription be canceled. Derek Blount seconded the motion. Motion approved.

Martha Jones presented the membership report. The membership currently stands at 249 members from 21 states. The top seven states and membership numbers are Michigan (103), New York (32),, Minnesota .(23), Ohio (20), Wisconsin (15), Illinois (12) and Pennsylvania (11). '

No· finance committee report was given. Headquarters building report was given by Virginia Wunsch.

Total overnight stays was 103': This includes both paying lodgers and individuals who stayed free while working of the trail or building. Extensive repairs and renovations have occurred during the past year. Many individuals donated both time, materials and money in the effort, A heartfelt thank you was extended to allthose individuals and chapters involved.

John Hipps and Barbara Smith presented the newsletter report. The reasons for only two. newsletter issues were presented: (1) lack of copy and (2) concern over newsletter expense.· A discussion occured over the. number of issues to be printed, expense and quality of the newsletter. A committee consisting of the newsletter editors, Ken Gackler and Wes Boyd were appointed to evaluate and report back with a decision on future newsletter policy. A hearty congratulations was given to the editors on the excellent job they did on the spring issue of the newsletter.

Toni Gilbert reported on the progress on the proposed printing of the N(:T /NPS brochure. The grant proposals have received replies in the negative. Funding from the · NPS will be available in September for a short printing run. Currently the maps for the brochure are being updated. A phone survey was conducted which showed that many new sections of the trail have been built and five applications have been received for certification of new trail. The US Forest Service has been doing an excellent job in building and certifying new trail.

Derek Blount provided copies of a proposal for the 1990 hike. The idea of incorporating a fund-raising project into the original proposal of the membership/publicity drive was discussed. Board members were requesten to read the proposal for intensive goal setting during the Sunday session.

Tom Gilbert reported on the progress of the National Park Service on national scenic trail issues. The Midwest Regional Office had led the way within the Park Service in trying to provide adequate focus of park effort on the National Scenic and National Historic Trails. He distributed a copy of a 1986 paper dealing with the issues betore the park service in regard to the trails. He presented his efforts in working internally to promote funding for each National Scenic Trail. An effort will be made to promote funding for each National Scenic Trail. An effort will be made by the Washington director of the program to present a National Scenic Trails funding request to the congressional committees involved in submitting NPS funding bills to the congress for the 1989 budget. Only time will tell how successful the effort will be.

Tom announced that a meeting/workshop has been approved and is being planned for all managers and constituant groups of the 13 National Scenic Trails in Milwaukee Boys Club Camp in Wisconsin on September 28, 29 and 30. On October 1 the Second Annual Ice Age Trail Hike-a-thon will be held to illustrate the use of such an event to promote a National Scenic Trail. Representatives of the NCTA will be invited to attend.

P•4

NCT A has BUSY spring meeting

NCT A members lead varied and interesting lives. One such member is Alice Lassoer of Orleans, Michigan. Recently I attended a Grand Rapids art exhibit and enjoyed

viewing sixty beautiful paintings. Sixteen of those belonged to Alice. Three were water colors but the rest were done in oils. Lovely landscapes and one super portrait of an old Indian. My favorite was a seascape. Alice Lassner is truly gifted.

Laura Roberts of LaGrange, Kentucky, was recently presented with one of Louisville's Ben awards. This was for her volunteer service at the "Home of the Innocents". Some of these children have Hydrocephalus - Spina Bifida and Laura spends time bathing, dressing and often just cuddling them.

Congratulations, Laura -- you are a very special lady.

The treasurer of NCTA would like to thank the two NCTA members who made anonymous gifts to NCTA. Each gift was for $200.00. One gift of $200.00 is to be used for printing a small l~aflet of early information on the 1990 Hike. The other gift was given to ~e used the best way the board of directors decides on.

Both gifts were made by NCT A members at the Spring Meeting at White Cloud. Ken Gackler

NCT Profiles by Ruth Sack

Thank You!

Very little of the North Country National Scenic Trail has been marked and certified in the state of North Dakota. There are only two short segments ~ear Fort Ransom completed. Durin._g the summer of 1988. and. it necessair l 91SY there is all opportunity to get anoth~r 25. rodes of the trail .marked and certified'. . This segment of the trail crosses the Sheyenne National Grassland in southeastern N?rt~, Dakota. Materials are. on. hand. and the Sheyenne Ranger District of the US Forest Service is: looking for volunteer help to get the trail marked .and necessary gates installed, · '·

The route of the trail will be marked by setting wood posts in the ground and n~iling the necessary route markers and signs on the posts. ~e. trail passes through many fences and approximately 30 self closing gates will have to be installed. Volunteers will have to work . with hand tools and. be able to lift heavy objects. Fence construction experience would be helpful but not necessary. ·

Good durable clothing is recommended for this work including long sleeve shirts, denim pants, lace type boots, and leather gauntlet gloves; Both light and warm coats and rain gear are also recommended.

This volunteer opportunity provides the means of getting another segment of the North Country Trail marked in the state of North Dakota along with the participants being able to enjoy the scenery and beauty of the Sheyenne National Grassland.

For further information, contact, Bill Fortune, District Ranger, Sheyenne National Grassland, Box 946, Lisbon, North Dakota, 58054. Phone (701) 683-4342.

The North Country Trail in North Dakota

Page 5 (noting .~~t the NPS is limited on what it can do in this area of responsibility.

National Steering Committee will be made up of the chairman and the following individual state committees:

New York: Tom Reimers. Pennsylv8;Dfa: John Hipps, Barbara Smith, Glenn Oster. Ohio: Emily Gregor, Cecil Dobbins. Michigan: Virginia Wunsch, Art Holland, Martha Jones, Wes

Boyd. Wisconsin: Bob Dries, Gaylord Yost. Minnesota: Rod MacRae, Tim Knonn. Chris Bredlow. North J?akota: Linda Vargason, Judy Martin. John Hipps moved that an 1990 State Hike Coordinators present

a report <?n their proposed activity plan at the Fall 1988 meeting. Plan .to ~nclude the following: chosen sites; user groups and agencies involved: general plan of activity and other. matters.

Derek Blount introduced more information on the concept of a 1990 Hike-A-Thon. Proposal papers were handed out. Discussion of ways and means ensued.

Gary Werner (Ice Age Trail) presented the results of the first Ice Age Trail Hike-A-Thon. Goals: Raise money for the Ice Age Foundation and publicity.

The event was considered a success since $16,000 was raised above expenses. (93 percent of the pledges were returned -- which is considered to be a high percentage.) The publicity aspect of the event was actuallv considered to have been more of a benefit than the fund raising. Gary recommended:

0 Shape event more for publicity, not fundraising. • Since large population centers are hard to crack for media

coverage, unless NCTA has a sure means of getting covered by big city media the media approached should be the local and smaller news, radio and TV outlets.

• Try to involve local population as much as possible. • Local committee should be free of overall publicity/fund­

raising worries. This should be the responsibility of a Steering Committee.

• Break event down into specific jobs that can be assigned to committee members.

Derek continued the discussion. It was decided that he will be the Hike-A-Thon Chairman. Trail Coordinator will be Tom Gilbert,

•

1990 MEETING

. John Hipps moved that four issues will be produced, a profess­ ional printer will be used and that the cost of the newsletter will be reduced by half. Seconded by Rod MacRae. Motion approved.

The motions provided by Chris Bredlow were tabled in his absence. Rod MacRae emphasized the importance of the items to be conisedred in the future.

Tom Reimers announced that Virginia Wunsch, Martha Jones and Tomi Spyker have agreed to serve on the 1989 Spring Meeting Program Committee.

Gaylord Yost discussed the subject of funding through a National Forest Service program called Challenge Grants.

It was moved that the president of the NCTA should write a letter to the NPS requesting the updating and reprinting of the NCT map series. Seconded by Virginia Wunst.:h. Motion approved.

Board of Directors meeting was adjourned at 10:35 AM. Five minutes later the 1990 Hike session was convened.

Mailing Deadline July September January April

, Copy Deadline Editor Deadline Summer May 30, · 1988 June 30; 1988 Fan July 15; 1988 August 15, 1988 Winter November 30, 1988 December 30 1988 Spring February 28, .1989 March 30, 1989

Tom Reimers caned meeting to order at 10:05 AM. John Hipps presented report of newsletter committee. Newsletter

will go to 4 issues this year.The minimum amount of copy needed for the newsletter is 4 pages. Deadlines are as follows:

MINUTES Special Board of Directors Meeting/1990 Hike Meeting

May 22, 1988 t

NCTA Newsletter, Summer, 1988 NCTA business. It was tabled until the fall meeting for discussion. It was requested that information on how other ore:anizations handle this situation be sent by board members to Ken Gadder via the regular PO Box number.

The proposal by Chris Bredlow about returning a percentage of dues to NCT A chapters was discussed. It was decided to hold till next board meeting.

It was proposed that all additional items on the evenings agenda be tabled until the Sunday morning meeting. Proposal accepted.

John Hipps presented the slate of officers for 1988. Martha Jones moved that the vote be for the block of officers. Motion accepted.

The following officers were approved: President: Tom Reimers; Vice President: Glen Oster; Secretary; Tomi Spyker; Treasurer: Ken Gackler.

Meeting adjourned at 11:55 PM.

Respectfully Submitted, Tomi Lou Spyker, Secretary

Please enclose $1.00 postage per book. Order from NCTA Head­ quarters, Box 311, White Cloud, MI, 49349

NEW? Gulde to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Including the revised Lakeshore Trail Guide by Olive M. Anderson

56 pages, color cover, revised maps with new trall facilities and up-to-date information for this Michigan section of the North Country Trail. $5.95 per copy. $3.00 per copy for 1983 guide [a few left] $7 .95 for both books. [The 1983 guide has bird, plant and animal lists not in the new one]

cnne Ranger District, Lisbon: Linda Vargason. West Fargo: Pam Drvcr, Bismark.

Nebraska: Thomas Gilbert. Papillion. Robert Healy. Jr .. Omaha. New Jersey: Joseph Brennan. South Orange: Philip L 'Homme­

dicu, Morristown. New York: Joseph N. Dabes. Ithaca: William Coffin. Fayetteville:

John Scirum. New York: Karen Goldstein. Plainview; Dennis Regan. Rhinebeck; William Ehling. Syracuse: Robin Spry-Campbell. Newfield: Ruth Weaver. Wilson; Lois Fogelsanger. Ithaca; Scott Dergins. Williamsville: Elma Bowen. Niagra Falls. Frances Lau­ man. Ithaca. Candice Bowen Bosworth. Corinth, Adirondack Mountian Club. Glens Falls. Finger lake Trail Conference, Syra­ cuse, Myrle Willis. Ithaca. lewis Shaprio, Great Neck. G. John Lehrer. Newfane, Marge Lafayette. Bainbridge. Milton Jones. East Greenbush. laura McGuire. Newfield. Robert Suvss, Voorheesville, Thomas Reimers. Ithaca. Geroge Elferink, Albany. Joseph Muller. Rochester. Charles Wheelock, Binghampton. Helen Burr, Liverpool. Chris and Helen Haller, Ithaca; Edward Sidote, Horwick, David Cargill, Batavia; Mary Brophy, Rochester, Edward Plewucha, Springville, G. Peter Widger, Ellicottville; William Longberger. :t Geneseo, Harold Donner, Ithaca, Kurt Ramig; New York; Clifford I Abbott, Spencer; Michael Sajdak, Gowanda, Chris Kinney, Norwick, US Snowshoe Association, Corinth. .i Ohio: Jacquelyn Cooper, Columbus; Rudolph Gogard, Vincent; James Sprague, Parma, William Dorflinger, Cleveland; E. G. Koschrnann, Brooklyn, Milford Bowen, New Knoxville, William P. Huggins, Jr., Galloway; Milton Lord, Yellow Springs; Charles Dressler, Xenia; Cecil Dobbins, Akron; Frank Crabtree, West Carrollton; Margaret Weisman, Kettering; Barbara Morton, Shaker Heights; James Weisenberger, Dayton; Robert Wilson, Huker Heights; Maynard Tetreault, Cincinnati; Herschel Rubin, East Liverpool; Emily Gregor, Parma Heights; Daniel Everett, Amelia; Buckeye Trail Association, Worthington; Theresa Garvey, Winter· ville, Russell Treon, Dayton, Richard Fawcett, Munroe Falls.

Pennsylvaola: Kevin Farkas, Beaver Falls, Rebecca Moody, Phila­ delphia, Sigo Falk, Pittsburgh, AYH Pittsburgh Council, Pittsburgh; Timothy Pierce, Sheffield; Barbara Smith, Emporium; James W. Shiner, Slippery Rock; John Hipps, Emporium; Ted Grisez, Warren, Richard Gray, Greensburg; Allegheny Outdoor club, Sheffield; Appalachian Mountian Club, Bethlehem; Alleghany Hiking, Warren; William Buckley, Marienville; Glenn Oster, Pittsburgh; Nancy Schuler, Warren; Donald Dorn, Sheffield; Paulette Johnson, Renfrew; Tom Thwaites, Hawley; Western Pennsylvania Trails, Pittsburgh; Keystone Trail Association, Cogan Station.

Texas: Bob Brewer, Dallas. Virginia: Charles Axthelm, Springfield, Susan Henley, Haymar-

ket;Richard Terwilliger, Falls Church. Vermont: Preston Briston, Woodstock. Washington: National Trail Coalition, Seattle. Wisconsin: David Bosshard, Eagle River; John Lindberg, Milwau­

kee, Paul Pedersen, Park Falls, Steve Sorensen, Mason, Harold Lindebo, Independance: Richard Magyar, Eau Claire, Linda Hallen, Ashland; Neil Seymour, Ashland; John Telford, Bayfield; Anne Morrow, Racine, Roodie Larsen, Menasha; Richard Holper, Hud­ son; Robert Rusch, Rib Lake; Lois Lovejoy, Milwaukee; Carolyn Burnett, Sarona, Ronald Harris, Wisconsin Rapids, Robert Dreis, Spooner, Victoria Grant, St. Croix Falls; Charles Gibbons, Middle- ; .. ton; Catherine Meola, Ashland; Chippewa Valley Sierra Club, Eau Claire: Alan Furchtenicht, Madison; Forrest Paiish, Evansville, Chequamegon National Forest, Park Falls, Gaylord Yost, River Hills.

NCTA Newsletter. Summer 1988

We have been asked bv Tom Reimers and others to print this entire list of NCT A members in this issue.

Arizona: Stephen C. Fordham. Jr .. Sun City West. California: G.H. Schlosser. Hawthorne. Charles G. Yacoobian,

North Hollvwood, David Rich. Palto Alto. Washington, DC: The Amerian Hiking Socitcy, Washington:

Carol Nicdzialek , Washington. Florida: Charles J. Headland. Winter Haven; Scott Andreae,

Tallahassee: Earle Maier. Mount Dora; Nick Gelesko, Ft. Mvers. Iowa: Lance Field. Cedar Falls. - llllnols: Art Smith. LaGrange; Beorge Hamp. Rockford; Gert

Peterson. Mundelein; Olive Anderson. Pecatonica; Anthonv Has­ well. Chicago; W.S. Nemec, Wayne; Byron Hutchins, Rockford: Mark Mastrogoivanni, Naperville; Donald Porter, McHenry; Clark Maxfield, Chicago; Barak Rosenshine, Urbana.

Indiana: Robert Gray, West Lafayette; Shawn Snell, South Bend, Mark C. Ristow, Indianapolis.

Kentucky: Laura F. Roberts, Louisville. Massachusetts: Frank Camarda, Boston; Joanne D'Arcy, Chest­

nut Hill. Tammy Gay Doane, Chestnut Hill. Maryland: Marceline A. Guerrein, Annapolis. Michigan: Wayne W. Bullen; Mason; Patrick J. Emlaw, Sault

Ste. Marie; Doublas P. Musselman, Mancelona; Paul Schmeichel, Royal Oak, Roger Ensing, Wyoming; Bureau and Associates, Grand Haven: Richard D. Brigham, Jr., Lansing; Patricia L. Willick, Ludington; William Getty, Big Rapids; Brenda Marr, Lansing; Daniel Sheill, East Lansing; Jacqueline A. Kallen, St. Clair Shores: Richard D. Brigham, Jr., Lansing: James H. Vandenberg, Grand Rapids; Judy A. Gregory, Grand Rapids; Martha K. Jones, Royal Oak: Art Holland; Comstock Park; Ronald Hodgeson, Mt. Pleasant; Harry Gubbins, Grand Rapids; Shari Schaftlein, Grand Rapids; Peggy Merrill, Grand Ledge, Greg Sundell, Royal Oak, Thomas Wucetich, Detroit; Ruth Arthur, Grand Rapids; David Alger, Muskegon; Nancy Thomas, Ann Arbor; Albert Miller, Troy; Charlotte Versagi, Detroit; Holly Broesamle, Royal Oak; David McClellan, Haslett; Ruth Reeves, Whitehall; Margaret Woods, Lansing; Richard Manske, Grand Rapids; Blake Bergers, Grand Rapids; James Malone, Watervliet; Jack Cooley, Grand Rapids; Derek Blount, Royal Oak; John S. Horner, Ironwood; A Vincent Smith, Whitmore Lake; Lake County Chamber of Commerce, Baldwin; Darlene Snyder, Comstock Park; Shirley Pittenger, Lan­ sing; John R. Neph, Greenland; Ruth Macfarlane, Mass City; Peter S. Wolfe, Mass City; Ruth Ann Wendrow, Diamondale; Ruth Sack, Grand Rapids; Nelson Leavitt, East Lansing; Wallace Doane, Belmont; Leslie Demorest, Roscommon: Cynthia Gunnip, South­ field; Stephen Caldwell, Wurtsmith AFB; Lucille Gibbs, Hudson; Jean Dilworth, Clayton; . James Spencer Sr., Hudson; James Spencer Jr., Hudson; David C. Vanderbee, Grand Rapids; Peter D. Patsakos, Grand Rapids; Anne Schaff, Escanaba; Peggy A. Bennett, Ann Arober; Lynwood E. Waldron, Delton; Dennie R. Hansen, Okemos, Michael Clou.d, Grand Rapids; Carol Jackson, Romeo; Lee Maher, Kalamazoo; Robe}t P. Lassner, Orleans; Gary & Diane Griffin, Morenci; Arthur L. Esterbrook, Escanaba; Edgar T. Langsdale, Engadine; Wes and Kathy Boyd, Manitou Beach; Melvin Goldie, Cadillac.

Minnesota: Donald Wirries, Moorhead; Michael Bonney, Deep­ haven; Edward Solstad, Minneapolie; Minneapolis Rovers; James Mapleag, Callaway; John Holmquist, Minneapolie; Robert Romaine, Detroit Lakes; Dale Butler, Minneapolis; Rebecca Schon, Minne­ apolis; Glenn Fumier, Fridley; Sharon Klapperich, Roseville; Amadeo Mattoli, Walker; Timothy Knopp, Roseville; James Mason, Minneapolis; Vern Underhill, Longville; John Zimmerman, Minne­ apolis; Leonard Tabaka, Longville; David & James Sufka, St Cloud; Tom Fogarty, LAke George; Jefferey Jepson, Longville; Patty Whade, Akeley; Danny Yochum, Longville; Michael Lauver, Aitkin; Gil Morris, Walker, Candy Fitzloff-Westfield, Walker, Dennis Parker, Cass Lake, Nancy Berlin, Cass Lake, Pete Griffin, Walker, Rod MacRae, Minneapolis, Tom Labernik, Nisswa, Chris Dale Bredlow, Detroit Lakes, Harlan Liljequist, Plymouth, Gary E. Nichols, Edina.

North Carolina: Walter Taylor, Jr., Greenboro. North Dakota: Judy Martin, Fargo; Catherine A. Scherber,

Gargo; North Dakota Parks, Bismark; Gerald Berg, Lisbon; Shey-

NCTA Men1bership fjst Page 6

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

North Country Trail Association P.O. Box 311 White Cloud, Ml 49349

I wish to join the North Country Trail Association. Enclosed is $ for a--------- membership.

Donor $ 250.00 Life $ 300.00 Patron $5000.00 Commercial $ 500.00

10.00 15.00 5.00

25.00 50.00

Adult $ Family $ Student""' $ Organization $ Supporting $

Annual Dues (membership year runs from October 1 through September 30). Dues paid from July 1 on are valid through September 30 of the following year.

APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP ..

This issue of the Newsletter reflects new and re-decisions regarding the Newsletter's place and significance in and for the NCTA.

Efforts will be made by the Editors over the next six to twelve months to actualize these decisions. The first of these actualizations will be an issue every three months. They will be the Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter issues. Deadlines for copy and printing are given in the Board Meeting article.

The summer issue will report on the spring meeting, the autumn issue will prepare for the fall meeting, the winter issue will report . on the fall meeting and the spring issue will prepare for the spring meeting.

The editors respectfully suggest that recipients of the Newsletter considedr developing a permanent file of all issues for their own future reference. The Editors also continue to request readers to call our attention to inaccuracies and oversights so that corrections can be made by the following issue.

Since our meeting in White Cloud on May 21, · 1988, it was decided most expedient and economical for the Editors to accumul­ ate all copy for Wes Boyd to lay out -and have it printed and Ken Gackler to post the final product. \

Minnesota NCTA Trips and Activites, 1988 July 22-24: Survey hike in the Paul Bunyan State Forest, near

Walker, to explore and lay out a proposed NCT segment. This is a "bushwhacking" trip. Leader: Ed Solstad (612) 822-0569.

August 8-13: Hike the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in upper Michigan. This completed segment of the NCT is one of the most attractive and interesting. Leader: Art Holland (616) 822-0569.

August 19-21: Exploration and survey hike in the Paul Bunyan Forest (see previous listing). Leader: Ed Solstad (612) 822-0569.

September 9-11: Hike the completed NCT segment in the Chippewa National Forest, near Leech Lake. About 20 miles. Backpacker magazine has rated this trail as "one of~ best kept secrets" in hiking trails. Leader: Rod MacRae (612) 31'7-0130.

October 7-9:· NCTA Fall Meeting in Ithaca, NY. Includes hiking on the NCT and the Finger Lakes Trail. Contact: Tom Reimers, (607) 272.8679.

October 23-~: Hike in the Chippewa Forest (continuation of above listing(. Leader: Rod MacRae (612) 377-0130.

Editorial

We are going back on the beautiful scenic Pictured Rock Lakeshore Trail on the shore of crystal clear Lake Superior for our six days of hiking. The date is August 8-13, 1988.

It is all day-packing, unless you wish to camp on the trail. Please let me know if you are interested, for I can furnish you last minute details. Art Holland, 492 Four Mile Road NW, Comstock Park, MI, 49231. (616) 784-6441.

1988 Long Distance Hike

Page 7

The dream of a North Country Trail from Lake Champlain, NY to Lake Sakawea, ND is very real. The reality of a COMPLETED north Country Trail moves slowly for many diverse reasons. But, the North Country Trail can and will become a reality, with your help.

We need to "spread the word" of the 'exlsrence of a North Country Trail across the country to the many who have yet to hear about it: to the many who love the outdoors yet don't know of this opportunity that exists for all of us.

And this is where each of us can help. Think about the NCT and talk about it to people you meet with similar interests of a good hike, cross-country siding, bicvcling, horseback riding, or any non-motorized activity, and bring in new members. H each of us brought in one new member each year our total membership would double, triple, and more in no time at all • • • and a lot of people, enthusiastic about the outdoors, who are willing to expend a little [or a lot] of their time and/or money WILL make the NCT happen. It takes a lot of people to complete a large effort -- and 3200 miles of trail is a "large effort".

So, with membership renewal coming up soon, lets all give it that extra effort for one new member, per member. More than one, of course, will be most graciously welcomed! New memberships received from July 1st, on, qualify for a full year, plus, in the

_ NCTA, through September 30, 1989. , So lets all "go for it" -- and Thanks for helping.

I l

From your membership chairman,

Martha Jones:

t.

l

NCTA Newsletter, Summer 1988

Ride! Run! Paddle! Ski~ Hike! Bike! =Snowshoel !

Non-Profit Org. u.s. Postage

PAID Permit No. 47

Caledonia, Ml 49316

North Country Trail Association PO Box 311 White Cloud, Michigan, 49349

., [: I .i~

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