North Star Vol. 7, No. 4 (1988)

Ithaca, NY Oct. 7-9

NCT A Fall Meeting

The newly-formed Michigan Coordinating Committee, North Country Trail Association, has targeted several areas in Mich igan's northern lower peninsula for attention and development in the next few years.

Michigan Board Members, at the spring NCT A meeting. agreed that the time had come to organize a state coordinating committee to concentrate on problems needing statewide atten tion. These include planning and development of projects where no local groups are available, development of new NCT A chapters and relationships with other outdoor groups. developing legislative and agency contacts, as well as other statewide functions.

The first formal meeting of the committee was held Saturday. July 9, at the Carl G. Fenner Arboretum in Lansing. Wes Boyd· agreed to serve as interim chairman of the committee. All Michigan board members are members of the committee, as well as any other interested Michigan NCTA members. and any outsiders interested in trail development.

The committee agreed to begin planning and preparation for developing a 20-mile segment of the North Country Trail in the Mackinac State Forest northeast of Kalkaska as a summer project for 1989. The trail is expected to run from the Michigan Shore to Shore Riding-Hiking Trail in the vicinity of Lake Manistee north to the Jordan River Pathway near the village of Alba.

Beginning the planning a year in advance allows plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements with state agencies and other supporting groups, as well as to make trail routing studies and decisions.

The general plan of the committee is to select an area each year, carry out the preliminaries, develop plans and agreements with local groups for ongoing light trail maintenance, then, each summer, to hold a "Trail Work Week" to put the trail in.

The committee is already eyeing a segment near Mackinac City for the summer of 1990, with the intention of "breaking it in" by using it as a 1990 Hikeathon segment.

The Michigan Coordinating Committee also will be the coordinators for the 1990 Hikeathon in Michigan. At the moment, eight hikeathon segments are planned in both the peninsulas, but planning is an early stage.

Also looking at 1990, the committee will serve as· the local organizers for the 1990 fall meeting, tentatively planned to be held in Munising in early October to "wrap-up" the hike and hear reports. Planning for the meeting is still in the rudimentary stages. ~

It is planned that the committee will meet quarterly. with the spring meeting held jointly with the spring national meeting in White Cloud. The next meeting of the Coordinating Committee will be at 10:00 AM Saturday, October I. at the Fqnner Arboretum. All Michigan NCTA members, or persons interested in the development of the North Country Trail in Michigan are invited to attend.

To get to Carl G. Fenner Arboretum: take 1-496 in Lansing to the Trowbridge Road exit (near Michigan State University). Go east on Trowbridge Road, turn south on Harrison Road, and back west on Mt. Hope Road, and follow it west almost to the first stoplight at Aurelius Road. The Arboretum is on the south side of Mt. Hope Road. Park at the Nature Center Building.

For more information on the meeting. or on the Michigan Coordinating Committee, contact Wes Boyd. 14845 Rome Road, Manitou Beach, Ml 49253. (517) 547-7402.

targets trail development

Michigan Coordinating Committee

Last fall, in the Sault Ste. Marie Ranger District of the Hiawatha National Forest, district personnel started the con struction of a 110 foot suspension bridg.e across the Naomlkong River in the Whitefish Bay area of Lake Superior. The bridge is unique because It resembles the "Big Mac Bridge", and district personnel call it the "Little Mac". It was designed and built entirely by Forest Service personnel. It was a major accomplish ment for district personnel and they hope it will be one of the focal points of the trail in Michigan's upper peninsula.

Autumn 1988

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

-- - -e ~ ........

Newsletter of the

North Country Trail As.wciation

- _ ___,...._

--Tom Reimers

Plans for the fall NCTA meeting are developing rapidly. You should have received pre-registration materials previously. Another form is included with this newsletter. Please plan to attend. I really want my hiking friends to experience the North Country Trail, the Finger Lakes Trail, and upstate New York. Information on the Finger Lakes Trail is included in this issue of the newsletter.

We will be hiking four sections of the FLT that are certified sections of the NCT. The first official section of NCT in New York was built by the Tompkins-Cortland Community College. (TC3). Two primitive campsites called "Creek Fork" and Mossy Area" are available on this trail. The western third of the trail passes through fields, pastures, and woods. The eastern two thirds passes through state forest, with a number of small stream crossings. There are some steep climbs and one can hike to the top of Greek Peak Ski Area.

The hike in Connecticut Hill State Wildlife Management Area provides easy walking. This section goes over Connecticut Hill, a tract of land once owned by the state of Connecticut. Three species of Lycopodium are found in this area as well as azaleas and arbutus. The trail passes two beaver marshes less than a quarter mile apart, yet one drains north to the St. Lawrence River and the other south to the Susquehanna River. A very old abandoned cemetery is close to the trail.

The trails in R.H. Treman State Park are spectacular. The beautiful gorge of Enfield Creek is included in this State Park of 1025 acres. The park is located about 2 miles south of the Ithaca city line. From the upper end of the park, Enfield Creek enters a narrow postglacial gorge between high cliffs, drops over Lucifer Falls (115 feet), flows through a wider interglacial section, and finally enters a second post-glacial gorge with numerous water falls, the last one dropping into a large pool used for swimming (adjacent bathhouse). Two park trails (3 miles each) form a figure 8 with the center crossing located just below Lucifer Falls. The NCT follows a route close to the southern boundary of the Park.

On the Danby State Forest section of NCT, the Cayuga Trails Club maintains the Tamarack Lean-To. Hikers will pass a huge complex of beaver dams. Each year, water behind the dams requires looping the trail a little farther away from the pond. Hiking is generally easy; however, the climb out of Michigan Hollow can be tough. NCTA members from Michigan will certianly want to come and learn the origin of this area's name!

Another hike for Sunday afternoon will be on the Cayuga Trail. I hope you can stay long enough for it. The Cayuga Trails Club proposed the Cayuga Trail in 1964 as a special project of the club to offer visitors and Ithacans an introduction to the many beautiful and interesting areas that are within easy walking distance. The Cayuga Trail follows Fall Creek through the Cornell University campus, the Newman Arboretum, and Cornell Plantations Nature Preserve where it borders steep, hemlock-lined gorges and rapids. The trail is considered one of the most beautiful trails through a university campus.

So there you have it. I look forward to seeing you in Ithaca.

A letter from the President

II Head Trail

NCTA Newsletter, Autumn 1988

Four Issues $40.00 $80.00 $120.00 $200

Single Issue SlS.00 S25.00 S40.00 $70.00

Page size 1/8 1/4 112 l

NEWSLETTER 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 Commitlee

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

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

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

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR: Tom Gilbert. National Park Service, 1709 Jackson St., Omaha, Neb., 68102-2571 (402) 221-3481

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 Pat Allen, 2535 Abbinton Dr. SE, Grand Rapids Mi 49506 (616) 452-4487 Wes Boyd, 14845 Rome Rd., MMitou Beach, Ml 49253 (517) 547-7402 Derek Blount, 906 N. Alexander, Royal Oak Ml 48067 (313) 548-1737 Ken Gackler, 413 W. Johnson St. Caledonia, Ml 49316 (616) 891-1366 Art Holland, 492 Four Mile Rd., Cbmstock Park, Ml 49231 (616) 784-6641 Martha K. Jones, 1857 Torquay AvP.., Royal Oak, MI 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

Pennsylvania Barbara A. Smith, PO Box 243, Emporium PA 15934 John G. Hipps, PO Box 243, Emporium PA, 15834 Glenn Oster, 84 Olive St., Pitsburgh, PA 15239 (412) 364-2864 Paulette Jonnson. c/o West. PA Consevancy, 316 4th Ave., Pitlsburgh PA 15222

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

New York Candice Bowen Bosworth, Rt. 1, Box HO, Corinth, NY, 12822 Thomas J. Reimers, 30 Wildflower Dr., Ithaca, NY, 14850 (607) 272-8679

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS President: Thomas Reimers, 30 Wildflower Dr., Ithaca NY 14850 607-272-8679 Vice-President: Glenn Oster, 84 Olive St, Pittsburgh, PA 15239 412-365-2864 Secretary: Tomi Lou Spyker, 7044 Africa Rd, Galena OH 43021 614-882-8023 Treasurer: Kenneth Gackler, 413 W. Johnson, Caledonia Ml 49316 616-891-1366 Hq. Manager: Virginia Wunsch, Rt. 4, White Cloud Ml 49349 616-689-6876 Membership Chairperson: Martha Jones 1990 Hike Coordinator: Derek Blount Founding President: Lance Field

Co-editors: Barbara Smith & John Hipps, PO Box 243, Emporium PA, 15834

NEWSLETTER of the

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

DON'T FORGET! NCTA MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS ARE DUE SEPTEMBER 30 See form on page 11

Must run now - Happy Trails Linda Vargason

Fall Meeting door prizes Hi Barbie and John,

Enclosing a copy of the article I've written for The American Wanderer and the NCT Newsletter. Finally had to buy a file for all my NCT "stuff."

Had a great time in Michigan-can't wait till New York in October.

Judy and - I plan to check out the Sheyenne Grasslands of North Dakota in July. Had hoped to meet with Parks' gal-Pam Dwyer at Bismark Volksmarch but my sister is coming home from Texas that weekend so will be in South Dakota. Will have to make a special trip out there or see if she'll be in Fargo for anything. One last thought -

Perhaps each state co-ordinator, or anyone who wishes to do so, could bring something grown or made in their own state for a raffle prize.

I'd bring "Dakota Kid" Sunflowers, Seeds, Snacks and Prairie Mix.

For Minn. I'd bring #1 Minn. Wild Rice (and recipes). Also, there's a small cottage industry in Minn. that makes a

"north Country Glycerine Soap" wrapped in calico-cute! Any other ideas?

Hugs, Martha Jones

This is a little late per your schedule, I know, but I hope we can get some kind of notice in the next Newsletter, apologizing for the incorrect list of members in the last issue. I have had conversations, telephone calls and letters about errors in the list; names omited (including a "charter member") new members not recorded, members of several months left out, and "no longer members" left in. I don't know what "list" was used, but it was obviously an old one, and still there were errors in that. Such a listing is a "danger" zone; there are always bound to be errors. It's sort of like thanking people individually who have helped on a major project - someone always gets omitedl Just thought an apology for errors and omissions would help sooth any injured ones.

I have found a source that "might" give us calendar exposure for the use of pictures of the NCT - free use of picture in exchange for a by-line about the trail. It's still VERY MUCH IN IBE FORMATION STAGE at this time, and I need a lot more details to pass along, hopefully by the next Newsletter, but I wondered about a comment in this one asking people to check through their pictures for any "possible" contributions. It takes a trained eye to pick a usable one, but we need pictures from which to make a selection. All pictures submitted should be marked with owner's name, and any not used will be returned to owner. (It will probably take several months before the selection is completed) "Possibilities" could be sent to me at my Royal Oak address, or given to me at the Fall Meeting in NY for anyone attending the meeting.

Excuse errors in this and the tardiness! I Hope you can use these items.

July 20, 1988 Hi J and B:

Thomas J. Reimers NCTA President

John Hipps and Barbara Smith P.O. Box 243 Emporium, PA 15934

Dear Barbara and John: The summer issue of the NCTA Newsletter was greatlll I

hope you receive enough copy for continued publication of this excellent newsletter.

Since my last letter to you, I have been informed that two new sections of the Finger Lakes Trail have been certified as NCT. These are a 4.1 mile section in R.H. Treman State Park and a 5.1 mile section in Danby State Forest. These are the second and third sections of the NCT in New York. Applications for others are being prepared or being reviewed. We will be having a "ribbon cutting" ceremony in the near future.

Besides the four pending applications for NCT certification of the Finger Lakes Trail, a local chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) recently submitted an application for a section of trail in Watkins Glen State Park. ADK-Finger Lakes maintains about 25 miles of the FLT west of Watkins Glen. Their president said this first section in the Park is only a beginning. He wants to continue the process for the rest of their trail, most of which is on public land. I got the chapter interested last winter with the slide-tape program and a personal presentation. I think it is significant that an ADK chapter is interested!

JC Wildflower Drive Ithaca, NY 14850

July 16, 1988

More New York trail certified

Thanks Again Tomi Lou Spyker

The new newsletter is magnificent! You did us proud. Thank You -- I knew if the board finally let you know what we needed that you would deliver the best. And you did.

I liked the listing of current members (even though I was not listed for Ohio). Do you think we could include a small listing of new members (not renewals) in each issue? I think it would be a nice gesture.

I have written to Martha asking her to _give me a quarterly listing of all new members. She will let me know is she wants to send the information to you, or if I will.

I think it was an excellent idea to include Tom Gilbert's address and phone in our newsletter. But the address you gave is his home -- it should only be used by board members in an emergency. In the next newsletter, please put the office address and phone number, and to make our members aware please also put a small paragraph noting the error.

The address is: Tom Gilbert, Trail Coordinator National Park Service Midwest Region 1709 Jackson Stteet Omaha, Nebraska, 68102-2751 [402] 221-3481

Dear John and Barbara,

Tom Gilbert's correct address


I Need NCT photos

On September 27-30th the Ice Age Trail . Council and Trail Foundation will host the first national conference for public administrators and private organizations involved with the 16 National Scenic and Historic Trails. Organized by the midwest office of the National Park Service and cosponsored by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, the conference will be held at Camp Whitcomb on Lake Keesus in northern Waukesha County. The camp is about 1 mile east of the Monches segment of the Ice Age Trail.

This will be the first time that leaders involved in the efforts to complete these national trails will get together to discuss mutual concerns; difficulties and techniques for trail develop ment. Better communication, particularly between private organizations supporting the trails, is a potential outcome of the conference, as well as possible strategies for a collective effort to increase public recognition and funding for National Scenic and Historic Trails.

A field trip to one or more units of the Ice Age National Scientific Reserve and a hike on the Monches or Holy Hill segment of the Ice Age Trail are included in conference activities. Additionally, conference participants will be en couraged to participate in the Hike-A-Thon on October 1st.

Trails Conference planned

This is a working list compiled by the North Country Trail Association Trail Guide Committee, and totals should only be regarded as approximate, based on current information. Segments and totals have not been reviewed or verified by the National Park Service, and should not be regarded as official.

* Planned for completion in 1988. NCT A Trail Guide Committee is not necessarily aware of all projects under way. t Marked trail not recognized by NPS as connecting section. Some of this is certifiable.

Antlcl- % of Certl- Coone- Total State To go State pated NCT fled ctlng State % miles ND 435.0 13.3 27.0 27.0 6.2 408.0 MN 373.0 11.4 68.0 68.0 136.0 36.5 237.0 WI 155.0 4.8 60.0 21.3 81.3 52.5 73.7 MI 872.0 26.9 392.4 108.1 500.5 57.4 371.5 OH 708.0 21.7 255.0 355.0 610.0 86.2 98 0 PA 198.0 5.9 115.5 4.5 118.9 59.8 79.1 NY 518.0 15.5 1s.o 253.2 269.0 51.lJ 253.2

3259.0 932.6 810.1 1742.7 1516.3

253.2

232.7 17.5 3.0

NEW YORK Finger Lakes Trail (certified) 15.8 Finger Lakes Trail (non-certified) Old Erie Canal Trail Delta Lake State Park Anticipated: 518; Usable 269.0 [51.8%) 15.8

SUMMARY AND TOTALS

4.5 114.4 4.5

1.4 13.0 8.0

92.0

355.0 255.0

355.0t 248.8

6.2

omo Buckeye Trail (certified segments) Buckeye Trail (noncertifiable segments) Beaver Creek State Park Anticipated: 708; Usable: 610.0 [86.2%]

PENNSYLVANIA McConnels Mill State Park Glacier Ridge Trail Cook Forest State Park Baker Trail Allegheny National Forest Anticipated: 198; Usable: 118.9 [59.1 % ]

The "Guide to the North Country Trail" project is still in progress, though work has slowed recently from lack of input from researchers. The Michigan, Ohio and New York chapters are pretty well in shape, and Pennsylvania and Wisconsin are not far behind. Possible trail changes in Minnesota and uncertian trail routings in North Dakota are causing delays, so don't expect a guide for the length of the the trail this year. We sill hope to have a guide to the whole trail published, perhaps next year.

One of the problems that the trail guide committee is facing is that the trail keeps changing as we write, and it's difficult to keep up to date -- expecially since not all the changes and word of new trail segments gets to the committee.

If you are aware of any changes to the trail routing - additions, deletions, changes, improvements -- please make sure to let the committee know.

Contact the NCTA Trail Guide Committee at the NCTA National Headquarters, PO Box 311, White Cloud, MI, 49349, or contact Wes Boyd directly at 14845 Rome Road, Manitou Beach, Ml, 49253.

Progress slow on NCT A Guide

108.1 392.4

14.2t 38.1

7.2

2.5 11.7 39.5 39.2

6.0

3.0 5.0* 4.2*

1.5 22.2 9.4

15.5t 12.0* 89.0 42.8 46.5

91.0

21.3 60.o

13.5

7.8 60.0

68.0 68.0

4.0 17.0 8.0

12.0 4.0

23.0

68.0

27.0

1.0 1.0

25.0*

Connect- ing

NORm DAKOTA Fort Ransom State Park Sheyenne State Forest Sheyenne National Grassland Anticipated, 435; Usable, 27.0 [6%)

MINNESOTA Maplewood State Park Tamarac Wildlife Refuge Itasca State Park Chippewa National Forest Savanna State Forest Jay Cooke State Park Minnesota Wisconsin Border Trail Anticipated: 373; Usable: 136.0 [36.0%]

WISCONSIN Brule River State Forest Trail Chequamenon National Forest Copper Falls State Park Anticipated: 155; Usable: 81.3 [52%]

MICHIGAN Ottawa National Forest (2 units) Porcupine Mountian State Park Sturgeon River Segment Hiawatha National Forest (3 units) Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Lake Superior State Forest (2 units) Muskallonge Lake State Park Taquamenon Falls State Park Wilderness State Park Spring Brook Pathway Warner Creek/Jordan River Pathways Shore-to-Shore Riding-Hiking Trail Manistee National Forest (several units) Rogue River State Game Area Yankee Springs State Recreation Area M-99 Bikeway Baw Beese Trail Lake Hudson State Recreation Area Anticipated: 872; Usable: 500.5 [57.4%]

NORm COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL Status by Segments, August, 1988

Certi fied

What's done so far: 1988 NCT Scorecard NCTA Newsletter, Autumn, 1988

Have you got an event In your area that the NCTA membership would be Interested In? Let the Editors know!

September 11-14: The Ninth National Trails Symposium will be held at Helen Georgia. Tom Reimers (607) 272-8679 or Tom Gilbert (402) 221-3481 has more information.

October 1: Ice Age Trail Hikeathon. Get an idea of what we'll be doing in 1990. Contact Gary Werner (608) 249-2421 for more information.

September 27-30: National Trails Conference for public administrators and private organizations involved with the 16 National Scenic and National Historic Trails. Contact Tom Gilbert (402) 221-3481 or Gary Werner (608) 249-2421 for more information.

Wisconsin

September 30: NCTA Membership Renewals Duel Mail your membership renewal and form to NCT A Headquarters PO Box 311, White Cloud, MI 49349. '

Michigan 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 at (616) 874-7455.

October 1. Fall meeting of Michigan NCTA Coordinating Committee, 10:00 AM at Carl G. Fenner Arboretum, near comer of Mt. Hope and Arelius Roads, Lansing, Michigan .. All Michigan NCT A members are invited to attend.

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.

New York 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.

Minnesota September S: .Hike on the Superior Hiking Trail, LakeRoad

to Cascade. 4 mtles; meet at 10:00 AM at Cascade State Park. For more information contact (218) 226-3539.

September 9-11.· Hike the completed NCT segment in the Chippewa National Forest, near Leech Lake. About 20 miles. Backpacker magazine has rated this rail as "one of the best kept secrets" in hiking trails. Leader: Rod MacRae, · (612) 377-0130.

October 1; Hike on the Superior Hiking Trail, Cascade to Caribou. 10 miles; meet at 10:00 AM at Cascade State Park. For more information contact (218) 226-3539.

October 23-24: Hike in the Chippewa National Forest. (Continuation of above listing). Leader: Rod MacRae (612) 377-0130.

Other

Page S

AD copy for the Winter newsletter MUST be In by November 30, 1988. The editors cannot guarantee that Items received after that date can Dnd a place In the newsletter.

For future reference the deadline for the Spring Issue Is February 28, 1989.


Nuclear waste dump may block potential Michigan NCT route

The help of all NCT A members is requested to help stop a nuclear waste dump in southern Michigan that would endanger a "high potential" route for the North Country Trail.

The NCTA and the National Park Service have hopes of putting eight to nine miles of trail in the Lost Nations State Game area in Hillsdale County, Michigan. It would be one of the most scenic sections in the southern part of the state, in a glacial end moraine that's quite rugged and pretty for southern Michigan, and one of the few patches of public land available in the area.

To date, NCTA members have been unable to get permission to route trail through this state game area. The reasons for this are complex, but stem from the fact that the land was purchased with Pittman-Robertson Fund money, which is derived from hunting licenses, and the extremely powerful Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) has opposed non-hunting uses of state game lands. This is a problem that NCTA members involved hope can be solved with time, being patient, and with the use of precedents from other areas.

While the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has not been anxious to crack this problem, we haven't heard much from them opposing this use of the Pittman-Robertson lands.

Michigan has been selected as one of seven states nationwide to host a multi-state low-level nuclear waste dump. Michigan Governor James Blanchard announced some time ago that the dump would be located ''near the Indiana border,'' but official announcement of three possible sites isn't due until next April. However, sources within the Michigan bureacracy have indicated that two of the three sites under consideration are in Hillsdale County. One of them is in the Lost Nations area; the other is in the northwestern part of the county, where the trail will also have to pass nearby.

Obviously, a nuclear waste dump would not be a scenic attraction on the North Country National Scenic Trail.

Fortunately, we're not alone in having to do something about this. In early August, more than 3,000 local residents packed the grandstand of the Hillsdale County fairgrounds in over 100 degree heat to protest selection of the county as a nuclear waste dump, and there are some extremely active local organizations working against the dump -- this, in an area which, for reasons not germaine here, is not very willing to take guff off bureaucrats.

What can you do to help? First, write to Michigan Governor James Blanchard, State

Capitol, Lansing, Michigan 48933, and tell him that you oppose siting a nuclear waste dump anywhere in Michigan due to the possibility of leakage on Michigan's glacial geology, and especially in Hillsdale County. Propose that Michigan withdraw from the "Midwest Compact" that would site a waste dump in Michigan.

Second, write to your own senators and congressmen, en closing a copy of your letter to Blanchard, and suggest rethinking of the whole issue of states handling low-level nuclear waste, and proposing that, if all else fails, that low-level wastes should be stored in an arid, remote area, such as the already federally owned Nevada nuclear test site.

Third, write to "Don't Waste Michigan," 227 Custer, Lansing, Michigan, and to "Hillsdale Organization for the Preservation of the Environment," c/o Wayne Morse, 3371 Tamarack Rd., Hillsdale, MI 49242, and let these organizations know that you support their efforts to keep a nuclear waste dump out of Hillsdale County -- and let them know, too, that at least part of your reason is that it would interfere with plans to put the North Country National Scenic Trail in the area.

Ohio Upper Peninsula, Michigan

North Dakota Wisconsin

Pennsylvania Minnesota New York

1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995

Projected schedule of fall meetings

Saturday, October 8 8:00 - 8:30 AM - Registration continues. Coffee and donuts,

Royal Court Restaurant. 8:30 - 11:00 AM - Executive Board meeting, everyone

welcome. Royal Court Restaurant. 11:00 - 11:00 AM - "Geology of the Finger Lakes Region",

Tony Ingraham, nature interpreter from the Finger Lakes Region, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Pres ervation. Royal Court Restaurant.

11:45 AM - 1:00 PM - Lunch, Royal Court Restaurant 1:00 • 1:30 PM - Election of new Directors, Royal Court

Restaurant. T ·1 s· 1:45 - 3:30 PM - Short hikes on the North Country ra~ . ign

up at registration for: R.H. Treman State Park - Rohm-Spry Campbell, leader; Connecticut Hill Wildlife Management Area - Laura McGuire, Leader. . .

1:45 - 5:00 PM - Long hikes on North Country Trad. Sign up at registration for: TC3 Section/Virgil Mountian area - Joe Dabes, leader; Danby State Forest - Cliff and Doris Abbott, leaders. . , .

5:30 PM - Dinner on your own - enjoy Ithaca s unique restaurants. List available at registration.

7:30 PM - "Appalachian Celebration" - Barbara Smith and John Hipps. Shelter, Upper R.H. Treman State Park. Map available at registration.

8:00 PM - "Lightweight Backpacking on the North Country Trail". Spend an entertaining evening with Professor .Joe Dabes. Humor! Wit! Good advice! Joe has hiked all of the Finger Lakes Trail and speaks from experience. Shelter, Upper R.H. Treman State Park. Map available at registration.

Sunday, October 9 8:30 • 9:00 AM - Coffee and donuts, Royal Cou_rt Restaurant 9:00 • 11:30 AM - 1990 Hike Planning Meetmg, Meadow

Court Conference Room 11:30 AM - Adjournment . . 1:15 PM - Short and long hikes on the Cayuga Trad, passing

along Fall Creek through the Cornell University campus, Cornell Plantations, and Cornell Natural Areas.

Friday, October 7 6:00 PM - Registration open, Meadow Court Conference

Room; fish fry, Royal Court Restaurant. 8:00 - 10:00 PM - New York State Wine, Apple Cider, and

Cheese Reception. Welcome address, Mr. Edward Sidote, President, Finger Lakes Trail Conference. Meadow Court Conference Room.

NORm COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 1988 Program, Annual Fall Meeting

The Trail Store: The Finger Lakes Trail Conference and Cayuga Trails Club will sell FLT patches, T-shirts, caps, and various trail guides and maps of the FLT and other hiking trails in the vicinity. Free maps from Cornell University, Circle Greenway, Finger Lakes National Forest, Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will also be available.

New York Wine, Apple Cider, and Cheese Reception: On Friday evening, renew old acquaintences, meet new friends, talk hiking and the NCT, and enjoy famo~s New York State win~s, apple cider, and cheeses. New York is the second largest wme producing state in the country, the third largest apple producer, and the No. 1 producer of Italian cheeses. This reception is provided compliments of the following sponsors: Hazlett 1852 Vinyards, Route 414, Hector NY 14841 Cayuga Trails Club, PO Box 754, Ithaca NY 14851 Finger Lakes Trail Conference, PO Box 18048, Rochester, NY

14618-0048 The Wild Outdoors Store, 215 N. Cayuga St., Ithaca NY 14850 Thomas J. Reimers, 3C Wildflower Drive, Ithaca NY 14850 McGuire Gardens, 635 Elmira Road. Ithaca NY 14850

Meeting Headquarters: The headquarters will be at the Meadow Court Motel, 529 South Meadow Street (NYS Route 13) in Ithaca, New York.

Attracttons: Ithaca is located in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of upstate New York. The outdoor enviroD:IDent offe~s great diversity. Nearby are the North Country National Scenic Trail and Taughannock Falls, Buttermilk Falls, Alan H. Treman and Robert H. Treman State Parks. Cascadilla Creek, Fall Creek and Six Mile Creek feature spectacular scenery, water falls ~nd gorges. Nearby State Forest lands include Potato H~l, Danby, Shindagin .Ho}low, Yellow Barn, a~d. Hammond Hill. Connecticut Hill Wtldhfe Management Area is just southwest of Ithaca and the Finger Lakes National Forest is about 20 miles west. Watkins Glen State Park, Fillmore Glen State Park, Niagara Falls, Letchworth. S~te Park, and. Montezum.a National Wildlife Refuge are all within a 4-hour dn~e. ~ou will want !o see the beautiful campuses of Cornell University on East Hill and Ithaca College on South Hill. Also visit Cayuga Nature Center, Cornell Plantations, and the Cornell Laboratory of Orthinology, Cayuga Lake, the Ithaca Commons, and Stewart Park. Other attractions in the area are Coming Glass Center, Women's Rights National Historic Park, Cayuga Wine Trail, and much more.

Getting there: If driving from the southwest via Erie, PA, take NY State Route 17 to NYS Route 13 exit near Elmira. Head north on NY State Route 13 to Ithaca. From the west via Buffalo or Niagara Falls, take Interstate 90 (toll road) east, NYS Routes 14 south. 96A south, 96 south and 13 south. Tompkins County Airport is served by Piedmont and USAir. Most major airlines fly into Syracuse, about 40 miles north of Ithaca.

Accomodatlons close-by: Registrants are asked to arrange their own accomodations. Reserve early. All phone numbers are area code 607. Motels: Meadow Court Motel (meeting headquar ters), 273-3885; Wonderland Lodge, 272-5252; Grayhaven Motel, 272-6434; Cornell Motel, 273-0424; Super 8 Motel, 273-8088; Economy Inn, 277-0370; Buttermilk Falls Bed and Breakfast, 273-3947. Camping: Buttermilk Falls State Park, 273-5761; Robert H. Treman State Park, 273-3440; Willowood Campsites, 272-6087.

GENERAL INFORMATION

October 7-9, 1988 Meadow Court Motel

529 South Meadow Street Ithaca, New York, 14850

The Cayuga Trails Club and Finger Lakes Trail Conference welcome the North Country Trail Association to New York for the annual fall meeting. General information, a meeting program, and a pre-registration form are included. We hope you will enjoy the meeting and your visit to the area.

NCTAAnnualFallMeetingOct. 7-9 NCTA Newsletter, Autumn, 1988

Send pre-registration and check by Sept. 25 to Cayuga Trails Club/NCTA, PO Box 754, Ithaca NY 14851 Members and guests who do not pre-register are welcome. However, reserved meals may not be available.

Registration: No. persons • • . x $2.00 Meals: Friday night fish fry at Royal Court. Prices Include tax and tip. Indicate number . .. Broiled fish ... x $9.50 .. Fried fish ... x $.9.50 .• Chicken and broccoli ... x $9.50 Coffee and donuts on Saturday and Sunday mornings and lunch on Saturday [tossed salad, stuffed shells, vegetable, garlic bread, beverage, chocolate eclairs]. No. of persons .... x $11.00 Total due $ ...

PRE-REGISTRATION NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION ANNUAL FALL MEETING

October 7-9, 1988

$ .

Address •••..••.•.......•••..•...•...•.•....••••..•....•.............•....

point to point. There are five guide books currently in print: The Conservation Trail Guide Book, Guide to Trails - Finger Lakes Region, Guide to Bristol Hills Branch, the Finger Lakes Trail in Chenango County, NY and the Finger Lakes Trail in Cortland County, NY. All come with maps and trail descriptions. See the FLTC Buyers Guide for more information on ordering maps or guides from the FLTC at the address above.

Trallhead and road crossing Information: Normally all trail heads and trail road crossings are marked in some manner to indicate the trail. Most use the one foot square yellow sign with a green FLT logo. Some locations use various size and shape wooden board signs. Other locations are marked with 2 inch white or orange disks with the FLT logo. The last method used is the standard 2 by 6 inch vertical white, orange or yellow paint blaze.

Trail route marking: The trail is marked with 2 by 6 inch vertical paint or plastic blazes on trees, poles and posts along its entire route, except in the Forest Preserve where DEC Trail Disks are used.

Blazes are visable when traveling in either direction. Normally when you are at one blaze you can see the next further down the trail. On some roads and well defined trail the blazes may be a little further apart. The trail, when it follows some roads, is not blazed. Trail that is not blazed on roads is usually noted on FLTC maps. Single blazes are used to identify the route. Double blazes, one above the other are a caution sign for you to look for a turn off from the general direction of travel or other situations for which you should be alert. Many sections of the trail system use a 2 inch plastic disk with the FLT logo to identify the trail at trail junctions and about every half mile along the route. In the

Side trails are used for access to trail, trails to water, shelters and campsites. They are generally blazed in blue, except on the Letchworth Trail where they are yellow. Normally disks are not used on side trails, but if they are the color will be orange/white logo.

Who can use the trails on the FLT System? The entire trail system is open for use by the general public

with no fees charged for its use. The trail is closed where it crosses private land the first Monday of February for 24 hours each year. Persons using the trail should be aware of the various big game and other hunting seasons and should avoid use during these times when hunters are in the woods and fields. The trail system is intended for foot travel. Motorized vehicles. mountian bikes and horses are not permitted unless specifically approved by the landowner or public authority having control.

Continued on next page

Name ..•••..••.••••••••.••.

' , I

What Is the Finger Lakes TraU System? It is the main trail from the Pennsylvania state border at

Allegany State Park to the Long Path in the Catskill Park. The main trail when finished will be about 532 miles long. Currently there are 439 miles of the main trail marked and ready for hiking. There are seven branch trails that extend from the main trail. These branch trails currently total 209 miles of trail completed and ready for hiking. When the Conservation Trail is completed to the Lewiston Bridge over the Niagara River the total mileage of the branches will be 254 miles.

The trail system has been and is being built and maintained by 17 groups and 16 individuals. All of these groups and individuals are volunteers with the exception of the US Forest Service, who maintain the Interloken Trail. H you are interested in helping with the trail or assisting the FLTC in some other way, please write to the Service Center, PO Box 18048, Rochester, NY 14618-0048, or call (716) 288-7191.

How to Find and Follow the Trail Maps. The FLTC and several sporting goods stores throughout

the state sell maps printed by the FLTC. There are currently 42 FLTC 8 112 by 11 inch maps available that cover the entire system. These. maps have a scale of one inch to the mile. Most of these maps' have descriptions of the trail and mileage from

Adventure Calling Yon

LAKES

NCTA Newsletter, Autumn, 1988

How can you help the FLTC? Your support is important. A membership in the conference is

a fine way to help the FLTC continue to expand its trail system and to provide help and information for the trail user. You can secure a membership application from the FLTC Service Center. Adult membership is $10.00, family $12.00 and student $5.00. Other memberships are available for organizations.

' "'

General Trail Etiquette Respect the rights of landowners: stay on the trail, don't take

shortcuts, do not camp or build fires unless at a FLTC designated campsite as indicated on map. If asked by a landowner not to use the trail to cross his land, please comply and report situation to the FLTC. Take out what you brought in. Clean up the trail and campsite better than you found them. Take only pictures and leave only foot prints. If you bring a pet, keep it under control and bury its waste to protect water supplies. Do not disturb plants or animals.

Drinking Water , All water along the trail should be treated in some manner to

make it safe to, dring. Methods include boiling for ten minutes, using water treatment tablets or use of a water purifier filter.

Because of the parasite Giardia lamblia, which can be found in much of the backwoods water supplies, it is especially important to treat all water even if you drank it before with no problems, There is some question as to the effectiveness of water treatment tablets and some filters to kill or remove the Giardia cysts. Be careful not to contaminate any water supplies by personal washing, doing dishes or human waste disposal in or near any water supply.

Cooking and Firewood Use only down and dead wood for campfires. Be sure that you

do not leave a fire unattended and when you leave the campsite that the fire is dead out. Use water, if possible, to put out fire. Place hand near ashes to make sure they are cold. Be careful of fires near tent, and clear area of burnable materials around fire. Use a trail stove for cooking as suitable fire wood is often in short supply around a campsite or lean-to. Do not cook or prepare food in lean-tos. Spilled food attracts animals who come later and chew the wood. It is very dangerous to have a fire in a tent and cook in such close quarters.

. . .. ... . .... . ---------- ---- --· -'\.._ • OlrSIGll -:;:

;DELAWllRE NY·l'IJ .,_cod..- ~~R

are not intended for long-term occupancy, therefore overnight stays in excess of three days are not allowed. Camping locations within a mile or so of the trail are indicated on FLTC maps. These may be State Parks of private campgrounds. Such facilities are usually open seasonally from late spring to early fall. Check ahead to be sure they are open and what the camping fees are and where the campsites are located in the State Park. The FLTC has addresses of parks the trail goes through and those near the trail.

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i ~ I .... I/ ..

MUii l'flftGUI '-MEI TJtAu. 611lSTOL NAU 8JIWKM _.._TllAU. llfTElllOCICDI TRAIL L£TCHWOlfTH TRAIL OllOllDJM;A TllNL

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INDEX MAP FOR THE FINGER LAKES TRAIL SYSTEM ALL MAPS All!: tS!•ll lHCNE~ .SCALI: 1• ~ I fWU


S6 pages, color cover, revised maps with new traU facWtles and up-to-date Information for this Michigan section of the North Country National Scenic Trail.

SS.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 Ust not In the new one].

Please enclose Sl.00 postage per book. Order from NCTA Headquarters, Box 311, White Cloud MI, 49349.

NEW! Guide to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Including the revised Lakeshore Trall Guide by Ollve M. Anderson

Camping Locations Overnight camping locations are shown on FLTC maps; there

may be a lean-to or campsite along the trail. These are generally primitive with only a fire ring. Some lean-tos have latrines. Water will be available if indicated as such on map. In some cases streams are nearby but not shown on FLTC maps. Camping is permitted on State Forest Land for up to three in the satil.e location, provided you set up camp at least 150 feet front the trail, stream, or other water. Groups over nine persons must get a permit from the Department of Environmental Conservation. Contact the nearest -Regional Office; addresses of Regional Offices are available from the FLTC. Camping is not permitted in State Wildlife Management Areas, except for organiiational groups. Groups, regardless of size, must secure a permit from the Regional Office of the DEC. Camping or fires are NOT PERMITTED on private land unless the campsite is shown on FLTC map. Backpackers are expected to share the facilities at any lean-to or campsite with all desiring to use the facility. Groups of over four persons should provide their own tentage when camping at a lean-to site. Lean-tos and campsites

Vehicle Parking The areas where vehicles can be parked legally are marked on FLTC maps. Some locations are along road; in this case, be sure to park well off the road surface. If you are going to leave a car for several days it is best to avoid roadside parking. Inquiring locally or through the local sheriff may provide a safe and legal parking location. In any event, do not leave any valuables visable in the vehicle. Winter conditions often make it imposs ible to use designated parking locations.

Size of Group It is recommended that groups be kept as small as possible, in

particular those that are backpacking, where the size should not exceed 10 persons.

C. Cornell Plantations The Cornell Plantations consists of the arboretum, botanical

gardens, natural areas, and gorges of Cornell University. Many of the 2800 acres assigned to Cornell Plantations lie to the east

miles north of Ithaca on NY Route 89 is famous for its 215-foot waterfall, one of the highest east of the Rockies. A trail (0. 75 mi.) in the bottom of the gorge winds upstream between vertical rock walls which rise higher and higher until at the falls they tower 400 feet above the path. The waterfall is most impressive during spring run-off and after heavy rain. It is also spectacular in winter when the water disappears under an ice cone built up from frozen spray and mist. A second trail (4 mi.) goes through the woods up the steep hillside north of the gorge, follows the rim to Falls View Overlook, which can also be reached by car and returns along the south rim down to the west end of the gorge. There is a picnic area and restrooms at the Overlook.

The large flat delta built out into Cayuga Lake by Taughan nock Creek has athletic fields, picnic areas, shelter pavilions, a swimming beach, and bathhouse. Cabins are located on a knoll just north of the delta and tent and trailer sites are off the road to the overlook.

4. W atklns Glen State Park On NY Route 14 at Watkins Glen, Watkins Glen State Park

(800 acres) is probably the most spectacular gorge in the region. A park trail follows the creek through the narrow, winding glen between 100 to 300-foot cliffs, passes waterfalls, cascades potholes, and even goes beneath one waterfall. There are also trails on both rims, the one on the north following the route of an Indian trail. In the upper part of the park where the glen widens, dams form two lakes.

Park facilities include a swimming pool with bathhouse, picnic areas, shelter pavilions, restrooms, refreshment concessions, and a camping area with tables, drinking water, and toilets. The portion of the Finger Lakes Trail maintained by the Cayuga Trails Club begins at the main entrance of the Park and heads east. The Sugar Hill section of the Finger Lakes Trail, maintained by the Finger Lakes Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club, follows the south rim of the gorge westward through the Park.

SA. Fillmore Glen State Park A little farther afield is Fillmore Glen State Park, one mile

south of Moravia on NY Route 38 south of Owasco Lake. In its 90 acres are three hiking trails which take one past three waterfalls and many unique rock formations in the Glen. The flora of this park is particularly interesting. Facilities include picnic areas, shelter, refreshment concessions, swimming pool with bathhouse. cabins, and tent sites.

B. The Arnot Forest The Arnot Forest, owned by Cornell University, consists of

more than 4000 acres of hilly land less than 20 miles southeast of Ithaca. The Forest has dirt roads good for walking, some trails, and picnic areas. To reach it from NY Route 224, turn left Van Kirk Road about 5 miles southeast of the intersection of NY Routes 13 and · 224. A more scenic approach from Ithaca, especially when fall colors are at their peak, is to tum left off NY Route 13 at Newfield. Turn right on Main Street, continue to Van Kirk Road, and go south over the hills. Turn left at the junction with Irish Hill Road which also goes to the forest over a rougher road.

Arnot Forest is managed by the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell University. The property is typical of much of the Southern Tier of New York State including hilly forest and abandoned farmlands which had been heavily used for half a century, making it ideal for demonstration woodlot and conser vation practices. Many studies on tree improvement, wood utilization and preservation, maple syrup production, reforesta tion, wildlife management, ponds, and soil and water conser vation are being done here. For information and a road map of Arnot Forest write Resident Manager, Arnot Forest, Box 187, R.D. 1, Van Etten, NY 14889.

1. Robert H. Treman State Park The beautiful gorge of Enfield Creek is included in this State

Park of 1025 acres, the original 386 acres of which were the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. Treman of Ithaca. The park is located about 2 miles south of the Ithaca city line west of NY Route 13. The lower entrance is on NY Route 327 just off Route 13. The upper entrance is also on Route 327 about 3 miles farther west.

From the upper end of the park, Enfield Creek enters a narrow postglacial gorge between high cliffs, drops over Lucifer Falls (115 feet), flows through a wider interglacial section, and finally enters a second postglacial gorge with numerous water falls, the last one dropping into a large pool used for swimming (adjacent bathhouse). Picnic areas, rest rooms, and cabins are available at the lower end; tent and trailer sites, picnic area, shelter, and refreshment concessions are at the upper end.

The two park trails (3 miles each) form a figure 8 with the center crossing located just below Lucifer Falls. These trails are closed in winter. The North Country Trail follows an all-weather route close to the southern boundary of the park.

2. Buttermllk Falls State Park The Treman family was also instrumental in creation of this

751-acre park, which is divided into three sections. In the lower park, Buttermilk Creek tumbles 500 feet down a series of cascades and low waterfalls. A trail (0. 75 mi.) goes up the south side of the gorge through hemlocks and deciduous woods, and then in the gorge to the upper entrance. There is a second trail (0. 75 mi.) through the woods north of the gorge. Entrance to the lower part is from NY Route 13 just south of Ithaca.

The upper section is accessible by car from King Road West off NY Route 96B south of Ithaca. A 36-foot dam forms Treman Lake, which is circled by a 1.5-mile trail. A picnic area, shelter, and restrooms are provided.

The third part of Buttermilk Falls State Park is small and not contiguous with the other two. This is Jennings Pond, head waters of Buttermilk Creek at the north end of Michigan Hollow. Access is from Bald Hill Road, southwest of NY Route 96B in Danby, NY. There is a spur trail with orange blazes from the Finger Lakes Trail on Comfort Road to Jennings Pond.

3. Taughannock Falls State Park This 7.38-acre park on the west side of Cayuga Lake about 8

•

The central Finger Lakes region has an unusual number of good hiking places that are readily accessible. In addition to the large public forests in the hills around Ithaca, five state parks near Ithaca have hiking trails through gorges and past water falls. All of these spectacular gorges are the result of the deepening of the main north-south valleys by the glaciers and are primarily postglacial. Each has a distinctive character. Robert H. Treman State Park has a mixture of interglacial and postglacial gorges with two high waterfalls and numerous smaller ones. Buttermilk Falls State Park has mostly foamy white cascades sliding down the sedimentary stratas a step at a time. Watkins Glen State Park is very narrow and has a deep cleft with many waterfalls and potholes. Taughannock Falls State Park has a single high waterfall in a long, deep gorge. Fillmore Glen State Park has waterfalls over thick, overhanging ledges. All of the parks have abundant beautiful wildflowers, especially in spring, and interesting fems, mosses, and liverworts. There are deciduous woods, hemlock groves, and stands of pine.

These state parks are open all year, but water is available and restrooms and other facilities are in operation usually between May 1 and October 15 only, depending on the weather. The picnic areas have tables, fireplaces, and drinking water. Some of the parks have swimming, campsites, and cabins. There is a parking fee for day users of the parks. For information, write the Finger Lakes State Parks Commission, R.D. 3, Trumansburg, NY 14886 or the Division of State Parks, State Campus, Albany, NY 12226.

A. Finger Lakes State Parks

Ithaca area trails and places of interest NCTA Newsletter, Autumn, 1988

volksmarches. They had read Chris Bredlow's news release in the Fargo Forum, about the summer rondevous for all outdoor enthusiasts. To participate as a walker/hiker you had to have walked 5 miles that day. Well, a volksmarch being 10k, or 6.2 miles, qualified us to check this out. After meeting the Bredlows and hearing about the North Country Trail, Linda Vargason had to become a member of the group on the spot. Then, in October, at Itasca State Park, we first heard of the End-to-End Hike. Linda V. had a brain-storm. Why couldn't we get the two groups (NCTA and volkssporters) together? Why couldn't the American Volkssport Association sanction at least seven volksmarches (one in each state on the North Country Trail) the Labor Day weekend of 1990? Another RRVA member, Judy Martin, joined the NCTA at Itasca, and together with Linda V., they started planning for a preview of the 1990 hike.

In February, at a volksmarch in St. Paul, Linda met with Don Guttormson, Carol Thompson, and Cal Kuhnau of the MSV A and Shirley Luther, North Central Regional Director for the AV A. Plans were discussed for a 10k volksmarch to be held at Maplewood the same weekend as the summer NCTA get-to gether. In March, all of us met with Bob Hanson from the Park, Ed Solstad, Tim Knopp, and Rod MacRae from the NCTA, and Eileen Gannon, Sharon Peterson, Kathy and Pete Bolme, and Lois and Jerry Jorgensen, all representing area volkssport groups. Plans were laid down on paper and the Maplewood 10k volksmarch was going to be a reality.

So, in one of the hottest and driest summers on record, over 100 volksmarchers participated in the "FIRST" volksmarch on the NCT. The trail chosen started close to the beach area, the start/finish table was under a big tree that provided plenty of shade. We meandered toward the south, up and down rolling hills, and past several lakes. As we turned and headed northerly again, there were more hills and one beautiful meadow that was covered with all colors of clover. That sight and scent will be a lasting memory!

A two inch cloissone pin in the shape of the state of Minnesota with the proposed NCT shown in black and gold and the North Country star where Maplewood State Park is, was offered for sale to everyone who completed the volksmarch. (I'd love to have a series of these pins someday, to show I'd walked a volksmarch on the NCT in all seven .states.)

Considering the temps. for the two days were in the upper 90's, we feel we had a very good tum-out. Linda and Judy were on hand parts of both days to personally tell the North Country Trail story and brochures were there for all interested people. The volksmarch brochure also carried information about the NCT. The two groups have learned about each other on the local level. Now lets get together for the National 1990 End-to-End Hike.

HIKE NAME:

The 1990 Hike Name Contest is beginning to pique our membership's interest and to pick up speed. Many suggest ions have been submitted to date; we would like many more.

Please submit your idea, using the following format, to 1990 Hike Chairman Derek Blount; his address is on the Organiz ational page.

Name the Hike

CONTEST

SUBMITED BY: [Name/ Address]

HIKE LOGO:

Design the Logo

The 1990 Hike is beginning to pique and pick; interest and speed. We are in need of your ideas about a logo what will be used on posters and other promotional material.

Please submit your idea, using the following format, to 1990 Hike Chairman Derek Blount. His address is on the organiz ational page.

CONTEST

SUBMl'ITED BY: [Name/Address]:

by Linda Vargason

On the weekend of June 18 and 19, 1988, the "first steps" were taken, in a preview of the 1990 End-to-End Hike on the North Country Trail. In conjunction with the Minnesota Summer Rondevous at Maplewood State Park, near Pelican Rapids, MN, the Minnesota State Volkssport Association held the first AV A sanctioned volksmarch on the proposed North Country Trail corridor.

Exactly one year ago, that same weekend, Linda Vargason and Linda Rader from the Red River Volkssport Association, happened to be camping at Maplewood State Park between

V olksmarehers preview 1990 Hikeathon

NY Route 79, is the only National Forest in New York State. It is a remnant of nearly 100,000 acres of land in New York's Southern Tier purchased by the Resettlement Administration in the late 1930's. All but the Finger Lakes National Forest (13,232 acres) was transferred to the State of New York and various educational institutions.

Of primary interest to hikers in this area in the 12-mile long Interloken Trail and its side trails. The Interloken Trail runs north-south nearly through the center of the Forest. The Ravine and Gorge Trails total another 12 miles. Together, these trails and the Finger Lakes Trail make possible a variety of hikes.

There are two campgrounds in the Forest. Blueberry Patch Campground has nine sites and is designed for family camping. Facilities are quite basic providing a drilled well and hand pump, vault toilets, and tent/trailer pads. Potomac Group Campground is designed to accommodate groups of up to 40 people at one time. Facilities are like those at Blueberry Patch with the addition of a covered picnic shelter. Headquarters is located in Odessa, NY. The address is District Ranger, U.S. Forest Service, Box W, Montour Falls, NY 14865.


D. Finger Lakes National Forest This .area, located between Watkins Glen and Ithaca north of

of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and extend five miles along Fall Creek to the east.

Plantations land is used as outdoor laboratories for classes and research. It contains natural and managed areas and a wide variety of garden plant, shrub, and tree collections. Here may be seen nut trees, viburnums, hedges, lilacs, rhododendrons, herbs, wildflowers, rock garden plants, peonies, perennials, roses, ground covers, vegetables, poisonous plants, aquatic plants, flowering and fruiting shrubs, maples, evergreens, and much more.

Pleasant hiking trails go around Beebe Lake, up Gymnosperm Slope from Comstock Knoll to Tower Road, through the Wild flower Garden, through Mitchell Woods, and in the Arboretum, including the Cayuga Trail, built and maintained by the Cayuga Trails Club. Visitors are welcome from sunrise to sunset. Maps and information are available at the Garden Gift Shop at the Plantations Offices, One Plantations Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

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

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

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

Organization $ 25.00 Supporting $ 50.00 Donor $ 250.00 Life $ 300.00 Patron $5000.00 Commercial $ 500.00

10.00 15.00 5.00

Adult $ Family · $

Student $

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

What other specific talents and abilities do you have?

Do you own a computer? D Yes 0 No Do you know how to operate a computer? O Yes D No

In an ongoing effort to develop the North Country Trail, the association needs a member talent file. This is extremely important with the upcoming 1990 Hike-A-Thon which will need the involvement of all members and a support network of many more. Please take a few minutes to give us your background and your

expertise. All information is confidential. Name . Address: . Phone: Home: Business: Occupation: . Outdoor groups of which you are a member: .

Please check where applicable [your willingness, abilities and talents].

Help obtain legal easements 0 Membership development D Constructing and maintaining trails 0 Liason with associated hiking clubs and NCTA 0 Financial and legal abilities 0 1990 Trail coordinator

Local D State D

1990 Publicity Registration D Communications D Shuttle transport 0 Fund raising D Solicit State and Local Celebrities D Appeals to Urban organizations (cycling clubs, scout groups, running clubs, etc.) D Media:

Large scale D Small scale 0

Artwork and Printing O Clerical o Telephone answering D

The editors ask that all members fill out and send this questionaire to the Editors mailbox.

Page I]

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION MEMBER QUESTIONAIRE


Ride! Run! Paddle! Ski! Hike! Bike! Snowshoe!

Non-Profit Org. u .s. Postage

PAID Permit No. 47

Caledonia, Ml 49316

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

A 3,246 mile, all-season, multi-use, non-motorized National Scenic Trail from New York to North Dakota

North Star Vol. 7, No. 4 (1988)

Documents

Transcript of North Star Vol. 7, No. 4 (1988)