North Country Trail News

Continental Divide Trail Alliance Disbands

2012-01-23T10:03:00.001-05:00

from the Continental Divide Trail Alliance

Most of the National Scenic Trails are fortunate to have a non-profit organization that supports the governmental agency charged with managing their trail. For the North Country Trail, our managing agency is the National Park Service, and the organization is the North Country Trail Association.

Without these groups, which rally volunteers, prod legislators to notice trails, provide training and support, not to mention publicity, a trail may be in existence, but it is less well known, and less well cared for.

This week, sadly, the organization which supported the Continental Divide Trail, one of the "Triple Crown," (Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and CDT) has disbanded for lack of funds. The agency which oversees the CDT is the National Forest Service.

The CDTA writes:

Increasing pressures from development in the West, rising land costs, and challenges with the longstanding down cycle in the economy threaten the completion of the Trail. Despite the strong level of financial support from so many of you, overall contributions and other revenues in recent years have significantly declined. These revenues are the life blood of nonprofit organizations like the CDTA.

Consequently, the CDTA Board of Directors has made the very difficult and painful decision to cease operations of the CDTA. The financial condition of the organization has been unstable and deteriorating for a number of years. We have not been able to raise the necessary financial resources to sustain the continued operations of the organization.

If you love a trail, please support it financially in any amount you can. The existence of an organization is not a given, even for a federally authorized trail.

See Continental Divide Trail

Help NCTA Win $100,000 in Marketing Services

2012-01-12T10:10:00.000-05:00

Vote at Vote for $100K in Marketing Services for NCTA

Yes, you read that right. This is a voter-decided charity where ten organizations will win $100,000 each in marketing services. Most of the charities are Michigan based (that's where the offer comes from).

I appreciate the little win that you readers all just helped me get, but this vote is much more important, and you can potentially help nine other non-profits as well as the North Country Trail Association. If you are not from Michigan, don't pass it by. There are groups that should appeal to you. Many are animal rescues, women and youth support, faith-based organizations, aid to the disabled and homeless, and lots more.

We just ask that you choose North Country Trail Association as one of your votes!

The list is alphabetical, so you'll find us between New Hope Center for Grief Support, and Novi Athletic Boosters. Just scroll down!

Check ten boxes, then scroll to the bottom and hit Submit.

If there was ever a time to rouse yourself to action this is it! Great benefit to NCTA, and an easy voting process. You do have to enter your name and email, but that's all- no complex sign-up. Vote one time; you're done.

Vote at Vote for $100K in Marketing Services for NCTA

Winter Hike on the FLT/NCT

2012-01-01T22:12:00.002-05:00

view from TenKate Bridge (photo by Terry McConnell)

by Terry McConnell

What better way to end the calendar year than with a hike on the FLT? Earlier in hunting season I had "knocked off" the long road walk of M20 along Route 11 and W. River Road, and in early October I had hiked the eastern half of M19, returning to my car on Babcock Hollow Road along the orange blazed "Dabes diversion". That left the mostly-trail segment from River Road to the top of Virgil Mt still to be done. Together with the return trip, the leg would fall neatly into my 15-20 mile sweet spot, so I slung on my day pack and headed west and uphill from my car on River Road.

From River Road the trail heads steeply uphill along the scenic rim of a small river gorge, quickly to emerge smack in the back yard of somebody's house. "Sure hope they're members," I thought as I gingerly crept by within 5 feet of a picture window, trying my best to look like a normal part of the scenery. Further along I snapped a quick cell phone pic looking upstream at the Tenkate bridge, my shaky hands conspiring with the laws of optics to produce an interesting effect I never could have gotten with forethought.

Trail conditions can be summarized in one word: slippery! Above 1600 ft. there was a uniform 1-2 inch layer of slushy snow that required a kind of stiff-legged strut to navigate any grade steeper than 5%, and which made side hill traverses dicey and dangerous. On downhill stretches through Tuller Hill SF I worked to perfect a primitive form of 'skiing' on hiking boots made possible by this slick layer. The speed gained thereby partially made up for the slow-going, but nevertheless I emerged on Carson Road a good hour behind schedule.

Read the rest of Terry's interesting adventure at Finger Lakes Trail email group, and consider joining to always know what's going on.

This segment is on FLT map M19

Chief Noonday Chapter's Huge Cleanup Project of 2011

2011-12-28T20:17:00.000-05:00

Jason Buckner, left, and Mary Rebert work to clear tree limbs blocking a path on the North County Trail near Battle Creek (photo by Aaron Ogg)

based on a news article in the Grand Rapids Press

As a result of a bad blowdown in May of 2011, the Chief Noonday Chapter has been working all year to clean up the North Country Trail through Kimball Pines.

Wind gusts between 75 and 100 miles per hour sheared the tops off dozens, if not hundreds, of trees during the Memorial Day weekend storm, and the entire character of the trail was changed. However, the volunteers were primarily concerned with making it hikeable once again.

This segment is on NCTA map MI-02

See Chief Noonday Chapter of the NCTA

2011-12-21T11:42:00.001-05:00

Royal River bluff from the Border Route on the Minnesota Arrowhead (photo by jhy)

received from Ed Solstad esolstad@pressenter.com

The Border Route (northern portion of the Minnesota Arrowhead North Country Trail) is doing well in comparison to the other trails, being No. 2 in use for 2009 and No. 1 in 2010 & 2011. In 2009 the Kekekabic Trail was No. 1. The Kek is also part of the NCT, just to the west of the Border Route.

The Forest Service recently issued this report of all Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness trail entry points permits.

In 2009, 2010, and 2011, the Kek had 76, 51, 45 permits issued, respectively.

The Border Route, for the same three years was 42,54, and 55.

Ed says, "Thanks go out to all of you that have helped in our maintenance efforts. Without your dedication, the trail wouldn't be what is is today."

See the full Trail Use Report (an xls file)

This segment is in the Border Route guide

See Border Route Trail

Wisconsin Eagle Scout Clears NCT

2011-12-19T10:05:00.000-05:00

based on a news story in the Northland News Center

Jonathon Gilbertson of Ashland, Wisconsin recently received his Eagle Scout award in a ceremony with two other boys. For his project Jonathan cleared the North Country Trail in one of the Chequamegon Forest's designated wilderness areas. (Could be Porcupine Lake or Rainbow Lake- the article did not specify)

"All the trees we cut out we used a cross cut saw and a hand saw. The brush was cut with little clippers and we had to haul it back by ourselves." said Gilbertson.

This segment is on NCTA map WI-02

See Chequamegon Chapter of the NCTA

Hiking Allegany State Park

2011-12-17T23:00:00.000-05:00

a stream in Allegany State Park, NY (photo by Pat Coate)

from Mon@arch's Nature Blog used with permission

Pat Coate, of Mon@arch Nature Blog, recently took a hike on the North Country/Finger Lakes Trail in Allegany State Park, New York. This is the westernmost section in NY, just before the trail slips into Pennsylvania.

She writes, "The section of the trail along Brown Hollow looked down on a babbling brook whose sound was drowned out by the constant sloshing of many feet through the deep carpet of fallen leaves."

"The following weekend my family hiked the other end of the FLT in Allegany State Park. The trail starts off of exit 19 (Red House Lake exit) on Bay State Road. This too is a beautiful trail. The trail climbs fairly steadily from 1440’ to 2060’ over about a 2 mile stretch, including switchbacks. There are glimpses of the Allegheny River to the west and some nice rock formations along the way."

Follow the link above to read the rest of her entry and see more pictures.

This segment is on FLT map M1/CT1

See Finger Lakes Trail

Still Time to Comment on Manistee NF Quiet Areas

2011-12-16T11:24:00.000-05:00

Bowman Lake Semi-Primitive Area (photo by jhy)

by JHY

You have until December 23 to comment on the following situation in the Manistee.

Some people may be aware of a lawsuit brought against the Manistee National Forest which has required them to consider increasing the number of acres set aside for quiet sports. This has set off a huge firestorm among hunting, snowmobiling, and ATV interests. These groups have strongly organized to oppose the proposals. From the Forest Service perspective, it has created a huge amount of paperwork and chewed up time which could not be spent doing other things.

Personally, I have mixed feelings about the whole thing. I deplore the amount of money it has taken the Forest Service to prepare alternative solutions and all the accompanying documentation. However, I do agree with the basic idea that quiet recreation often gets the short end of the stick.

You may have seen media coverage of this issue if you live in Michigan. All the news reports I've seen have made it sound as if hunters and motorized vehicles will be banned from the whole forest. The media seems to have worked hard to make this as hot of an issue as possible.

In truth, only 70,000 acres, out of a million in the forest, will be affected. That's less than 1% of the land!

In addition to recreational uses, the Forest has included rare plants, wildlife management, and timber management in their SEIS (Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement), but these are outside the scope of this blog post.

It's really hard to sift through the documents to the crux of the issue, but I believe I've got it right... I made a couple of phone calls, and have searched the web for info from others who have read all the paperwork. The Forest has prepared three alternatives:

A. Do nothing. This would leave all areas as they are- open to the same uses.
B. Combine all semiprimitive nonmotorized areas into a single management area and ban hunting in addition to the current ban on motorized vehicles. This is the FS preferred alternative because it creates the least amount of additional work (about 64,000 acres). See additional comments below.
C. Change all semiprimitive motorized areas to nonmotorized, thus increasing the nonmotorized areas by 17,000 acres. This would ban both hunting and motorized use.

The North Country Trail passes through all three of the existing semiprimitive nonmotorized areas. These are the Manistee River SPA, Bowman Lake SPA, and Condon Lakes West SPA. Therefore, with either B or C, there will be increased places where one can walk on the NCT without encountering hunters. If Alternative C is implemented, then the Loda Lake Motorized SPA would also become nonmotorized, creating a fourth "quiet" area along the NCT. Condon Lakes East would also become nonmotorized, and this is adjacent to the trail.

Opponents say that there is so much noise encroaching from adjacent properties that this whole idea is silly. And of course, there has been the huge outcry that the Forest is trying to ban "noisy" users from the whole Forest. It's just not true.

The court decision stated that "the [Forest] Service failed to identify the various recreation preferences of user groups. Specifically, just because the Forest Plan may allow a variety of "activities" (i.e., snowshoeing, snowmobiling, hunting, cross-country skiing, bird watching) does not mean that the Plan is adequate. Rather, the Service should focus on the "quality" of those recreational opportunities and the recreational preferences for the users." Finally, someone noticed that low-tech users do not receive a quality experience in shared areas!

This post has gotten long. There is a nice table comparing the alternatives at The Alternatives. This is a pdf which lists the alternatives, and has a chart near the end.

If you would like to see more of a quality experience for hikers, with little actual impact on hunters and motorized users of the Forest, please send a comment and endorse Alternative B or C. The deadline is Dec 23, 2011.

HOW TO COMMENT • U.S. Mail - Send written comments to Lee Evison, Forest Planner, Huron-Manistee National Forests, 1755 S. Mitchell Street, Cadillac, MI 49601 • Fax - 231-775-5551 • Electronic - comments-eastern-huron-manistee@fs.fed.us (Comments sent via email should contain the subject line "Forest Plan SEIS"

This segment is on NCTA map MI-04, and MI-05

See Index to all the Manistee National Forest Documentation on the SEIS.

Years of Low Acorn Production Can Boost Lyme Risk

2011-12-15T21:40:00.003-05:00

white oak acorns (photo by jhy)

based on a news article in the New York Times

The Northeast is experiencing a year of low acorn production, in contrast to Michigan, where I found the forest floor layered with sweet acorns. But I was not aware that the variations in acorn production can have an influence on the prevalence of Lyme Disease the next year. Here's how it works.

Acorn production normally runs in a series of high and low production years. That's a given. It's what happens when a good year is followed by a lean year that things get interesting for the humans who spend time in the woods. When acorn production is up, the wildlife that depends on the nuts for food flourish, and their populations rise. If a good year is followed by a year of few acorns the large populations of squirrels, mice, and ground-nesting birds will crash, as they will have a hard time finding enough food.

Of course, when the wildlife increases, so do the tick populations. And when the wildlife dies off, all those ticks will be looking for fresh blood. Humans in the woods make them very happy.

So, if you live in the Northeast, be sure to take your DEET to the woods next spring!

Still Time to Comment on Hydrofracking in New York

2011-12-14T23:46:00.000-05:00

how the Marcellus Shale is located in relation to the North Country Trail. Right click the map to enlarge or follow the FLT link below to see the full-size version (graphic from the Finger Lakes Trail Conference)

based on a press release from the New York DEC

In New York City, on November 30, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation held its fourth and final public hearing on the agency's draft SGEIS, draft regulations and draft stormwater permit for high-volume hydraulic fracturing. Previous hearings were held in Dansville, Binghamton and Loch Sheldrake.

In total, approximately 6,000 people attended the hearings, which each had an afternoon and evening session, and approximately 590 people gave verbal comments. An additional 669 written comments were also submitted at the hearings.

Hydrofracking will have a strong impact on the North Country Trail simply because the Marcellus Shale bed underlies so much of the area through which the trail passes.

"The turnout of 6,000 people at the hearings demonstrates how strongly New Yorkers feel about this important issue," DEC Commissioner Joe Martens said. "Nearly 600 individuals took the time to voice their opinions."

"I appreciate the public's unprecedented attendance and attention to this issue. The comments made at the hearings will be seriously considered as we move forward with developing the final rules and conditions. I encourage New Yorkers to continue to read the documents and submit their feedback to DEC before the comment period ends on January 11."

See to submit comments on High-Volume Hydraulic Fracturing

This affects all FLT maps M1-M33 and NCTA map PA-01, 02, 03

See Marcellus Shale Gas Drilling and the NCT

Continuing Mineral Extraction Controversy in the Allegheny National Forest

2011-12-13T09:41:00.001-05:00

Allegheny National Forest Hills in autumn (photo by jhy)

based on news articles in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: In Rebuttal / Two different standards and Stand up for states' rights

The problems of mineral and timber extraction in the Allegheny National Forest of Pennsylvania are an old and bitter news item. For the issues of oil and gas drilling the problem is intensified by the fact that the Forest does not own the sub-surface rights. Thus, the government has no legal right to prevent the industry from taking what is legally theirs.

Problems arise, however, due to the fact that oil wells, tanks, roads and pipelines have to be built on the surface in order to extract the minerals. This infrastructure does intrude on the landscape that belongs to the National Forest. Many law suits over these issues have been brought over the years. With the recent hoopla about the potential for the development of the Marcellus Shale, and hydrofracturing processes, the issue is hot once again.

Because there are nearly 100 miles of North Country Trail within the Allegheny National Forest, the trail is often impacted.

The legal issues surrounding the Allegheny battles are much more complex than recreation vs industry. Two-century-old laws concerning the acquisition and uses of federal land come into play. Recently the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals held that the Allegheny National Forest has almost no authority to permit (or not) the surface infrastructure needed to extract sub-surface minerals.

Those who feel that the modern recreational uses of National Forests is paramount in importance are outraged.

The battle goes on. Meanwhile, be prepared to see plenty of oil and gas rigs in Pennsylvania and Ohio along the trail.

This segment is on NCTA map PA-01

See Allegheny National Forest Chapter of the NCTA

Take the Grand Traverse Hikers 100-Mile Challenge

2011-12-09T17:08:00.001-05:00

from the Grand Traverse Hiking Club

Can you hike 100 miles in a week?
In 10 days? That would be just 10 miles a day!
Could you do it in a month?
Could you hike 100 miles within one year?

If you can do any of the above, completing the 100 miles maintained by their chapter, Grand Traverse Hiking Club will award a decal and certificate and a Michigan NCT patch.

A Hiking Log has been developed to record each section with the date completed. You can do the sections in any order you want. The requirement is to travel the whole 100 miles of our section of trail under your own power in one year.

This segment is on NCTA map MI-05, 06

See Grand Traverse Hiking Club Chapter of the NCTA

An October Hike in the UP

2011-12-08T10:08:00.001-05:00

frosty fall leaves (photo by lily)

excerpted from Serendipitous Intentions (used with permission)

The exact location of this North Country Trail hike is not identified, but the pictures are beautiful. Go visit Lily and read the rest of her entry!

"After a short drive and vehicle staging, we were on the trail by 9:45, Dunloe in the lead, K and then me bringing up the rear. It was chilly, but beautiful...and the smell of the woods? Heavenly. I kept breathing deeply to take in more of the scent. I love the rich, heavy scent of the woods when they are wet."

"Oh yes, we went up, and then we went down and around, turning this way and that as the trail led us. The trail is well marked with blazes and we had no question about which direction to go."

This segment is on NCTA map MI-10 (I think)

Ash Cave- One of Ohio's Wonders

2011-12-07T10:38:00.001-05:00

video by BuckeyeTrailTV

Ash Cave, in Ohio's Hocking Hills (central southeast) is one of the premier attractions. Here is an excerpt from North Country Cache concerning the area.

"On Tuesday we approach the spectacular Ash Cave, the largest rock wall in Ohio. A chunky, blocky overhang spreads across the head of a gorge, and beneath this overhang, a high and shallow cave defines the end of the declivity. The entire rock face is covered with fine, powdery gray ash. The origins of the ash are lost in the history of the indigenous peoples. Perhaps the ashes come from centuries of fires, lit to warm bodies, cook meals, or host council meetings. Or perhaps the cave was used for less innocent purposes; another theory has it that gunpowder was made there. Nearby are natural saltpeter mines, necessary to make the explosive powder."

Never discount Ohio for interesting sights!

Buy North Country Cache

This segment is on Buckeye Trail Map "Old Man's Cave"

See Buckeye Trail Association

Announcement Concerning NPS Superintendent

2011-12-06T22:25:00.001-05:00

received from Bruce Matthews, Executive Director, NCTA

I just got off the phone with NPS Regional Director Mike Reynolds, who informed me of a drastic change in the NPS's plans. You'll recall we were expecting to welcome Dr. Wade Vagias early in January as our new North Country/Ice Age NST Superintendent. As I understand it, Wade's formerly temporary detail to Yellowstone NP, which involved developing/implementing the Yellowstone's winter management plan, has suddenly taken on more urgency/priority within the NPS. Wade's position became permanent and that's where he is staying.

Mike Reynolds was very apologetic. He is pursuing some immediate as well as longer term options to help us get the administrative coverage we need.

I will keep you posted on further developments. Insofar as my previous request to chapter and affiliate/partner leadership to let me know of upcoming events, please do keep them coming. At the very least we will use this list to help us make staff travel decisions.

Thank you, and let me know your questions.

Contact Bruce Matthews
See New National Park Service NCNST Superintendent Named

Three New Bridges in Newaygo County, MI

2011-12-05T10:30:00.000-05:00

One Year, Three Bridges from Paul Haan on Vimeo.

from the Western Michigan Chapter of the NCTA

The bridges span Bear Creek, Rattlesnake Creek and Second Cole Creek. Great accomplishment!

This segment is on NCTA map MI-04

See Western Michigan Chapter of the NCTA

NCT News Makes Top 50 Camping Blogs

2011-12-04T10:52:00.001-05:00

Each year, Justbackpacksonline spends weeks reading and ranking hiking, backpacking, and camping blogs to determine who has the best content, advice, and ideas in the outdoor blogging world. This blog has been judged to have been proven to be one of those. On January 1st, 2012. Then we will choose from the field of 100 to determine who is the best. How will the winner be chosen?

Each week we will narrow the field by 25. The blogs chosen will be those with content updates and whoever sends traffic via the badge in this post, or in the right sidebar.

If North Country Trail News makes the top 25, it will go to a vote to help in the consideration of the winner. Stay tuned! If we make the top 25, we'll need your help.

NCTA Board Approves End-to-End Hike Trip Policy

2011-12-03T20:27:00.001-05:00

format mock-up

by jhy

Much to my personal delight, today, the North Country Trail Association Board of Directors has approved a policy for End-to-End Hikes and Trips following the North Country Trail.

The policy lays down what is expected of anyone who aspires to hike the entire trail. Traditionally on long trails, the "honor system" is the only method of policing the policy, and this will also be true on the NCT.

Nevertheless, there has never been any statement of what is expected, so in theory, someone could have hiked from Crown Point, New York to Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota, by any route and claimed that they had hiked the NCT. Now, some standards of expectation have been articulated.

Essentially, two kinds of end-to-end accomplishments will be recognized: completions all on foot, and completions under mixed muscle-powered means.

Those who have completed intermediate milestones will also be recognized: any of the states, and mileage totals which pass the 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000-mile marks.

The mock-up above shows that there will be a central patch (yet to be designed) with rockers around that for intermediate completions. When the trail is completed, an outer rocker, with either "End to End Hike" or "End to End Trip" will be awarded, along with a certificate and a pin.

Download the full NCT End-to-End Hike/Trip Policy
Download the application for status as a long-distance hiker
Download the quick and dirty Recognition Instruction Sheet

Applications will be handled by the Long Distance Hiker Committee: Joan Young (chair), Lorana Jinkerson, Gaylord Yost, and Lyle Bialk. Applications may be sent beginning now, but the actual patches have not been designed yet.

Contact Joan Young

Grand Rapids Press Article about Jeff McCusker

2011-11-27T11:39:00.001-05:00

Jeff McCusker- NPS Manager for the NCT (photo from Andrea Ketchmark)

based on a news article in the Grand Rapids Press

Jeff McCusker joined the North Country Trail family quietly. I've had the chance to spend some time with him on several occasions, and he's a quiet guy. But don't equate that with ineffectual. Jeff is the National Park Service Manager for the North Country Trail (the past two people in that post have been Fred Szarka and Bill Menke).

With McCusker came a big change that highly benefits the NCT. Instead of being based in Madison, Wisconsin, McCusker's office is in Lowell, Michigan, where the headquarters for the North Country Trail Association are located. This arrangement should save lots of money for both the agency and the association, since they need to spend so much time working together.

Today, the Grand Rapids Press featured McCusker. He's quite the world traveler, and hard worker. Two years were spent in Morocco working for the Peace Corps. Mongolia's first national park, under the United Nations, benefited from his efforts. He's worked on trails in Gombe National Park in Tanzania, and has an upcoming trip to Mozambique to help train locals for trail building in the Gorongosa National Park.

If you've had a chance to meet Jeff, you know that he's been watching and analyzing what needs to happen to complete the NCT. He told Howard Meyerson, of the Press, "“I am optimistic. We are in the phase of trail construction where we have miles and miles of suburban and agricultural lands to get across. It’s private land, and some of it isn’t the most endearing. The big thing that has hit me since I’ve come to Michigan is the dedication of the volunteers who are building this trail. They aren’t getting paid to do it. They do it because they love the trail,”

See North Country Trail Association

Agate Lady Hikes NCT Near Grand Marais

2011-11-21T18:26:00.001-05:00

NCT in Burt Township School Forest (photo by Karen)

excerpt from School Forest North Country Trail Hike by Karen, used with permission

Karen, the Agate Lady hiked in early November from the bridge in the Burt Township School Forest to the Lake Superior shoreline down the North Country Trail.

This section of the North Country Trail goes through different forest ecosystems as well as along ancient dunal formations. I'm not sure how long the hike is -- probably around three miles. It is like a reward to finally reach the shore. Yesterday the color of the lake was summer-like-blue. The waves seemed to patiently roll in with six foot curls.

Lake Superior shoreline (photo by Karen)

Visit Karen's blog for more pictures and the rest of the story!

This segment is on NCTA map MI-09

See The Agate Lady: Adventures and Events

2011-11-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

new Clarion shelter (photo from the Clarion Chapter)

from the Clarion Chapter

The Clarion Chapter of the North Country Trail Association recently completed work on a hiking shelter near the Highland Drive trail head.

This shelter is the first hiking shelter ever built on Clarion Chapter’s section of the trail. It was paid for mostly by the chapter’s efforts selling chapter president Ed Scurry’s homemade hiking sticks. Several chapter members attended tthe geocaching event Geowoodstock IX in Warren, PA this past 4th of July weekend and were able to sell about $700 worth of Ed’s sticks and other items to the geocaching community throughout the weekend.

We decided that a good use of these funds was to build a hiking shelter.

The shelter was built during several work sessions in September and October. On October 23, 2011 Clarion Chapter held a picnic to serve as the grand opening for the shelter. Many members came out to celebrate Clarion Chapter’s first hiking shelter.

And now we will rest for the holidays and winter and plan to pick up our tools and build Clarion Chapter’s second hiking shelter in the Maple Creek area as soon as the weather breaks in the spring. Hikers next summer will have plenty of comfortable options for overnighting in Clarion County.

This segment is on NCTA map PA-03

See Clarion Chapter of the NCTA

What Kind of Training Would You Like from American Hiking?

2011-11-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

from the American Hiking Society

The National Trails Training Partnership (NTTP) is conducting research on training needs and satisfaction. The goal is to improve the quality and availability of trail-related skills. American Trails is conducting the online survey and will be compiling and interpreting the data with NTTP member groups and agencies.

Anyone involved in trails as an employee, volunteer, or supporter may take the survey. They would like to know your experience and ideas, such as:
• What types of training and delivery methods do you feel are effective?
• What important skills do you think are lacking in your agency or organization?
• What good examples of training are you acquainted with?

The "National Trails Training User Satisfaction Survey" was requested by the Federal Interagency Council on Trails (a partnership of the Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, Forest Service, Army Corps of Engineers, and the Federal Highway Administration). The intent of the survey is to "determine the level of service and customer satisfaction of national training related to trails. The information obtained from the survey would be used to evaluate current trail training programs, partnerships, and training delivery and processes; to ask for input on trail training needed, quality, providers, and availability; and to initiate training improvements."

The deadline to take the survey is November 30, 2011.

Take the survey

Note- I did take the survey, and in order to complete it with integrity you will need time to look over the NTTP web site. Keep this in mind.

See American Trails

NCT News in Top 75

2011-11-18T17:38:00.001-05:00

This blog has made it to the top 75 in the Camping Blogs Excellence selection process. The blogs chosen will be those with content updates and whoever sends traffic via the badge on the right.

Each week they will also "feature" one blog from the list who has displayed excellent quality that week on their site. During the Final 25 round, we will take it to a vote to help in the consideration of the winner.

On January 1st, 2012 there will be only 1 blog remaining as the top outdoors blog.

Land Purchases Could Preserve NY Trail

2011-11-17T09:26:00.001-05:00

real estate photo of the Virgil property

from Mike TenKate via the Finger Lakes Trail newsgroup

There are two plots of land for sale in Virgil, New York, that either have trail or could have trail on them that are currently for sale. As you all know changes in ownership can sometimes be a little scary for permissions. I have included links below in the hopes that maybe we can find a friend of the trail who wants to buy one (or both).

Item #1 - 238 Acres currently has about only about 50 feet of trail on it due to a funky property line we only recently became aware the trail was even on this property. It is crucial to linking Kennedy State Forest to Tone Road. This property could have the possibility with a permitting landowner to host miles of trail and eliminate nearly all of the Tone Road, Route 392, Carson Road Road walks and replace them with really nice trail and lots of it. This is a really nice property and includes a lot of Gridly Creek.

Item #2 - 28 AcresThis property is one that we worked on getting a permanent easement on over the last few years. It seemed as though it was a done deal when the property owner decided to sell it instead. She decided against an easement first due to fear of lowering the value. This property is also very nice. It is only 26 acres but due to its shape could have about a half mile of trail. It could replace the Carson Road portion of the road walk and rejoin the current trail near the Woodchuck Hollow Lean- to.

Contact Mike TenKate with questions.

These segments are on FLT map M19

See Finger Lakes Trail Conference

Grand Marais Seeks to Be Identified as a Trail Town

2011-11-15T10:36:00.000-05:00

Grand Sable Dunes (photo by jhy)

based on a story at M-Live.com

Grand Marais, Michigan has always been a small town at the end of the road: a gravel road, on the eastern edge of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. If you want to hike through, east to west, on the North Country/ Lakeshore Trail, you must stop at the ranger station there to get your entry permit. You also have this great view of the Grand Sable Dunes.

There is camping at the city park, and a couple of places in town to get some food. Not much else.

However, now Alger County H-58 has been paved, making the drive between the ends of Pictured Rocks much less time-consuming. In the past, most of the "action" has been at Munising, but now that it is easier to reach Grand Marais, things may change.

Grand Marais Outfitters is a fairly new business on the county road which caters to many types of activities. "We’re trying to make this a destination for outdoors activities and we’ve got a chance to be a trailhead for the North Country Trail," said Dennis Weaver, adding that he will host ski tours of the Grand Sable Dunes in the winter and paddling seminars during the warmer months. He and his wife, Kim, opened in July.

"There’s no other sports shop around for two hours, so we have a little of everything. We’ve got backpacking foods, kayaks and fishing gear," he said. They also carry items for motorcycle enthusiasts. A one-stop shop.

The recently revived Superior Shoreline Chapter of the NCTA replaces the defunct Grand Sable chapter. Based in Alger County in the eastern Upper Peninsula (U.P.) of Michigan, the Superior Shoreline Chapter is responsible for a 120-mile section of the NCT from the mouth of the Two-Hearted River on the East to Rock River Road on the West, passing through Grand Marais, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and Munising.

This segment is on NCTA map MI-09 and MI-10

See Superior Shoreline Chapter of the NCTA

NCT News Nominated for Top 100 Camping Blogs

2011-11-14T10:29:00.001-05:00

from JustBackpacksOnline.com

North Country Trail News has been nominated as one of the top 100 Camping Blogs. Here's what they say:

Your Blog Has Been Chosen As One of the Top 100.

Each year, Justbackpacksonline spends weeks reading and ranking hiking, backpacking, and camping blogs to determine who has the best content, advice, and ideas in the outdoor blogging world. We have read your blog and we believe that you have proven yourself to be one of those. By simply putting the badge on your site, you will automatically enter yourself to win an Amazon $100 and more on January 1st, 2012. Then we will choose from the field of 100 to determine who is the best. How will the winner be chosen?

Each week we will narrow the field by 25. As of next week, we will release our first "Top 75" list. We have read each and every blog closely and will continue to do so. The blogs chosen will be those with content updates and whoever sends traffic via the badges provided below. Each week we will also "feature" one blog from the list who has displayed excellent quality that week on their site.

On January 1st, 2012 there will be only 1 blog remaining as the top outdoors blog.

I think this is a nice honor, and winning a few dollars would sure help this blog stay in "business." If you are willing, why not click on the logo, either in this post or in the sidebar. You might even find a nice pack you like.

In any case, thanks for reading!

Transportation Enhancements Still Under Fire

2011-10-29T13:40:00.000-04:00

a news release of Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Transportation Enhancement Funds are meant to be applied to other forms of transportation than highways. These funds have benefited the North Country Trail in certain places where we follow urban pathways, or to provide pedestrian walkways on bridges. Although TE funds will never be a big portion of North Country Trail funding, this source of cash had been critical in building the country's multi-use trail system.

In his Senate Amendment 821, Senator Rand Paul (Ky.) is trying to force us to choose between safe bridges and safe places to walk and bike in our communities.

See RTC Vice President of Program Kevin Mills discussing in the video why we need your support:

Choosing between bridges and safe walking and bicycling is a false choice.

In truth, most states already have funds that they could use for bridge repair, but that instead go for new roadways. Further, last year, states sent back $530 million in unspent bridge funds.

It’s shameful and disingenuous to claim to be promoting safety by pushing to cut funds for trails, walking and bicycling when 47,000 cyclists and pedestrians have died during the past decade.

Sen. Paul’s is the third attack on TE in a single month.

In late September, Senator Tom Coburn (Okla.) attempted to eliminate dedicated funding for this crucial program. Working through a broad coalition, supported of trails joined together to send more than 50,000 messages to your senators, asking them to support TE.

Unfortunately, some in Congress believe that if they keep hammering away at a wildly popular, low-cost, highly efficient program, we’ll finally get tired and let them destroy a 20-year legacy of building a balanced transportation system.

See Rails to Trails

Kekekabic Trail Reopens After Pagami Creek Fire

2011-10-24T11:51:00.000-04:00

Carl Skustad of the U.S. Forest Service surveyed the fire damage near campsite 7 on Lake Three, charred by the Pagami Creek fire. in the BWCA. (photo by David Joles)

based partly on a news article in the Star Tribune

U.S. Forest Service officials took members of the news media on a paddling tour through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness last Wednesday, to show them the effects of the Pagami Creek Fire. The burn pattern is called a mosaic, with some places charred and others not.

While the fire is comparable in size to the Ham Lake Fire of 2007, this fire did not burn across the North Country Trail. However, it did close the Kekekabic portion of the NCT because of the close proximity. The Kek is now open again.

The Pagami Creek fire burned across 51 BWCAW campsites, but only 5 are damaged enough that they are expected to be closed next year. Forest Service personnel will go through and cut down snags (leaning trees) which are a major danger after fires. Come spring, new growth will begin covering the black earth.

Over 1000 firefighters worked on the Pagami Creek fire, which is not yet quite 100% contained. The Pagami Creek fire area covered about 145 square miles, about 9.2 % of the entire BWCA. It burned down one structure -- a remote Minnesota DNR cabin.

This segment is in the Kekekabic Trail Guide

See Kekekabic Trail

New National Park Service NCNST Superintendent Named

2011-10-19T00:26:00.000-04:00

Wade Vagias in 2004 (photo from the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette )

from a news release of the National Park Service

Wade Vagias, currently the acting Management Assistant at Yellowstone National Park (NP) in Wyoming, has been named the new Superintendent for Ice Age and North Country National Scenic Trails (NST), headquartered in Madison, Wisc. He replaces Tom Gilbert, who retired from Federal service in May. Vagias will take this new position effective January 1, 2012.

“Wade’s strong partnership skill set, including his extensive work with varied stakeholder groups within and outside the Federal government, makes him an excellent choice to lead these two premiere trail systems,” said National Park Service (NPS) Midwest Regional Director Michael T. Reynolds. “We look forward to having Wade as part of our Midwest Region management team.”

Vagias has been on a detail assignment as Management Assistant at Yellowstone NP since April, focusing his efforts primarily on the park’s Winter Use Plan/Environmental Impact Statement. His home office is the Wilderness Stewardship Division in the NPS Headquarters in Washington, D.C., where his work focuses primarily on wilderness stewardship planning. Vagias serves as Co-Chair of the NPS Wilderness Character Integration Team, an 18-member team from across the Service seeking ways to integrate wilderness character into NPS planning, monitoring, and management, as guest editor for the forthcoming Wilderness Edition of Park Science, and oversees the Wilderness Fellows Program.

Prior to working for the NPS, Vagias was a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson University in South Carolina. He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson, where his dissertation evaluated the Leave No Trace visitor education program in three NPS units. Vagias’ professional experience includes faculty appointments with Lock Haven University and Butler County Community College, both in Pennsylvania; river ranger with the Bureau of Land Management in Maupin, Ore.; raft guide with the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Long Creek, S.C.; mountain operations at Snowbird Ski Resort in Utah; as well as research projects for the National Audubon Society and the NPS.

“I am both humbled and honored by the opportunity to work with the staff of the Ice Age and North Country Trails and the many partners that work collaboratively with the NPS to help meet the mission of these two partnership parks,” Vagias said. “Trails connect us to the land and to each other, and I look forward to strengthening these connections.”

Vagias, his wife, Jenna, their daughter, Brooke, and chocolate lab, Charlie, will be relocating to Madison this winter and look forward to integrating into the Madison community and dusting off their cross-country skis.

See North Country Trail Association
See Ordinary People, Extraordinary Deeds for a 2004 story about Vagias

Crown Point Bridge Update

2011-10-16T11:00:00.000-04:00

new Crown Point Bridge arch span being put in place (photo from NY DOT)

compiled from several sources

The Crown Point, NY bridge across Lake Champlain to Vermont has been the eastern terminus of the North Country Trail. In Dec 2009, the old bridge was demolished, and the estimated date for reopening of the new bridge has been October 2011.

Although progress has been steady, the bridge is not open, and the New York DOT has declined to give a final date for opening. In light of this, the Lake Champlain Bridge Community group has scheduled a celebration for May 19, 20, 2012.

The new bridge is important to the NCT because of the expected connection with the Appalachian Trail through Vermont. Hikers continuing east would need to cross the bridge, and the new bridge does, indeed, have a pedestrian walkway.

At this point, the bridge looks very close to completion. The approaches were completed first, and the central arch was brought to the site, complete, by barge and then lifted into place on August 26, 2011. But there is work to be done on the surface and other details which have postponed the opening.

See New York DOT Bridge updates
See Lake Champlain Bridge Community
See Crown Point Bridge Demolition
See Vermont Connection Seriously Considered

A 30 Hour Thru-Hike of the Border Route

2011-10-14T11:00:00.000-04:00

from Gear Junkie

In September 2011, The Gear Junkie and friends attempted a 24-hour thru-hike of the Border Route Trail, on the Minnesota Arrowhead section of the NCTA. They didn't quite make that goal, but came close, covering the 68 rugged miles in just over 30 hours.

It's my opinion that hiking shouldn't be about simply how fast you can cover the ground. Nevertheless, this type of adventure will appeal to many people.

Fast & Light on the Border Route Trail, Minnesota - Brought to you by Timberland™ from Gear Junkie on Vimeo.

See Border Route Trail

Florence Hedeen Honored by Northwest Minnesota Foundation

2011-10-12T10:48:00.000-04:00

Florence Hedeen- taken on a hike (photo by Lyle Bialk)

based on a news article in thePark Rapids Enterprise

Anyone who has attended NCTA annual conferences knows Florence Hedeen, and any NCTA volunteer in Minnesota knows that she works tirelessly for the North Country Trail. Her dedication to this, and other, causes has now be noted by the Northwest Minnesota Foundation. She is one of three recipients of their 25th Anniversary excellence awards. Florence was "selected for strong leadership and for continually enhancing the quality" of places she lives and works.

Florence and her husband, Carter, live in Park Rapids, Minnesota.

She is active with the Northwest Minnesota Women’s Fund, serving on the advisory committee for 10 years and also served as the chairperson. She helped restart the Park Rapids League of Women Voters and was elected to the state board. Her work on increasing League membership in Minnesota resulted in her nomination to become a Ruth S. Shur Fellow in 2009 and she was among the first class of 12 national coaches serving state and local Leagues.

Just in case that isn't enough to keep Florence busy, she is also a member of the local school board.

Florence is living proof that if you want something done, you should ask a busy person. Her energy always amazes us, and we salute her for this honor.

See Itasca Moraine Chapter of the NCTA

Finger Lakes Trail Website Offers Interactive Map

2011-10-10T10:32:00.002-04:00

example of an elevation profile

from the Finger Lakes Trail Conference

An interactive map for the whole Finger Lakes Trail system of ~950 miles is now online at www.fingerlakestrail.org.

You can zoom in and pan the map. Zooming in twice shows waypoints for trailhead parking, shelters, campsites (including primitive), and hunting closures (red flag waypoints). Clicking on a waypoint brings up more info about it (closure dates for hunting closures).

Clicking on an FLT copyright symbol gives the last revision date for a map and gives a link to the FLT store.

Clicking on a track (main or branch) brings up an elevation profile for that map; this can be enlarged.

Creating this map for over 950 miles of trail is an amazing accomplishment. It will be a great aid to planning hikes. It should be noted that there is much more detailed information on the printed maps, and one should not attempt a long hike without purchasing those.

This refers to the entire Finger Lakes Trail System in NY

See Finger Lakes Trail Conference

New Kekekabic Trail Guide Issued in 2011

2011-10-08T13:00:00.000-04:00

Terry Bernhardt with the new Kek Guidebook (photo from NCTA)

based on a post on the North Country Trail Association blog

In April of this year, a new and updated guide to the Kekeabic Trail section of the NCT was quietly introduced. The original guidebook was issued in 1996 and needed serious overhauling. Both the big blowdown of 1999 and several fires have impacted the trail since that time.

A Field Grant from the NCTA was used to fund the book. The project was led by Terry Bernhardt (former KTC President), Mark Stange (current KTC President), the author, and NCTA’s Matt Rowbotham who produced the trail maps.

The Kekekabic Trail is the western section of the top portion of the Minnesota Arrowhead. This part of the trail is within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

This segment is in the new Kekekabic Trail Guide

See Kekekabic Trail Club

New Bridge Near Napoleon, Ohio

2011-10-06T13:00:00.000-04:00

completed Buckeye/NCT bridge (photo by Bob Morrison)

based on a blog post of the Henry County Parks

With the dedication and enthusiasm of local volunteers, on July 23, 2011, the new bridge was opened on the Buckeye Trail/North Country Trail in northwest Ohio. This bridge is about a quarter-mile east of the Henry County Hospital near Napoleon.

With the completion of this bridge, the entire trail in Henry County is clear. Read more, and see more pictures at New Bridge Built on the Buckeye Trail / North Country Trail

This segment is on Buckeye map Defiance section

See Buckeye Trail

Ferrying Materials for Wisconsin Puncheon

2011-10-04T13:00:00.000-04:00

canoe ferrying construction material (photo by Bill Menke)

excerpted from NCTA blog by Bill Menke

We had a very productive (but also very strenuous) outing last week. For several years we puzzled over how to get our puncheon materials into the trail segment that is on the north side of the St. Croix River and between the Gordon Dam ATV Trail and West Mail Road (map), Because of the flat rocks that we used to construct a walking surface on the upland portions, our powerwagon would have bounced around and literally destroyed the work we had already done while we were waiting for the WI-DNR to issue the permits we needed to construct the wetland structures.

We considered a helicopter contract (too expensive at a minimum $100,000), and draft horses, snowmobiles, and ATVs dragging or trailering the materials through the woods. All of these latter three modes would have also destroyed the trail. We also thought about boating the materials down the river from Gordon Dam but there are too many shallow places which would prevent passage with a loaded boat.

Finally, crew member Phil Anderson came up with the idea of working them across the river with two canoes that were fastened together to form a carrying platform.

This was a tremendous transportation job. All in all, we moved over 100 4x6x16 foot beams, 100 telephone pole sills (5 feet long), and almost 1900 deck boards (3 feet long) across the river. All that is left of the south side for next month is about 15 sills and 15 beams and these are all already at the river edge or at the top of the bluff.

For lots more pictures and more explanation see the NCTA blog- link below.

This segment is on NCTA map WI-02

See Rover’s unique puncheon material canoe ferry operation

Bruce Matthews Interviewed on "A Watershed Moment"

2011-10-02T18:21:00.001-04:00

Bruce Matthews, Executive Director NCTA (photo by jhy)

excerpted from the West Michigan Environmental Action Council blog

On the September 27th episode of the West Michigan Environmental Action Council's "A Watershed Moment," Bruce Matthews was interviewed about the North Country Trail. “A Watershed Moment” is a weekly radio program focused on environmental news and happenings in West Michigan, plus solutions for living a greener life.

Matthews is the Executive Director of the North Country Trail Association. He gives an overview of what and where the trail is, and urges more people to try it out. You can listen to the entire interview at WMEAC. Many audio formats are available.

See North Country Trail Association

The North Country Trail News blog is happy to welcome a new sponsor, Black Friday Deals. See the green ad box in the right sidebar. They offer lots of outdoor products, including many for hunting and fishing. Although those are not the primary focus of the NCT, we know that lots of sportsmen and women use the trail. If you browse their sales lists you'll find lots of items for camping or other outdoor pursuits, at a discount.

Manistee River Trail - NCT Loop Hike

2011-09-29T16:37:00.000-04:00

Manistee River (photo by David)

excerpts from Explore the Outside, by David, used with permission. Follow the link to read his entire account.

In February of 2010 I was in a horrific car accident that I was fortunate enough to survive. However, I still managed to break both legs. This would be the most walking or hiking I had done since my accident and I felt that this pace [a three-day plan] was something that I’d be able to safely accomplish.

A goal of this trip was to keep my pack weight low. I managed to get my base weight down to 7.5 pounds and that included carrying a GPS and cell phone (about 1 pound). I packed 5 pounds of food and 2.2 pounds of water for a total starting weight of 14.7 pounds. In addition, I decided to not take my camera (DSLR) to save weight and all of the photos I took were unfortunately with my cell phone.

While visiting my parents for Labor Day I discovered that my father wanted to join me for part of the trip. Because of the broken bones in my legs from the previous year, I had originally planned to take it very slow and just see how it went. Hiking with my father, threw the “take it easy” plan out the window. I’m sure he would have been fine with whatever pace I picked but nonetheless I felt pressure to keep a decent clip. Also, I was pretty certain he wanted to camp at an established campsite.

We started hiking about 3 PM. From this lot [Upper River Road TH] there is a trail that heads north and shortly hits the connecting trail between the NCT and the MRT. At this junction we turned east, hiked to the road bridge over the Manistee River (the Red Bridge Access site we first pulled into) and after crossing the bridge found the beginning of the MRT

We arrived at the first two established camp sites (Camp #8 and Camp #9). These two sites are right on the water’s edge on the top of a 50’ overlook. There is a very nice view of the river. There was a guy playing acoustic guitar and drinking whiskey. Much to our surprise he was actually quite a good singer. He ended up leaving at dark.

[The next day] we arrived at the suspension bridge just after 11 AM. My father and I said our good byes. He took the 1.2 mile connection path back to his car at Seaton Creek Campground and I headed west over the bridge to find the NCT. As soon as I started south on the NCT the trail was very nice and an easy gradual climb with the trail being wide enough for a four-wheeler. I think it was this wide for at least a mile or two and then it went back to “typical” trail width. This section of the NCT was quite different from the MRT. During the entire section I didn’t see the Manistee River once. Towards the end of this section of the NCT there is a short off-shoot trail which leads to an overlook.

MRT-NCT loop (map by David)

At the very top of a significant ascent I decided I would try to finish the entire hike on this day. Why I did this I’m not even sure. I did notice in the beginning of this section of the NCT that it would be difficult to find a campsite because you are basically walking along a ridge with a steep upward slope to your right and a steep downward slope to your left. Unbelievably, I made it to the car just after 7 PM and had done 15.75 miles that day! The NCT is pretty uneventful but still a nice trail nonetheless. There are a few interesting sections and the ascents and descents definitely make for some fun.

I learned that doing 15.75 miles was way too much for my right ankle. Later, I discovered I was basically unable to walk on my right ankle. Finally on the third day I was able to do a decent amount of walking on it.

Overall, it was a great trip and everything I took performed wonderfully.

This segment is on NCTA map MI-06

See Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the NCTA

Wetmore Pond Eagle Scout Project

2011-09-27T18:07:00.000-04:00

Scouts, leader, and Cliff Stammer after a day of work. (photo from NCTH)

from the North Country Trail Hikers Footprints, Fall 2011

In July, Andrew Virch, working towards an Eagle Scout Badge, organized a work crew of scouts and leaders from Troop 309, along with several of our members, to replace and build some puncheon board walk in Wetmore Pond. In a day and a half of work, the project was complete.

Completed puncheon in Wetmore Pond (photo from NCTH)

This segment is on NCTA map MI-12

See North Country Trail Hikers Chapter of the NCTA

Tamarac Wildlife Refuge Celebrates Autumn and NCT

2011-09-25T17:23:00.000-04:00

Tamarac Wildlife Refuge (photo by jhy)

based on a news article at Detroit Lakes Online

“Become a Nature Detective” is the theme for this year's annual autumn festival at the Tamarac Wildlife Refuge in western Minnesota. The North Country Trail skirts the eastern edge of the Refuge. This year the festival will be on October 1.

Friends of Tamarac, is a not-for-profit organization that puts on the Fall Festival and other activities at the refuge. The detective theme will be carried throughout the day and will include everything from a CSI Nature Investigation Challenge to Sherlock Shuttles. There will be a nature detective trail, a demonstration of processing wild rice, GPS events, a guided hike, and a silent auction.

A grilled pork sandwich lunch is available for purchase at the festival.

North Country Trail representatives will lead a two-mile hike at 10:30 a.m. Friends of Tamarac are happy to see the NCT there, because it helps to maintain trails that everyone can use.

Friends of Tamarac has dedicated $5,000 each year to bring school kids to the refuge — over 2,000 students a year — for activities that range from science to math, language arts to social studies — all in the great outdoors. “Tamarac Refuge is a wonderful outdoor classroom where students get involved in real life science,” the group says.

Contact Matt Davis

New Hickory Hills Shelter in NY

2011-09-23T14:06:00.000-04:00

Hickory Hills Shelter (photo by Jacqui Wensich)

from Jacqui Wensich

In only THREE days, the new Hickory Hill Shelter ...a thing of beauty.

This segment is on FLT map M12

See Finger Lakes Trail

Attendee Report- Dayton Conference

2011-09-21T11:38:00.000-04:00

Clifton Gorge (photo by jhy)

by John Heiam, from the Sept 2011 issue of the Grand Traverse Hiking Club Newsletter

In August Dick Naperala, Rick Halbert, Arlen and Arlene Matson, and Lois Goldstein and I attended the 2011 North Country Trail conference in Dayton Ohio. As many of you know, the NCTA has a conference every August at a different location along the trail. This year it was in Dayton, Ohio. One of the things I enjoy about going to the conference is seeing the beauty that exists in unexpected areas. Two years ago the conference was in North Dakota, and I thought the area wouldn’t have much to offer.

I was really surprised by the beauty in the area. Much of North Dakota consists of rolling green hills, with areas of forest. This year I wondered what an urban area like Dayton could offer. One day we were led on a hike to Clifton Gorge, where a small stream has carved a channel through a hundred feet of rock. While I was at a Board meeting, Lois went on a kayak paddle along the Mad River. On another day, we were led on a thirty-five mile bike ride on a beautiful tree lined paved trail, topped off with a lunch stop at a local restaurant that made its own ice cream.

In Xenia, Ohio just south of Dayton, four long paved bike trails intersect. Downtown Dayton has been transformed from an industrial center to a city laced with parks and an absolutely beautiful river front. One night after the conference presentation by Andrew Skurka, we listened to a free open air concert of a local big band, playing music from the forties and fifties. They played in an ultra-modern open air pavilion along the river. Next to the pavilion is a new bicycling hub, which includes a new building with showers and a bicycle storage area for people who want to commute downtown by bicycle.

The number of paved bicycle trails in the area is astounding.

This segment is on Buckeye Trail map Caesar Creek

See Buckeye Trail

Ed Chappel Boardwalk Completed Through Sterling Marsh

2011-09-18T21:21:00.003-04:00

John Cooley (left) and Ed Chappel (right) (photo by jhy)

by JHY with additional info from an article by Howard Meyereson

More than a half-mile of raised boardwalk is now complete through Sterling Marsh west of Baldwin, Michigan. This is the culmination of a three-year project by the Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the NCTA. The man who has spearheaded the effort is Ed Chappel of Irons, the Trail Work Coordinator for the chapter. Ed is 77 years young, and battling Parkinson's Disease, but this has only served to focus his efforts even more.

Volunteers from the Spirit of the Woods, Home Depot, the Baldwin Rotary Club, the American Hiking Society, an NCTA Volunteer Adventure crew, Manistee National Forest staff, and other people have put in thousands of hours to complete the 2,697 feet of boardwalk. The length is not continuous, but consists of thirteen segments spread over 1.5 miles of trail. With just a little additional work on treadway between the segments, and an improved access south from Jenkns road, the entire section will be wheelchair accessible.

On July 23, 2011, at a chapter meeting, another two-year project was brought to fulfillment. John Cooley, chapter member began planning on the sly to dedicate the boardwalk to Ed Chappel. He researched prices for plaques, obtained permission for the project from the Forest Service, and collected donations from chapter members and friends. No chapter funds were used to purchase the plaque.

Ed Chappel boardwalk dedication plaque (photo by jhy)

The plaque reads, "In recognition of his vision and unfailing dedication to maintenance and improvement of the Spirit of the Woods section of the North Country Trail, this portion of the trail will henceforth be known as the Ed Chappel Boardwalk."

The miles of trail between Jenks Road and 96th Street, at the southern edge of Lake County, have been some of the most unpleasant off-road hiking in Michigan for years. The ground has always been soggy, and in spring and fall, the trail was often knee-deep in water. Hikers typically avoided the section, although it offers some high quality bird and wildlife watching opportunities. Now, the worst part of hiking there might be the need for a little extra bug repellent.

Section maintainers, John Cooley and Vickie Kelley are also volunteers with the annual frog census, and they canvas Sterling Marsh for identification of the amphibians. Now they can do so without waders.

The Forest Service hopes to create a new access point at Jenks Road so that the boardwalk would be able to be reached by level trail by wheelchairs. Near the center of the longest section is a deck with seating where the dedication plaque is mounted.

The official dedication will be this coming Saturday, September 24. For more information, contact Ed Chappel

This segment is on NCTA map MI-05

See Spirit of the Woods Chapter of the NCTA
See Man helps transform North Country Trail from 'swamp walk' into impressive path by Howard Meyerson

Kekakabic Trail Closed Due to Pagami Fire

2011-09-15T21:56:00.000-04:00

fire closure area 9/12

from various sources

The Kekeabic Trail has now been closed, as has a large portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. For a much larger map with more detail, see the Closure Area Map from the Minnesota Incident Command. This is a pdf.

In the map above, the red outline is the fire perimeter as of Monday evening. The shaded area is the portion of the BWCAW that is closed. The green line is the NCT/Kekekabic Trail.

Pagami Fire Update

2011-09-14T17:55:00.001-04:00

Pagami Creek fire and NCT (green line)

compiled from various sources

The Pagami Creek Fire has now become larger than the Ham Lake Fire of 2007, but does not appear to be threatening the North Country Trail. The closest the fire approached the NCT was just south of Snowbank Lake near the western end of the Kekekabic Trail, with about two miles of forest between.

At this time, the fire is still spreading to the east. Early on, firebreaks were created to the north and these have held. The fire slowed today with light rain and higher humidity, but it has now reached blowndown timber from the 1999 event, and no one expects this fire will be out for a long time.

Command is now unified under Lake County, Superior National Forest, and Minnesota Incident Command. In addition to four Blackhawk helicopters sent by the National Guard, the province of Manitoba is sending two water bombers and an air attack plane.

Pagami Creek fire and NCT (green line)

For the most current information, see the Minnesota Incident Command

Pagami Creek Fire Burning South of the Kekekabic

2011-09-13T22:50:00.000-04:00

smoke from Pagami Creek Fire (photo from a video at NorthlandNewsCenter.com)

compiled from various sources

The Pagami Creek Fire, in Minnesota, just east of Ely, is still south of the North Country Trail, but is still growing. The fire began on Aug 18, the result of a lightning strike. It was considered a minor blaze until two days ago when high winds suddenly spread the fire 16 miles to the east, to the edge of Polly Lake.

Most of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness remains open, but many access points have been closed. Smoke from the fire has been seen as far east as Illinois, and is affecting air quality. The Pow Wow Trail is closed.

As of this afternoon, the fire has now burned 100,000 acres, and is second only to the Ham Lake Fire of 2007, which burned 120,000 acres, and is considered the most costly fire in Minnesota history. It has been difficult to determine the exact size of this fire area, because of the heavy smoke.

The fire has now spread so quickly that it is threatening to ignite areas which were affected by the 1999 Blowdown where stacked dry wood is like a tinderbox waiting to be lit.

Control of the blaze has now been delegated to a unified command with Lake County Sheriff's Office as full partners of management of the fire. The Governor has called in the Minnesota National Guard and helicopter support. A Red Cross aide station has been established at the Finland Community Center. Finland is a town on the Superior Hiking Trail.

The last map I could find showed this trail still miles south of Snowbank and Parent Lake where the NCT comes out of the woods on to Fernberg Road. But this is definitely one to watch. Earlier today an official incident map was available on line, but now that link seems to have been taken down. I'll add it here if it is put back.

See Kekekabic Trail Club

Chief Noonday Says- "Get Ready for 2012"

2011-09-11T17:23:00.000-04:00

Get Ready for the 2012 Annual NCTA Conference!

brought to you by the Chief Noonday Chapter at the 2011 Annual Conference in Ohio.

This segment is on NCTA map MI-02

See Chief Noonday Chapter of the NCTA

Mother Goose Returns to NCT to do Northern Lower Michigan

2011-09-07T09:26:00.000-04:00

Mother Goose (photo by mikendyan)

based on the journal of Mother Goose

"Mother Goose," Bonita Helton, came back to Michigan in August to hike some more miles of the North Country Trail. Because she enjoyed Pictured Rocks so much, she began in Marquette and rehiked east from there for about nine days. Her friend, Sue, hiked with her for part of the time. Sue's great talent is reported to be to "yogi" ice and cold drinks from folks in vehicles, which Mother Goose really enjoyed.

Sue writes: "We left camp carrying saturated tents after a night of rain, and slugs. I don't know if it was the four cheesepotatoes or the noises in the creek overnight but I had wild dreams about bears in camp, in which I yelled at Bonita " bark like a dog.... bark like a dog" to scare away the bears. "

With the bugs and humidity so high in the UP, they hitched a ride to the Bridge, and began working south from there. She gives high marks to the trail in most of Northern Lower Michigan. It's not exactly clear where she ended this section of her hike, but somewhere south of Traverse City.

Now, she has returned to the Pacific Crest Trail. Perhaps she'll come back for more of the NCT another year.

Opinions on Taconite Mining in Wisconsin

2011-08-22T10:58:00.003-04:00

{EAV_BLOG_VER:dd07b9f10488db83} just ignore this verification code for Empire Avenue, please

taconite mine tailings in Minnesota (photo by jhy)

received from Mike Stafford, President, Heritage Chapter of the NCTA

The proposed mine along the Heritage section of the North Country Trail appeared to be on hold a few weeks ago when GTAC stopped public-view pursuit of it. Now that the recall elections are mostly complete it appears that the state senate is again ready to consider relaxing current environmental protection laws to shorten and hasten the regulatory approval (per Senator Fitzgerald in an interview this morning). The North Country Trail Association does not take a position on whether the mine should or should not be approved. However, as individual volunteers, I ask that you consider joining me in asking your legislator to at least respect the environmental and regulatory laws that are currently on the books. These laws and regulations were a long time in development. Certainly laws can and should be changed with careful and thoughtful consideration, but it seems inappropriate to quickly and drastically change laws to relax regulations at the request of one special interest.

You may have already seen this, but below is a letter from a former mine supporter describing how and why he changed his mind regarding the mine. Charles Ortman runs a business in the area and was willing to step forward and make the statements below:

I don't take pleasure in delivering the following news. I was initially a strong
advocate of the Gogebic Taconite (GTAC) mine.

Fortunately I don't like to make decisions before informing myself. So after three months of digging I sadly report the following to you. If you are skeptical of my data I encourage you to go to the Iron Range and check for yourself every one of my claims. I would be happy to be wrong.

GTAC will make our fish inedible (fisherman take heed), kill our wild rice (duck hunters and ricers take heed), sterilize our rivers and lakes (water enthusiasts take heed). Have I got your attention? Good because its all true.

Even though taconite mining is not sulfide mining it still creates a sulfide and mercury pollution cycle. This cycle is unequivocally incompatible with fresh water. When sulfates enter the water they are acted on by a sulfide eating bacteria that turns mercury into methyl-mercury. This is the kind of mercury that gets transferred up the food chain and accumulates in the tissue of fish. It is the kind of mercury that turns into "do not eat fish from this body of water" warnings.

"Do not eat fish from this body of water" are the warnings you will be seeing on fish in the Chequamegon Bay and rivers affected by the GTAC pit mine. High sulfate levels and mercury is what killed over 100 miles of the St. Louis River to wild rice and is responsible for the inedibly high levels of mercury in the fish. High sulfate levels are slowly poisoning lakes and waterways throughout the Iron Range and it is caused by taconite mining.

Taconite tailings ponds on the Iron Range that are leaking (and they all leak, even the best of them) have been draining into the Partridge River for years. There are sulfates and mercury in this leakage. Once a river's sulfate level reaches a certain point, somewhere around 10 parts per million, the sulfate-eating bacteria get going and part of this byproduct is the methyl-mercury that gets into the fish and hydrogen sulfide which prevents wild rice from growing.

What we have now in the Penokees is a fish and wildlife factory as well as a water purification system that you couldn't buy for any amount of precious
metals under it.

Citizens of Ashland and the surrounding community, don't trade the golden goose for a mercury egg! Demand your local and state politicians put an end to this
water killer right now. Demand that GTAC pack up the boring equipment and move along. We prefer our clean water.

Signed,
Charles Ortman
Ashland

Can you help to join the fight to let the legislators know that the existing mining laws need to be enforced? A letter that you can use is attached. Please personalize the letter if you wish. If you don't know your Senator or Assembly person, use this link to find who they are: Wisconsin Legislators

Protecting the Northwoods is something we all need to participate in. Please take time to send your legislator an message via email, fax or hard copy. They need to hear from you.

Thank you in advance for helping to protect the Northwoods.

Michael J Stafford, President Heritage Chapter of the NCTA

This segment is on NCTA map WI-01

See Heritage Chapter of the NCTA

Tom Gilbert Honored on Retirement

2011-08-18T22:09:00.001-04:00

Tom & Jan Gilbert (photo by JHY)

by JHY

Although Tom Gilbert officially retired from his post as National Park Service Superintendent of the North Country National Scenic Trail in May, the association had not had a chance to honor him until the recent annual conference.

First, Tom was presented with a bronze plaque from Bill and Donna Menke. Bill had worked with Tom as the NPS Trail Manager for a number of years. The plaque reads, "Tom Gilbert in recognition and appreciation of his outstanding contributions and dedication to the North Country National Scenic Trail. National Park Service Superintendent 1981-2011." Bill instructed Tom to think of where along the trail he would like to see this placed, and Bill will do his best to arrange that.

Tom Gibert (left) receives a guitar from Bruce Matthews (photo by JHY)

The staff of the NCTA then gave Tom a new guitar. Although we haven't often seen Tom play, it's known that he likes to play and sing for his own relaxation.

Finally, with the help of contributions from a number of sources, the Gilberts were given a lifetime membership in the North Country Trail Association. Now that Tom is a private citizen he can become a member.

Since Tom is the only Superintendent the NCT has ever known, this transition really leads the trail into a new era. Pam Schuler, formerly with the Ice Age Trail, has been appointed to serve as Superintendent in an interim capacity.

Images of Dayton 2011

2011-08-14T08:59:00.000-04:00

Dayton Conference logo

by jhy

The 2011 Annual Conference in Dayton, Ohio, is over... one more for the books. It was an interesting experience going to a city instead of a small trail town. Dayton is a great place for trails of all kind, and our location, Wright State University, was a good venue.

Clifton Gorge wall (photo by jhy)

The weekend was filled with great outdoor activities. Pictured above is a limestone wall from Clifton Gorge seen on one of the many hikes offered. Others chose historic and cultural opportunities, such as visiting the Air Force Museum or taking a ride on a recreated canal boat.

Saturday evening banquet (photo by jhy)

Great meals were provided to satisfy us in the evenings. Saturday's speaker was Bart Smith (Walking Down a Dream), who has hiked and photographed all eleven National Scenic Trails. In addition, the auction raised over $6000 toward the Land Trust fund.

The torch was passed to the Chief Noonday Chapter, who will host next year's conference near Battle Creek, Michigan.

See North Country Trail Association

Arlen Matson Receives Lifetime Achievement

2011-08-12T23:26:00.001-04:00

NCTA President Larry Hawkins (left) presents award to Arlen Matson (photo by jhy)

by jhy

Day two of the North Country Trail Association Conference in Dayton, Ohio, was filled with morning workshops and seminars, afternoon hikes, tours, and trail work opportunities, and the annual awards ceremony in the evening. Many awards were given which will be covered in detail in the next issue of North Star. However, a highlight each year is to see who will be the recipient of the one Lifetime Achievement Awards. This recognizes outstanding service to the NCTA for more than a decade.

This year, Arlen Matson, of the Grand Traverse (Michigan) Hikers Club Chapter received the award, for 18 years of trail building, local administration and record keeping, and a clear vision of the local segment being part of a larger entity. Arlen thanked those who had mentored him and read a poem about enjoying nature and appreciating the Creator.

The list of past recipients was read, and a large number of those people were present. They were asked to come forward for a group photo.

some past Lifetime Achievement Award Winners L-R: Bill Menke, Tom Gilbert, Arlen Matson, Jim Sprague, Dave Cornell, Al Larmann (photo by jhy)

Other past recipients not present include: Emily Gregor, John Leinen, Rod MacRae, Gene Elzinga, Wes Boyd, Derek Blount

See North Country Trail Association

Larmann & Leinen Receive New 10K Hour Award

2011-08-11T23:14:00.001-04:00

Al Larmann (photo by jhy)

by jhy

On the opening day of the 2011 North Country Trail Association annual conference in Dayton, Ohio, the National Park Service presented awards for hours of volunteer service. Such awards begin at the 100-hour level, and have previously extended to 2500 hours of work for the trail. Various levels result in receiving a pin, water bottle, twill shirt, free NPS pass, fleece vest, or fleece shirt.

This year, two additional levels were added. At the 4000-hour mark, recipients receive a Presidential Service pin and a letter from the President of the United States. A 10,000 hour award has also been added, and already two NCT volunteers have accomplished this amazing feat. They are John Leinen of Minnesota, and Al Larmann of New York. Larmann was present to receive his personalized plaque.

Volunteer service to the trail can include anything from the nitty-gritty of trail building to planning, doing promotion or paperwork, legislative advocacy, or just about anything that is an asset to the trail effort. The National Park Service, the managing agency for the NCT, wants volunteers to know how much they are appreciated, and provides these awards.

See North Country Trail Association

Kekekabic Trail Club to Consider Becoming NCT Chapter

2011-08-04T01:12:00.000-04:00

Kekekabic Trail Guide

via email from the Kekekabic Trail Club

Given the history and value of the KTC, we are considering options for the future. One option being considered, in order to provide more resources and networking for the KTC, is to become a chapter of the North Country Trail Association. This is an important decision and we want to have your input to the final decision. Our member meeting is Wednesday, Aug. 24, 7 p.m. Make contact for more information.

Matt Davis, Regional Trail Coordinator for MN & ND, North Country Trail Association will meet with us to provide information about being a chapter of the NCTA.

Feel free to share your thoughts with Mark or Terry, about the future of the KTC.

We have a new Kek Trail Guide, but are currently out of copies. More will be printed, with revisions, later this summer.

Contact Terry Bernhardt
or Mark Stange

Trails Day: Black River Canal Museum

2011-07-23T08:24:00.001-04:00

Black River Canal Museum (photo from CNY)

from the Central New York Chapter newsletter, July 2011, by Kathy Eisele

Nine members and guests of the Central New York Chapter of the NCTA traveled to the Black River Canal Museum in Boonville, New York, to celebrate Trails Day on June 4. Upon arrival, Daphne Larrabee, who gave us a guided overview of the museum’s exhibits, met us. Laura Czajka, Alyssa Matthews, and Dale Ferris, curator, assisted her. Our contribution to the day was Steve Kinne’s Power Point presentation on the North Country National Scenic Trail.

The museum, located right on the Black River Canal, has wonderful exhibits from the canal days (first boat traveled from Rome to Boonville in 1850, last boat left Boonville in 1924), including changing displays of enlarged photographs of the canal and surrounding communities selected from an inventory of more than 3,000 photos. The many other exhibits include tools and other artifacts; a display showing the 109 locks between Rome and Lyons Falls, a 35 miles distance with a rise/fall of 1,079 feet; a working mini-canal replica that allows visitors (or as Daphne put it “children of all ages”) to run model canal boats through a set of locks to see how the system worked.

One of the newest exhibits is a life-sized replica of a Black River Canal Boat, constructed using original plans, that gives an idea of what life was like living and working on the canal. Currently being developed at the museum is an Archives Room, which, when finished, will be open to the public for research. The gift shop offers memorabilia, including t-shirts, books and DVDs. Also, if one of the photos in the museum’s displays particularly appeals to you, an 8x10 reprint can be ordered.

Ed Fynmore, now President of the museum’s Board of Trustees, initiated the museum in 2003 when he organized a group of interested volunteers. He, the Board of Trustees, and all of the other volunteers merit congratulations for developing a real asset in the North Country, well worth a trip to Boonville. In addition, of course, trailheads to the NCNST to Pixley Falls (approx. 6 mile hike) or to Forestport (approx. 10 mile hike) are nearby. The museum is open seven days a week starting the last week end in June through Labor Day,
10 to 4, then on weekends to Columbus Day.

See Central New York Chapter of the NCTA
See Black River Canal Museum

Minnesota State Park Crisis

2011-07-03T18:49:00.001-04:00

Gooseberry Falls State Park (photo by jhy

from various sources

All Minnesota State Parks are closed until the state budget crisis is resolved. This affects the North Country Trail primarily along the north shore of Lake Superior, and the Superior Hiking Trail section.

State Parks along the route include Jay Cooke (at the MN-WI border), Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche, Crosby-Manitou, Temperance River, Cascade River, and Judge Magney.

Shuttle operator, Harriet Quarles, reports that all gates are closed and water is turned off. Thru-hikers should be able to move through the park on the trail, but no services are available.

The NCT does pass through one other Minnesota SP on the west side of the state, which is Maplewood.

There is no way to predict how long it will take Minnesota to resolve their $5 million gap between proposals of the two political parties. Minnesota Public Radio estimates that park revenue lost on the holiday weekend could be as much as $12 million.

Most segments are on SHTA maps

See Superior Hiking Trail

Death in Minnesota from Tick-Borne Virus

2011-06-29T18:17:00.001-04:00

deer tick life stages and metric rule. The adult ticks (left) are approximately 1/8 of an inch long, while the nymph (third from left) is just under 1/16 of an inch. (from Minn Dept of Health)

from the Minnesota Department of Health and Minnesota Public Radio

A Minnesota woman has died from a tick-borne virus known as the Powassan Virus, named for a city in Ontario where is was first described in 1958. Only 60 cases have been reported in the past five decades, until recently. In the past three years, six cases have turned up in northern Minnesota. The victim was in her 60s, and died from the resulting brain infection after being bitten.

The virus is carried by the deer tick, and possibly Ixodes cookei, sometimes known as the groundhog tick. The virus causes an inflammation of the brain or the brain's membranes, resulting in encephalitis, or meningitis. Although rare, the disease is extremely serious, with approximately 10% fatality. In addition, the virus is transmitted from tick to human much more quickly than the Lyme Disease virus, which can take 12-48 hours. Times as short as 15 minutes have been posted on some web sites, but the MN health department states the the time is shorter, but not known with certainty.

Minnesota NCT hikers should use precautions. Counties included in the warning for this disease include Cass, Itasca, and Hubbard, through which the trail passes. Symptoms include fever, headache, vomiting, weakness, confusion, loss of coordination, speech difficulties, and memory loss. It can take a week after being bitten for symptoms to appear.

This segment is on NCTA map MN-09 and MN-10

See Laurentian Lakes Chapter of the NCTA
See Itasca-Moraine Chapter of the NCTA

Windigo Doug Completes Michigan NCT- 1130 miles

2011-06-22T21:15:00.003-04:00

Windigo Doug Boulee

from Doug Boulee

On May 31, 2011, Doug Boulee (trail name Windigo Doug) completed the entire NCT in Michigan for a total of 1130 miles. Doug tracked his statistics and reports that this was accomplished in 17 sections hiked over 5 years. He averaged almost 16 miles a day.

Doug wrote, as he was beginning his quest, "Traveling in the wilderness, days of the week and month no longer matter. The year does not exist. The only measure that counts are Trail Days." This was on May 25, 2007 in a section maintained by the Western Michigan Chapter. Hikes were not completed in a linear fashion, but he would hike some in the UP and some in the Lower Peninsula till all the pieces were filled in. "The McCormick Wilderness Tract was one of my favorite parts of the adventure with varied terrain and more fantastic views," Doug explained.

tenting in the Manistee NF

Along the way he spent 68 nights in a tent (and two in a motel, and one in a home).....Only 6 states and 3,470 miles to go! He's planning to take on Wisconsin next, starting in September. "I cannot encourage you enough to go out and find just a small bit of trail near your home to start your own adventure. It doesn't have to be of any great length or long term endeavor. There are many places to enjoy the trail just one day, just one step at a time. Get up, get out and get active."

Doug has been added to the 1000-mile Club.

See Windigo Doug's Trail Journal

AmeriCorps Trail Work Near Marquette

2011-06-18T22:33:00.001-04:00

benching trail at Silver Lake (photo from NCT Hikers)

from Footnotes, summer 2011

On Sunday, June 5, a group of 17 AmeriCorps volunteers from the Greater Grand Rapids Area American Red Cross arrived in Marquette to help with a variety of projects on the trail. Monday morning three different groups went to work.

One group worked Monday through Thursday, at the McCormick Wilderness segment and into Segment 25 where they cleared a slew (over 65) of blowdowns, lopped and raked the trail. Remember that no power tools are allowed in the Wilderness, so all their efforts were executed with hand tools - crosscut saws, loppers and rakes.

A second group met in Ishpeming and headed north to build new trail on the west side of the Mulligan Plains up a steep hill. A series of switchbacks were built including sections of benching the trail and adding rock steps. Four full days of physical exertion added slightly less than a mile of new blue-blazed trail up the hill for a rise of over 330 feet in elevation.

new puncheon at Wetmore Pond (photo from UpperMichigansSource.com)

The third group headed out to Sigan Road in Alger County to do some heavy lopping, general trail maintenance and blazing. Just getting in and out of that work site via Sigan Road from Sand River Road was an adventure the AmeriCorps probably won’t forget for a while. This group also worked at Wetmore Pond, removing the old boardwalks and replacing them with all new materials on the Old Growth Trail. A couple of reroutes and shorter boardwalks were also tackled on the west trail. Swamping through the muck paid off when the completed project could be easily hiked without fear of falling through a broken board. Note that Plum Creek Timber Company donated all building materials for the Wetmore Pond project. A subgroup also repaired handrails, added a step to some stairs and did a small reroute on the Wetmore Landing segment on the east side of County Rd 550.

This segment is on NCTA map MI-12

See North Country Trail Hikers Chapter of the NCTA

Sign Up to Build Trail in Ohio

2011-06-11T08:09:00.000-04:00

restored canal at Providence Metropark (photo by jhy)

from Rick Adamson Ohio State Trail Coordinator

Sign up to help build trail in northwest Ohio between the communities of Florida and Grand Rapids in Henry and Wood Counties.

Rick Adamson's renowned work crew will build new off-road trail on the historic Miami & Erie Canal towpath route. Accommodations are camping at Mary Jane Thurston State Park (no electric hookups).

Some food is being provided by the St. Patrick's Catholic Church, but for most meals volunteers must provide their own.

The event runs between Saturday, June 18 and Wednesday, June 22. Work times are generally from 8 am to 3 pm leaving plenty of time for recreation.

The North Country Trail currently breaks off from the Buckeye Trail in this section and heads north through Liberty Center. Come see why the trail should continue to Grand Rapids before turning north! At Providence Metropark you can experience the canal days with a ride on a recreated canal boat, and a visit to the operating Ludwig Mill.

Contact Rick Adamson for more details.

This segment is on BTA Map Defiance Section

See the Buckeye Trail

Judy Geisler Completes Hike/Bike of NCT

2011-06-07T08:12:00.014-04:00

Judy Geisler on the trail

Judy Geisler completed her 7-year quest to hike and bike the North Country Trail on May 24 in New York. She began on April 25, 2005 at Lake Sakakawea, North Dakota.

Judy's plan has been to hike the sections of trail which were completed off road, and bicycle the road pieces. Her husband, Bob, has been support, driving their motor home, and being there to shuttle her and her bike as needed. It also meant that they did not have to hunt for motels or campsites on the sections where backpacking is difficult. Along the way they also visited many cultural and historic sites. This is a wonderful option for those who have a way to travel in addition to simply on foot.

Judy began the hike with her good friend Adele. In 2005 they completed North Dakota and most of Minnesota for a total of about 900 miles.

In 2006, they returned, and Judy biked a route roughly parallel to the Border Route section, after hearing that it was in bad shape. Wisconsin was next, followed by about half of Michigan's Upper Peninsula

For 2007 the Upper Peninsula was completed

The following year was filled with Michigan's Lower Peninsula which she hiked/ biked from south to north. A beginning on Pennsylvania's western portion was made as well.

2009 saw Judy finishing Pennsylvania and then hiking and riding through the eastern miles in New York. It's not clear exactly what her route was from Rome to Crown Point, but apparently this section was biked, on roads. She was hopeful of completing her quest in 2010.

She spent 2010 wending her way through Ohio. They visited lots of historic sites along the way.

Judy Geisler and Adele at Lake Sakakawea

And with only a relatively few miles left to do in New York's Finger Lakes, Judy finished in June 2011 just south of Cayuga Lake. Sadly, her friend Adele was not able to finish the quest with her. She did not track how many miles were hiked, and how many were biked.

To learn lots more about Judy's adventure, see Judy and Bob's Traveling Pages

See North Country Trail Association

Tangled to Trail in NY

2011-05-28T19:23:00.000-04:00

Bill Zimmerman and Jersey

from the Central New York Chapter newsletter, May 2011, by Bill Zimmerman

Anyone who worked on convertng the LVRR former rail-bed, which had been abandoned for 40+ years, to a fine trail from Nelson Road West to Cottons Crossing, [near Cazenovia, NY] will remember the tangled mess of grapevines, downed trees and honeysuckle bushes. Work was slow, as the narrow path was cut into the thick brush and only a few volunteers could cut at the lead with others passing the cut brush to the rear. Other folks worked on finding and clearing places to pile cut brush off to the side.

Today, this trail winds gently and is still very narrow, meandering along the Canastota Creek. With much of it barely four feet wide, it doesn’t have the appearance of an old railroad bed. To begin with, the new trail was rough and needing improvements to the walking surface including removing stumps, surface vines and some fallen trees. People have been slow to find this trail but usage is steadily increasing in number including hikers, dog walkers, cross country skiers and even some horses.

Horses are not authorized for the trail because it is very narrow and the walking surface can’t support them. This past year, I requested, received, and put up a trail register box which is about 100 yards West of Nelson Road. It was exciting to see an entry the same day the box was installed. Most entries are just a date and name but some are interesting.

Even though Jersey and I walk this trail almost every day, the new register shows more folks are using it than what we have seen or thought. The trail register is a good tool to gauge the usage of a trail. So if you want a different hiking experience, please come to Nelson Road West-Cottons Crossing. Parking is available at both trailheads.

See Central New York Chapter of the NCTA

Timber Sale May Cut Across New Minnesota Trail

2011-05-19T17:55:00.001-04:00

Splashes of color in the forest: The blue marks the North Country Trail and the red shows the boundary of a temporarily delayed timber sale, just feet from the trail on county tax-forfeited land in Round Lake Township. (photo from Detroit Lakes OnLine)

based on news stories in Detroit Lakes OnLine and Minnesota Public Radio

New trail in western Minnesota's Becker County near Detroit Lakes will soon be stressed by timber interests. Tax-forfeited lands in the county are added to the county forest system, where 1200 acres a year are harvested for revenues. Recently built North Country Trail is right in the path of one projected cut.

Ryan Tangen, who handles the timber sales, said "We want to make sure that area is preserved along the trail." Although the red boundary markers look ominous, the county is proposing to selectively cut for aspen, birch, red oak and basswood.

But the Stewardship Association says that logging equipment will scar the landscape and even species-specific logging will damage the fragile ecosystem of what is essentially a 100-year-old forest. They would prefer that tourism be considered more strongly in management of the tax-forfeited land. "Fully developed forests are what you need — that’s what people want to walk through," said Willis Mattson.

In 2010, timber sales contributed just over $167,000 to the county's $38 million budget. Some have noted that this isn't a very significant contribution and that tourism could probably provide just as much money.

A public hearing tonight may shed some light on what local citizens would like to see in a recreation plan.

See Laurentian Lakes Chapter of the NCTA

Why Stealth Camping is Not a Good Idea

2011-05-15T15:04:00.003-04:00

a typical stealth camp (photo by JHY)

by JHY

Most of us long-distance hikers have done it: stealth camping- the practice of sneaking off into a corner of a fencerow, a woodlot, or some other spot where we are pretty sure we won't be discovered overnight, even though we know it's illegal to camp there. "What's the harm," we ask. Most of us practice leave-no trace camping. We pitch a small tent, light no fire, break no branches, and are gone in a few hours. If we are careful, no one will ever know we were there.

But, stealth camping has the potential to cause lasting consequences for hikers who will come after us, if not for ourselves.

Personal Consequence
Let's say that you are illegally camping on public land. For example, in Michigan you can't camp in State Game areas in the summer. If you are caught there, you are likely to get a hefty fine. If you are illegally camping in a wildlife preserve, not only might you get a fine, but the rule was probably set in order to not disrupt wildlife. You've challenged the entire reason that the land was set aside in the first place. If you are on private land, you could be subject to criminal trespass law.

Consequences for the Trail
If enough people (and this might only be one person) camp illegally, there is the chance that the trail would lose the privilege of crossing that land. This is particularly true in New York along the Finger Lakes Trail, and Minnesota along the Superior Hiking Trail. Agreements with many private landowners have created continuous portions of off-road trail, but usually with the stipulation that no camping is allowed. Your one night of enjoyment might remove miles of off-road trail from the North Country Trail system. If the lost section is between a couple of other pieces needed for connections, if a road walk must be substituted, it might be much longer than the piece lost from one owner.

If public land is involved, consider how significant the ramifications might be. In Pennsylvania, you can't camp in State Game Lands at any time of year. Think about what the states might do if a lot of people were caught camping in State Game Lands. The North Country Trail is there at all by permission. Those lands were not set aside for hikers, but for hunters. The trail is a guest. Think of all the years of work creating routes and building trail that could be lost if a few people decide that they think the rules are silly, and the NCT would be asked to leave.

Don't Ignore It
Bragging about stealth camping to our friends should not result in smirks and knowing nods in commiseration of the difficulty of backpacking along the entire NCT at this point. It should result in worried looks and admonitions. People who are friends of the North Country Trail for the future will not stealth camp, or encourage it in others.

Look for ways to get involved and promote the creation of legal campsites at appropriate distances along the trail. . Farmers are often willing to let you camp in their fencerow if they are asked. Nature preserves' rules should not be challenged by a flippant hiker. Planning ahead well can often solve the logistic problems. I now try to avoid the practice... Let's look ahead to a great completed trail, not just to our own personal pleasure for a weekend.

Note from Admin- Entrecard

2011-05-13T13:32:00.000-04:00

I have had to re-apply to Entrecard, as they deleted my blog when Blogger accidentally flagged it as spam. If you had pending ads here, they are all gone, and I have a new EC account number. My apologies for any inconvenience, I hope your credits were given back and that you won't hesitate to advertise here again.

Tom Gilbert Retires

2011-05-02T22:22:00.001-04:00

Tom Gilbert (photo by JHY)

by JHY

Today marks the end of an era for the North Country Trail. For the almost 31 years since the NCT was authorized by Congress, we have had one National Park Service Manager, and that person is Tom Gilbert.

Tom's involvement with our trail begins even earlier. In the 1970's, Tom helped author the initial study of the trail, which led to its authorization by Congress in 1980. Tom also was instrumental in the development of the trail's 1982 Comprehensive Plan. It's probably safe to say that no one other person has had as much influence on the trail, both in its physical and philosophical routes.

Tom's dedication, skills, accomplishments and depth of experience have earned the admiration of his peers throughout the National Trail System, as well as the appreciation and gratitude of a multitude of volunteers and partners along the North Country Trail. He is a friend to many of us who are in love with this trail.

Today, Tom wrote:

Today is my final day. Tomorrow I will be in the ranks of the retired.

It was the dream of my life, beginning at age 12, to work for the National Park Service. The final 30 years of my federal career has been spent doing just that in a most interesting and challenging avenue--establishing and administering National Scenic and National Historic Trails. I have much to be thankful for.

Mostly I am thankful for the many good colleagues, partners, and friends I have made and enjoyed over the years and the assistance and support they have given me. I have also enjoyed working for many good supervisors who have mentored me and shown confidence in me.

I do not intend to leave my involvement with these trails "cold turkey." I will continue to be interested and involved, probably in a variety of volunteer roles, but will spend less time on trails so that I can expand my involvement in areas of life that have been waiting for my retirement.

Gilbert (center) celebrates the opening of new trail in Valley City, ND, in 2002. Congressman Earl Pomeroy cuts the ribbon while Valley City Chamber of Commerce President, Jan Stowman looks on. (photo by JHY)

Tom has been gathering documentation for years about the origins of the North Country Trail. He has written the only known history of the trail, and presented a timeline of his findings at the Annual Conference in 2004. Perhaps a book is brewing? Perhaps he'll now have time to do more walking, instead of riding a desk?

Whatever he does, we wish Tom well. We can only hope that our new manager will have half of Tom's dedication to the best interests of the North Country Trail.

See North Country Trail Association

Wally Wood Hike in Western NY

2011-04-25T18:00:00.000-04:00

view from the Abbott Loop (photo by Larry Blumberg)

from Larry Blumberg

Saturday, April 23 was another one of those 'lucky' (our 'karma' is with us) days, for in spite of a near 100% forecasted chance of rain and showers, we never felt a single rain drop from the moment we started our hike -- and the sun even popped out for a few moments !

I am writing, of course, about the annual Finger Lakes Trail Conference-sponsored Spring 'Wally Wood' Hike along the Abbott Loop on FLT Map M17, south of Ithaca, NY, in Tompkins County, home of the Cayuga Trails Club who maintain the Abbott Loop along with about 70 miles of Finger Lakes Trail.

Fifteen hikers, primarily from the Cayuga Trails Club, the Bullthistle Club, and the Triple Cities Hiking Club came out for what turned into a very nice day of hiking. In addition we also had a special guest in attendance, Steve Randall, an FLT land-owner from Swain, NY.

Tom Reimers provided the opening remarks, he talked a little bit about Wally Wood, the founder of the FLT back in 1962 (you can do the math, but that means the FLT will be celebrating its 50th birthday in 2012 !!!). Phil Dankert, who served as the hike leader (but let's be honest - he had lots of help from his buddy Jack Vanderzee), then talked about the Abbott Loop and how it was built in the early 1990's by a couple from the Cayuga Trails Club, Cliff and Doris Abbott.

Phil chose to hike the Abbott Loop in a clockwise direction, or 'backwards' from the description as written on the back of Map M17. That, to me, meant we must have been hiking COUNTER-clockwise, since we were heading COUNTER to the map description, but I was out-voted...so, yes, we hiked clockwise around the Abbott Loop. Not sure it mattered, though, cause we climbed a total of 1900 feet and to my way of thinking that's the same no matter which direction one hikes the loop!

This segment is on FLT Map M17

See Finger Lakes Trail Conference

Arrowhead Reroute Needs Congressional Introduction Again

2011-04-23T10:24:00.001-04:00

Royal River bluff from the Border Route on the Minnesota Arrowhead (photo by jhy)

from Call of the Wild, the newsletter of the Star of the North Chapter of the NCTA

A delegation from the North Country Trail Association— including past NCTA president John Leinen— traveled to Washington, DC in February as part of the Hike the Hill Trails Advocacy Week.

A significant component of NCTA’s message was the Arrowhead Re-route, the legislative effort to change the NCT’s official route in NE Minnesota to include the Superior Hiking Trail, Border Route Trail, and Kekekabic Trail. The trip was fruitful. There appears to be broad bi-partisan support from across the NCT for the Reroute because it is well-supported here and doesn’t involve federal spending.

The NCTA; however, is still waiting for Rep. Chip Cravaack (R-8th District MN) to introduce the Arrowhead Re-route bill in the U.S. House. Senators Klobuchar and Franken have indicated that they will gladly co-introduce the corresponding bill in the U.S. Senate once Rep. Cravaack has taken action.

If you live in Minnesota's 8th District, we encourage you to contact Cravaack’s office in North Branch and to make it known that you support the Re-route and would like to see the Representative take the lead by introducing the bill.

Contact Rep. Cravaack at:
6448 Main Street, Suite 6
North Branch, MN 55056
(651) 237-8220 / 1-888-563-7390 / Fax: (651) 237-8225
https://cravaack.house.gov/contact-me/email-me

See Star of the North Chapter of the NCTA
See Update on Status of the Arrowhead Reroute

Proposed Taconite Mining Very Near NCT in Wisconsin

2011-04-16T19:19:00.001-04:00

based on a news article at the Wisconsin State Journal

NorthStar Economics, of Madison, Wisconsin, announced in April that a taconite mine is being proposed near Ashland. If the Gogebic Taconite (GTac) mine were built, at an estimated cost of $1.5 billion, the two-year construction period alone would create 3,175 jobs and $20.6 million in state and local tax revenue. The estimated life of the mine could be 35 years, a huge economic impact.

While this would be quite a boost to the local economy, there are environmental issues to balance the question. Ann Coakley, director of waste and materials management for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, pointed out that there would need to be extensive environmental review. Impacts on surface and ground water, wildlife, threatened and endangered species, and air pollution would all need to be evaluated.

Any sections of the North Country National Scenic Trail which are certified will have a certain level of standing which also will need to be taken into account. Mellen, Wisconsin, is usually considered to be the first ever "Trail Town" along the NCT, and Gogebic Taconite holds an option to lease a 22-mile stretch between Mellen and Upson. Upson is just northeast of Mellen, and the North Country Trail traverses a ridge on the north edge of this entire stretch before entering Copper Falls State Park and then heading south into Mellen.

This segment is on NCTA map WI-01

See Chequamegon Chapter of the NCTA

Encampment River Bridge Update

2011-04-12T14:58:00.000-04:00

site of former Encampment River Bridge

from Gayle Coyer, Executive Director, Superior Hiking Trail Association

The news about the Encampment River bridge is not good. When the huge ice jam hit the bridge it tipped the middle crib over. As the bridge broke apart in the middle (as it is designed to do) the ice snapped the cable for both pieces and they went down the river. One half was several hundred feet downstream and Han was going in there today to try to secure it. The other half is gone completely, maybe all the way down to Lake Superior. With the river still high and road restrictions on, we don't know when we will be able to replace the bridge.

The ice buildup was from a freaky situation where we got a hard rain on Dec. 31st which brought the water up really high. Then a new layer of ice formed about 3 or 4 feet above the old layer. So instead of about 1 foot of ice they ice was 3-4 feet thick. It was this thick ice that took the bridge out, even though the bridge was raised a couple of feet when we rebuilt the cribs and ramps last October.

The Encampment River bridge is located about in the middle of the section of Co Rd 301 (Fors Rd) to Castle Danger. Here are the directions for a roadwalk:

From Co Rd 301 (Fors Rd) take the SHT 0.4 miles until it crosses Co Rd 3 (Hwy 3). Turn left (north) and go 4.7 miles to West Castle Danger Road (this road does not have a green sign but there is a bright blue sign that says "To Hwy 61" with a right arrow). Turn right (east) and go 1.6 miles to where SHT crosses road. Go left on SHT 0.1 miles to Castle Danger Trailhead parking lot.

This segment is on SHTA map 1

See Superior Hiking Trail Association

Encampment River Bridge Destroyed Again

2011-04-11T12:36:00.000-04:00

where the new Encampment River Bridge used to be

from the Superior Hiking Trail Association

The new Encampment River bridge built in 2010 was pushed downstream by an ice dam this past weekend. This is on the Superior Hiking Trail in a section not far north of Two Harbors.

This is an extremely difficult place for a bridge as one bank of the river is high, and one is low. The past bridges descended a long cleated ramp to reach the bridge decking which was about 5 feet above summer water level.

However, a continual problem along the North Shore (of Lake Superior) is that in the spring water is high, filled with ice floes, and the valleys are narrow. Bridges are often damaged or swept away. Many of the smaller bridges have been cabled to trees on one bank so that if they are broken loose in the spring the bridge may be turned sideways, but may be salvaged for re-placement.

Encampment River, however, is a major bridge. It is not known at this time if the bridge can be salvaged. It's a shame, since it was finally replaced last year, after many seasons of being in a damaged and dangerous state.

One has to wonder if it might be worth the expense to build a high bridge from the upper bank, with stairs descending to the lower bank. The ice could still attack the footings, but it wouldn't present the whole stringer/decking system to the pressure of jammed ice being carried downstream.

This segment is on SHTA map 1

See Encampment River Bridge Repaired

Michigan to Close Two Campsites Important to the NCT

2011-04-07T20:03:00.001-04:00

sandhill cranes displaying at Big Lake (photo by jhy)

based on a news release of the Michigan DNR

Cara Boucher, assistant chief of the DNR's Forest Management Division, said, "Given the long-term trend of declining use and the inability to raise camp fee revenues, the only way to absorb the current cut in General Fund support is to close some campgrounds."

The order to close the 23 campgrounds will be submitted as a proposal at today's Michigan Natural Resources Commission (NRC) meeting in Lansing, and will be eligible for action by DNR Director Rodney Stokes at the NRC's May 12 meeting in Flint. If approved at the May meeting, the closures would be effective on May 19, 2011.

Two Upper Peninsula State Forest Campgrounds on the list are ones which can be used by hikers of the North Country Trail. Having places where camping is allowed is important for long-distance hikers.

Most surprising to me is Big Lake in Baraga County. This is a botanical treasure. When I was there in July of 2005, the beach edge was covered with several species of rare plants. We were serenaded by the Sandhill Cranes.

Reed and Green campground in Luce County is a tiny site which adds a key camping location between Culhane Lake and Muskelonge State Park.

Can the costs of servicing a latrine and a hand pump twice a year be so burdensome that even though these sites aren't used very much, everyone who does use them needs to be punished?

These sites are on NCTA maps MI-09 and MI-13

Volunteer Opportunity in Minnesota Arrowhead

2011-04-04T11:32:00.000-04:00

Howard Beye carrying a Trimble GPS unit (photo by jhy)

from Matt Davis Regional Trail Coordinator for MN & ND, North Country Trail Association

Cory Mensen, the Trails/Volunteer Coordinator (West Zone) for the Superior National Forest writes, "We do not have a survey for the Kek. I am hoping to get a good layer of the Kek this summer if I do I will let you know... If you know of someone hiking one our wilderness trails I can give them a quick training with a Trimble that we have and they can gather some useful information for all of us....

The "Kek" is the Kekekabic Trail, the western portion of the NCT route across the Minnesota Arrowhead, about 45 miles.

Matt adds: "Here is a volunteer opportunity for anyone who is interested in hiking the Kek or Border Route Trail this year. The U.S. Forest Service could really use someone detail-oriented and interested in GPS to record some data on the Trail. They'll provide the training and the GPS unit."

Contact Matt Davis Regional Trail Coordinator for MN & ND, North Country Trail Association

NCTA Posts Communication Tech Position

2011-04-02T08:03:00.000-04:00

a news release of the North Country Trail Association

The North Country Trail Association is seeking a qualified and motivated communications technician to support website design and content management, social networking, graphic design, and public relations efforts. Additional responsibilities may include media management. Works closely with NCTA’s senior management team in supporting marketing, public relations, promotions and other communications-related activity. Person will need to physically work in Lowell, Michigan. (not a remote work opportunity)

The Communications Technician is a key member of the NCTA family and team. NCTA is a small, not-for-profit membership organization serving chapters and members throughout the seven-state region of America’s northern heartland. When completed the North Country National Scenic Trail will be the premier footpath wandering through 4600 miles of scenic, historic and natural wonder, uniting America’s Red Plaid Nation.

A competitive salary with benefits options is available. A resume, list of references and cover letter addressing qualifications should be submitted by April 15 to:

HR Department
North Country Trail Association
229 East Main St.
Lowell, MI 49331

See complete details for Communication Technician job posting
Contact hr@northcountrytrail.org

Trailspotters Offers Discounted Tickets for NCT Members

2011-03-29T09:40:00.000-04:00

received from Tom Funke

Trailspotters is a Michigan corporation that owns and operates shuttle and carspotting services for quiet sports enthusiasts. We operate in the eastern Upper Peninsula serving the North Country Trail between Munising and Lower Tahquamenon Falls.

The walk-up rate for a shuttle between Munising and Grand Marais is $20. A NCT chapter member covered under this agreement would be $7.50.

I would like to offer an opportunity for your chapter, for an exchange of advertising services in your newsletter and/or website, to secure a discount for your members. I'm offering 50% off for any chapter member using our services on the North Country Trail during our 2011 season, which runs from mid-June through Labor Day. Â I will also donate $100 to the chapter that has the most members using our service in 2011 (Minimum 20 total users from all chapters combined).

I am a long time member of the North Country Trail and author of 50 Hikes in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. This business opportunity presented itself because of my love of the trail.

If you are interested in taking advantage of this offer, all I need is a simple agreement, given below, to be signed and mailed or scanned/emailed back to me no later than May 15, 2011. When I receive the agreement, I'll email the Trailspotter logo and some example text, along with a code to be used when registering online

See Trailspotters of Michigan

Sam Gardner Leaves Trail with Hip Problem

2011-03-11T10:06:00.002-05:00

compiled from Sam Gardner's journal

On January 1, Sam Gardner left Crown Point, New York on what he hoped would be a 12,500-mile trek. He planned to hike the North Country, Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, and Appalachian National Scenic Trails in one huge walk.

However, tendonitis in a hip has forced him to take a break. Sam reached Portageville, in western NY, and has returned home, to Houghton, Michigan, for medical treatment and therapy.

The pain in his hip had reduced him to completing only about six miles a day- not nearly enough to stay on a resupply schedule for his long trek.

He writes on March 6, "Today I made a very hard decision. I have chosen to leave the trail to seek medical care. The tendentious in my hip has only gotten worse in the past month. Every day i cover less and less miles before the inflammation triggers enough pain to stop me in my tracks. I was hoping to take care of this on the trail but I believe it’s well beyond that point."

This morning, he posted from home, "[The chiropractor says] my pelvis is out of alignment big time. The bad news is that it could take 6 months of physical therapy. I sincerely hope that his estimate is wrong by a long shot. I am super bummed. There is no doubt about it. However I’m doing my best to work around it. I’ve been scheming all night. So I’m coming up with a plan."

We'll have to stay tuned to see what Sam decides to do.

You can follow his journey at The Initiative

NCTA Unveils New Website

2011-02-21T19:10:00.001-05:00

received from Andrea Ketchmark

The new and improved northcountrytrail.org is online. Check it out and you will find a new look, more detailed trail information, better volunteer resources and greater functionality and navigability. Best of all, we see this as the next step in building a seamless national and chapter web presence, owned and updated by the membership, with huge potential for member and chapter engagement.

With the leadership of Matt Rowbotham, this process has engaged the entire staff, our Board of Directors and many chapter leaders and volunteers along the way. We hope you like what you see but the great thing about this new system is the way it provides for endless customization and the ability to be as flexible as we need to be. It is not a finished product in the traditional sense but rather a dynamic tool for communication that can meet our needs as quickly as those needs change.

Pay special attention to the new Chapter/Affiliate/Partner portal pages, a new exciting feature to insure you get the recognition you deserve on the national level. We will be contacting you all in the coming months in an effort to gather your thoughts and ideas to make these pages even better.

So for now, take a few minutes to explore northcountrytrail.org and all of its new features. Let us know what you think, what you like and what else you would like to see. And please help us get the word out by including an announcement in your newsletter or at your next meeting.

We hope you enjoy it!

Andrea Ketchmark
Director of Trail Development

See North Country Trail Association

Calhoun County Trailway Possible Route Needs Support

2011-02-16T14:32:00.002-05:00

by Tom Garnett and Mick Hawkins, of the Chief Noonday Chapter, NCTA

The Calhoun County Board of Commissioners will decide soon the fate of the Calhoun County Trailway in Emmett Township on the east side of Battle Creek, and with it part of the fate of the North Country Trail. Very likely the CCTA trail would replace pretty much all of the roadwalk currently in place from the east boundary of Battle Creek down to Historic Bridge Park in Emmett Township.

A Master Plan was completed in 2006, and grants have been obtained in the past two years through the work of the Calhoun Country Trailway Alliance (CCTA) to build 5.3 miles of multi-use off-road trail connecting the Battle Creek Linear Path with Historic Bridge Park through the county parks of The Ott Biological Preserve, Kimball Pines, and Historic Bridge Park.

Beyond this first segment, planning is being developed to take this trail all the way to Homer, connecting with Marshall, and Albion on the way. This will be a great extension of trails within the area.

After several Commission votes in support of the trailway in recent years, an opposition group, Friends of the Ott, have been successful in creating some "doubt" particularly in the minds of the "new" commissioners. The trailway is one part of the CCTA's vision of a trail across Calhoun County and the State of Michigan's vision of a trail connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

The Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Trail Association has been much involved in the CCTA project from the get-go. Chief Noonday obtained funding for early feasibility studies for the project. See map on Chief Noonday site that shows approximately where the CCTA corridor would go.

Contact the Calhoun County Trailway Alliance at cfc-cc.org

This segment is on NCTA map MI-02

See Chief Noonday Chapter of the NCTA

Promoting the NCT and Tahquamenon Heritage

2011-02-08T00:00:00.001-05:00

Tahquamenon Falls (photo by jhy)

by Kay Kujawa, excerpted from the Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore newsletter, February 2011

Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter of the North Country Trail Association representatives, Stan and Kay Kujawa, attended the January 19th Tahquamenon Scenic Heritage Route (TSHR) Committee meeting. The TSHR was designated by Michigan legislature and is recognized by MDOT. The general purpose of the TSHR Council is to enhance and promote the recreation, history and cultural opportunities of the Eastern UP.

The North Country Trail crosses M-123 just north of the Tahquamenon River Mouth bridge, meanders through the Tahquamenon Falls State Park and crosses M-123 again just west of the Upper Falls Road.

The economic benefits of a community having a National Scenic Trail nearby can be profitable, if the trail is properly maintained, improved and promoted. Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore joined the TSHR committee to promote awareness of the NCT and to inform communities of the potential economic possibilities.

The NCT also provides health and recreation opportunities for local residents as well as guests and visitors to the region.

This segment is on NCTA map MI-08

For more about the TSHR, contact Nathan Frazer
See Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter of the NCTA

Guidebook Author Named

2011-02-01T00:19:00.001-05:00

Ron Strickland (photo by jhy)

received from Andrea Ketchmark, Director of Trail Development, NCTA

Many of you know that, with the generous support of the National Park Service, the NCTA has been able to embark on the development of a Guide to the NCNST. We've contracted with Ron Strickland to be its author; among many other qualifications (including getting the Pacific Northwest Trail established and spearheading the Sea-to-Sea Route) Ron is well-known as a guidebook author.

Contact Andrea Ketchmark

Do You Live in Northeastern Minnesota?

2011-01-29T10:00:00.002-05:00

view of the Gooseberry River from the NCT/SHT (photo by jhy)

from Matt Davis, Regional Trail Coordinator for MN & ND, North Country Trail Association

The North Country Trail Association is looking for hikers in Minnesota's 8th Congressional District to contact Rep. Chip Cravaack and ask him to support the North Country National Scenic Trail's (NCT) Arrowhead Re-route by introducing legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Arrowhead Re-route would change the official route of the NCT in northeastern Minnesota and make the Superior Hiking Trail, Border Route Trail, and Kekekabic Trails official components of the NCT - the nation's longest hiking trail.

A small group of NCTA folks met with a staff member from Rep. Cravaack's Minnesota office on Wednesday to introduce the issue and a team will visit his Washington, DC office next month as part of Hike the Hill Trails Advocacy Week. We are hoping that some constituents will contact his office before then and let him know that this issue is important to them and that they'd like him to act.

If you should have any questions about this issue, feel free to contact Bruce Matthews at NCTA HQ at bmatthews@northcountrytrail.org / 1-866-HIKE-NCT.

If you don't live in the 8th District, don't worry. You can help later once the House bill is introduced when we will try to get all of Minnesota's House delegation to sign onto the bill as co-sponsors. Feel free to forward this message onto others who live in the 8th District and would consider making a contact.

Thanks for your support of the North Country Trail!

See Minnesota's 8th Congressional District
status of S553
Contact Matt Davis

New Trail to Little Garlic River

2011-01-27T09:44:00.000-05:00

Chuck Ganzert & Puck Bates skiing on new trail along the south side of the Little Garlic River. (photo from NCT Hikers "Footprints")

from Footprints, Winter 2011

Once the season’s trail maintenance was completed, the NCTH trail crew began building a 4.2 mile new segment of trail. From the north end of Segment 16 - Little Presque Isle Point to Echo Lake Road, the new trail segment crosses Echo Lake Road and then enters the woods winding up the hill, following the ridge to a nice view (when leaves are off the trees) of Lake Superior. From here it turns northwesterly meandering through the woods sometimes following old logging roads as it passes Gokey Rock.

Eventually a spur trail up Gokey Rock will give hikers a chance to climb up, take a break and enjoy the view. From Gokey Rock, the trail continues more northerly as it heads to the south side of the Little Garlic River. At the river it turns east following the ridge to County Road 550.

At 550 turn left to cross the Little Garlic River bridge and then into the parking area at Elliott Donnelley Wilderness.

new trail map (from NCT Hikers "Footprints")

This new segment replaces Segment 17 - Eagles Nest Road (Echo Lake Road) to Elliott Donnelley Wilderness and eliminates two crossings of County Road 550.

This segment is on NCTA map MI-11

See North Country Trail Hikers Chapter of the NCTA

National Geographic to Feature Andy Skurka's Alaska-Yukon Adventure

2011-01-25T09:36:00.000-05:00

Denali Park (photo from Andy Skurka)

received in Andy Skurka's newsletter

Andy Skurka is the first person, and still the only person, to hike the Sea-to-Sea route which includes the North Country Trail. Since that adventure, in 2004-5, he's gone on to become a professional hiker. But many people along the NCT met Andy, and still follow his exploits. He writes:

"The big news from 2010 is that I completed my third mega trip: the Alaska-Yukon Expedition, a 4,700-mile 6-month journey via skis, foot, and packraft. Highlights included a traverse of Denali National Park and a 24-day 657-mile stretch across northern Yukon and the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) during The expedition was supported by National Geographic, and National Geographic Magazine is running a 16-page story about it in the March 2011 issue. Pre-order a signed copy today. All pre-order customers will be entered in a raffle for a GoLite backpack.

"I think my mom is going to sleep much better in 2011, with no big trips planned. But there'll be different challenges: writing two books, giving presentations and clinics, and guiding trips in the West and Alaska -- plus, trying to find inspiration for another biggie in 2012 or 2013."

See andrewskurka.com

Fall Softies Hike in Michigan's UP

2011-01-22T09:25:00.000-05:00

Fall 2010 Softies hikers (photo from NCT Hikers "Footprints")

from Footprints, Winter 2011 by Sarah Fisher

This hike is in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The Softies group continually hikes across the UP, but prefers to "camp" indoors. -Ed.

Jeff and I joined our first North Country Trail Softies Walk at 10:00 am at Koski Corners. After brief introductions we caravaned with Marge and John Forslin, Reggie and LuAnn Krueger, Lorana Jinkerson, and Carole Bard. Our first stop was brunch at the Hardwood Inn in Covington. We then continued to the Loop Road Lodge in Trout Creek, our base camp for the next few days.

Because of rainy conditions and possible flooding, we decided to postpone our first hike for a day. Instead we took a short walk on the road and admired the fall foliage. Jan Lindstrom Wester and Nancy Bradbury arrived to join us for a delicious pot luck dinner and evening of conversation. We entertained ourselves playing golf and Nordic ski-jumping with the WI game the Forslins brought. Jan excelled at golf while LuAnn turned out to be quite the skijumper!

Friday, after a leisurely breakfast we embarked on the first leg of the trek from FH16 where Gale Jamsen met us to South Laird Road. We covered 6.5 miles which was quite sufficient due to the rain and wet terrain. We all appreciated hot showers and the use of the clothes dryer upon our return to the Lodge. The trail along a ridge with deep ravines on both sides. We then enjoyed a gourmet pork loin dinner provided by masterchef, John.

Saturday our plan was to walk all of segment 18 and half of segment 19 from South Laird Road and the Sturgeon Falls Trail. Gale Jamsen met us at the beginning of the trail. Marge and Jan decided to take a short walk and go down to see the Falls. (2-3 mile round trip on a non NCT trail). Doug Welker, President of the Peter Wolfe Chapter, had provided an alternate route for us to avoid crossing some deep rivers. In spite of that we had extremely wet conditions and hidden deep holes to navigate.

We had quite an adventurous day. Part of the time the blazes were difficult to follow due to lack of trees. Just after our lunch break while crossing a very high ridge we came upon an abandoned bicycle in good condition, as if it had been left there quite recently. We searched and called out, but discovered no one. Lorana entered the coordinates into her GPS to report to the police. Then Reggie knocked his glasses off while kicking a branch off the path. After a 15 minute search Gale found them and we continued. We walked a few miles extra before finding the exit to the road, so we decided to do the Sturgeon Falls in the morning when we were fresh.

We finished the evening with great hamburgers at UP Chucks in Kenton. Nancy, LuAnn and Reggie returned home for family obligations.

Sunday was a beautiful day to complete our walk. Lorana, Carole, Jeff and I began with the sharp descent to the Falls. The waterfalls were especially beautiful and full after the previous few days of rain. We found the switch backs in the path to make the climb back easier and were off to join Jan and Marge on the trail. We walked 5.82 miles to FR2236 (the rest of segment 19 and half of segment 20. The terrain was much different: a more open plains like area.

Since we had packed and neatened up the lodge before starting we were ready to caravan to lunch at the Hardwood Cafe and then on home.

A great time was had by all. The walks were invigorating. The fall colors were magnificent. The meals were were delicious. The company was compatible. A big THANKS goes to Marge for planning, John for shuttling and cooking, and Lorana for leading the walks. Another softies walk was successfully completed. We are looking forward to the Spring Softies Hike 2011.

This segment is on NCTA map MI-13

See North Country Trail Hikers Chapter of the NCTA

Weekend Hiking in New York

2011-01-17T20:55:00.002-05:00

Howard Beye hike (photo by J Wintski)

received from Cate Concannon

Seventeen hardy souls braved the cold to hike on Howard's section of the Bristol Hills Trail in Naples. As John & Judy pointed out, we had a wide range of hikers and I hope everyone enjoyed talking with each other while enjoying the trail. Although the sun came out when we set out, the wind picked up and a soft snow fell during the day. Although warm when moving, the wind made things pretty cool so not a lot of time was spent at Howard's bench, and only a quick lunch was had at the lean-to at the lookout spot.

Stoney Brook leanto (photo by gbd001)

received from gbd001 on fingerlakestrail hikers

My son and I spent the weekend in Allegany State Park to get in some hiking before he returns to school next week. (Don't feel bad for him - he goes to Paul Smith's and is majoring in outdoor recreation. We should all be so lucky.)

On Saturday morning we hiked into the Stoney Brook lean-to from ASP 2. Other than a xc skier who passed us on the trail it was 2 feet of virgin snow and slow going despite our snowshoes.

The lean-to was in great shape, and despite all the snow it was dry inside. We were sorry we hadn't planned to stay there (but we had one of the few cabins with a wood stove so it was a bit more rustic than a motel room.)

These segments are on FLTC maps

See Chief Finger Lakes Trail

Trail Register Fun

2011-01-16T22:19:00.000-05:00

from a Chief Noonday Chapter trail log (from the CND newsletter)

excerpted from the Chief Noonday Chapter Newsletter, Jan 2011

The Chief Noonday Chapter (Battle Creek, Michigan area) posted comments from one of last summer's trail registers in their newest newsletter. They included this delightful drawing, with the comment: "Rolling down the hill! John, Amree, Sadna"

Other comments include:

"Just passing through. Great trail. One Step"

"Went exploring the trail south toward M-89; heard the wildflowers are art!"

"Now you can justify more pumpkin pie!"

"Flagged and cleared updated modification of re-route to south and north from top of wooden steps & kiosk"

"I’ve been camping out here. You’ll never find me, I’ve been eating your animals and chopping your trees down. I’ve been waiting for you for a good meal for once. I hide in your bushes. I hide in your trees. I hide in your house. Sincerely, Bigfoot."

If you pass a trail register, it's always good for a smile and and even a laugh if you have time to stop and read!

This segment is on NCTA map MI-02

See Chief Noonday Chapter of the NCTA

Sam Gardner Starts All-In Trek on NCT

2011-01-10T10:22:00.000-05:00

Sam Gardner at Crown Point, NY (photo from his journal)

based on Sam Gardner's All-In Trek Journal

On January 1, Sam Gardner left Crown Point, New York on what he hopes will be a 12,500-mile trek. He plans to hike the North Country, Pacific Crest, Continental Divide, and Appalachian National Scenic Trails in one huge walk.

The first day out, he discovered that the route of the NCT in the Adirondacks is poorly defined, and admitted that perhaps he should have done a little more advance planning. He doesn't post exactly where he walked, but from his location on January 10 suggests that he hiked through on Route 8- doing all road walk. This road is south of the proposed NCT trail.

Sam's stated purpose for his hike is "is to prove a simple but important point: Life is what we make it. We all have choices. We can choose to change or not. We can be content with who we are or we have the option to work towards the person we want to be."

Sam Gardner (photo from his journal)

He's already found a little more excitement than he bargained for, with party-ers shooting toward where he was camped (innocently, he hopes!). Of greater concern is that he is already having some trouble with an Achilles tendon, and a sore leg. With a planned average of 34 miles a day, this is troublesome.

Sam is a long-time lover of the North Country Trail. He's from Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and a member of the Peter Wolfe Chapter of the NCTA. Peter Wolfe was the NCT's very first end-to-end hiker, completing his trek in 1980. If Sam completes the trail according to his timeline, he will be number 11 to hike it all!

You can follow his journey at The Initiative

A View of the NCT

2011-01-05T20:16:00.000-05:00

Manistee River (photo from GHTC newsletter)

by Arlen Matson

Hidden under wind blown Lake Michigan ice crystals, our portion of the NCT lies deep in freshly fallen snow. A blizzard attempts to blow it off the path; instead random drifts careen off the trunks of trees. Vertical blue blazes remain through this white season on guard to direct any attempt by a hiker on snowshoes or skis to find some destination.

The summer caterpillars and their silky parachute cords have vanished from sight. Even the imprints on the tread from the trail crew laden with tools and heavy planks are only history from labors well done. Adopters too have their cuttings submerged in a true Michigan winter.

This is an invitation for you to enter into the “treasures of the snow.
Valley of the Giants (photo from GHTC newsletter)

This segment is on NCTA map MI-05

See Grand Traverse Hiking Club Chapter of the NCTA

Minnesota is Humming Along

2010-11-19T16:44:00.000-05:00

Jerry Trout on the North Country Trail in Paul Bunyan State Forest, Minnesota (photo by JHY)

submitted by Jerry Trout

Charlie Maguire was at the Walker, MN library Nov 18 and gave a rousing rendition of the ballad of the North County Trail, which he wrote for the Trail in 2007. Itasca Moraine members were there in their volunteer vests and NPS/NCT scarves. Beth Trout traded Charlie a scarf for his latest album, "Wilderness Road." Charlie's appearance was funded by the Legacy Amendment and the regional library system. Also, today marks the 1st anniversary of completing the North Country National Scenic Trail between the Chippewa National Forest and Itasca State Park.

In 2008 the citizens of Minnesota voted for the Legacy Amendment. This provided that the sales tax be raised 3/8 of 1% and these monies would be distributed to Outdoor Heritage (hunting, fishing) 33%; clean waters 33%; Parks and Trails 14.25% and Arts and Cultural Heritage 19.75%. This amendment received more yes votes than did the president of the US in Minnesota. Governor Tim Pawlenty remained silent on the issue. His mantra was and continues to be no new taxes. This has resulted in millions of dollars for the groups listed above. The NCT hopes to benefit from the Parks and Trail money that is now available.

The Kitchigami Regional Library System received a grant from the Arts and Cultural Heritage group to promote music in the library system. This is what made it possible for Charlie to do his thing. He was also at Park Rapids and Longville and other places. Charlie wove a lot of history into his program plus his music, approximately 1.5 hours. He made the point that his program was designed to advance history (arts) and the outdoors with his music, thus speaking to the entire Legacy spectrum.

The North Country Trail song is on his new album, Wilderness Road, Melo-Jamin Music, 18 folk songs, 60 minutes about Minnnesota State Parks. Gordon Johnson played bass on the North Country Trail and Split Rock Light Station songs.

This segment is on NCTA maps MN-09, MN-10

See Itasca-Moraine Chapter of the NCTA

North Country Trail Promo

2010-11-06T07:56:00.001-04:00

from Maranda TV

Maranda TV has created this video about the North Country Trail in West Michigan, in the Lowell State Game Area.

This segment is on NCTA map MI-03

See Western Michigan Chapter of the NCTA

Backing Needed for New Wisconsin DNR Trail Rule

2010-10-30T13:23:00.000-04:00

a trail leading to the Wisconsin DNR South Central Headquarters (photo by Todd McMahon)

submitted by Todd McMahon

A new Wisconsin Department of Natural Resourses Rule aimed at speeding up development of the North Country Trail and Ice Age Trail will have a public hearing on November 3, 2010 in Fitchburg, Wisconsin.

The rule allows the trails to be built before the Master Plan for a property is developed. It can take 6 to 10 years for a Master Plan to be developed for properties purchase by the Wisconsin DNR. The new rule applies to lands specifically purchased for trail development. Currently, there are over 70 such properties awaiting a Master Plan including the recently purchased Nemjadi River Tract and Stilin Property Tract for the North Country Trail.

According to an email sent by Kevin Thusius of the Ice Age Trail Alliance, the new rules “will make it possible to start new Trail Construction…immediately upon acquisition.” And according to a DNR Correspondence by Matt Frank, “These rules would provide property managers guidance for pre-Master Plan management of lands purchased for the Ice Age and North Country trails.”

The Public Hearing will be held at 6 pm, Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at the DNR South Central Region Headquarters, 3911 Fish Hatchery Road, Fitchburg, Wisconsin. Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted via U.S. mail to:
Ms. Brigit Brown
Bureau of Parks and Recreation
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707.
Comments may be submitted by email to brigit.brown@wisconsin.gov.

Comments on the proposed rule must be received on or before November 5, 2010.

This segment is on NCTA maps WI-01-03

See Wisconsin DNR Proposed Rule Page for more information

Encampment River Bridge Repaired.

2010-10-28T09:45:00.000-04:00

Encampment River Bridge before repairs (photo by JHY)

by JHY with information from the "hiker" egroup

When my hiking buddy, Marie, and I crossed the Encampment River bridge (Superior Hiking Trail, MN, just north of Two Harbors) in August of 2009, I happened to be a bit ahead. Noticing that it was an odd bridge, with the steep, cleated ramp at one end, I ventured off the trail to take some pictures. I quickly discovered that it was a bridge in need of serious repair! Notice that almost all of the supports in the middle of the span are broken or missing.

Since Marie isn't crazy about dangerous passages, I simply didn't point out the situation till we were well across the span and had clambered up the ramp!

Another hiker coming from the opposite direction has said "The "stairs" down the west bank to the bridge over the Encampment River are functional, but terrifying..."

The SHT is a portion of the North Country Trail, which follows the north shore of Lake Superior.

Encampment River Bridge after repairs (photo by Kim Fishburn)

But, thanks to some great work by volunteers, the bridge is repaired, at least temporarily. On the weekend of October 16-18, over 20 people arrived to help. The work was supervised by Han Taylor of North Shore Trail Maintenance.

The project involved hauling in heavy materials about 150 yards from a private driveway, building and placing the stairway anchored to heavy cables on the south side of the bridge, hoisting the bridge up using a come-a-long and cables, re-building the crib out of 6” x 6” timbers, resetting the bridge, and building a ramp on the north side of the bridge.

By comparing the two pictures, you can easily see that the supports have been restored.

The banks were found to be extremely prone to slumping, and it took extra time to do the repairs. The final conclusion is that this bridge must only be considered temporary, and a suspension bridge will probably be the permanent solution. Meanwhile, hikers can safely cross the Encampment River, with confidence.

This segment is on SHTA map 01

See Superior Hiking Trail Association
See hiker egroup

Controversy at East Sheyenne Grasslands TH

2010-10-24T17:57:00.000-04:00

Sheyenne National Grasslands east trailhead (photo by JHY)

based on a news article at Fargo-Morehead InForum

The simple access site to the North Country Trail at the east side of the Sheyenne National Grassland (North Dakota) has become a controversial topic.

In 2007, the Forest Service (Grasslands Managers) proposed a project to create a campground at the east trailhead of the NCT. This would provide camping for hikers and horseback riders/ campers. The campground was proposed in order to improve sanitation issues which have become critical due to a large volume of dispersed camping. However, the nearby Sheyenne Oaks Horse Camp and RV Park, which opened in 2009, has gotten the ear of Senator Byron Dorgan (D), and he has requested that the Forest Service abandon this campground project.

The problem is that several other access gates to the Grasslands will be closed as part of the project. One of these was near Sheyenne Oaks, and provided users of that facility easy access. However, they private campground was allowed to build a gate of their own.

Sheyenne National Grasslands manager, Dave Piper, said, "The Forest Service’s proposal is designed to accommodate the needs of all campers desiring to use the area, not just horse use. The goal is not to compete with any private services, but to allow the public to enjoy the Sheyenne National Grasslands."

Dorgan would like the Forest Service to build a trail that links to Sheyenne Oaks. The Forest Service has explained that they "cannot use federal tax dollars to specifically benefit a single, for-profit business at the exclusion of access to others."

Inflammatory media coverage has not helped, with headlines such as, "Private North Dakota campground loses grassland access," which is not even remotely true.

First NCTA Extended Outing Program

2010-10-18T13:49:00.000-04:00

Lorana on KP duty

by Lorana Jinkerson, excerpted from the NCT Hikers newsletter, Footprints, fall 2010

Mary Coffin, NCTA BOD member from New York, has lead many Extended Outing Programs for the Adirondack Mountain Club. Modeling it after that successful program, she lead the first NCTA Extended Outing Program from September 8 through September 15 along the Superior Hiking Trail (soon to be officially part of the North Country Trail). I was lucky to be one of the 11 NCTA members on that trip.

We met in Duluth, MN on Wednesday, September 8 for preliminary instructions. Each day we were given several options of possible day hikes/activities and, depending upon weather conditions and the feelings of the group, we chose the hike/activity that was most appropriate.

Our first hike took us north of Judge Magney State Park where we started heading south on the Superior Hiking Trail towards Judge Magney Park. This hike was relatively easy, although there were some steep ups and downs, very similar to some of our segments to the west of Marquette. The afternoon brought us to Devil’s Kettle, a mysterious hole in the ground where water from a waterfall goes, never to be seen again, or so they say.

The next morning, we chose to hike within the Cascade River State Park, to Cascade Falls and up Lookout Mountain. The late afternoon found us in Grand Marais, hiking out to Artist’s point and on the breakwall. With the wind coming in, we donned our rain gear for protection from the wind.

Saturday night it began raining around midnight. We awoke to a light mist and lots of fog. Our hike was up on a ridge and, most of the day, we saw nothing but fog. Finally around lunchtime, we started getting a few breaks. There actually was a sign that said “Hellacious Overhook.”

Monday we broke into two groups to hike. My group headed south on the Superior Hiking Trail from our camp area, including climbing the notorious Drainpipe, a challenging rock climb, ascending for about 150 feet. Luckily my group was going up but it required all points, hands and feet, on the rock at all times.

Tuesday morning we closed up camp and then headed south towards Duluth, stopping along the way at Gooseberry State Park for a hike along Lake Superior, our lunch and a wrap-up session.

I would highly recommend the NCTA’s Extended Outing Program to all of you. In the future, there are hopes more than one a year will be offered. But, for now Mary has one scheduled for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore from Wednesday, August 8 - 15, 2011.

This segment is on SHTA maps 1-4

See North Country Trail Hikers Chapter of the NCTA for the entire article
See Pictured Rocks Extended Outing for info about 2011

Land Purchases Bolster NCT in Wisconsin

2010-10-15T13:15:00.001-04:00

submitted by Todd McMahon

Two major land purchases and several smaller ones have bolstered the North Country Trail in Northern Wisconsin. Using state and federal funds, the 3995 acre Nemadji River Tract on Wisconsin’s western border was purchased in August. Also, in late September the State of Wisconsin purchased land northeast of Copper Falls State Park. Plus, several smaller tracts are being purchased near Solon Springs in hopes of eliminating the road walk there.

The purchase of the Nemadji River Tract from the Wausau Paper Company will allow 6 miles of the North Country Trail to be built on that property. Plus, 4 more miles of the trail could be built on adjacent lands. The Nemadji River Tract was purchased using 1.9 million from the State of Wisconsn’s Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program and another 1.9 million from US Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program. The 3995 acres will become part of the Douglas County Forest.

At its September 2010 Board Meeting, the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources agreed to purchase the 720 acre Stilin Properties Tract. The property adjoins Copper Falls State Park to the east, and other state property to the north. In the purchasing agreement, it specifically states that the North Country Trail will be sited, developed and maintained through the property. It will help eliminate the Trail’s dead end at Copper Falls State Park. The land was purchased for $936,00, which includes a $85,028 donation from the John Dolan Dee Estate. The land will become part of the Ashland County Scattered Forest Lands Program and some of the land may eventually become part of Copper Falls State Park.

Meanwhile, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has purchased 3 smaller properties near Solon Spring. One of the properties is a key link to eliminating the road walk north of town. The two other properties are private properties that the NCT currently is on.

The Brule/St Croix Chapter of the North Country Trail is working on eliminating another dead end by completing the trail from Spring Creek to Gordon Dam County Park. According to Tim Mowbray, President of the Chapter, the trail is already cleared to Gordon Dam County Park, but it passes through some wet areas where boardwalks and a puncheon will need to be built. In order to obtain the permit to build the boardwalk and puncheon, a Certified Floodplan Engineer will be hired to prove the structures will not be a flood hazard. The National Park Service has set aside money to hire the Certified Floodplain Engineer and the Brule/St Croix Chapter has already bought most of the materials for the project. The Chapter is hoping to work on the structures next summer.

This segment is on NCTA map WI-01, 02

See Brule- St. Croix Chapter of the NCTA

Tornado Hits NCT/FLT Near Rock City NY

2010-10-10T09:52:00.001-04:00

map from FLTC

a news release of Finger Lakes Trail Conference

The recent tornado damage from Access 2 (Little Rock City Picnic Area) to Access 3 (Old Seneca CCC Camp) is 0.7 mile long and 0.2 wide and has flattened most trees, closing the trail. A timber salvage operation and trail restoration may take up to two years, so in the meantime, bypass by using Little Rock City and Hungry Hollow Roads (brown squares). Mountain bike trails (purple dashes) may also be used to bypass the damage area shown below.

While Queens, New York, and southeastern Ohio received more publicity about damage from these September storms, the trail was also affected.

This segment is on FLTC map M3/CT3

See Chief Noonday Chapter of the NCTA

Pennsylvania- Watts Mill Shelter

2010-10-06T14:11:00.001-04:00

(photo by Dave Brewer)

from the North Star, by Dave Brewer

Four miles from the Pennsylvania and Ohio border, landowners Dennis and Cathy Garrett helped us build a backpackers' shelter on their land, by working with us and donating materials. Chapter President, Lee Fairbanks, planned and directed the crews, procured materials, and did as much pre-construction off site as possible. An NCTA Field Grant provided the funding to make the project possible.

In total, sixteen Wampum Chapter members and friends along with thirteen AmeriCorps volunteers contributed their cheerful labor over two days in May to haul in the material and build the shelter.

This segment is on NCTA map PA-03

See Wampum Chapter of the NCTA

NCTA Hires David Cowles for Development

2010-09-22T23:09:00.000-04:00

David Cowles

based on an article in the North Star

David Cowles comes to the North Country Trail Association from NOLS, the National Outdoor Leadership School, in Lander, Wyoming. His role for the NCTA is Development Director.

The NCTA has been hopeful of hiring someone for this important function for a number of years. One of the ongoing challenges for any non-profit is that of raising funds. The ability of the NCTA to fulfill its mission has continually been limited by the funds available. Cowles will dedicate his time to remedying this situation.

Cowles holds a Master's degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University. His professional experience spans several decades, including seven years with NOLS as Associate Director of Development.

With wife, Anita, and his two children, David has moved to west Michigan to guide the NCTA fund-raising efforts. He says, "The single most transformational outdoor experience I have ever had was a 90-day trek on one of our National Scenic Trails. That trip chiseled life lessons into my life that still guide my values today."

Welcome, David!

See North Country Trail Association

Wegmans FLTC Passport Hikes

2010-09-17T21:14:00.001-04:00

Wegmans Passport check-in location (photo by Gene Bavis)

from Finger Lakes Trail Conference

Wegmans Grocery and the Finger Lakes Trail Conference have just kicked off a great program to get people out exploring trails. Hikers can earn the chance to win great prizes from Wegmans. There are 12 locations included in the passport, but after you hike just four of them you can earn a patch, and receive coupons from Wegman's and other sponsors. When you complete 10 hikes, your name will be be added to a pool for either a $100 Wegmans gift card or a free Wegmans picnic pack for you and 20 of your friends to enjoy. These grand prizes will be awarded once each year, in mid-October.

Once you pick up your passport book at any Wegmans, or various other locations, you can begin your hikes. All maps needed are included in the booklet. Hikes are located on FLT maps L1, L2, M8, M9, B1, B3, M12, M14, M16, M18, and M19.

Wegmans Passport locations

Hikes vary from 1.5 to 4 miles. Somewhere in the course of each designated hike there will be a green mailbox and a sign like the one above. Sign the trail register you'll find in the mailbox. Open the passport, and find the page designed for rubbings. Use a pencil or crayon and make a rubbing of the map number from the sign. This is your proof that you were at the location.

Complete directions for how to participate are found in the booklet.

The booklet is also available for download from the FLTC web site.

This segment is on FLTC maps L1, L2, M8, M9, B1, B3, M12, M14, M16, M18, and M19

See FLTC Passport Program

Painters Hike Much of UP

2010-09-12T21:00:00.000-04:00

Dale & Kathy Painter at the Castle Rock Trailhead

submitted by Dale Painter

Kathy and I wanted all of our new NCT "friends" to know that we completed our 321 mile hike across the UP (note: we skipped over the Pictured Rocks because of 5 days lost because of a funeral we had to return to...and we'd done that section several times previously; plus we did not do all the connector segments or long roadwalks.)

What an amazing hike we had and we are deeply indebted to all of you who helped us along the way. You are an incredible and kind bunch of special people and we thank each of you for the part you played in making it so easy for us at critical junctures and with important information.

We received valuable insight to the many hours of work that is invested behind the scenes in keeping the NCT open to hikers like us...and the uphill effort it is to promote the trail and encourage others to take advantage of this national treasure. Several of you noted how few hikers actually get out on many sections of the trail and we ourselves were a bit flabbergasted when we during 24 days of hiking that we met NO other backpackers the whole length of the trail (with the exception of one day in the Porkies) and encountered only a handful of day hikers, all within 3 miles of a trailhead.

Though we have never previously posted a trail journal on-line for others to share, we decided that the very least we could do in support of the NCT (and all the work that all of you perform) would be to write up the account of our hike and include a bunch of pictures that others can read to become better educated about the NCT in the Upper Peninsula and in Michigan. If you would like to read our journal, you can access it and the pictures at the web site called "trailjournals.com" (see link below).

Again, thanks for your hospitality and hopefully our paths will cross again somewhere out there on the NCT!

This segment is on NCTA maps MI-9-14

See Dale & Kathy's 2010 NCT Trail Journal