Promoting the NCT and Tahquamenon Heritage

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

Watch for Timber Harvest Near Soldier Lake

North Country Trail near Solider Lake (photo from HSS Chapter)

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based on a news release of the Hiawatha National Forest

North Country Trail hikers in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan near Soldier Lake need to be aware of a timber harvest operation which will be conducted this year to remove older jackpine which are damaged by budworm.

some harvesting is taking place this spring, before the camping season, in the area around Soldiers’ Lake Campground. This spring, a timber sale just over 100 acres will remove only jack pine in a circle around the north, west and south sides of the campground. While hazard trees within the campground itself will continue to be identified by the Forest Service recreation staff for removal, the timber sale will help reduce the fire danger from this dying jack pine. The North Country Trail runs along the west side of the area. Removing the older, larger dying jack pine in the area reduces the hazards to hikers and campers who are exploring the area. The plan is to complete the harvest by May 15th in the Soldiers’ Lake Campground area.

The sale area is part of a 60,000-acre area dominated by sandy outwash plains that grow jack and red pine which lies between Raco and Strongs. The larger area has seen a lot of timber harvesting over the last two decades because the jack pine, much of it planted by the CCC, has gotten older and is susceptible to defoliation by the jack pine budworm.

Forester Martha Sjogren says “Every five to ten years, older jack pine trees’ foliage turns red and then brown as the budworm eats their needles.” The last major budworm outbreak in the area took place in 2000 and has caused tops to die and in some cases, complete tree mortality.

This segment is on NCTA map MI-08

See Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter of the NCTA

Castle Rock Restoration Project

ATV damage on the NCT near Castle Rock in Michigan's UP (photo from the HSS chapter)

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from Charlene Dewitt, Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore President

The National Forest Service is working with Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter (HSS)/North Country Trail Association to restore the North Country Trail. The NCT has suffered extensive ORV damage in the area behind Castle Rock. Bill Menke, Regional Trail Coordinator for Wisconsin and Michigan's Upper Peninsula, plotted the project in May 2008. The plan includes restoring the trail to the original tread, reroutes to improve trail design, building structures over damaged wetlands. Trailhead parking and a kiosk are included in the project. Signs will be installed from I-75 to the trailhead.

Charlene DeWitt is writing a Cost Challenge Share for National Park Service funding. HSS is asking for a tool trailer and tools for the construction. The NFS is supplying design, materials and supervison. NCT volunteers as well as VISTA and Boy and Girl Scouts will do the construction and restoration.

NCT and HSS work sessions are planned throughout the summer of 2010. This includes three work week sessions and brief two or three day sessions from May 22nd to July 25th . The work weeks are May 24th to May 28th , July 26th to July 30th , and September 20th and 25th .

See Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter of the NCTA

Hiawatha Shore to Shore Plans Group Bridge Walk

Mackinac Bridge (photo by JHY- click the picture to see more photos)

from the Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter

Marv and Charlene DeWitt (HSS President) have planned a Big Mac Bridge Hike for the Labor Day weekend. HSS is inviting all NCT chapters to send members to hike the Mighty Mac on September 7, 2009. The challenge is to see how many chapters can send representatives.

Rustic camping will be available at the Moran Fairgrounds from Thursday noon to Tuesday morning. Labor Day is the only day in the year that the bridge is open to hikers. Activities and hikes are in the plans. Check out the HSS and the NCT websites after the July 16th meeting for more information.

The Mackinac Bridge is 5 miles long. The annual bridge walk draws between 30,000 - 70,000 walkers, and is led by the governor of the state of Michigan. It is an official part of the North Country Trail, but can only be walked on this one day of the year.

Contact Charlene Dewitt
Learn more about the 2009 Bridge Walk

Treasures North of THE Bridge

baby swan (photo by JHY)

by JHY

I just completed another 45 miles of trail (total now 3702), from St. Ignace to Trout Brook Pond, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. St. Ignace is working hard to become a trail town, and their boardwalk which follows Lake Huron (only Huron shore on the NCT) through town is a real treat. This cygnet, with siblings was learning to dabble for its dinner.

Mackinac Bridge towers from the NCT (photo by JHY)

Here's a view of the bridge you won't see from anywhere except on the NCT. At a strategic high point of land, a bench dedicated to the memory of Eric Cox (son of Duane and Joan Cox- frequent conference attendees) has been placed. After you climb to reach it, you are likely to sit down to rest. You will discover that you find yourself facing, over the tops of the trees, the familiar towers. Remember that they are about a mile apart!

yellow lady slipper (photo by JHY)

There were plenty of pink lady slipper blooming too, but somehow it seems like there are more of them. I found yellow ones blooming right along the rail trail out of town, and later near East Lake as well.

Maple Hill (photo by JHY)

And finally, here's a treat I almost hate to share! Why? Because I love delightful surprises in the woods. And I did NOT know this was coming. Of course I could see on the map that there is a funky little mound called Maple Hill between Forest Roads 3114 and 3323 northeast of East Lake. So when a few rocks started to sprout from the ground on my left and form a small ridge I knew I'd arrived at the southern edge of Maple Hill. The ridge grew and was covered with dirt and trees... ordinary, just higher than where I was. Then the trail took a swing upwards and... WOW. The rocks just leaped from the earth and grew into a massive wall of columns and blocks! Moss and ferns in some of the cracks, but mostly just bare rock faces. What a surprise in the middle of a day of mostly level terrain! But now you won't be surprised.

Thanks to the Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter for keeping this section in good repair, and to Stan and Kay Kujawa for helping me spot a car.

P.S. The mosquitoes were brutal!

National Trails Day Events

from various sources

This coming Saturday, June 6, is National Trails Day. Several North Country Trail chapters are planning events.

The Itasca Moraine Chapter, Minnesota, is hosting its 8th annual event near Itasca State Park. Rather than the customary hike, a workday is scheduled on a section of the trail under construction. The event is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The gathering point is where the North Country Trail crosses Spider Lake Trail. From Park Rapids take Hwy 71 north, turn right on Hubbard Co. 89, turn east onto Coon Lake Forest Road, and north onto Spider Lake Forest Rd to the event.

Bring water, sack lunch, and snacks. Bring loppers or pruning shears; other tools will be provided. Dress for the weather; wear sturdy footgear.

Contact Carter Hedeen at 218-732-9226 for more information.

The Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter, Michigan's UP, will join with the Michigan DNR Project GO at Tahquamenon Falls. Join them for family fun and "Hike between da Falls." Volunteer for an hour or so to promote the North Country Trail!

Contact Kay Kujawa kay1940@lighthouse.net for more information.

The Spirit of the Woods Chapter, Michigan's LP, plans a family fun day at Blacksmith Bayou east of Manistee and south of Brethren in the Manistee National Forest. There will be hikes on the North Country Trail, an interpretive trail walk, free lunch, and a short kayak trip is also an option.

Contact Ramona Venegas rvenegas@fs.fed.us for more information.

Hiawatha S to S Annual Meeting to Include NCT History Program

Debbie Durn and Ben

from the Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter

Who was building the North Country Trail 30 years ago in Michigan's Upper Peninsula? Come to the April 18th Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter (HSS) meeting and find out.

The day's events will kick off with a hike at 2:30 PM. Dress for the weather— hiking boots may be adequate for your feet! (Covering remainder of body in some fashion is definitely suggested)

Following the hike at 5:30 PM at Pure Country in Rudyard the HSS Annual Meeting will begin with appetizers, salad, pizza buffet, and dessert for $10.00.

The program will be given by Debbie Durn, who will share stories about working on the NCT 30 years ago. Roger Morrison will have a HSS Visual Presentation. Reservations are appreciated but not necessary (Room capacity of 50).

Contact Glenn Cornwell for more information

Hiawatha S to S Hikes- February

Hikers led by Theresa Grattan on Feb. 28 at Tahquamenon Falls State Park

from the Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter Newsletter, March 2009

Twenty-two hikers gathered on H 40 to snowshoe and ski around Trout Brook Pond, south to Little Bear Creek, and in to the Niagara Escarpment off East Lake Road. Several hikers gathered at McGowan’s Restaurant in Trout Lake for a late lunch after the hike.

Brent and Colleen Seltzer and Kay Kujawa joined a couple from Texas for the 1:00 PM snowshoe hike at Tahquamenon Falls led by Theresa Grattan. Saturdays she leads snowshoe hikes from the Upper Falls parking area. She has snowshoes to lend and leads hikers out in the fresh snow occasionally pointing out interesting information on the flora and fauna in winter. The hike followed by a lunch or dinner at the Tahquamenon Falls Brew Pub makes a great day here in the UP.

See Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter

Soldier Lake Hike

from the Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter, by G. Smith

The skies were cloudy and the temp was a crisp 3F when we arrived at the trailhead on M28. The first of us helped Stan and Kay transfer the food and firewood to the snowmobile sled, which Stan delivered to the pavilion. There was a great collection of loaner snowshoes and skis for new hikers who didn't have a pair of their own.

Several of us parked down by the North Country Trail itself while others followed the snowmobile tracks to the pavilion. I 'shoed up at 9:45am and started down the trail. Snowshoeing in only took me 20 minutes or so. By the time the labs and I arrived at the pavilion there was a warm fire crackling in the fireplace and Lucas was cooking up hot dogs. The air remained cold but the cloudy skies gave way to a beautiful clear sunny day. The snow was just pristine! All in all 39 people came out to snowshoe or ski that day, exploring the snow blanketed campground and the frozen lake. Within a short while the area became cris-crossed with tracks as the various groups set out to explore this or that.



Later after the crowd dispersed, Stan, Kay, Donna and I skied/snowshoed south on the NCT to NF3336. The snow covered landscape and trees were just gorgeous, blanketed thick in snow that sparkled in the sunlight. I stayed way to the rear of the group, snapping as many pictures as I could. We came across a set of wolf tracks crossing a field which led to some interesting discussions. I tell ya, you don't get to see winter beauty like this while sitting at home complaining about how cold it is outside!

All in all a beautiful Winter Trails day!

Hiawatha S to S Hike- December

Roger Morrison, Sabrina LSSU student, and Katie MSU student on December Hike- Photo by Julia Rawlings

from the Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter newsletter

December 13th Hike at Salt Point Road
Six hardy souls braved wind and blowing snow to tromp their way down the North Country Trail on the December hike. Julia Rawlings, brought her niece—Sabrina a LSSU student and Katie—a MSU student. Pat and Bob McNamara brought along Taylor, their canine pal. After the hike the group gathered at the Maple Ridge restaurant on M 28 for a delicious bit to eat.

Chery Keesling with pavilion in background at Soldier Lake