New Regulations on State Land in NY

from the New York DEC

On May 13, 2009 the DEC finally adopted the proposed amendments to the lands and forest regulations that had first been proposed in May of 2008.

These new rules apply to both the forest preserve (a/k/a the Adirondack Park) and all state lands under DEC control outside of the forest preserve, a/k/a unique areas, state forests, reforestation areas, multiple use areas, environmentally sensitive lands or those rights owned and managed by the State as conservation easements.

Here are the highlights that might have an impact on Finger Lakes Trail hikers and the FLTC:
1. Mushroom picking is prohibited except for personal consumption.
2. Snowmobiles and bikes can be used on any trail or forest road outside of the forest preserve except those specifically designated or posted by the DEC as closed to snowmobiles or bikes.
3. Any activity involving more than 20 people now requires a permit, including "sponsored hikes."
4. Weddings and commercial film making need a permit from the DEC to be held on state land.
5. The storage of personal property on state land is prohibited with a few exceptions:
     (A) a geocache that is labeled with the owner's name and address and installed in a manner that does not disturb the natural conditions of the site or injure a tree;
     (B) a camping structure or equipment that is placed and used legally pursuant to the regulations;
     (C) a legally placed trap or appurtenance that is placed and used during trapping season;
     (D) a tree stand or hunting blind that does not injure a tree, is properly marked or tagged with the owner's name and address or valid hunting or fishing license number, and is placed and used during big game season, migratory game bird season, or turkey season; or
     (E) a wildlife viewing blind or stand that is placed for a duration not to exceed thirty (30) days in one location per calendar year, does not injure a tree, and is properly marked or tagged with the owner's name and address or valid hunting or fishing license number.
6. Except as stated above, no one is allowed to erect, construct, occupy or maintain any structure that is affixed to a tree by nails, screws or other means that injure or damage the tree except as otherwise authorized by the department. "Structure is defined very broadly, and includes "signs."
7. Fires are prohibited on roads, trails, and in parking lots (apparently aimed at ending teenage gatherings.)
8. Unauthorized research projects are prohibited on state land.
9. The use of clay targets and other breakable targets is prohibited on state land.
10. The DEC can now prohibit target practice in specific areas by posting.
11. Paintballs and paintball guns cannot be possessed on state land.

The DEC also stated: "Numerous comments were received relating to dogs on leashes. This rulemaking does not address dog leash issues."

These rules do not apply to the portion of the finger Lakes trail that runs through state land under the control of the NYS Parks Department (like Allegany, Darien Lakes, Letchworth) or the Finger Lakes National Forest.

Britton Peak to Cascade River on the SHT

Lake Agnes (photo by Jim Colten)

from a trip report by Jim Colton, posted on the hiker Yahoo group

My friend Fred and myself hiked the Britton-Oberg segment Friday May 22 then met Roliegh, Vicky, Craig, Keri, Joe and Lisette for backpacking from Oberg to Cascade River.

Days were warm and sunny (about 60*F). Low temps were 42*F Saturday morning and lower 30's Sunday and Monday.

The trail was generally dry with infrequent short patches of stiff mud and even fewer areas of loose mud or water. Much sign of trail clearing work by the volunteer crews ... THANK YOU!

Creeks and rivers were running well.

Dutchman's Britches, Marsh Marigolds, what appears to be a yellow violet and acres of a small white and pink flower I can't identify were blooming. A couple other wildflowers appeared to be well on their way. WONDERFUL!

We met numerous day hikers and backpackers (including a group of young people from England) and shared campsites with some very nice folks.

Pleasant weather, great trail and even better fellowship ... life IS good.

To see all the pictures, join the hiker Yahoo group

Howard Beye Memorial Hike

hikers on the 2009 Howard Beye Hike (photo by Jacqui Wensich)

from Jacqui Wensich

The first Howard Beye Memorial Hike was held June 6, 2009 on the trail section that Howard and Dorothy maintained for over 22 years on the Bristol Hills Branch Trail. There was a good turnout, and the steep ascents were a challenge.

Dorothy Beye (photo by Jacqui Wensich)

Dorothy Beye, Howard's widow commented, "Once Wally Wood (founder of the Finger Lakes Trail) got a hold of Howard it was on." She added, speaking of the many trail volunteers and hikers, "You enriched Howard's life as much as he enriched yours."

2004 Alley Cat work crew. Howard is 2nd from the left

Although the Bristol Branch is not part of the North Country Trail, Howard was one of the NCT icons for as long as most of us can remember. He was a member of the NCTA board for many years, and served as volunteer trail coordinator for New York State. He led the Alley Cat work crews who improved trail and built shelters across the width of New York.

Here's to many more years of remembering Howard with a special hike!

See Finger Lakes Trail Conference

WinterWoman Hikes Allegany State Park- NY

WinterWoman and fellow hikers

from the blog A Passion For Nature, by Jennifer Schlick

The mighty LASSes (Ladies Adventure and Social Society) and a few of their lassies set for themselves a rugged challenge for Memorial Day weekend 2009: to hike the section of the North Country Trail / Finger Lakes Trail that goes through Allegany State Park.

On day one, everyone agreed that the theme was wildflowers. Blooms of all descriptions were evident wherever they hiked.

The adventure for day two was actually experienced by other hikers. A woman came running down the trail yelling that she and her boyfriend had seen a bear. The LASSes got out their cameras and their wits, but didn't catch even a glimpse of the bruin.

They also reported so many tent caterpillars that they were continually walking into strands of the webs, and having frass (caterpillar poop) fall on them from the trees.

Several of their number had to leave after two days, but some of the group continued on and completed all of Finger Lakes Trail map 1.

Read about their entire and see lots of great pictures, beginning at Day 1- Wildflowers

Wisconsin Journalist Checks out Itasca

the original article may be read at Leader-Telegram, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, "Beauty courses through Minnesota park where Mississippi River starts," by Ann Wessel

Journalist, Ann Wessel and her sister recently checked out Itasca Lake State Park, Minnesota. Itasca is the headwaters of the Mississippi River and the North Country Trail is one of the trails that pass through the park.

The remainder of the story has been removed due to objections from the Leader-Telegram.

Senator Levin Meets Nimblewill Nomad

Senator Carl Levin greets NimblewillNomad while NCTA Director Bruce Matthews looks on (photo by JHY)

by JHY

At the Grand Traverse Hiking Club National Trails Day event this morning, NCT thru-hiker Nimblewill Nomad (Eb Eberhart) was welcomed by about 50 people. Everyone gathered at Guernsey Lake State Forest Campground just west of Kalkaska, Michigan.

The club was celebrating the official opening of the connection of the TART and KART trails with a new section of the North Country Trail. Another reason to celebrate the new trail section is that these miles of NCT will no longer be concurrent with the Shore-to-Shore horseback riding trail.

Senator Carl Levin attended the festivities and presented NCTA Executive Director Bruce Matthews with a ceremonial copy of the Omnibus Public Lands Act which (among other things) gives the NCT authority to buy land from willing sellers.

Senator Carl Levin presents Bruce Matthews with a copy of the Omnibus Public Lands Act (photo by JHY)

After the opening ceremonies participants took part in one of three activities: a hike, a bike ride, or kayaking. A morning in the woods is always great when it is followed by grilled hot dogs, potluck salads and desserts!

Hot dog lunch follows the morning activities (photo by JHY)

See North Country Trail Gains Willing Seller Authority
See Nimblewill Nomad's Journal

Two More National Trails Day Events

from various sources

The Harbor Springs Chapter, Michigan, of the North Country Trail Association near Petoskey, will sponsor a two mile hike on Saturday, June 6, on “Section 2” of the trail between Brutus Road and Stutsmansville Road in Pleasantview Township. A longer hike is optional for those wishing to go further on the trail. All are invited, including children, to this free hike. We will see spring wildflowers, a beech-maple forest, cross an active stream, and ascend to a climax forest that includes beech, maple and giant ash trees. There is a section where the effects of logging can be seen and how the trail has been preserved. Carpool from the Pleasantview Township Hall at 10 a.m., returning at approximately 1 p.m. Difficulty level: moderate. Bring bug repellent, water, and a lunch. Contact Gary Zebko, (231) 526-1312, for information.

The North Country Trail Hikers Chapter, Marquette, Michigan, is hosting a family hike for National Trails Day from 1:00-4:00 pm at Wetmore Pond. Go north out of Marquette on County Road 550 (the Big Bay Road) for approximately 5 miles - a little past Sugarloaf Mountain. Watch for our signs on the left on the curve. Hikes range from easy to moderate in woods, over some wetlands and up into some rocky outcrops with views of both Wetmore Pond and the Lily Pond. Connections to the North Country National Scenic Trail lead towards Hogback Mountain or to County Road 550. Contact Lorana Jinkerson, 906-226-6210, for more information.

12th Conference on National Scenic & Historic Trails

from the Partnership for the National Trail System

"Gearing Up for the Decade for the National Trails: Outreach, Protection and Capacity"

Join the Partnership for the National Trails System in the shadow of the Bitterroot Mountains to launch the “Decade for the National Trails.” Workshops will elaborate ways we will accomplish the three goals we’ve set for the National Trails Decade:

• Expanding Outreach about the National Trails to all Americans;
• Protecting the natural and cultural resources and completing the on-the-ground trails; and
• Increasing the Capacity of public agencies and non-profit organizations to sustain the trails and their resources.

This conference will be a healthful confluence of current themes and issues. Outreach will include our communities, many of which are at a crossroads economically, socially, and energy-wise. Protection includes conservation of cherished values and preservation of fragile resources. Capacity has many aspects, especially constituency-building, vibrant volunteerism, and strong organizational competencies.

The conference is being hosted by the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, and assisted by the Nez Perce Trail Foundation, and the Continental Divide Trail Alliance.

A matrix of field trips and 90-minute workshops will be held that relate to these broad ideas. In each track, the workshops move from informational to action-oriented. Some divide at this step for NSTs and NHTs, for their implementation issues are somewhat different. For variety, some will include speakers, some panels, some brainstorming, and some facilitated discussions.

See the Partnership for the National Trail System

More Trails Day Events

from various sources

The West Michigan Chapter will host a continental breakfast followed by a hike and a DVD of the trail. We will end with a potluck lunch. Meet at the Schoolhouse on June 6, 10 am. Members are each urged to bring at least one non-member guest to the annual celebration of National Trails Day. Contact JerriLynn Osmarosmarjer@charter.net

The Star of the North Chapter, Minnesota, have a planned trail rehab, and maintenance day planned in the Chippewa National Forest near Remer, MN. Contact Brian Pavekpavekb@comcast.net

The Chequamegon Chapter, Wisconsin, is celebrating on June 20th with a trail maintenance day. Contact Marty Swankmarty808@centurytel.net

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.