Al Franken Signs on to Arrowhead Reroute

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from a news article at BigNews.biz

“The North Country National Scenic Trail is one of this country’s greatest assets,” said Sen. Franken. “It’s time we include Minnesota’s Arrowhead officially as part of its authorized route.”

Senator Al Franken, Minnesota, has officially become a co-sponsor of the bill to make the "Arrowhead Reroute" an actual part of the North Country Trail. The North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) Route Adjustment Act of 2009 (S. 553) was introduced by Senator Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota. This action is needed since this route is considered a significant deviation from the original Minnesota route of the trail.

The Arrowhead Route follows the Superior Hiking Trail up the north shore of Lake Superior, crosses near the Canadian border on the Border Route and Kekekabic Trails, and then will return to Grand Rapids, Minnesota and the Chippewa National Forest.

See Support the Arrowhead Reroute

New Trail to Cross Knife River on SHT

new Knife River bridge (photo by Gayle Coyer)

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from the Ridgeline, the magazine of the Superior Hiking Trail Association, winter 2010

A new 6.4-mile section of the Superior Hiking Trail, south of Two Harbors will be opened in mid-May, 2010. This section goes from Fox Farm Road/ East Trailhead to Rossini Road, crossing the West Branch of the Knife River.

Trail Construction Supervisor, Larry Sampson, and more than 70 volunteers put in over 1000 hours on the project. The section features nice maple forests, huge beaver-chewed stumps, and over a half mile of old beaver ponds.

The SHTA is currently working on the map for this new piece of trail. They have scheduled a guided hike for July 17, 2010, beginning at 10 am. Meet at the Fox Farm Road/ East Trailhead.

This segment will be issued by the SHTA soon

See Superior Hiking Trail Association

Superior Days Presents Issues to Madison, WI

NCT in Brule State Forest (photo by JHY)

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based on a news article in the Superior Telegram

Superior Days is an event when representatives from northern Wisconsin take issues important to them to the state legislators in Madison. This is a 25-year tradition. Issues this year include funding the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Superior Research Institute, and tax reciprocity between Wisconsin and Minnesota.

But also on the list of topics this year is non-motorized trails. A bill already in the legislature would provide nearly $10 million for footpaths.

Peter Nordgren, of the Brule-St. Croix chapter of the North Country Trail Association, says that the group hopes the current bill will move through the legislature and pass. Trails that could benefit include Superior Municipal Forest trails, hiking trails at Pattison and Amnicon state parks, ski trails in the Brule River State Forest and the North Country National Trail.

In 2008, a legislative study committee found a lack of consistent funding and maintenance for non-motorized trails, with many being poorly maintained. The bill was introduced as a result of that report.

Nordgren continues, "Foot-powered recreation is popular, with surveys pointing out that it is one of the most popular ways of getting outdoors for exercise." He also hopes to emphasize to the legislators that infrastructure such as bridges and signs must be maintained, and new trails added to connect pathways.

These segments are on NCTA map WI-01, 02, and 03

See Brule St. Croix Chapter of the NCTA

Mike Ducek Hikes Brule Bog, Wisconsin

pink grosbeak (photo by Mike Duchek)

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submitted by Mike Duchek

I was exploring the North Country Trail's site, and found the Brule Bog Boardwalk segment which looked very cool. Turns out it is the same segment that was featured in a segment on Wisconsin's National Parks produced by Wisconsin's two public TV stations to coincide with the Ken Burns film.

Just two weeks ago I went, and it was a very nice hike - there was well over 2 feet of snow in the area and more has fallen since I was there. Since I'm also into birds, I was delighted as I began my hike to find one of the birds I had wanted to see while up there - a pine grosbeak. In fact I subsequently saw six more, all of which were very tame and cooperative and allowed me some great photos.

North Country Trail - Brule Bog Boardwalk in Douglas Co., WI (photo by Mike Duchek)

Ravens serenaded me as I exited the bog, and I heard little else. In fact I seemed to have been the only one to hike this segment in a while: as I reached the Catlin Creek campsite, where I turned around, I found a registration box, which showed December 29, 2009 as the last entry. I came back through and hiked a little more as the trail continued across the road before emerging exhausted at the parking spot.

This segment is on NCTA map WI-02

See Chief Noonday Chapter of the NCTA

A Glance at the Student Conservation Association

SCA crew with agency and NCTA staff, and hikers (photo from JHY)

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condensed from Pathways Across America the publication of the Partnership for the National Trails System

What is the SCA?
SCA is the United States' largest youth conservation association. It provides young people with hands-on service opportunities in all sorts of outdoor pursuits. Participants might do such diverse tasks as tracking grizzlies in the Tetons, restoring desert ecosystems, or teaching environmental education. Probably best known by trail supporters is the great assistance the SCA provides in trail construction and re-construction.

Youth can get involved with SCA through programs which last anywhere from three weeks to a full year. Partners with the SCA include government agencies such as the National Park Service and National Forest Service, or with non-profits such as the North Country Trail Association.

How Do SCA Crews Help Trails?
Working in all 50 states and over 500 natural and cultural sites, SCA crews have contributed the following:

• Backcountry and wilderness patrol
• GIS/GPS Mapping
• Habitat restoration and preservation
• Inventory and monitoring
• Trail maintenance and restoration
• Visitor services and interpretation
• Wildlife and fisheries management

How Does SCA Work?
Each opportunity for a crew is initiated by an agency or organization. A description of the project is prepared and the group then collaborates with the SCA to work out the details.

SCA members come from applicants across the country who are looking for ways to serve. Once selected they are trained and supervised by SCA leaders.

Administrative oversight is provided by SCA. This includes background checks, travel and living allowances, and occasionally medical insurance.

SCA members are volunteers, and the projects are funded through cost-sharing agreements with the partners.

How Has SCA Helped the North Country Trail?
One notable project was the rebuilding of trail through Slippery Rock Gorge, Pennsylvania, in the summer of 2006. The crew removed boulders which made the trail dangerous in wet conditions, created rock steps, improved drainage, benched and graded trail, and basically worked like dogs for a week in the mud. Now hikers have now idea of the work it took to create a safe and enjoyable half-mile of trail.

Bill Menke reports that three years ago an SCA crew built a mile of trail in Iron County WI.

See Dave Brewer's comment about an SCA crew that built a mile of quality trail at PA Gamelands 285 over a period of ten days last summer.

See Student Conservation Association

Siler & Doug Snowshoe in the South Manistee

My camp at dinner time (photo by Paul Haan)

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by Paul Haan (trail name Siler)

My neighbor Doug and I got a chance to go out and do about 16 miles of winter backpacking this past weekend. We started at Croton Dam in the southern Manistee National Forest and hiked north from there. The temps were just perfect (steady in the mid to upper twenties), but the snow cover was a bit light (about 8 inches of hard-pack with 5 inches of new fluff on top).

On Saturday we were joined by Pathfinder and his merry group of day hikers (truth be told, we joined them). Doug and I donned snowshoes and the rest bare-booted. It's hard to know which was the better way to go. With the extra 35 pounds on my back, I guess I'm glad I had the extra traction.

Doug and I hiked about 2-3 miles north of 40th Street before we found a camp for the night. Doug tried out his new Shire's Tarp Tent, which provided amazing heat producing results. I slept in my bivy inside my floorless MegaLight tipi.

On the way out the next morning, the forest was full of tracks from critters who took advantage of the mild evening to look for a mid-winter snack. Most abundant were the deer and porcupine tracks.

It was a restful outing, and I'm looking forward to the next hike in two weeks.

This segment is on NCTA map MI-04

See West Michigan Chapter of the NCTA

Use Issues Continue on NCT/ Link Trail

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by Al Larmann, excerpted from the Central New York Chapter NCTA newsletter, Jan 31, 2010

Background:
NY Parks has title to the right-of-way lands of the former Lehigh Valley RR between Bingley Road near Chittenango Falls State Park and a point south of Canastota, except for former RR property in the greater Perryville area owned privately. Following significant planning and related work by us, development of part of their lands as a foot trail was permitted to us in 2001, with the remaining lands permitted to us in 2006. Establishing the North Country/Link Trail was a challenge—both in terms of the value of labor contributed, donations from a number of sources, a RTP grant, and funding from both the National Park Service and NCTA HQ. The total for the 2001-2007 span approximated $296,700, with work ongoing since then for maintenance purposes.

Developments:
A composite of political pressures we deemed to be without merit and an initiative within NY Parks resulted in their imposing upon us a one year “horse use pilot evaluation” on the trail section between Nelson Road and the trailhead access at Oxbow Road in August 2008. The “horse use” advocates subsequently stated in a wide distribution broadcast letter that weather conditions had limited their use of the authorized trail segment; in addition, they requested access to additional segments of the trail that are demonstratively unsuited for any purpose other than foot-travel—evidence to support this concern was supplied to NY Parks.

In mid December, CNY representatives met with County Planners. The results:
The “horse use pilot plan” evaluation by NY Parks resulted in a no significant impact judgment. Since horse use had been restricted by its supporters by choice, we term the results to be inconclusive and will continue our monitoring accordingly. Available data show that a basic incompatibility exists between significant horse traffic and foot-travel use on single path trails, particularly when drainage is an issue.

Snowmobile use— Several hikers had been told by local sources that snowmobile use was a “done deal”. These reports were reinforced- a use permit had been requested by a local snowmobile club and that a decision would be made shortly. A few days later, we were notified that a permit had been issued to the Tri-Valley Snowmobile Club with an effective date of January 1.

NY Parks set forth stringent conditions for snowmobile usage for the trail segment between Nelson Road and the trailhead at Oxbow Road, including an addendum to the standard snowmobile regulations intended to minimize impact to the trail surface and adjoining properties privately owned. One stipulation, states that “a minimum of 6 inches of packed base must be present for trail to be open for snowmobile use." The section of trail authorized for snowmobile use was inspected on foot on two dates— January 10 and 17. The 10th was a cold day, a modest amount of snow was present— snow depth on the trail surfaces traveled by the snowmobile was only an inch or so in most areas. The 17th was warmer, with air temperatures above 32F. Many areas of the trail had no snow cover at all. Snowmobiles were using the trail. Also, damage to the gates at Nelson Road was extensive. Photographs documenting these conditions were taken and supplied to Tom Goetzmann, our designated NY Parks contact, for his appraisal.

We accept that NY Parks owns the lands involved and can dictate its permitted uses. We also acknowledge that snowmobile based recreation is a major factor. NY Parks and others often cite the benefits of multiple use trails. We concur that compatible uses on trails that are properly sized, constructed accordingly, and used properly offer benefits. However, some uses are not compatible.

Our intent is to continue to perform per the terms of the permit issued to us to provide a foot trail that brings to its users a sense of solitude, escape from the pressures of a noise laden society, and healthful exercise as a bonus. We request that the task of overseeing trail management of those segments with basically conflicting uses and sharply different personal philosophies held by the user groups be pursued on a pro-active basis by NY Parks on an open basis.

This segment is on NCTA map TNY-04

See Central New York Chapter NCTA

Time Capsule from July 4

Rough-fruited cinquefoil entertaining a guest (photo by Hugh Yeman)

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from Hugh Yemen, documenting a hike on the Link Trail of New York (NCT uses part of this trail)

"After Grace and I got back from the work hike on the morning of July 4, we took Dylan on another hike. Unfortunately I've not had the time to document it until now. But perhaps February is an appropriate time for a July retrospective: I know that looking back on the light and colors of summer makes me smile."

Hugh continues with many outstanding photos of wildflowers and insects. Please follow the link below to see and read about his hike. Enjoy a spot of color in these gray winter months!

See Time Capsule from July 4 on the Link Trail Journal

Pennsylvania Annual Cherry Pie Hike

Old Stone House(photo by JHY)

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from the Pensylvania NCT

For those willing to brave the outdoors, strap on your boots and get ready to celebrate the birthday of our nation's first president with the annual Cherry Pie Hike. The free program is set for 10 a.m. Feb. 20 at the Old Stone House in Slippery Rock.

The hike will follow the North Country trail and feature a hefty helping of history and a nice slice of cherry pie.

The North Country Trail offers a walking distance of more than 4,000 miles from North Dakota to eastern New York. The Old Stone House is a pioneer wayside inn originally built in 1822 and restored in 1963. It serves as a landmark on the trail's route through Butler County.

Dr. Aaron Cowan of Slippery Rock University will give a short presentation titled "Beyond the Cherry Tree: George Washington and Early Americans' Complicated Relationship with Nature." Visitors will be fed complimentary cherry pie and coffee and have an opportunity to hike the trail. There's an optional dinner after the hike at the North Country Brewery in nearby Slippery Rock.

You must register for the Cherry Pie Hike. Contact John Stehle, stehles@yahoo.com or 724-256-0674; or Dan Mourer at 724-445-3315.

The Old Stone House is located at the intersection of Route 8, Route 173, and Route 528, 12 miles north of Butler.

This segment is on NCTA map PA-03

See Butler Chapter of the NCTA

Duncan Lake (photo by Ken Harmon)

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From the Border Route Trail e-group

Winter Weekend on Gunflint Lake FEB 26-28. This is a casual trip with options to xctry ski, snowshoe, ice fish, dance and of course EAT with 12 other individual ski buffs and Border Route Trail enthusiasts. There are many ski options from beautifully groomed, rolling runs for beginners to back country wildness for those who want a challenge.

THERE IS ROOM FOR 6 MORE INDIVDUALS! We will stay in rustic cabins at Heston's Lodge, (www.hestons.com) Cabins have cooking facilities, showers, wood stoves and lake views. There is also a fabulous lake side wood burning sauna! This is also Gunflint Trail Wintertracks weekend offering other activities like dogsledding, dancing at Windigo Lodge, ice fishing contests. (www.wintertracks.com). But the best part is the camaraderie of shared meals with food enthusiasts. Breakfasts, lunches and dinners will be included if you like. Trip costs include 2 nites lodging, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and Saturday dinner. We will help arrange carpooling closer to the trip date. A $50 deposit is required to hold your spot, no exceptions.

ESTIMATED COST: $90 (includes food) + gas, ski passes, alcoholic beverages. For additional info contact Trish H @ 612-824-1328.

This segment is near the Border Route on the Minnesota Arrowhead

See Border Route Trail