.. ·.·. .·

This is the last issue of the newsletter before the Spring meeting -- the last of the spring meetings in the old format, Starting next year, the NCT A will hold only one membership meeting annually, and the meeting will be moved around from place to place on a rotation and bid procedure. Though details have not yet been finalized at this point, at this writing it looks as if next year's annual meeting -- to be held the third weekend in May, as in previous years -- will be held somewhere in the vicinity of the Chequamegon National Forest in Wisconsin. 1995 is even more hazy, but one hears rumors that the FLTC will bid to have the meeting somewhere in New York.

The goal of the new format of the meetings is to provide a framework that will allow for an expanded schedule for the meetings, one that will eventually reach a week-long meeting, although that will probably be some years in the future.

What this does mean is that this is probably the last time we will hold a general membership meeting in White Cloud for a while. Making the annual mid-May trip to White Cloud has become something of a ritual for Kathy and myself; some years, it's been as much of a vacation as we have gotten. We've come to know and like the White Cloud area, and it's gotten very familiar to us.

One thing that will be lost with holding the general membership meetings elsewhere will be the familiarity of the membership with the schoolhouse, our national headquarters. The spring meetings were held there for several years, until attendance at the meetings outstripped the limited capacity of the building. For years, the schoolhouse and Ginny Wunsch proved to be gracious hosts for the meetings, and it will be a shame to lose some of that friendship and familiarity. Over the years, Ginny has put a lot of work into the building -­ sometimes hard, physical work, to save a few bucks when there weren't a lot of bucks lo put into the place.

The schoolhouse has held a central place in the organiza­ tion, and it would be nice to see more people familiar with it, and more people using it. Just because the meetings won't be held in White Cloud much any more doesn't mean we should forget about the schoolhouse. I would urge you to make use of its hostel facilities when you can. It's in the heart of some nice country, with hiking and other recreational opportunities abounding. Some years ago, I took a church group there for a night while on a canoe trip, and may possibly be taking another group there this year. If the opportunity arises for you to visit or take a group there, I would urge you to do it, as it helps justify the years of effort Ginny and the organization have put into the building.

Overnights are free for trail work volunteers on the trailin the vicinity. Visit the schoolhouse. It's there to be used.

* * *

The deadline for the next issue of the newsletter is June 8, 1993. Copy received by the editor after that date cannot be assured of a place in the newsletter; receiving it well before that date is highly appreciated.For future reference, the dead­ line for the spring issue of the newsletter will be Sept.1, 1993.

• Keyboard Trails . ..

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Pleaee report any errors or omisaions to the editor.

REGIONAL AFFILIATES New York: Finger Lakes Trail Conference, PO Bax 18048, Rochester NY 14618-0048 Ohio: Buckeye Trail Association, PO Bax 254, Worthington OH 43085

(608) 264-5610

(701) 232-8513

(612) 3n-0130 (612) 559-5994 (216) 37!>-4461

(414) 354-8987

(616) 452-4487 (517) 547-7402 (313) 548-1737 (906) 225-1585 (616) 891-1366 (313) 853-0292 (313) 200-2921 (616) 363-5966 (313) 231-1257 (616) 784-5050 (906) 338-2680 (616) 689-6876

(216) 884-0281 (216) 867-3371 (216) 884-4757 (216) 332.1745

(814) 968-5759 (814) 435-2371 (814) 435-2371 (412) 364-2864 (814) 723-5150

(607) 272-5119 (716) 288-7191 (607) 564-3548 (607) 272-8679 (607) 334-3872

(313) 548-1737 (906) 338-2680 (412) 776-0678 (616) 891-1366 (616) 689-6876

(616) 846-8874

North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Soring, 1993 PRINTED ON

0 RECYCLED

PAPER

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR Bill Menke, National Park Service, 700 Rayovac Dr., Suite 100,

Madison WI 53711

North Dakota Linda Mieke, 1536 Second Ave. S, Fargo ND 58103

Minnesota Rcxl MacRae, 1210 W. 22nd St, Minneapolis MN 55405 Harlan Uljequist, 1605 W. Medicine Lake Dr., Plymouth MN 55441 Jim Richards, Rt 1, Callaway MN 56521

Wisconsin Gaylord Yost, 2925 W. Bradlev Rd., River Hills WI 53209

Ohio Emily Gregor, 6502 Olde York Rd., Parma Hts OH 44130 Cecil Dobbins, 783 Cliffside Dr, Akron OH 44313 Jim Sprague, 4406 Maplecres~ Parma OH A. Baird Stewart, 215 w. 12th St, Salem, Ohio 44460

Michigan Pat Allen, 2215 Sylvan Dr. SE, Grand Rapids Ml 49506 Wes BCJlfd, 14815 Rome Road, Manrrou Beach Ml 49253 Derek Blount, 906 N. Alexander, Royal Oak Ml 48067 Don Elzinga, 1010 Allouez, Marquette Ml 49855 Kenneth Gackler, 418 W. Johnson, Caledonia Ml 49316 Arden Johnson, 600 Tennyson, Rochester Hills, Ml 48307 Martha K. Jones, 1857 Torquay Ave, Royal Oak Ml 48073 Ruth Sack, 2317 Foster NE, Grand Rapids Ml 49505 Vince Sm ith, Bax 76, Whrrmore Lake MI 48189 Darleoe Snyder, 4067 Luxford, Comstock Park Ml 49321 Doug Welker, A1, Bax 59A, Pelkie Ml 49958 Virginia Wunsch, Rt 1, Mundy Ave. WhrreCloud Ml 49349

Pennsylvania Don and Brita Dom, Star Rt, Bax 476, Sheffield PA 16347 Barbara A. Smith, 11 W. Main St, Galeton PA 16922 John G. Hipps, 11 W. Main St, Galeton PA 16922 Glenn Oster, 784 Olive St., Pittsburg PA 15237 Nancy Schuler, PO Box 194, Warren PA 16365

OFFICERS President: Derek Blount, 906 N. Alexander, Royal Oak Ml 48067 Vice Preeldenl:Doug Welker, R1, Bax 59A, Pelkie Ml 49956 Secretary: Helen Cajne, 212 WillCM' Circle, Zelienople PA 16063 Treasurer: Kennetll Gackler, 418 W. Johnson St, CalelEnia Ml 49316 Headquarter-a Mgr.: Virginia Wunsch, Rt 1, White Cloud Ml 49349

BOARD OF DIRECTORS New York

Doris and Clifford Abbott, Rt 1, Box 259, Spencer NY 14883 HCM'ard S. Beye, 202 Colebourne Rd., Rochester NY 14609 Laura McGuire, 1 Boylan Rd, Newfield NY 14867 Thomas J. Reimers, 3C WildflCM'er Dr., Ithaca NY 14850 Ed Sidcte, 5 Clinton St, Norwich NY 13815

Exec. Director: April Scholtz, 14no 178th Ave, Grand Haven Ml 49417

Page 2 NEWSLETTER

of the North Country Trail Association PO Box 311, White Cloud, Ml 49349 Headquarteni Phone: (616) 689-1912 Editor: w .. Boyd, 14815 Rome Road, Manitou Beach, Ml 49253

COVERPHOTO:Abandonedrail­ road grades make excellent hiking opportunities, especially in areas where other public lands are not available. This photo was taken on the recently certified Baw Beese Trail in southern Michigan. The trail is operated by the city of Hillsdale.

* * *

Dear Mr. Boyd: Your readers may be interested in

learning that the 20 miles section of the North Country Trail which lies within the Allegany State Park of New York is in the final stages of being accepted. This piece, as well as an additional.35 miles or so, is part of the Conservation Trail built and maintained by the Foothills Trail Oub of Buffalo, and is also part of the Finger Lakes Trail.

However, there is a new proposal for the management of this park which would permit commercial logging and set up a $500,000 new saw mill thereby threatening the existing trail. Should it happen that the trail is s.eriously ~m­ promiosed, it ism y considered opinion that the Foothills Trail Club would cease to maintain the section within the park. In such an event, it would become the responsibility of the Finger Lakes Trail Conference to find some other group to reroute and maintain the trail.

Those seeking more information should contact Art or Olga Rosche, 13781 Fish Hill Rd., South Wales, NY 14139; telephone (716) 457-3065.

Very Truly Yours Lowell Schoenfeld, Treasurer

-

Page3

THE NEWEST SHELTER on the Finger Lakes Trail was dedicated Oc­ tober 31, 1992, with more than 50

* * *

* * * NCTA BOARD MEMBER (and

A.HS Board Member) Emily Gregor has announced that she's banging up her tool kit and paint brush as a trail maintainer and regional coordinator on the Buckeye Trail. Jim Sprague will be taking over her duties in this area. She intends to stay active in other trail issues.

* * * SPEAKING OF THE Buckeye

Trailblazer, it was recently announced that the Trailblazer will be going to six-issue per year publication, in order to be able to give more timely notice and reports on activities.

* * * ACCORDING TO THE Buck­

eye Trailblazer, a Seattle Study has concluded what Hikers have known all along: Having a trail nearby is a good thing. Among the findings along the 12.1 mile Burke Gilman Trail: homes adjacent to the trail did not ~xpe~en~ a rise in burglary or vandalism smce it opened, and not a single resident felt it should be closed. Two former oppo­ nents to the trail now "believe the trail is the best thing that has happened to the neighborhood."

THE NEW NCTA bylaws were also approved at the January Meeting. There are still a couple of areas that need some ironing out, but the worst of the work involved in the organiza­ tional restructuring seems to be pretty well under control.

* * *

ETA members, and from $2.30 to $3.45 for non-members. This is still a bar­ gain for what are probably th~ best available route maps of any section of the North Country Trail.

~ 18 66 42 48 44 18 _Q 33

THE PRICE IS goinguponBuck­ eye Trail section maps. Due to the continued increasing costs, Section Maps will go from $2.00 to $3.00 apiece for

* * *

Certified 93

111 295 418

68 68 28

1081

Potential 520 180 700 875 155 375 435 3240

BILL MENKE HAS worked out his own figures on the certification status of the whole trail. They're kind of inter­ esting: State NY PA OH Ml WI MN ND Total

* * *

* * * WHEN BYRON HVTCfilNS

hiked the trail in the Allegheny Na­ tional Forest with a measuring wheel, he came up with a distance far different than what had been certified. Investiga­ tion by the Forest Service proved cor­ rect so Pennsylvania lost some certi­ fied' mileage in the Allegheny National Forest, from 95 to 86.8 miles, accord­ ing the NPS representative Bill Menke.

IT SEEMS UKE there's getting to be more and more certification activity going on -- and there is. Recent a~.ivity includes certification of an additional 13.3 miles of the trail in Ohio's Wayne National Forest. This certification in­ volved the decertification of one mile previously certified, due to a new trail head.

* * *

AT THE winter Board meeting, held February 20 in Grand Rapids, BCI'A Executive Director April Scholtz an­ nounced that she will be leaving her position in June. She said the decision to leave came from personal and family members and not because of any dis- ' . . satisfaction with the organization. Though she will have only been with us for a year and a half, we will miss her.

April 25: BTA Hike, 1 :OO PM, 4.4 miles, moderately difficult. Meet at Ohio Power Campground H on Morgan Co. Rd. 27 just off SR- 78 about 8 miles west of 1-77. Leaders: Dave Baker (614) 373-0311; Herb and Susie Hull (614) 585-2603.

April 18: BTA Hike, 10.00 AM 7.9 miles. Canal Towpath from Massillon to Canal Fulton. Car pool. Meet at Padulas Restaurant on SR-236 just off SR-21 at Massillon.

April 17: BTA Hike, 1 :00 PM, 8.4 miles of Canal Towpath from Massillion to Riverland Rd., and back to Bethlehem Park in Navarre. Car pool. Meet at the ball park off SR-21 on S. Erie St., Massillion.

April 16-18: BTAAnnual Meeting, camp Wanake, near Beach City, Ohio.

March 27: Hilltop Hikers will hold a Bike and Hike, moderately easy, at Brandywine Falls. Meet at Bostonian Motel parking lot on Old Rt. i just south of SR 303 at 10:30 AM or at 12:30 PM at Brandywine Falls Parking lot for as­ mile more difficult hike. Leaders: Fran Biedenbach and Gus Ulreich. For more information, call (216) 497-1525.

Ohio

April 3: Joe Donovan will lead the annual Wallace Wood Founder's Hike on the Onondaga Branch of the FLT on April 3. Hikers should meet at 9:30 AM in the parking lot of Labrador Hollow State Unique Area, off NYS St. Rt. 91 north of Truxton and the Labrador Ski area ..

April Tioga-Cortland County hikes begin. Continuation of last year's popu­ lar "Hike Across Tompkins County•. For information, contact Ed Sidote, 5 Clinton St., Norwich, NY 13815. Please include SASE if writing. Phone (607) 334-3872.

New York

With the NCTA reorganization passed by the organization Board last fall and this winter, NCTA members for the first time will choose directors by mail ballot, rather than by attendance at the annual meeting.

In the election this spring, all the seats on the 17 member board are up for for election.

Ballots, information sheets, and return envelopes will be mailed to NCTA members in the first few days of April. Family memberships and joint life memberships will receive two ballots apiece. Members are asked to get their ballots in as soon as possible. All ballots must be received by the election committee by May 1 to be counted. Results will be announced at the Annual Meeting in White Cloud in May.

Mail vote set for NCTA Directors

September 19-25: Western Michigan Chapter canoe trip to Sylvania Wilder­ ness. This will be combined canoeing and hiking. Reservations are a must. Attendance is limited and filled. If you want to be on a waiting list, call Gene (616) 534- 7170, or Dave, (616) 281- 8813.

August 7-8. West Michigan Chapter backpack trip on NCT. Reservations required. Call Alan, (616) 453-3069.

June 5: National Trails Day. Reserve this day for hiking!

June 1: Western Michigan Chapter meeting. Annual cookout and potluck. Hot dogs and trimmings provided. Meet at Dwight Lydell Park in Comstock Park at 6:00 PM for cookout. Meeting (elec­ tions of some positions) immediately following. Call Dar1ene (616) 784-5050.

June 1: Western Michigan Chapter hike. Call Dave T, (616) 281-8813.

May 1~16. Annual NCTA Member­ ship meeting, White Cloud, Michigan. For details, see page five.

May 4: Western Michigan Chapter hike. Call Dave T, (616) 281-8813.

April 24: Spring Schoolhouse spruce­ up. Call Darlene (616) 784-5050.

April 6: Western Michigan Chapter meeting, 7:30 PM, Central Park Place Apartments Club House, on the north side of 3 Mile Road, 1/2 mile east of Fuller. Call Darlene (616) 784-5050.

April 6: Western Michigan Chapter hike. Call Dave T, (616) 281-8813.

March 28: Western Michigan Chapter trail maintenance day on adopted secgment. Call Darlene, (616) 784- 5050.

Michigan March 20: Second Annual Messier Night, Lake Hudson State Recreation Area. Cloud date March 27. Call Wes Boyd, (517) 547-7402.

June 5: National Trails Day. Organize or attend an event in your area!

May 14-16. Annual NCTA Member­ ship meeting, White Cloud, Michigan. For details, see page six.

NCTA

ITEMS .FOR THIS COLUMN f111.!Rbe recieved before the deadline date given on Page 2 of this newsletter. We wel­ come listing activities of affiliated or­ ganizations, but we must be aware of them in sufficient time for publication.

NCTA TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES

Page 4 North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring, 1993 irm.$.-m~e~i·a·mwi.!Eamlm·m-·§·~mmm·i§,i·!mm§!mm§!EE§!Ei!

~~ ~ cl·

·t=:·:·:w. ···

Sunday. May 16 8:00 AM - Breakfast, checkout.

Board meeting continues, if needed. Guided hikes, location to be announced.

Saturday. May 15 6:30 AM - Early riser hike, from the Shack on the NCT 7:30 AM - Coffee, donuts, juice 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Annual Board of Directors meeting for the

board to discuss business. Meeting is open to board non­ members for observation, though non-members may wish to partake of hiking and boating activities in the vicinity.

11:00-12:00-Annual General Membership meeting, approve min­ utes and reports, elect officers, chapter and affiliate re­ ports.

12:00 PM • 1:30 PM - Lunch at Shack (Casserole, salad, cookies, $5.00)

1:30 • 5:30 PM - Guided hikes, locations to be announced. 6:30 PM - Supper on your own

Schedule of events 1993 NCTA Spring Meeting

May 14-15-16, 1992 Friday. May 14

5:00 PM - Registration, Recognition dinner -- all members wel­ come (Roast Beef, with salad, roll, potato, vegetable, relish tray, dessert, $9.00)

7:00 PM - Board Committee Meetings - Committees with business to bring before the board will meet for discussion of recom­ mendations that will be made to the full board on Saturday.

Later- Video and slide presentations on a variety of trail activities. Telescopic viewing of stars and Jupiter, weather permitting

Pl:x>ne~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~- Registration Fees:

Adults, $3.00 each before 5/1 -- Adults, $4.00 each after 5/1 =Non-Member Registration $5.00 ea.

Meals (must be pre-registered): __ Friday $9.00 __ Saturday noon, $5.00 __ Saturday evening, on your own

Headquarters lodging (make your own arrange­ ments for lodging elsewhere);

__ Hostel (includes cots; bring own blan­ kets. $5.00 per night, reservations recommended, otherwise, first come, first serve.

__ Camping, $3.00 per night Make checks payable to NCTA. Registration fee is non-refundable; other fees refundable up to ten

L day!J'..rio!_.f.° the "'!!!_t~._ .J

NCTAAnnual Meeting May 14-16 at White Cloud

The annual meeting of the NCTA will again be held this year at the Shack Country Inn, 2263 14th St., White Cloud, MI 49349, approximately six miles west of M- 37 in White Cloud, and 11 miles from the NCTA headquarters building. The headquarters will have a Saturday night party, and will be open for those wishing to stay there for the weekend.

The Annual meeting is held each year to elect offi­ cers, to consider and make decisions on timely matters concerning the development of the NCT, and to unite the members of the NCTA.

Recommended lodging (reservations desireable): The Shack Country Inn, address above, (616) 924-

6683. The Harrington Inn, 1117 W. Main, Fremont, MI

49412 (appx. 10 miles from the Shack). Millers Robinson Lakefront Resort, 1932 W. Par­

klane, White Cloud, Ml, 49349 (616) 924-6683 (across the lake from the Shack.)

NCTA Headquarters and Hostel; (616) 689-1912. Camping is available at White Cloud City park,

which has showers and hook-ups. Primitive camping is available at the headquarters building (reservations can be made with your meeting reservation) and on US Forest Service land at Minnie Waterfowl Sanctuary and Benton Lake. For more information on the latter two, contact White Cloud Ranger Office, Manistee National Forest, White Cloud, MI 49349. r----------------,

Registration Form 1993 NCTA Spring Meeting

May 14-15-16, 1993 Mail to: North Country Trail Association,

PO Box 311, White Cloud, MI 49349

Page5 North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Spring 1993

and bow long you can stay. "I don't have the facilities to man­

age a group camp-out, but I can suggest some good campsites if you want to arrange a campout. You can reach me any time by letteror phone. I don't know what my phone number will be in East Jordan, but you can get it by calling (616) 555-1212.

"I'm also looking for volunteers for our Adopt-A-Trail program. We have completed sections of trail all the way from Croton Dam to Mackinaw City that need to be patrolled regularly to see that they are in good shape. Here's your chance to help us out while enjoying the trail.

"We managed to get about 15 miles of new trail on the ground in 1992. can we match that in 1993?"

Here's the list of sections that Johnson has targeted for this summer and be­ yond:

• From M-37 and No. 8 Road in northern Wexford County to No. 20 1!2 Road at Baxter Bridge -- approximately 10 miles. "We may complete the west­ ern half in 1993 ", Johnson says.

-From Grand Traverse County line east of Walton to junction with STS Trail at US-131 crossing -- approxi­ mately 3 miles. May complete in 1993.

• From Co. Road 612 and Sunset Trail Road north to Starvation Lake Road. Recover section through clear­ cut and mark northern half. Should be done in 1993.

• Relocate two small sections of Jordan River Pathway. A good group weekend (plus campout) project, to be done in 1993.

•From Dobesky Road in Warner Twp,Antrim County, toKuzmickRoad and County Line Road in Cbarlevois County -- appx. 4.5 miles. May clear an easement problem and make plans to move off the roads. Possible construe­ tion in 1994.

• From Springvale Road and Har­ mon Road in Charlevoix County north to Welsh Road -- appx. 3.5 miles. To be done in 1993.

• In addition, there are projects on the drawing board for the future in Emmet County, but which ones are subject to a planning meeting tentatively set for this spring. One project, of about 2 miles, may be done in 1993; and further work in Emmet County will probably not occur until 1994.

THE MACKINAC MUSH Sled Dog RacesheldlnJanuaryontheNCTnear Mackinac City, Michigan, were again a big success, with three, four, six and eight dog sprints, plus kiddie drag races. The weather was great , and the event is rapidly becoming one of the biggest annual events along the North Country Trail. Photos by Derek Blount

any money pay, but the satisfaction pay is high. I will be based in East Jordan from the first week of June through Labor Day, and will accept the help of any group or individual any time in that period, so let me know if you can come

Several miles of construction are planned for northern lower Michigan in 1993, Michigan Coordinator Arden Johnson reports.

Johnson says, "I have the tools, and I'm looking for volunteers. There isn't

Workers sought for Michigan trail projects

North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Spring, 1993 Page 6

mental Conservation (DEC) to specify a general location route through Adirondack Park as a starting point from which to begin the "unit management planning" process as it affects the trail. The DEC recommended that the NPS adopt this route for presentation on the maps in the comprehensive plan. The NPS did so. However, because the route was specified by the DEC merely as a starting point for identifying a more defini­ tive route, the NPS does not feel a need to defend the specifics of that general route, as it is not commited to it. It is only committed to the route authorized by Congress which shows the general route of the trail going through New York State on an alignment which includes the Adirondack region.

Since distribution of theN orth Country NST Comprehen­ sive Plan for Management and Use in early 1983, the debate over the route in eastern New York bas been an obstacle to any action on the trail in that area, as well as in the adjoining state of Vermont. The issue has been aired by the now expired North Country NST Advisory Council, the New York State Trails Advisory Council, and other parties. Recommenda­ tions have been made by various groups and individuals to change the route to exclude the Adirondacks. Amidst the controversy, the NPS was given and followed a consistent message from the DEC: do not make any decisions regarding the route in the Adirondacks until unit managment planning has been completed and the results regarding the trail have been analyzed. Some unit plans have been completed and both DEC and Adirondack Park Agency representatives at the meeting expressed reservations about the success of ever locating a continuous route for the trail through the park. The DEC's concerns include conflicts with snowmobilers, not having sufficent resources to maintain the trail, and general public opposition.

Since 1981, the opposition of the ADK to a route through the Adirondacks has remained steadfast and has perhaps increased. This was unmistakably communicated by Jim Cooper in his presentation on behalf of the ADK at tbe meeting. A primary concern is the perception that develop­ m ent or designation of a NST in the Adirondacks will result in a level of use that will cause additional deterioration of. the park's trail system. Agency and volunteer resources to main­ tain existing trails at current levels of use are already deemed to be insufficient.

While ADK's philosophy and position regarding the trail has changed since the early 1970s, so too is the philosophy of the Green Mountain Club (GMC) in Vermont, changing. When the 1982 Comprehensive Plan for Management and Use of the North Country Trail was being developed, GMC strongly opposed the trail entering Vermont to follow portions of tbe Long Trail in order to connect with the Appalachian Trail (A1). Much of the opposition was based on the same fears currently held by ADK: the fear of overuse and the inability to maintain the traffic drawn by designation as a national scenic trail. Thus, the authorized route of the North Country NST ends at Crown Point, NY, avoiding the Vermont opposition. Recent discussion with Brian Fitzgerald, Chair of the GMC's Trail Management Committee, has indicated that their fears have not materialized over the last ten years. During this time period, GMC has observed and been in­ volved with what has occurred on the AT and seen that designation has not caused dramatic increases in trail use. This has led to a subsidence of their original fears. In a December 4, 1992, letter, Brian indicates that the GMC Trail Management Committee members "were very open to the idea of having the North Country NST extend into Vermont.

Pagel

The Congressionally-authorized route of the North Coun­ try NST passes through the Adirondack Mountains of New York. It is based on the recommendation in the Interior De­ partment's 1975 feasibility study, which was developed with input from public agencies and private interests, including that of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK).

Mr. Charles R. Embree, who represented ADK at one of the early public meetings held to assess the feasibility of the trail and determine a route, wrote an article reflecting his participation, which appeared in the September-October 1971 issue of Adirondack .. At the meeting, he argued strongly for a northern route for the North Country NST through the Adi­ rondacks, one which would afford views of, but not pass through, the High Peaks. Mr. Embree states:

"The entire North Country Trail should be a national scenic trail, seeking out the best of scenic interest, natural wildlands, and biking adventure. Trail hikers want ridge routes, vistas and interesting slopes. If forced to trudge along miles of canal in populated valleys or endless railroad beds through level forest, they would feel cheated, knowing that there's much better hiking country not far away ... Our region is so rich in quality hiking adventure that its rugged topogra­ phy should have priority for a scenic trail, with historical and cultural points secondary. A North Country Trail route laid our according to these principles, I assured the Task Force, would earn a high rating in ADK's view, and therefore certainly would be a desirable trail."

The map included with the article shows ADK's proposal for the North Country Trail through the Adirondack region, from Chimney Point, Vermont, to Walton, New York. Re­ garding this route, Mr. Embree writes, "Luckily, the pattern for a trail route emerged clearly, with an axis of maximum ruggedness, highest elevations, and scenic lakes and wilder­ ness -- and considerable state land. This axis extends from the High Peaks area SSW, past Speculator toward Cobleskill, suggesting a route that fits ADK's philosophy."

For various reasons, AD K's philosophy has changed over the years, and it now strongly opposes a route through the Adirondacks. At a New York Summit Meeting held Decem­ ber l~, 1992, hosted by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation and the National Park Service, Tom Gilbert of the NPS explained that this change in its position surfaced during the public input to the develop­ ment of the comprehensive plan at a workshop held in Syracuse in December 1981. The controversy over the Adi­ rondack route led the New York Department of Environ-

by Bill Menke from the NPS

News

North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Spring 1993

INVENTORY ASSISTANT; Someone is needed to develop an in­ ventory and a signout system for NCT A-owned tools currently at the schoolhouse. Skills needed: Legible handwriting or typing, easy access to White Clcu:l Contact Virginia Wunsch.

THAT DOESN'T EXHAUST THE LISTI There are other such projects out there that need your help. If you know of such a project, please con­ tact the newsletter so it can be listed next time.

A SS IS TAN T/REGIO NA L NEWSLETTER ED/TOR/WRITER, Someone is needed to (1) assist with the preparation of the newsletter (2) write articles for the newsletter, and (3) report on topics of local interest, especially for areas outside Michigan. Skills needed: Ability to write and edit; hopefully some practical jour­ nalism experience; photography, IBM compatiblity strongly desired. Contact Wes Boyd, Newsletter Editor.

MERCHANDISE SALES REP­ RESENTATIVE; Someone is needed to prepare and mail informational ma­ terials announcing the availability of NCTA books and merchandise, to retailers and outlets. Skills needed: typing. Contact Wes Boyd, April Scholtz or Virginia Wunsch.

• •••• •. •• •• • • '';!'

TRAIL MAPARTIST. Someone is needed that can, as needed, pre­ pare quality maps for trail publication. Skills needed: Moderate ability as a cartographer or artist. Contact:Doug Welker, Trail Management Commit­ tee, or Wes Boyd, Newsletter Editor.

tion, contact Newsletter Editor Wes Boyd.

TRANSCRIBING TYPIST; Someone is needed to transcribe oral histay tapes, as described above, into hard copies for file. Skills needed: typist with experience at transcribing from tape; IBM compatability would be nice, but not necessary. For infor­ mation, contact Newsletter Editor Wes Boyd.

TRAIL INFORMATION RE­ SEARCH: Periodically, it is useful to gather all available free information about the trail from various sources such as state parks. This helps evalu­ ate the information available and krow where to ask for changes to be made, and helps keep current on the local status of the trail. A file of such mate­ rial is also needed for the Executive Director. Skills needed: Legible hand­ writing. For information, contact Doug Welker, Trail Management Commit­ tee.

HISTORIAN, It's becoming clear that we need someone to research the early history of the North Country Trail and the Association, especially before we lose many more of the older members. As a first step, it would be useful if someone could sit down with a tape recorder with some of the early members, and come up with an hour or two of reminisinces, then catalogue and file them in a single location. Skills needed: tape recorder, some knowledge of oral history research. For further informa-

It's going to take more than just trail building and maintaining to reach the goal of a finished North Country Trail. There are a Jot of little things that need to be done as well. Some other projects are sorely needed to be done, to help with the goal of com­ pleting and promoting the trail. Let's call these projects "Kitchen Table Projects,• since all they take is a kitchen table and perhaps a little special ability, such as being able to write a legible letter. Most of these are projects that need doing; some are limited in scope, and others will be more or Jess ongoing. All of them are valuable.

Here's a list of some of them that it would be nice to have someone to take in hand,· suggestions for others are welcome.

KITCHEN TABLE PROJECTS

analysis of alternatives, including a preferred alternative. Until the Adirondack issue is finally resolved, the NPS is

committed to continuing our posture of not doing anything to force trail completion through the park. However, neither will we seek to follow a new route until such time as a complete and open study, involving all adjoining states who may be affected, has been completed. It is unlikely that we would be successful in seeking funds through internal channels to conduct such a study.

It is clearly evident that the primary issue to be resolved in New York is the Adirondack issue.

After a considerable amount of discussionon various alternative actions at the meeting, there was consensus on a two-pronged approach utilizing polictical and administrative contacts:

• The NYS Trails Council will make Congressional contacts to support funding for an alternative study. ADK agreed to draft a letter for the Trails Council to present at their next meeting.

-Ivan Vamos (OPRHP), with assistance from DEC, will initiate an effort to try to get the Governor to send a letter stating the need for a study to resolve the issue to the NPS Director or Secretary of the Interior.

The committee felt that several route possibilites exist that will allow a connection to the Long Trail or Appalachian Trail, and that the trail could add some hiking opportunities in Vermont that differ markedly from the LT or the AT." A sentence or two later, Brian continues, "Based on our discus­ sion, it does appear that extending the North Country NST is a possibility. I stress that this discussion was very preliminary, and that much more work must be done before a proposal can be brought to the GMC Board of Directors for formal ap­ proval. I understand the Adirondack Mountain Club has some concerns about the impact of the North Country Trail on the Adirondack backcountry. If it seems appropriate, I and others from GMC could meet with you and our ADK counterparts to discuss issues related to the trail in the Adirondacks and Vermont."

The NPS position on the Adirondack issue, which was alluded to above, has been, and continues to be, that Congress has authorized a route through the Adirondack region and we do not have the authority to abandon that route in favor of another one until such time as we may receive new direction from Congress. Further, we are not in a position to approach Congress seeking such a change in the absence of (1) a public process documenting interest in a routing change, and (2) an

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring, 1993 Page 8

Membership costs To receive a charter from the NCTA, a new chapter must

have at least ten members of the North Country Trail Associa­ tion. Additional dues are at the discretion of the local chapter.

Organization The NCT Club usually has a Chairperson or President

who is the organizer and guides the policies of the group, as well as being the spokesperson. A fill-in for the President is the Vice-President, needed to help when the President cannot, or to provide direct assistance. Often he/she handles program work. A Recording Secretary is needed to keep records and keep the publicinfonned. The Secretary may publish the club newsletter, trail Information, trail guides, or maps which the club develops for public use. A Treasurer is responsible for all club monies and records of same. Past experience has shown the following committees to be helpful: Trip planning, Pro­ gram, Membership, Publicity, and Conservation.

Beginning Step An NCTA Chapter can be organized by an individual or

a group of individuals who are interested in the outdoor life. Any existing church or school group, governmental agency, private club (Lions, Kiwanis, etc.) can sponsor an NCT Club. Being sponsored gives the club the advantage of available manpower, transportation, publicity and promotional means, and a place to meet, as well as a storage place for trail equipment. Get ten trails-interested people together, and you can start right now.

Why Organize an NCTA Club? • To unite nonmotorized trails travelers into a strong,

active organization which will protect, share, and enjoy the diverse offerings of the North Country National Scenic Trail in back:country wilderness, lakeshores, mountains, forests, rural areas and urban areas.

•To promote the improvement of the North Country Trail by active volunteer participation in clean-up, repair and maintenance activities.

··To learn from the experience of others, and to-pass on

Forming an NCTA Chapter One objective of the North Country TrailAssociation is to

encourage and assist in the development of local activity clubs where none exist. These clubs become NCTA Chapters. Through these local clubs, individuals will find a means of learning more about the outdoors, and will find others with similar outdoor interests. Together, members have increased opportunities to enjoy nature firsthand. This sense of belong­ ing is a natural part of the sharing and caring that is vitally important to everyone.

by Dr. Lance Field Founding President, NCTA

NCTA members bike, backpack, showshoe, canoe, bi­ cycle tour, kayak, spelunk, expedition, orienteer, mountain­ eer, rock: climb, trail camp, dog sled, fish, do nature study, bird watch, stargaze, engage in wilderness photography as well as take part in wilderness trips, exploration and research.

Belonging to a trail/conservation oriented NCT Club involves sharing ideas, fun, work and rewards, together. Certain values, such as camaraderie, result from shared expe­ riences. Values derived from club experiences include first­ hand development of understanding of natural resources. Knowledge learned by "doing" is real. The key is doing and sharing experiences in the natural world of the outdoors.

How to organize a North Country Trail Club

""'<>.· -'··'. ~~- .. _ .. •. -· " """"'- ... . .,..,. ~.. . '

the knowledge to others. • To have a voice as a group whose main interest are trails

activities of the NCT. • To obtain speakers and presentations in areas of non­

motorized interest. • To have access to trail information through the NCT A.

two, whether you're writing for newspapers or broadcasting. These first sentences are called the "lead". A good lead captures the attention or a reader or listener and makes him want to know more about your club's activity or project.

Now, go into the details of your story. Each succeeding paragraph should be of declining importance. Professionals call this writing technique the inverted pyramid. It permits an editor to pick up the important facts of your story in the first few lines. Then, if she/he does not have space or time to use the whole release, it can be cut from the bottom where least important details are given. This is true of both print and broadcast media

Be brief. Almost every news release can be written on one or two double-spaced typewritten pages. Two pages, double­ spaced, will fill about 12 inches, one newspaper column wide. This is a lot more space than most editors can give one item.

Always give exact dates in a news release:"June 1 o,• rather than 'next Thursday," or "tomorrow." Specify "October,· not "next month.· Double-check date and day of week on a calendar.

List the address as well as the name of a meeting place. Remember, you are writing for people who do not know.

Forget all about adjectives when you are writing a news release. -,

Figures in your story? Alw~s spell out numbers from one to ten, and then use numerals from 11 on up. Never begin a sentence with numerals.

interest. 9. Have some trips open to the public. 10. Ask and write everyone you know personally to join

NCTA. 11. Set up a booth at local or regional sporting goods

shows. 12. Seek out local outdoors-0riented people (tlology ~

ers, park and forest rangers, outdoors writers, birders, canoers, skiers) as members, to add interest and variety to overall club activities.

13. Locate trails in the general area, and find out if a need exists to help the trails.

14. Be actively, positively involved in local, regional and national. conservation issues.

Publicity The key word to successful clubs: Let everyone know

what you are doing! Find out who writes the local outdoors news and features

for area newspapers and magazines, and keep them informed of your activities. This will let the public know about you. Also, prepare short news releases before each meeting and activity, to be sent to all radio and television stations, as well as the local papers. Put notices on bulletin boards in every available place. In addition, send notices to all organizations which put out newsletters - teacher organizations, college clubs, the chamber of commerce, labor unions, and others - to keep them informed.

Letthe people and your members know what you are doing! All the information given out should be accurate, brief, and timely.

Routine meetings call for routine publicity, and newsworthy events merit publicity in depth. Big events usually warrant special news features.

Have one person who will: Contact the news media; estab· lish personal contact with the right persons at each newspaper, radio and television station; write everything down; be prompt; type news releases and never use carbons. That person should be absolutely accurate, honest and impartial, and be brief, businesslike, appreciative and professional.

Basic steps: Contacts, tools, decide what is news, and focus on the audience.

Be aware of many news outlets. Local plant publications outdoor advertising, free shopping news bulletins, direct mail, posters, town publicity for resorts and conventions, handbills, community bulletin boards, computer bulletin boards. Let every· one know you are carrying out useful activities. Publicize!

Writing a News Release Five points are important to a good news release: WHO,

WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY. lfpossible,asixth, HOW should be included.

It is important to get all these points in the first sentence or

1. Post notices in all colleges, ur'Vversities, and high schools. 2. Place notice .of meetings in newspaper "Organizations"

listings, or use small classified ad - be specific as to where, what, when and who, and that it is open to the public.

3. Arrange for meetings in public places, such as YMCAs, retail stores, churches, etc. This is usually easy to do.

4. Have a plan of action for the gi·oup - slides, speakers, demonstration, hike, or other project.

5. Put membership flyers in all local stores which deal in outdoors equipment and clothing.

6. Ask all outdoors outfitter's businesses if they will offer a small (5%·10%-20%) discount to NCTA members.

7. Invite these businesses to join NCTA. 8. Get write-ups in local paper (news releases) to build

Membership To arouse interest, if you know of no one else, run a small

ad in your local newspaper, inviting all bikers, backpackers, bicyclists, cross-country skiers, etc., to attend. Otherwise, get together with four to six other interested people and form a nucleus group. Have each person ask around, and obtain two or more outdoors-concerned people to join with you. Local sports or outdoor writers, photographers, foresters, school teachers, etc., are usually interested. Look for persons with special skills or knowledge of the outdoor life, as they add interest and enjoyment to all hikes. Don't neglect retirees! Some are very active and have much experience and time to contribute.

March: Planning: Coordinate activities with other outdoors organizations. Weekend trip to get into shape.

April: Planning:Actionforthemonthsahead. Starttrips­ day hikes, canoeing, spelunking, etc. Try new areas. Work on NCT.

May: If going into wilderness, or on long trips, suggest tetanus shots. Attend national NCTA membership meeting. Weekend practice hikes to improve conditioning. Work on NCT.

June: Start overnight backpack trips, conditioning trips - increase distances. NCT Oean-Up hike.

July: Ideal month for water-related trips - canoeing, sailing, swimming - or mountaineering. Two-week backpack­ ing trip, 30-35 miles.

August: Suggest School of Outdoor Skills for the inexpe­ rienced hikers}backpackers. Weekend hikes as often as pos­ sible. Work on the NCT.

September: Some of the very best hiking is in this season . Enjoy the foliage and coolness. Work on building and improving the NCT.

October: This month's crispness is considered by many as the best weather for backpacking/hiking. Work on the NCT.

November: In some areas, excellent for winter related activities: Showshoeing, cross-country skiing, etc. Check on NCT signs, markers, etc.

December: Short overnight outings to build up apprecia­ tion for winter tripping. Possible post-Christmas trip.

The following are some suggested activities and privi­ leges which NCT Clubs might enjoy:

- Plan to enjoy the trails of your area on day hikes, weekends and prolonged trips together, for fun.

- Plan vacation trips on the NCT, and obtain group discounts on equipment and other trail needs.

- Develop a "Tour Trip" to any place in the world. - Share the cost of renting films, hiring instructors and

lecturers. - Plan special trail trips, such as bird or tree identifica­

tion, or rock-bunting outings. - Coordinate plans for improvement of the NCT and

other area trail facilities. Publicity encourages participation in NCT building and care.

- Plan and clear trails in cooperation with the National Park Service, National Forest Service, local parks, forests, state agencies, and other trail-related agencies.

- Inventory and map the biking trails in your area, region, or state. These can be published and sold to offset costs.

- Sponsor local or statewide "Clean Up The Trails" campaigns.

- Form club library of trail and nature guides, topo maps, and historical data.

enjoy the refreshments - everyone should have a share in providing them.

Plan a regular series of hikes, and work projects, too, to help on your local trails. Get involved, in a positive way. Programs should be informal, simple, and enjoyable.

Strive for a maximum number of members, in order to unite all outdoors people into a strong voice for the non­ motorized activities of the North Country Trail.

Day Hikes: Nature photography; relaxation hike; to study new areas, practice equipment use; shakedown trip for longer trips, bird observation; trail clean-up hike; geology of area; to learn basic skills; to learn wilderness "ethic".

Backpack Trips (Overnight): Fun only trips; clean up trail trips; repair trail trips; build trail trips; conservation trips; trail checking; exploration.

Backpack Trips (3 or more days): enjoyment, fun; map making; gathering trail information; learning bushwhacking; exploration.

Other trips: cross-country ski trips, snowshoe trips, special projects, spelunking, stargazing, fishing, rafting, kayaking, mountaineering, canoeing, winter overnights.

Lectures: Practice, demonstration of outdoor equipment; compass and map use; slides-of trails elsewhere, trips in other countries, tripping information; practice, such as trail cooking; environmental awareness. ••

An annual schedule of events might look something like this:

January: Plan the year ahead. Trips, places, leadership, training, meeting dates and programs. Get equipment into good shape. .

Feburary: Planning. Which trails need the most help? Where can new trails be built? Overnight trip, winter camping. Study trees of the area.

'•

NCT Club Programs Form a nucleus group (Trip Planning Committee) and let

it be known that shared outdoor fun, and concern for the NCT, our wilderness, and our environment are the key purposes of theNCTA.

Have regular meetings and trail outings: this is great for continuity. Keep the meetings interesting and lively. Be sure there's food around at every meeting and at every outing. At the end of a wet trail or a cold day, it's great to look forward to hot coffee or hot soup and sandwiches. Be sociable and

Club name It is suggested that it would be most appropriate that the

name of the new club be somehow associated with the North Country Trail or the association.

For example: "Northern Michigan NCTHiker's Club" or "Erie North Country Trail Club. In this manner, there will be consistency in all NCTA chapters throughout the north coun­ try and elsewhere.

I 4

In the beginning, you may wish to word your news release something like this:

"A number of local people with outdoors interests are forming a group in the area, to become a North Country Trail Club, a chapter of the North Country Trail Association. We hope the group can offer advantages beyond those available to a solitary individual. The group of theNCTA will be what the members want it to be. If you would like a voice in this group, please join in the meeting on ___ at . Hope to see you there."

'

The Mission of the NCTA is to provide the national guidance, direction, and coordination for the development and promotion of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST):

- To encourage and coordinate coopera­ tion among the many Individuals and public and private organizations associated with the development and stewardship of the NCNST.

- To protect, In partnership with others, the natural, scenic and historic resources of the NCNSTcorridor, and to promote the practice of ethical outdoor travel and use.

- To provide present and future genera­ tions with opportunities for enriching, safe travel experiences, through services to members, public education, and recreational opportuni­ ties.

Assistance from the Association NCTA Headquarters is prepared to help you organize a

club. Each NCT A member is entitled to receive all benefits of the Association, including the quarterly newsletter, a personal membership card, the availability of discounts on some pub­ lications and some trips. The NCTA will publicize your club's activities in the Association journal. Clubs will also be able to obtain films, speakers, and slide presentations at minimal costs. NCTA Chapters also share in the IRS Non-Profit Organization (501(c)3) status of the parent organization. Association services include:

- Promotion of North Country Trail improvements, including clean-up, repair, and building new portions of the Trail.

- Trail education, through newsletters, bulletins, pam­ phlets and schools.

- Support for positive legislation, including wilderness, conservation, and trail legislation, at regional, state and fed­ eral levels.

- Provision of trailinfonnation on the various segments oftheNCT.

- Free access to the primitive camping area near NCTA Headquarters at White Cloud, Michigan.

- Clearinghouse for NCT-related backpack information on trails, parks, forests, and wilderness areas.

- Consideration for the multi-modal trails concept - where feasible, NCTA promotes hiking, backpacking, sail­ ing, expeditioning, showsboeing, dogsledding, canoeing, mountain climbing, bicycling, fishing, kayaking and cross­ country skiing.

- Coordination of news of the North Country Trail and side trails.

- Publication of trail bulletins and pamphlets, and provision of many trail related publications at discounts.

- Formation of NCT Clubs, where no active trails club exists.

The duties and responsibilities are enumerated below. The primary characteristic of a volunteer trip leader is that he or she is concerned and helpful. Not necessarily an expert, the trip leader cannot guarantee, nor be responsible for anyone's safety. The sole purpose of the trip (hike, etc.} leader is to coordinate the trip for the mutual benefits of all participants. Among the considerations are these:

1. To minimize the number of vehicles needed. 2. To set time, date, and place of departure and return. 3. To make known the general area and length of the

hike. 4. To limit the number of participants as necessary. 5. To ensure that all necessary permits are secured. 6. To make known to all participants that all hikes and

activities are voluntary, and that neither the club nor the trip leader assumes any responsibility for the safety of the indi­ vidual participant.

7. To check route carefully before the trip. B. To be sure first-aid supplies and necessary maps are

taken. 9. To check backpacks, hiking boots, and individual

water supplies, to help make trip safer and more enjoyable. 1 0. To let some key person (non-participant} know when

the group will leave, and will be expected to return (time or date}.

Again: It is upto each participant, and notthe trip leader, to judge his or her own capabilities, and to be property equipped.

Trip Leaders When your club announces an outdoor activity, everyone

depends on the trip leader for a well-organized, enjoyable outing. Each trip has to be well planned, with consideration for safety and potential problems. Share responsibilities with the members. Ask each member to look ahead and suggest an outing they might lead.

Trip leaders need plenty of advance notice so they can make all necessary arrangements. The leader must decide on a meeting place, obtain necessary maps and permits, check trail prior to the trip, and be certain that everyone -returns safely.

- Encourage and share in building or adapting trails for persons· with disabilities. Use the "access symbol" where appropriate.

- Consider developing a nature trail for public educa­ tional use.

-Have your club represented on committees (city, state, etc.) involved with development of trails or conservation concerns.

- Offer some public service. Positive publicity can't hurt, and your members will enjoy another kind of experience together.

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of Mitchellsville Road (M12), a beautiful walk. Others helped me earlier on, too. For her help in Allegany

State Park and elsewhere I must thank Beth McDaniel, who should forever beware of small, rolling sticks in the trail bed. On Map M2 I will always be grateful to the guys in the jeep who picked me up on Sunfish Road, explained to me how wrongmyFLTCmapwas,anddrovemetomycaronSawmill

Page13

Another FLT end-to-end hiker by Alex Gonzalez

Upon becoming the12th FLT end-to-ender, I considered the many approaches I might take in writing the virutally traditional essay memorializing the achievement. What I de­ cided to do was to thank all of the people -- some of whose names I don't even know -- who helped me accomplish my hilting goal. Although I hiked 75% of the trail Bob Muedller style, walking the same stretch twice in order to return to my car, I must gratefully acknowledge the help of those who pitched in when my enthusiasm was reaching its highest point.

I'll start with Bob Mueller and Teddy, who helped me several times in the Bath area. Bob's own maintained stretch of trail is a model of good stewardship, and his enthusiasm for my hiking goals was wonderfully refreshing. Ed Sidote, who coordinate a lot of the help I received on the last seventy-five miles, is also a dynamo of enthsiasm, and I thank him for his help in the Bainbridge area. For aiding me to finish those arduous Catskill stretches west of Big Pond I am grateful to Gary Klee, the man who recorded via photograph my final hike on the trail. Irene Szabo led a group hike -- the only such hike for me on the entire trail -- on the new sections of trail east

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first hike was to Mt. Roderick (M21 ). My last was over Brock Mountains (Catskills #44). The only significant, unavoidable stretch of dense poison ivy was between Hampton Road and South River Road (M7). My only regret is that I never saw a bear anywhere along the entire trail, although I did see some bear scat near Michigan Hollow Road. Completing the trail was for me both joyful and saddening. I guess I'll have to fill in my missing gaps on the Long Path or climb the remaining twenty-four Adirondack high peaks in order to get back that sweet flavor of discovery again. It's been quite an experience.

North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Spring, 1993 Run Road. I must also thank the slightly inebriated teenagers who picked me up on a dirt road near Llttle Rock City and drove me back to my car (M3); the homicidal-looking guys who picked me up and thus enabled me to do a long hike parallel to Route 98 (MS); the father and his beautifully reticent three-year-old daughter who gave me a ride and helped me do a stretch near Wiscoy Creek (M6); the police detective who was initially suspicious ofme but then warmed up and drove me to my car near Keshequa Creek (M7); the beer-guzzling cowboy who picked me up on Route 70 and braved the rough Delude Road in order to get me going on my hike (M8); Kathleen Wigfield, who hiked with me near Greek Peak when I first started the trail (M19); Marti Jacobi, who hiked with me, Mosi, and Many who hiked through Hoxey Gorge (M20); Richard Aponte, who complained most of the way along the trail near Randall Hill (M21 ); Michael Bary lski, who hiked with me near Jackson Pone (M23) when I was hobbling along with a basketball injury; Cindy Cassidy, who hiked with me near Oxford in rainy weather (M25); and the gentlemanly semi-driver who pulled his rig overon Route 8in Masonville and dropped me off near China Road (M27).

Of course, there are other who have grown indistinct in my memory over the five years I hiked the FLT -- people who picked me up hitch-hiking for only short distances or who, for whatever reason, including my tiredness, made no lasting impression on me.

Finally, some reflections. I completed the trail on Octo­ ber 10 at 4:35 P.M. I camped out on the trail only twice. My

Page 14

here by myself. It was fine when we bad neighbors and children here, but they all left and you kept me here.

"I know," he replied, "But I couldn't help it. I kept thinking if we did this or that the farm would improve or produce like it bad. I sunk all our money into that new tractor, thinking that it would do it, but to mock me, there it sits, rusting. We were just too poor to move. Look at this," be said, picking up an old oil can. "This was junk, and had a bole in it, and I was gojpg to throw it away when I dropped over dead of a heart attack by the barn. Now, it looks like it did years ago, and all of our nice things are rotted to nothing.

Marry turned and looked at the wreck that was once her home. Bits of wallpaper and chipped paint that she bad put on the walls when the house was new could be seen on the now­ exposed walls.

"I was going to leave you and go see my children and grandchildren," she said. "Ilonged to see them. When they got old enough, they all left me. I was going to take the car and go, but the cancer came and all I could do was lay in bed and die. Why didn't they come to see me, John?"

"Remember the storm, the roads. They couldn't get here in time. They got here just as you passed. Karen brought you the dress you were buried in, and all the grandchildren saw you before we laid you to rest. They all turned out well; one is even a doctor. I guess this worthless old farm that broke us did tum out something good, kids and pumpkins. Remember the great pumpkinswebad?Theprize-winningpumpkinpiesyoumade for the county fair?"

"You know, John, I really hated making pumpkin pies. I only did it for you."

It now started getting cold, and thick clouds started to block the sun. Thewindcameup. Theoldmansaiditwastime to go. We started toward the cemetery, and as we passed the old house, Marry stopped down and picked up a broken piece of blue and white Dutch china plate. With tears in her eyes again, she said, "That was my favorite plate."

"Vandals, probably," said John. "Hurry," said the Shaman. We all ran to the two open

graves just as the wind blew itself into a tornado again. Marry gave John a quick little kiss, and then, like in some horror film, their flesh and clothes began to melt into dust and fall into the grave. The wind whipped up a tremendous cloud of dust that obscured everything for a while, then all was calm again.

When everything cleared, it was a nice summer day, just me and an old man in a cemetery, just as if nothing bad happened. "How did you do that, old man? You must have tricked me. Did you hypnotize me?" I said. I tried to reach out and grab him to see if he was real, but I tripped or something. As I fell, I heard someone behind me yell.

"Look out above you." Then blackness. When I awoke, I was laying on the ground, next to a

branch that wasn't there before, looking at Vince. "I tried to warn you about that branch that was bung up in

the tree," Vince said. "You dido' t see it and it came down and bopped you in the head." He helped me up. "Nasty bump. You look all right, though. I'll walk you out to the road, if you like.

We started slowly waking out to the road. I didn't tell Vince about what I thought had happened. It had seemed so real - and now, I was not sure. As we passed the cemetery a sudden urge came over me. I ran the short distance through the brush to the cemetery and there on top of Marcy's tombstone was a large piece of pumpkin pie on a blue and white Dutch china plate.

The pie was excellent, I might add.

North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Spring, 1993

"Yes, I can," be protested. "I'll show you." We walked through the brush to the two graves, sid~ by

side, inar~t;Q by two identical.stones. He raked the leaves from between th~ two graves, gathered wood, ~d started a small fire with flint and stCC11. He sat cross-le~ed, sp close to the fire that I thought he would burn himself. He started slowly moving bis hands over the fire, and mumbled some Indian chant. Then, be reached into his pouch and threw a pinch of some power into the fire. The fire puffed up, and thick white smoke arose from it.

Up until now, the sun had been shining, and it was a nice summer day, and I W<!S still laughing at the old fool, but all of a sudden, it grew dark and cold. Clouds blotted out the sun, and the wind started to blow. I stopped laughing, and the hair on the back of my neck stood up.

The shaman kept chanting bis chant and waving his hands. He twisted his hands over the fire, and the thick smoke coming from it began to spin like a dust devil He then threw more powder on the fire, and waved his hands faster and faster. As the wind began to roar, and it got darker, he jumped up and yelled even louder and waved his arms like a madman. All around, it sounded like a thousand trains passing by. The wind was like a tornado, spinning out of the fire, beginning to pick up leaves and twigs, then dirt and rocks, like a giant vacuum sucking the dirt out of the two graves.

All the while, the old man's voice could be heard above the awful noise .. As frightening as it was to bear the tumult around me, it was also fascinating to see the dirt come out of the graves, deeper and deeper. Then came bits of old rotten wood, then dirty gray bones that the tornado sucked from the ground. The old man began shouting, "Get flesh! Get flesh!" over and over again, then, be threw a different power in the fire, which turned the smoke a deep green. The bones began to grow, and flesh began to rapidly appear. Dust that once had been clothes became clothing again, and where there were just bones before there now were two bodies, just as they were laid to rest many years before. The shaman now shouted, "Arise, arise, arise," and the bodies rose out of the grave and stood with their arms crossed over their chests at the foot of the graves. The old man shouted, "Awake!" and clapped his hands together like the crack of thunder, theri all was still.

We were back to a nice summer day, just like it had been, except for two people standing at the foot of their open graves. ·1 'he two people, Marry and John, opened their eyes and looked at each other. Marry, who was wearing a pretty blue dress, said, "It's been a long time, John. I missed you."

"And I missed you, too," said John. Then they kissed. It wasn't the kind of kiss you see in the

movies, but an awkward on_e of people unaccustomed to showing their feelings, but touching all the same. Then, holding hands, Marry looked around and asked why they were there. The shaman briefly explained what had happened, and how he was just showing some nonbeliever his power, and that they could only stay for a little while before they would have to go back.

Marry and John began asking all kinds of questions about what it was like now, and about neighbors and family, but it was too hard and confusing to them to understand our world. Marry asked if they could see the 019 farm, and the old man answered, "Yes, but quickly."

We all walked the short distance to the old homestead. They both had tears in their eyes when the saw how everything had fallen down and was rotting. "You know, John," Marry said, "I was going to leave you. I was never meant to be out

Page 16

a red nose, a little smile and a twinkle in bis eyes that you knew had nothing to do with fear, but you know there was mischief a-brewin'.

"I tried to warn you about that branch that was hung up in the tree," he said. "You didn't see it and it came down and boppedyouinthehead."Hehelpedmeup. "Nastybump. You look all right, though. I'll walk you to the road, if you like."

The only thing I could think of to say was, "Who are you?"

"Me," he said. "I am a little of everything. I was a voyager, a trapper, a mountain man, an Indian scout, and a lot of other things, but the thing I was really good at was medicine. People said I had the touch for healing, and some Indian healers took me in and taught everything there is to know about healing and native magic. So I guess what I really am is a medicine man or Shaman."

"You're putting me on," I said as we slowly walked back to the road.

"No, no," he said. "I assure you it's all true." He started talking about some of the experiences and

adventures be. bad had. Adventures you only read about in adventure books. He was a great story teller, but he bad so many hair-raising adventures that I was beginning to wonder ifbe wasn't just a little cracked. When be started talking about fighting in the Civil War and being at Little Big Hom with Custer, I figured be was all cracked. I asked him bow old he was and without batting an eye, be said, "156."

"What! You expect me to believe all this? What do you take me for, an idiot? You're crazy!"

"No, no. It's all true. I have done all of those things, and I can also cure any disease, make it rain, stop the sun, walk on water, raise the dead, see the future and the past and know the secret of eternal youth. It's all true. How can I prove it to you?"

I must digress here a second and tell you a little bit about the local history of the area we were in. Around 1900, after the giant trees had been cut for lumber, this two or three square mile area was briefly settled by farmers looking for cheap land. There were several farms in the area, and for a while this was a thriving community, with the start ofa small town. But, when the last glacier came through, it stripped most of the topsoil and moved it to the valley a few miles away, leaving rocks in its place. The community thrived until the soil played out, and then the depression hit and everybody gave up and moved away, letting their homesteads go back to the state for unpaid taxes. The last to go was the Arnold family, whose farm we were working by. The buildings were all fallen down now, with bits of junk laying around and an old tractor rusting in the field, which was rapidly being reclaimed by the forest. The Arnolds, Marry and John, never really did leave. There was a small cemetery just north of their farm that contained their graves, and the graves of about 12 others. Only the Arnold's graves were marked, with two identical stones. The North Country Trail ran about 50 feet from the cemetery, but because of the heavy brush along the trail. the two stones could not be seen from the trail.

We happened to be walking by this when the Shaman said, "How can I prove it to you?"

I laughed, "You are no shaman. Youareacbarlatan. You tell taller tales than some of the people at work, and that is saying some. If you want to prove it to me, raise the dead."

"There are no dead people around here," he said. "There are two graves," I replied, "Right over there." "It's been a long time since I have done it." "See, I knew you couldn't do it."

Poge15

I was working on trail near Elmira in Northern Lower Michigan. Vince was going to join me later, but at the time it happened, I was alone. I had just moved a branch from a tree that was partly hung up in another tree and partly across the trail when I beard someone behind me yell, "Look out above you!"

Before I could do anything, I beard a crack, then a thud, then blackness. I awoke laying on the ground next to a dead bran~h that wasn't there before and staring at one strange looking person. The man I was looking at was barely five feet tall and looked like a combination mountain man, Indian and leprechaun. He wore buckskins adorned with beads, feathers, pouches, and was crowned with a green bat with feathers in it that looked like one I had seen in a Lucky Charms commer­ cial. He had long gray hair and an equally long beard to match,

by Rich Siebert

The Shaman

North Country Troll Association Newsleffer, Spring 1993

Route planning in Kent County The planning process is well under way for development

of the trail in Michigan's Kent County. Arden Johnson reports that several potential routes have been looked at, and agree­ ment has been reached with the County Parks and Recreation Department on a general route, which will go east from the south end of the Rogue River State Game area almost to the east county line, then tum south, passing the county camp­ ground at Wabasis Lake and the park at Lowell. It will then cross the Grand River and 196 on a public road and strike the County Line near the Middleville State Game Area.

Trails get appropriations boost in 1993 Federal Budget

Federal Trail programs saw some welcome gains during the Congressional appropriations process last fall. Among the winners: the Rivers and Trails Conservation Assistance pro­ gram, managed by the national park service, which received a 65 percent boost in funding for fiscal year 1993.

The final appropriations bill provided $7 .2 million for State and Local Technical Assistance, one of the most populat programs among trail advocates. The program provides ad­ vice and assistance to organizations seeking to protect river and trail corridors, and it typically receives far more requests than it can field. Last years appropriation was $4.4 million.

Other Federal trail programs also saw gains or maintained past funding levels. The Forest Service trail construction appropriation increased to $29.5 million, up from $22.0 million last year. This was roughly equal to the $29.1 million recommended by the Bush administration. Forest Service trail maintenance was funded this year at $30.2 million, a 2.5 percent decrease over last year's appropriation.

sions, slide shows, work projects, and fun than you have ever seen before. There will be a lot less time spent in business meetings and more time spent on practical matters.

In May of this year at the Annual Meeting the member­ ship will be selecting an all new Board of Directors for the NCT A. This is part of the restructuring that has gone on for the last year. The new seventeen member Board will then select a new slate of officers including one new Vice Presi­ dential position. Two Vice Presidents will better enable the organization to fulfill it's mission. One VP will handle Trail Management matters and the other will have responsibility for NCTA administrative matters.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The Future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." There is over 3,200 miles of beauty in our dream. The best part of our future is that it gets closer and closer all the time. One of the amazing parts about the trail today is that things are moving so fast that there are days when the person who says it can't be done is interrupted by someone doing it. All things are possible. My interest is in the future, because I'm going to spend the rest of my life there. Happy Trails!

As the Board prepares to meet again to do some more organizational planning, I find myself remembering a quote from Dr. Rod Gilbert, Sports Psychologist. "If you don't know where you are going, you might end up where you are headed."

We have begun to establish goals by first creating a Mission Statement. We will now begin to develop both long and short term plans for the trail and the Association, We are begining to know where we are going and it feels good. It sure beats walking backwards into the future.

Plans are also coming together for National Trails Day, June 15, 1993.

A number of work projects have surfaced in Northern Michigan for that week prior to the celebration. Several trail dedications will take place on the trail. If you would like to lead a hike on your favorite section of trail or just help on one that day please drop me a line.

Funding and budgets will also be an important topic of the upcoming Board meeting. The Cooperative Agreement with the National Park Service that has funded the employment of our Executive Director will run out in September. Additional funding of this type is not expected at this time.

Legislative action is begining to accelerate now that the mud from the election has dried. Much of Congress is new and will have to be reeducated on trail issues. Changes to the National Trails System Act and funding are high on the list of legislative targets. We have already joined with the other eighteen National Trails in writing to the new Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture for funding support. Each m em ber of our NCT A Board will also be responding by writing to these gentlemen on this issue this week. We will also need support from our membership on both funding and legislative issues. Every letter helps in the effort to maintain our trail. If you want more information on this effort contact April Scholtz, our Executive Director.

We fully understand that our country has financial prob­ lems and must cut back spending. We also realize that more can be done by volunteer groups with a stable funding source than can be done by government employees at the same· funding level. You can't build much trail by spending $60,000 dollars on one or two goverment employees salary and benfits. For the same amount of dollars you can build more trail by funding an organization of hundreds of volun­ teer people. Last year over 220,000 volunteer hours were spent on the eighteen National Trails comprising 30,000+ proposed miles across 45 states. Excluding the Applachian Trail, the government spent only $900,000 on support for these trails.

We are currently requesting $4.5 million to be spread across threegovernment agencies and all of the trails. This breaks down to approximately $250,000 per trail. Some trails will need more and others less. This could allow at least one full time National Park Service staff person per trail. It could fund continuing Cooperative Agreements with trail organiza­ tions. Training programs for volunteers could also be funded.

Starting in 1994 there will be some major changes in our Annual Meeting. You will see more activities, training ses-

Page 17 North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Spring 1993

This spring will mark the sixth year that this award bas been given. Previous recipients were:

1988 • Wallace Doane 1989 ·John Hipps, Barbara Smith 1990 • Ginny Wunsch, Ken Gadder 1991 - Tom Reimers, Derek Blount 1992 • Vince Smith, Art Holland There are many, many members that contribute much

time and effort to the NCT A. If you know of such a deserv­ ing person, please inform the awards committee. All votes must be in by April 1.

Want to help the Association get the trail built? Want to get active at the shirt sleeve level? We've got a deal for you! If you have a particular skill or interest, there are

projects wailing for you. They are managed through the various committees of the Association. You don't need to be an officer or a Director. You just need a little time and energy, plus a desire to get things done.

The committees are the task managers for the Asso­ ciation. The committees and their general roles are as follows:

Awards; Identify and plan for recognition of people with meritorious accomplishments.

Finance; Manage the Association's funds, develop budgets and financial procedures.

Headquarters; Manager the Headquarters building and store and process Association mail. Members need to be near the headquarters location.

Meetings: Plan and organize annual membership meetings.

Nomjnating; Identify candidates for offices from among the members and administer elections annually.

Nominations sought for Distinguished Service Award

It's getting to be that time when the NCTA will present its Distinguished Service Award to one of its members. This presentation is guided by the careful judgement of the Awards Committee, Emily Gregor, Barbara Smith and Ruth Sack.

The plaque reads" For outstanding contributions toward furthering the purposes and objectives of the North Coun­ try Trail.

,

Here's an opportunity to help the trail! Plannjng; Develop short and long range goals and

objectives for the Association. Identify needs and re­ quirements.

Publicatjons; Supervise and administer the newslet­ ter and all official publications, including promotional materal as well as material offered through the Associa- tioo ~~ .

Public Relatjons; Develop and promote public relations at the national, state and local level. Encourage publicity and the cooperation, assistance and financial support of other organizations.

Trail Management; Provide over-all coordination and guidance for development of the NCNST. Develop guides for construction, operation and maintenance of the trail. Promote and develop volunteer projects and an Adopt-A-Trail program. Need legal support on Right of Way, land trust and related questions.

"They" can't do it all. Your help is needed! Write a note to our executive director, April Scholtz,

and tell ber bow you would like to get involved. If you're already on a committee, be sure April knows so you can get some help.

In the mid-80s motorized bushwhackers made their ap­ pearance on hiking trails. The recommended model was the 37.7 cc machine marked by Sears Roebuck. It requires several years experience to become really proficent with this ma­ chine. It is heavy and needs a full harness. It also uses a special fuel mixture at 15 to 1. Most chain saws take a much leaner

· mix. At $11 or so the blades are cheap but in the field they only last a day. The blades are not to be sharpened as this increases the probability of catastrophic failures -- potentially lethal if the operator is struck in the skin and is not wearing forest service Samurai leg armor. It is also difficult to get repairs. Even replacement parts have to be ordered.

by Tom Thwaites, Keystone Trails Assn. Newsletter

Trail Tech: User's report on motorized bushwhackers

North Country Trall Association Newsletter, Spring, 1993 The Sears machine also has a moisture problem. It will

not run when the humidity is high and it won't even start when it is raining.

In the last couple of years we have had considerable experience with a second generation of bushwhackers built by Stihl. Trail Care bought a FS-106 with a 35 cc engine -- the largest available in this line. The 3-prong brush knife blade can be resharpened again and again. We buy a new blade for nearly $30 every year but the old ones are still available as spares. None has failed.

The FS-106 is just as powerful as the Sears model and 4.5 kg lighter, and requires only a single strap instead of a harness. It uses the same fuel as Stihl chain saws and can be repaired by Stihl dealers, who actually stock spare parts. Stihl bush­ whackers will run all day in heavy rain. Favorable experience is also reported with Stihl FS-85 and FS-66, which are even lighter. Then have engines of 23 cc and 20 cc respectively. The cut trail brush as well as the larger machine. I was afraid that this might be a case of bushwhacker abuse but the dealer assured me it wasn't. The FS-85 has been replaced by the FS- 86. For generaltrail work you want a bushwhacker with a solid shaft and a spare handle. --Fall 1992 KTA Newsletter

18 Page

Please enclose for shipping & handling: $0.00 I $10.00 $2.00 $10.01 I $25.00 $3.00 $25.01 I $100.00 $4.00 Over $100.00 $5.00

Mjchfqan resjdenfs jacfu(/e 4% sales tax Make check/money order payable to:

"North Country Trail Association'

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I I I I I I I

Send order to: NCTA Trail Shop I PO Box 311 I White Cloud, Ml 49349 • ···---------

copies of Michigan mapsets (check appropriate ones:) o Croton Dam - Hodenpyl Dam o Interlachen - Boyne Falls O St. Ignace - Harvey o Marquette - Ironwood

· $4.00 per set. All 4 sets, $18.00; Binder, $2.50 No wholesale

I ORDER FORM -- NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL BOOKSTORE I __ copies of =:« the North Country Notional S.cenic Trail" I 5.95 per copy ($4.00 per copy if ten or more)

copies of "The North Country Trail -- Manistee National Forest" I -- $2.00 per copy. (no wholesale)

I copies of "Guide to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore" I -- $5.95 per copy. ($4.25 each If fen or more)

I __ copies of "Guide to the North Country Trail -- Chippewa National I Forest' $1 .25 per copy($. 75 per copy if ten or more).

I­ I I I __ copies or •certified Sections of the North Country Trail'

I (Check approprlale sections:) O Allegheny NF & Cook Forest, $2.90 O Wayne NF, $1.50 o Little Miami Scenic Park, $1.15 I O Miami and Erie Canal, $1 .80 o Manistee NF $2.20 O Hiawatha NF E & Tahqua $2.70 O Oltawa NF, $2.10 I O Hla.NF W & Pict Rocks, $2.05 O Chequamegon NF, $1.80

I o Chippewa NF, $2.20 o Sheyenne Grassland, $1.15 Complete set with blnder,$18.00, plus$3.00shlpping. No wholesale. ~------------------·-·····

r•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••··~

GUIDE TO THE PICTURED ROCKS NATIONAL LAKESHORE by Olive Anderson. Includes revised Lakeshore Trail Guide. The Pictured Racks National Lakeshore is the centerpiece of the North Country Trail -- a rugged, unique coast on the wild Lake Superior shore. Updated in 1988, this 56 page book by Pictured Rocks enthusiast Olive M. _Anderson gives the reader revised maps and up-to-date information about this Michigan section of the North Country Trail. $5.95 each; Wholesale (l 0 or more) $4.25 each.

THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL -- MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST by the Michigan Trailfinders. Offers a detailed description of the trail from the White Cloud trailhead to Big Star Lake, and from US 10 to McCarthy Lake. Current through June, 1989. $2.00 each, no wholesale available.

OTHER GRfAT TRAU INFORMATION AVAILABLE FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL BOOKSTORE

MICHIGAN MAPSETS developed by Arden Johnson. Maps to follow the NCNST in the Manistee, Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests, and the trail between St. Ignace and Munising, and northern lower peninsula. Four separate sets, part of a l" per mile series to be developed for the whole state. order from Croton Dam to Hodenpyl Dam, Interlachen to Boyne Falls, St. Ignace to Harvey or Marquette to Ironwood sets. $4.00 per set; $18.00 for all four. Binder with indicies. $2.50. Contact bookstore for information on ordering individual maps.

GUIDE TO THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL -- CHIPPEWA NATIONAL FOREST by Roderick Mac Rae. Discussion of the route and trail log from east to west in the Chippewa National Forest. Wonderfully written by a Chippewa National Forest expert. 12 pages. $1.25 each; Wholesale (10 or more) $.75 each

CERTIFIED SECTIONS OF THE NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL by Byron and Margaret Hutchins.The long-awaited start ta a trail guide for the entire trail. Accurate route descriptions by an experienced guidebook writer who's walked the sections with a measuring wheel, covering many certified sections of the long enough to be a hiking destination, published in an easy to carry loose-leaf form. Individual map sets at various prices (see order form): whole set, including binder, is $18.00, plus $3.00 shipping. Sorry, no direct wholesale.

FOLLOWING THE NORTH COUNTRY NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL, by Wes Boyd, NCTA Newsletter editor. Packed full of information about the NCNST. All-new edition. 64 pgqes. Not a trail guide, but a trail discussion. "The aim is to give the reader the information necessary ta find out what they need to know to follow the trail" - - and lats of other useful information. The most inclusive and up-to-date information on the whole trail. Available spring 1992. $5.95, ($4.00 wholesale 10 or more).

JusT p UBLISHED!!ffl • NEW!!!! • JusT PUBLISHED!{!!!

North Country Trail Bookstore Page19 North Country Troll Association Newsletter, Spring 1993

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It's not going to be easy, but we can do it. Much has been completed, but there's still a lot to do. You can help meet the challenge by joining the North Country Trail Association, and by inviting others to join, too. Let's do it!

A CHALLENGE FOR THE so's ,.,

·--·:-:-:;:;:;:::::::;:;:;:;:;.;:;:;:;:;:;:;.;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:;:·:·:--··

North Country Trail Association Newsletter, Spring, 1993 Page 20