North Star Vol. 26, No. 4 (2007)

Volume 26, No. 4October–December, 2007 The Magazine of theNORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION

Keeping the SkillsPage 4

Remembering Paul SchochPage 7

Staff Drafts Operating PlanPage 13

Tiffany Stram Bids Farewellto the NCTA FamilyPage 18

2 The North Star October–December 7

Second in a series: What I have learned about trails and a little about those who taught me.

Most people associate the

words “partner-ship” and “National Scenic Trails Act” with the partner-ship between the Federal Government in the form of the National Park Service, and trail building/maintaining orga-nizations, in our case the North Country Trail Association. This partnership is the bedrock of the National Scenic Trails Act and will be the subject of a future President’s page.

There is another partnership that is not mentioned in the National Scenic Trails Act that is of great importance to the growth of the trail system we enjoy today. This is the partnership between the trail building/maintaining orga-nization, once again in our case the North County Trail Association, and its Chapters and Affiliates.

Pat Allen, one of our first Executive Directors, was and is a smooth operator (remember the song?). She is at her best when motivating people. I was a member of the West Michigan Chapter of the NCTA when I first met Pat. My wife and I enjoyed the social gatherings and went on a num-ber of hikes but had no thought of forming a new chapter. The next thing I knew I was attending meetings that led to the formation of the Chief Noonday Chapter. People credit me with the formation of the Chief Noonday Chapter, but how wrong they are. She organized the initial meetings. She furnished the organizational documents. She even (out of her own pocket) bankrolled the Chapter. The reason she went to this effort was because she knew that the only way that the North County Trail would be built in our corner of the state was if there was an active and vibrant chapter in existence to build it. I think she would be proud that we are about half way to that goal.

After the Chief Noonday Chapter was in existence I grew to appreciate a concept that Pat refined. This was the

What I've Learned About Trailsconcept of funding Chapters’ activities by rebating to the Chapters a portion of the dues paid by the Chapter members to the NCTA. In nature this would be called a symbiotic relationship. In theory it serves to make each organization stronger and more dependent upon each other. In practice, it has served to strengthen both the NCTA and the local chap-ters. The best example of this strength is that some chapters have, on occasion, given money back to the NCTA to fund its activities.

The relationship between the Affiliates and the NCTA is far more complex. When the chapters are formed they are part of an existing partnership. Affiliates typically existed before the NCTA. Essentially, the affiliates were asked to get in bed with the NCTA by the National Park Service. The trust to make this relationship work is still forming.

I first met Irene Szabo when she came to Grand Rapids to share her knowledge regarding obtaining landowner per-mission for trail use. She and the Finger Lakes Trail were then light years ahead of the NCTA in many areas, includ-ing landowner relations. My first impression of Irene was that she was a bit of a kook. I have gotten to know her well and consider her to be a good friend. I still think she is a bit of a kook, but a very smart kook.

Irene knew that there were advantages to the FLT in forging a strong partnership with the NCTA. Additional sources of revenue and being part of a bigger and more politically powerful trail alliance were important but the big draw was a feeling, on Irene’s part, that a significant chance to get the bucks necessary to protect the trail forever lay in the FLT being a partner with the NCTA.

She knew instinctively, and taught me, that the partner-ships need to build a bond of trust before they can mature. I was in a hurry to have the Affiliates, including the FLT, use new signage and maps to more fully exploit the NCT con-nection. Irene urged caution, saying her membership would not yet support such moves as it could interfere with existing revenue streams and would be viewed as big brother telling the FLT what to do. She was right.

So here’s to Pat Allen and Irene Szabo...two good friends and two great teachers.

North Country Trail AssociationThe North Country Trail Association develops, maintains, preserves and promotes the

North Country National Scenic Trail through a trail-wide coalition of volunteers and partners.

Our vision for the North Country National Scenic Trail is that of a premier footpath of national significance, offering a superb experience for hikers in a permanently protected corridor, traversing and interpreting the richly diverse environmental, cultural, and historic features of the northern United States.

Come Visit Us! The Lowell office is open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 4 pm.

9 East Main Street, Lowell, MI 49331Phone (866) HikeNCT • 616-897-5987 • Fax (616) 897-6605

www.northcountrytrail.org

DAVE CORNELLPresident

TRAIL HEAD

October–December 7 The North Star 3

Staff Andrew Bashaw,

Regional Trail Coordinator Ohio/[email protected]

Clare Cain, Director of Trail [email protected]

Matt Davis, Regional Trail Coordinator Minnesota/North Dakota

[email protected]

Erin Lesert, Membership Services Coordinator/Office Manager

[email protected] Matthews, Executive Director

[email protected]

Bill Menke, Regional Trail Coordinator Great Lakes

[email protected]

Glory Meyer, Public Services [email protected]

Matt Rowbotham, GIS/IT [email protected]

Tiffany Stram, GIS [email protected]

National Board of DirectorsTerms Expiring 2008

Mary Coffin, VP East, New York Rep.,(315)687-3589 · [email protected]

Garry Dill, At Large Rep.,(614)451-0223 · [email protected]

Alicia Hoffarth, North Dakota Rep.,(701)490-3889 · [email protected]

Terry Serres, At Large Rep.,(612)414-4116 · [email protected]

Terms Expiring 2009Sarah Julien, Secretary, At Large Rep.,

(616)676-17 · [email protected]

Christopher Klein, VP West, Minnesota Rep.,(320) 766-9635 · [email protected]

Al Larmann, At Large Rep., (315)697-3387 · [email protected]

Terms Expiring 2010Dave Cornell, President, At Large Rep.,

(269)623-8659 · [email protected] Appel, Pennsylvania Rep.,

(724)526-5407 · [email protected] Lyle Bialk, Lower Michigan Rep.,

(81)679-41 · [email protected] Boesel Ohio Rep.,

(740)385-0074 · [email protected] Koepplin, VP Finance, At Large Rep.,

(701)845-2935 · [email protected] Yost Great Lakes Rep., (414)354-8987 · [email protected]

Len Price, At Large Rep., (651)267-9900 · [email protected]

Jim Hudson, At Large Rep., (905)527-7111 · [email protected] Hawkins, At Large Rep.,

(269)945-5398 · [email protected] Cohen, At Large Rep.,

(724)234-5398 · [email protected]

A Glance Inside

ArticlesKeeping the Skills .......................4Interview with Gary Lindberg .....6Remembering Paul Schoch ..........7Think Big, Think North Dakota! .....................................1Matthews' Meanders .................13Staff Drafts Operating Plan ......14Tiffany Stram Bids Farewell ......18Evacuating a Disabled Hiker .....Twenty-four Down: Eighty To Go ............................1

North Star StaffIrene Szabo, Editor Aaron Phipps, Art Director

The North Star, Fall Issue, Vol. 6, Issue 4, is published by the North Country Trail Association, a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, 229 East Main Street, Lowell, MI 49331. The North Star is published quarterly for promotional and educational purposes and as a benefit of membership in the Association. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without written permission of the North Country Trail Association.

About the Cover Veteran North Country Trail hiker, Joan Young, has hiked through North Dakota. See her story on Page 1. Photo by Joan Young, taken north of Valley City.

ColumnsTrailhead .....................................Going for the Gold ...................16On the Trail ..............................17

DepartmentsHiking Shorts .............................8Milestones .................................19

Tiffany, Calvin, and Mark Stram enjoy the fall weather in Michigan. The Strams are headed for Wisconsin, and Tiffany bids farewell to the NCTA family. Page 18


Bill MenkeGreat Lakes Regional Trail Coordinator

Because of the location and nature of the North Country Trail, seldom do our volunteers and crews have to apply

primitive skills or use rustic materials. However, our trail does pass through a number of designated wilderness areas where primitive skills must be used. Wilderness areas are special places where humans are to be visitors only, not a permanent part of the landscape. So our trail handiwork is to be more subtle and blend into the landscape. Also, by law, wilderness areas are non-motorized, non-mechanical areas, so power boats, ATVs, and bicycles are not allowed, nor are chainsaws, gas-driven rock drills, or even wheelbarrows.

Windblown trees have to be removed with the old “mis-ery whip” cross cut saw. Young trees and brambles are kept at bay with hand powered tools like weed whips, scythes, and brute force. Sometime when you see Marty Swank (Chequamegon Chapter President) ask him how much lon-ger he thinks it takes him to keep a mile of trail open com-pared to using my tool of choice, the DR mower.

In northern Wisconsin, the NCT passes through two wilderness areas within the Chequamegon National Forest, Rainbow Lakes and Porcupine Lake. Within the latter, there

Keeping the SkillsLeft to Right: Bob Leedle, Dick Kroener, Bob Gould, Shawn Stockle, Bill Menke & Marty Swank, lined up on their new bridge, built with old skills.

was once a bridge across Porcupine Creek, but when the wil-derness was authorized, the bridge was removed because it was not of a primitive nature. Many years have passed while hikers have been forced to pick their way across the creek, usually on a sort of log jam of slippery poles. But beneath this log jam, the water was up to four feet deep and often cold, an accident waiting to happen. In meetings with the Forest, we proposed to replace the slippery crossing with a rustic bridge, using primitive tools in the process. The Forest accepted our proposal and actively joined with us in coordinating permits, tools, and workers.In mid-September, just as the temperature was cooling off and the leaves begin-ning to turn color, the Brule-St. Croix Roving Trail Crew and Chequamegon Chapter members arrived at Two Lakes Campground, where we would camp for the duration of the project. Unfortunately, we also arrived for the longest, most intense rainy period that anyone could remember, but that is another story. On Tuesday morning, 14 hardy souls hiked through rain into the wilderness. The first order of business was a little safety talk and orientation since we were embarking on a project using primitive tools that none of us is expert at using. While I did attend one of Lester Kenway’s classes on using the Grip Hoist and high line cable system over 10 years ago, I had never used the techniques.

During the orientation, I also shared a couple of thoughts. First, we could view working with primitive tools within the wilderness as a handicap, or we could see it as a chance to keep some old fashioned skills alive. After all, sometimes primitive techniques and materials may be the best choice to complete a job anywhere. It is often easier to

Vicki Swank

...we could view working with primitive tools within the wilderness as a handicap, or we could see it as a chance to keep some old fashioned skills alive.


depth. The logs were then flattened by chipping out the sliced segments with a real sharp Pulaski, carefully creating a flat surface. The closest log was skidded to the creek: all of us stood in wonder as one end of the huge, heavy log was suspended from the cable and pulled across the creek toward the opposite sill. On that high note, we quit for the day.

Day 3: Most of the morning was spent skidding the sec-ond log to the creek, perhaps only 150 yards, but remember we weren’t using a tractor here. The crew members working on this task called themselves Egyptian Slaves. Repeatedly they moved numerous small log rollers under the bridge log and pulled it with the Grip Hoist and a series of pulleys. Finally by mid afternoon, the second log was ready to be lifted into place. With the assistance of the cables and much grunting by rock bar wielders, soon the two logs lay side by side with the two previously flattened sides together. Now the cross cut saw was used to cut simultaneously through the tops of both logs, again down to a chalked line for a com-mon depth. Once again it began raining but we were deter-mined to finish the many shallow saw cuts and start flatten-ing the tops for a walking surface before we quit for the day.

At 4: I asked Bob Gould to go back to camp on a mission, to get a fire started and keep it going in the rain. The last night in camp was steak night and we didn’t want to miss cooking them over the coals. Sure enough, when the rest of us got back to camp, Bob had rigged a tarp over the fire pit with a cheery blaze going.

Day 4: The sun finally came out! On the drive to the trailhead, one carload of workers spotted a wolf crossing the road. Both parties stopped to look at each other. Talk about excitement!! At the bridge site, we finished flattening the walking surface with the Pulaski and in short order, the new bridge was finished. We all admired our handiwork, posed for lots of photos, and hauled all of the quite heavy equip-ment out to the road.

Now the new, rustic bridge is in place and we hope it lasts for many years. On our way back to camp, we encountered a large group of hikers entering the wilderness. They would be the first of what we hope are many hikers to enjoy this new, safer facility. Thanks to all who worked on this project and to the Chequamegon NF staff who worked with us.

Crew workers use a crosscut saw to create the foot-bridge’s tread.

use on-site rustic materials than it is to haul in manufac-tured boards. And, in the case of some structures, native on-site materials, such as boulders, may be the longest lasting and best choice. Secondly, I related recently hearing a quote, ironically by Lester Kenway (the father of high line tech-niques for trails). Lester said “Trail Crews are one of the few remaining groups that keep story-telling alive.” This project was going to provide story-telling fodder for sharing with family and friends!

The rain continued but we got to the task at hand: find-ing two 8-foot logs and getting them across the creek using primitive techniques.

Day 1 was spent cutting two large windblown hemlocks to length and peeling them. Other crew members rigged the high line system and moved large boulders into place to serve as sills for the logs. It was amazing to see a couple thousand pound rock suspended in the air and being moved to a designated location. Yes, it was still raining and that night, our hamburger became spaghetti instead of being grilled as burgers over a fire.

Day 2: using cross cut saws, a series of cuts about 4-5 inches apart were made on one side of each log to a common

Bob Leedle

Bob Gould and Dick Kroener use the grip hoist for mechanical advantage to position the logs over Porcupine Creek.

Bob Leedle


Matt: What first got you interested in long-distance hik-ing?

Gary: I first got interested in long distance hiking in 1994 when I decided the do the AT. It was a life changing experience that really got me hooked on long-distance hik-ing. On that journey and through all my subsequent hikes, I have found out that I have something in me that I didn’t know I had. Long-distance hiking makes me more content with life. It gives me direction.

Matt: What is your favorite part of long-distance hiking?Gary: Long distance hiking is being out in nature, soli-

tude (I most always hike alone) sleeping outdoors, the simple life with the physical challenge. I really like the fact that you don’t have to make many decisions, which definitely is dif-ferent from my career which I spent running a construction business.

Matt: How have your hiking tactics changed since your first hike?

Gary: Like most people I did almost everything wrong. Wrong pack, too much pack weight, around 50 pounds, wrong footwear, not very fit (did not train very well) and my diet was inadequate as well. Since than I have changed much in my approach to hiking, with light pack weight (base weight is less than 1 pounds,) running shoes instead of boots, improved diet and training, plus with all the hiking comes experience with anything that the trails might throw at you.

Matt DavisRegional Trail Coordinator for MN/ND

Here in Minnesota, we have a very accomplished long distance backpacker in our midst. Since 1994, Gary

Lindberg of Fridley has walked over 18, miles on long-distance hiking trails across the United States, Canada and internationally. Gary was only the 17th person to complete the “Triple Crown” of long-distance hiking trails in the U.S., the Appalachian, Pacific Crest, and Continental Divide Trails. Gary’s conquests have ranged from the 2,800-mile long Continental Divide Trail to the 1-mile long Centennial Trail, covering more than a dozen trails in this country between 1994 and 2005. He has also bicycled cross-country twice!

Matt: What other adventurous things have you done?Gary: Trails in foreign countries. The most recent was

in Turkey hiking the 3 mile Lycian Way Trail. It was a journey through ancient history, on trails that have been walked for thousands of years. I have also done some moun-tains, including Mt. Cheripo (Costa Rica), Mt. Cosciusko (Australia), Pico de Orizaba (Mexico), and Mt. Kilimanjaro (Kenya), and hiked in New Zealand, Australia, and Scotland.

Matt: How have you learned about all these trails?Gary: Every year I attend hiking related gatherings, one

out west and the other in the east. ALDHA-West was held in Tahoe, California, followed by ALDHA’s Gathering in Gettysburg, Penna. (ALDHA stands for Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association.) At these gatherings I get my ideas for future hikes.

Matt: Which long-distance trail is your favorite?Gary: My favorite trail is hard to decide, but it might

be the CDT because it was so rewarding in the naviga-tion, route finding. You had to be so focused daily, always alone, as close to wilderness as one can get in this country. I love the mountains so much. Lots of wildlife, every kind of weather from snow storms, thunder and lighting storms in the mountains to blazing hot sun in the desert. The chal-lenges were great, but the rewards were great also.

Matt: Which was the hardest?Gary: The hardest trails were the Long Trail (Vermont)

and the Appalachian Trail. Both are well marked so route finding is no problem but the bad weather, steep grades, rocks, and tree roots make the hiking difficult.

Matt: Which was the easiest?Gary: Probably the Ice Age Trail (Wisc.) because it is

somewhat flat with lots of road walking. The Centennial Trail (S. Dakota) was also easy but very interesting with lots of wildlife.

An Interview with Hiker Gary Lindberg

Long-distance hiker Gary Lindberg pictured on a day hike in Minnesota.


Paul Schoch’s bootprints no longer tread the North Country Trail, though his

legacy of trail building and leadership indelibly mark his passing. Paul never returned to his base camp while on a late September solo backpacking trip into Alaska’s Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Searchers could not locate him and believe he may have fallen into one of the crevasses in Russell Glacier while on a day hike to photograph the natural beauty of the area.

Paul is one of our own, part of our North Country Trail extended family. Peter Nordgren, long-time stalwart of the Brule-St Croix Chapter, remembered his first encounter with Paul, right after Paul had attempted to thru-hike a section of trail that was not yet completed. He ended up bushwhacking a couple of miles and coming out of the woods in the dark. According to Peter this experience did not discourage him and Paul became active in the chapter, eventually adopting that same section of trail.

“Paul had a great spirit of enthusiasm for all things in the outdoors, “ Nordgren said. “He generously shared that spirit with other chapter members, livening up our chapter meetings with his stories and ideas.”

Chuck Zosel added color to Nordgren’s story of Paul’s bushwhacking experience.

According to Zosel, one night at Lion's Club Paul shared a little more about the misadventure. “Paul was obviously a little

miffed that he had found out the hard way that section of the trail was not completed,” Zosel recalls. “I apologized and told him we were volunteers, could use more help and invited him to join our chapter. Paul showed up at our next meeting, became an active member, an adopter and eventually vice president of the chapter.”

Paul Schloch actively maintained the Trail for more than 6 years, first the Gaylord Nelson Portal to Mott’s Ravine Road section of the NCT and more recently the section between Wills Road and Samples Road, working with Jim Antonson. He lived with his wife Carol and three dogs in Lake Nebagamon,

Wisconsin, which perfectly suited his outdoor lifestyle.A quintessential outdoorsman and expert backpacker, Paul

Schoch loved to share his enthusiasm and what he knew of the outdoors with others. He taught snowshoeing, archery, hik-ing and other outdoor skills. He collected wild fruits to make wine. Paul lived fully and made a large difference in the lives he touched.

The Brule-St Croix Chapter of the NCTA plans to rec-ognize Paul’s contributions at a future date. “We’ve received some memorial contributions,” Zosel stated. “We’re going to come up with a fitting way to remember Paul on the trail he treasured."

Remembering Paul Schoch

Matt: Have your new hiking tactics changed any-thing else in your life?

Gary: Yes, my interest in lightweight backpacking has led me to make some changes in my non-hiking life, too. I have downsized and gotten rid of a lot of stuff that I don’t need. Henry Thoreau said it best: “The one who has the least possessions is the freest.”

Matt: What are the most important features of a long-distance trail?

Gary: I like being on trails that are clearly marked with a decent trail tread and that can be on forest service roads, little used county roads, jeep roads, etc. More often than not it does not happen but it is nice when it does.

Matt: What should NCTA volunteers focus on to provide a quality long-distance hiking opportunity?

Gary: To provide a clearly marked trail with good tread that is enjoyable to walk. Recently, I walked some of the NCT within the Chippewa National Forest and found exactly that. I really enjoyed the experience.

Matt: What’s up next?Gary: Next June I will be walking across Iceland with my

son and grandson. I have to do some more research on where exactly we’ll go. I saw a presentation on it at one of the ALDHA meetings and it looked absolutely beautiful. After that, I’ll tackle the Florida Trail next winter.


Progress In New YorkNEW YORK - Another addition

to the NCT in New York is at hand: a 6.2 mile segment of the extensive Nordic ski/other foot travel trail system funded and maintained by the Black River Environmental Improvement Association (B.R.E.I.A.) will carry our Trail from Pixley Falls State Park to the south edge of Boonville. This route is along the towpath of the abandoned Black River Canal, with its historic limestone locks and impressive scenery.

B.R.E.I.A. was founded in 1984 as a not for profit corporation financed through a family, private foundation. Its stated purpose remains the development/maintenance of a park system for public use that retains a natural environment for healthful outdoor recreation. No motorized traffic is permitted. There are thousands of acres of land so preserved surrounding the 31+ mile trail system,

offering opportunities for exploration and the study of plants and animal life. Land ownership within the park is a composite of B.R.E.I.A, NY State, and privately held prop-erties. The portions of the park system on state forest lands are permanently protected as open space, with a number of agreements with cooperating pri-vate landowners also in force. In 1992, B.R.E.I.A. became a supporting organization of the Adirondack Land Trust (A.L.T.). In 1998, 683 acres were granted A.L.T. easements, thereby protecting it forever from develop-ment and guaranteeing its wild status.

The National Park Service and NCTA have long recognized the ongoing B.R.E.I.A. contribution to public recreation. Full certifi-cation will be sought as soon as appropriate sig-

Seven State Chili Premiers at Lowell Chili Cook-off

MICHIGAN - NCTA Executive Director Bruce Matthews showcased his cooking skills at the 2007 Chili Cook-off at the Harvest Festival in Lowell, Michigan. Lowell is home to both the Association’s Headquarters’ office and one of the most respected and competi-tive chili contests in Michigan’s lower peninsula.

The day of the cook-off was blessed with beautiful, crisp fall weather. As the cookers heated up their pots and began simmering their concoctions, a local blue-grass band livened up the already “spicy” atmosphere. The competition was fierce this year with over 40 entrants.

With over 150 public tasters circulat-ing and tasting each entrant’s chili, the NCT’s Seven State Chili received rave reviews and a few return tasters wondered about our special ingredients. Of course our “state” secret was the fact that ingredi-ents in the chili came from all seven states that the trail passes through. NCTA staff joined Bruce in handing out trail stick-ers to chili tasters once the cook-off was underway.

The NCT’s Seven State Chili didn’t take this year’s award, but we’re already perfecting our strategy for next year!

– Clare Cain

National Public Lands Day event in Chippewa National Forest

MINNESOTA - Over 25 volunteers of all ages came from all over (includ-ing a University of Minnesota student and Star of the North Chapter members who drove over 5 hours) to help out on National Public Lands Day, September 29th.

The goal of the half day event was to complete some small trail mainte-nance projects on the NCT within the Chippewa National Forest's Shingobee Recreation Area located just west of Walker, MN. The Chippewa was one of 10 Forests selected to receive $1,000 in Forest Service funding to implement the National Public Lands Day event on the Trail. This funding was used to provide volunteer t-shirts, a free lunch, and some door prizes for attendees.

Specific projects completed that day included:

•Blazing a 1 mile section of Trail.•Re-opening a scenic vista on one of the other trails within the Shingobee area.•Rehabilitating a back country campsite along the Trail.The group also learned a little about

the threat of invasive species and some participants enjoyed a hike following the day's work. Our hope is that it will be the kickoff to expanding future volunteer maintenance of the NCT within the Chippewa National Forest.

– Matthew R. DavisRegional Trail Coordinator for

Minnesota & North Dakota

HIKING SHORTS

Executive Director Bruce Matthews spices things up at Lowell’s Annual Chili Cookoff.

Volunteers join staff from the Chippewa National Forest on National Public Lands Day.

Clare Cain


Brule-St. Croix Chapter Unveils Cornelius Memorial and Dedicates Boardwalk

WISCONSIN - Solon Springs, October , 7: Northern Wisconsin’s Aspen and Tamarack were in their golden glory on this beautiful fall day when over 45 people partici-pated in the Brule-St. Croix Chapter’s dedication of the first completed section of boardwalk spanning the Brule Bog.

The highlight of this special event was the unveiling of a plaque memorializing Tom Cornelius and Marlene Cornelius. The Cornelius family spearheaded by Paul and his two sisters donated a signif-icant portion of the funding used on the boardwalk project. Tom was one of their siblings and Marlene was their Mother.

After welcoming remarks from chapter president David Zozel, every-one quickly got in line for a wonder-ful lunch, organized by Lynne Nason (brat grilling assistance from husband Peter) and funded with a Scheels grant. Lunch was followed by presentations from Bill Menke, Great Lakes RTC and Chuck Zosel, past chapter president. Bill opened his presentation with the playing of the North Country Ballad, comment-ing that the song speaks to the nature of who we are and about leaving things behind. “Today, we are leaving behind memories of two people who loved the outdoors.” He then spoke about the need for the project, how it was funded and accomplished, and pointed out the various crew and chapter members who brought it to completion. Chuck spoke about the geologic history of the area and the bog and why it is such a unique area. We then took a short hike, of about a half mile, to the bridge-boardwalk site where the plaque was unveiled by the family. Chapter members commented that this is the largest turnout ever for one of their events.

– Bill Menke

nage is posted. This signage acknowledges that the trails, bridges, and infrastructure are maintained completely by B.R.E.I.A., as shown in the photograph. This new segment, plus a fine trail segment within the Village of Boonville, and the Black River Feeder Canal marked permanent connector (snowmobiles are permitted on the latter during the winter) provide a well maintained through hiking route from Pixley Falls to Forestport, a distance approximating 16.5 miles.

– Al Larmann Central NY Chapter NCTA

Finger Lakes Trail Birthday Bash NEW YORK - The fall campout held

annually somewhere across upstate New York along the Finger Lakes Trail was a special event this year, designed to honor two ninety-year-olds who have been serving our trail for decades. A record people attended the Saturday night dinner and program, which included a PowerPoint program put together by Jacqui Wensich from old photographs of both Ed Sidote and Harmon Strong during their many years of contribution to the FLT. Jacqui even dresssed in Ed’s legendary style, olive drab work shirt, bright suspenders, and big honkin’ sunglasses perched on an FLT baseball hat!

These nonagenarians have served us well. Harmon has been on the boards of both the FLT and the North Country Trail Association, travelling vast distances to nearly ALL of the NCTA annual meetings, and helped the FLT set up their first invest-ment funds for future trail protection. He also led the way by purchasing a life insurance policy which names the Finger Lakes Trail Conference as beneficiary, an example which has prompted a few others to do the same.

Ed has been generous, too, and asked that, instead of birthday gifts, people

match his contribution of $1250 to the Sidote Stewardship Fund, set up some years ago specifically for trail improve-ment or protection, in order to belong to the new FLT Forever Society. Already two dozen have joined! Ed is most famous, however, for his tireless advocacy of going “end-to-end” on the main FLT, currently a distance of over 560 miles, plus he helps prospective end-to-enders with rides, a sys-tem of “trail angels” across the state, and tons of advice. He was #3 to finish the whole main trail back when he was just a tot of nearly seventy, and his ongoing helpful enthusiasm since then has swelled the numbers to nearly 250.

A wide variety of local hikes was offered over the three day weekend, all of them uphill and steeply so, in bizarrely hot and humid weather for October. Ed even led one short hike on a section that he helped build back in 1989 to close the next-to-last gap in our cross-state trail. NCTA Executive Director Bruce Matthews visited our campout and birth-day bash, and even performed the new North Country Trail ballad for us, play-ing his guitar and singing. His wife Kelly handed out the words; soon, even without prompting, the crowd was singing along on the chorus.

–Irene Szabo

Promotion in PennsylvaniaPENNSYLVANIA - Joyce Appel

of the Butler Chapter in Pennsylvania reports that a local “Great Outdoors Group” obtained a grant to promote Butler County. While part of the money was used for TV spots, which featured the NCT along with other attractions, another portion of the grant wa s used for a bro-chure touting local outdoor recreational possibilities, again including the NCT.

– Joyce Appel

Guest of Honor Ed Sidote, with Jacqui Wensich in her "Sidote Suit."

Above, left: Guest of Honor Harmon Strong.


Joan Young

We did it! We finished North Dakota! We exuberantly announced this to anyone who would listen in Valley

City. Some of them even knew what we were talking about.The reason some Valley City residents recognized the trail

name is due to the great work done there by people like Alicia Hoffarth, Bobby Koepplin, and chapter cohorts who promote the trail to a state that really believes in the pick-up truck.

It took Marie Altenau and me three trips to walk the 44 miles from Fort Abercrombie to Lake Sakakawea State Park. Our first journey west was in 1995 when we hiked 131 miles, mostly along the McClusky Canal to the western ter-minus of the trail. Then, when Valley City hosted the Annual Conference in we walked from the Red River on the Minnesota border to Valley City, another 131 miles. This year, we tramped the middle section of the state, connecting the dots for the final 178 miles. Although a lot of these miles are still on country roads, implying that the completed trail mileage may be higher, we feel that we’ve really accomplished something!

So what can you expect if you journey out to the western wilds? The first time we traveled there, we assumed we were heading to some sort of northern desert. I didn’t quite picture the dust bowl, but I pictured flat, brown, semi-barren land-scapes. Before that I’d visited only Minot, ND, in winter no less. The land there IS flat, and the wind was nearly lifting the planes at the Air Force Base without benefit of pilot. "How could that environment actually support much summer vegeta-tion?" I thought.

Indeed, most of the trees in the state have been planted. Homesteaders moved in and planted windbreaks to protect themselves from that fierce wind. Straight lines of trunks, one species of tree per line, are the norm. If you see a curving line of trees, it probably signifies that there is a stream or river there.

But we discovered that North Dakota, like any state, has many landscapes, and many moods. We were immediately en-chanted. The diversity along our trail is its greatest strength.

Most of North Dakota is not flat. That is not to say that you’ll encounter mountains along the trail, but the low roll-ing hills and the Sheyenne River Valley keep most of the NCT miles there hidden from your view ahead. The only “dead flat” place on the NCT is the section of western Minnesota west of Maplewood State Park, to the Sheyenne National Grasslands (SNG) in ND. This is the old bed of Glacial Lake Agassiz, so seeing the view for five to seven miles ahead will be the norm in this section.

Although towns from Fort Abercrombie to Fargo are actu-ally vying for the honor of being the portal for the trail, the current route has the NCT entering ND at the site of the fort on the Red River. Fort Abercrombie was an important military post from 1857 to 1878, the gateway to the Dakota frontier, and is now nicely interpreted with a small museum.

In the SNG enjoy over 3 miles of marked trail. The east-ern portion of the Sheyenne is rolling (wind created the low hills here, as recently as the 193's during the Dust Bowl era), but the western portion is again fairly flat. You will share the trail here with cows (pretty wild, they just ignore hikers), goats (herded by folks on horseback, and brought in to combat the alien leafy spurge), and windmills to pump water for the cows, and for you, too (don’t forget your filter).

West of the grasslands you hit the road again and enter the town of Lisbon, where we enjoyed watching team penning, a sport where mounted contestants try to cut out calves from a herd and move them to pen within 9 seconds. And here you meet the Sheyenne River which defines the North Country Trail for almost 3 miles. Turn north and for now, walk the Scenic Backway, a gravel road that meanders through the beau-

The Mighty Og near Harvey, ND. L to R: Joan Young, David Castro and Mathilda Nance, with wonder dog Chips.

Think Big, Think North Dakota!

Marie Altenau


tiful Sheyenne Valley. This section of the trail sure looks like the western B movies of my childhood! Fields of hay or wheat snake along the river to the base of the 1-foot hills covered with plants like sagebrush, clotbur, gumweed, and blazing star. Farms, some nicely kept, others abandoned, dot the hillsides. Some hilltops are adorned with rusty reaping machines, hover-ing like dinosaurs over the fields they used to roam.

A few more off-road miles are offered in the Sheyenne State Forest, at Fort Ransom, and at Fort Ransom State Park. You can enjoy North Dakota’s only waterfall, small town hos-pitality, and a demonstration Scandinavian farm in these sec-tions.

Continue north through Kathryn (one of three towns named for daughters of an early landowner), and reach Valley City, by comparison not a small town. There are trail and side-walk miles here, winding through the Medicine Wheel Park along the Walk of the Planets. Be sure to visit the Rosebud Visitor Center, just a few blocks off the trail, for a nice display of Dakota history.

Ten miles north of the city the trail reaches Lake Ashtabula and another 3 miles of off-road trail. Again, you will need to share most of these miles with cows (or beef, as the natives call them). Many stiles take you over the fences. We did this section while the bulls were allowed to roam with the cows, so there were a few times when we chose to crawl under the fences at locations not so near the animals. The trade off here is that you have trail miles along this gorgeous lake, but you will have to dodge cow pies, and sometimes the cows, er, beef!

North of Hannaford Bridge there are a few more less-used trail miles which dump you out on a gravel road, and this will be the story of your hiking life for a long time to come. That said, we found it a fairly pleasant journey. For almost all of the road miles in ND, we followed the suggested route laid out by Wes Boyd many years ago. The fact that we knew someone had driven them, and noted which roads connected, and where the services are, was worth a great deal. Some of the towns have populations like 47 so it’s nice to know ahead of time which ones those are! The Boyd guide is still available on the web site, and can serve as a starting point for planning, despite its age.

The miles and miles of open Dakota farm landscapes offer a beauty of their own. It’s hard for easterners to picture fields a

mile across. Dakotans might choose to tuck soybeans into an odd corner as an afterthought, but this planting may be the size of a normal New York field! Picture sunflowers glowing yellow in the sun as far ahead as you can see, with a blue sky cupped above, open from horizon to horizon. On the other side of you that sky is brightly reflected in polka-dot ponds, called pot-holes, dotted in turn with ducks, cormorants, and pelicans.

On our most recent hike we base-camped in two differ-ent towns: Cooperstown is a few miles west of the trail, tucked into the corner where you will turn west, working your way upstream along the Sheyenne. Cooperstown is a small but busy burg, located on ND , a major east-west route through the state. This route is also followed by many bicyclists who often stay in Cooperstown, which is good for hikers, because it means that the town is accustomed to serving transient visi-tors. We happened to be there during a major horseshoe, yes, horseshoe tournament, but this was not your backyard game! Teams sported custom shirts while bleachers line the pits for spectators.

Just south of Cooperstown is a site where a Mausasaur skeleton was found. The Mausasaur is an extinct marine rep-tile about 3 feet long, and its discovery was so important to Dakota history that it is now displayed at the state museum in Bismark. The owner of the location where the skeleton was found would like the North Country Trail to pass right through his farm, to see this geologically unique area. Over 40 people from Cooperstown showed up on a hot evening to hear my program about the trail. There is lots of interest here!

The trail works its way westward through the Prairie Pothole region. Take your waterfowl guide books! You’ll see teal, sedge wrens, black-crowned night herons, green herons, and the great blues, along with a variety of ducks. In my mind it would be worth a Dakota trip to see only one bird, the white pelican. These magnificent flyers have a 9-foot wingspan. We even got to watch a pair of white adults keeping watch over a fuzzy, scruffy pink chick.

Fort Ambercrombie on the Red River where the trail cur-rently enters North Dakota.

Hilltop Reaper near Kathryn.

Joan Young

Joan Young


Our other basecamp town for this summer’s hike was New Rockford. Their city park is very nice for hikers who don’t want to be jammed into an RV park. This town also has all the ame-nities a hiker wants, and a community theatre/coffee shop that should not be missed. The quality of the productions here are way out of proportion to the size of the town, and people come from miles around for the cultural input! The theatre’s mover and shaker is a gal who asked me right up front, “Can the trail come through our town?” I said, “Sure!” Now we just have to make this a reality.

Here the trail joins the New Rockford Canal and follows the flat service road as the canal snakes through the landscape. We amused ourselves by watching the next bridge, and guessing how long it would take to reach it. But we were also entertained by turtles, butterflies, and awesome thunderstorms. There is nothing like seeing a storm move across a land not closed in by hills.

One-half mile from the west end of the canal you enter the Lonetree Wildlife Management Area.

Lake Audubon, the eastern end of Lake Sakakawea.

Joan Young

For the second time in a decade, NY's Finger Lakes Trail Conference has offered a full series of cross-county hikes,

each designed to enable hikers to “do” a whole county’s worth of the main FLT at the rate of one per year, in six or seven hikes once monthly. In 7 16 hikers were enabled to walk the next-to-last series in this east-to-west march, with school busses taking everyone to the beginning of each hike, so that they could return to their own cars in groups walking at their own pace, led by knowledgeable hikers. For a mere $3, each registrant enjoyed seven bus rides, an embroidered patch if he or she finished the segment, and a final picnic of celebration. In 8 the westernmost very hilly Cattaraugus County will be offered.

The original idea for holding such events came from FLT veteran Ed Sidote, and it has turned into a great way to intro-duce hundreds of new people to hiking and the trail, with publicity aimed at local newspapers. Volunteer “sag wagons” provide water, snacks, or a ride for the pooped, so even a novice feels secure in this group hike setting. From the ranks of such brand-new hikers have come new trail workers, Board mem-bers, and even state-wide end-to-enders! Pat Monahan, new to the trail himself, has become so enthused that he organized this year’s series, and will do the next one, too.

See what an innocent walk in the woods can get you into?

Despite its remote feel, this is only about 3 miles south of Harvey, and you could use that town for resupply. Harvey is also home to the famous Og. We’re not sure what he’s famous for, but there he is!

Through Lonetree, you will need to search for yellow car-sonite posts among the yellow grasses. Here you get a real sense of the loneliness of the prairie. When we hiked there, the path was not even mowed. It’s discouraging for land managers when trails are seldom used. Connect at the west end of Lonetree with the McClusky Canal: you will wind your way along this irriga-tion and recreation canal for over 7 miles. We walked the ser-vice road in the depths of the canal cut. Supposedly now there is a mowed path out on the top of the world, offering better views, and better breezes, but we enjoyed having the water so near at hand. It was clean enough that we often went swimming after 1 degree hiking days. Along its length the canal is dotted with lakes, like blue beads along a necklace. I never got used to seeing dusty pickups towing large cabin cruisers across the prairie. The locals have taken to the water, and marinas and fishing gear are almost as common as tractors.

West of the canal a few roads reach Audubon Lake, the eastern end of Lake Sakakawea. There’s not much traffic, and since there’s no official route yet, I suggest walking the National Wildlife Refuge auto-tour road along the lake. You will find nice interpretive signs, and view nesting colonies of birds on the islands dotting the lake. After another road section come to Riverdale, a company town created to build the dam which impounds the Missouri River, and forms Lake Sakakawea. Check out the pictures of the dam construction on display at the Harmony House Restaurant.

You are now near enough to the end (or beginning!) of the trail to be drooling in anticipation. We walked across the dam, but current plans have the trail dropping down below it on a green off-road route. You can view the distinctly different Badlands just to the west but the NCT never goes there! Turn north at Pick City and head for Lake Sakakawea State Park which proudly hosts our trail’s western terminus.

Wherever we went in North Dakota, people were friendly, once they got over the shock of meeting people who actually came to their state to hike. “Da-kota” likely means good friends forged in heat, referring to the council fires. What better way to make new trail friends than around a campfire?

Finger Lakes Trail Completes Another Cross-County Series


trails. From there we expect to anchor everything we do on the NCT brand. If we brand it right this will make it a lot easier for you the next time friends ask you to tell them about the North Country Trail!

Recently I had the privilege of welcoming attendees at the biennial conference of the Partnership for the National Trails System. Over 150 representatives and friends of the eight National Scenic Trails and the 17 National Historic Trails con-verged at Duluth, Minnesota, with the conference hosted by the NCTA. That first evening I struggled to find a way to commu-nicate the heart and soul of the North Country National Scenic Trail to those present as I welcomed them to Duluth and our Trail.

So I wound up doing this. After recognizing that we all shared a reliance on an incredible group of committed grassroots volunteers, I asked them to close their eyes and visualize as I painted word pictures as a gift from the North Country Trail:

Echoing voices of loons and wolvesBoreal forests and the Northern Lights blazing a night skyWild rice marshesChippewa, Ottawa, Sioux, Ojibway, Mandan, IroquoisVoyageursRavensCanoe paddles, dripping waterBirchbarkGophers, badgers, wolverines, buckeyes, yoopers, pasties, cheeseheadsOle and LenaSigurd OlsenBogs, bugs and blackfliesLake WobegonThe wendigoGood granite sidehill outcropsRich organic forest duffCobbled agate beaches8% of the fresh water in the United StatesSolitary windswept lighthousesThe Edmund FitzgeraldPrairie railroads hauling iron ore and wheat.

Robert Zimmerman, aka Bob Dylan….“If you’re goin’ to the north country fair, Where the wind blows heavy on the border line. Remember me to one who lives there. She once was a true love of mine.”

With my imitation of Bob Dylan then rescued by the Ballad of the North Country Trail, set to pictures from along the Trail, I felt like we’d been able to share something of the promise of the North Country and our Trail.

Our task now is to condense it all, add in the Trail, iden-tify the promise and develop the brand. I look forward to shar-ing our progress with you in the coming months. As always, your thoughts and ideas are welcome and you can reach me at [email protected].

Bruce MatthewsExecutive Director

What does the North Country Trail mean to you? What’s the feeling you get when you hear the Trail mentioned?

What do you think the North Country Trail promises to the people and places it touches? Is there one word or phrase that captures the essence of the North Country Trail for you?

Good questions, don’t you think? We’ll be asking you in the coming months to help us answer them. The distillation of your answers, the sum total of responses boiled down to a few words, will become the brand for the North Country National Scenic Trail.

That’s right, a brand. I know, I know…what’s market-ing got to do with hiking and trail building? Elsewhere in this issue you can read about the NCTA staff retreat and the four big ideas we developed to impel NCTA into the future. One of those ideas has to do with a dramatic growth in the recognition and appreciation of the North Country Trail. We’ll accomplish this through a combination of education, outreach, communica-tions, public relations and promotional strategies, which when combined and applied systematically is called marketing. A key element to any good marketing effort is to identify a brand. A brand, simply, is a promise. For us at NCTA, we need to iden-tify and clearly communicate what the North Country Trail promises for those who use it and the communities it touches.

For example, NASCAR. You immediately have visions of… well, let me pick another. Coke. Bud Light. The Appalachian Trail. Each involves a promise, a story directly associated with the experience of having something or being there. And while we’re on the AT, figuratively speaking, one important part of branding is called differentiation. Not only does a good brand clearly state the promise associated with the product or experi-ence, it also communicates how your product or experience is different from others of a similar nature.

So, my friends, we need to do better than “it’s like the AT but longer.” Maybe it’s a little better to say “more than twice as long as the Appalachian Trail,” but anytime we have to mention a similar experience to define our own it’s a clear signal that improvement’s needed. What’s so special and so unique about the North Country Trail that it defines us, shares our story, cre-ates a promise for others who might choose to hike the Trail and become one of us? I submit that being the longest trail in the system, while it truly does differentiate us, is not, in fact what makes the NCT so special. We can do better.

We’ll be working on this in the coming months with an eye toward unveiling and launching the NCT’s brand in association with National Trails Day 8, possibly in combination with celebrating the 4th anniversary of the signing of the National Trails System Act in 1968, which among other notable achieve-ments established the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails as the first in a national system of scenic, historic and recreational

Matthews' Meanders


Bruce MatthewsExecutive Director

During three days in late September 2007 the NCTA staff closeted themselves at Executive Director Bruce Matthews’ home in Ada, Michigan, to look at current landscapes and future needs for NCTA. From early morning well into the night your staff deliberated and debated, and best of all achieved consensus around:

A Statement of Vision, Values and Guiding Principles;

An analysis of NCTA’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT); and a set of four Big Ideas with associated goals and objectives, around which staff will structure effort for the next few years.Staff will propose an operating budget for fiscal year 8 based on this plan, with Board consideration and adop-tion at the meeting on December 1 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

To summarize, the staff believes a focus on these four Big Ideas will enable NCTA to position itself best for greater, more efficient and more effective mission accomplishment in the next few years.

The Big Ideas are:Big Membership:

A large and stable membership base that feels served by and is proud of belonging to NCTA, attaining a critical mass of membership, meeting chapter and grassroots trail develop-ment needs.

Big Development:A highly successful development/rela-tionship-building program, resulting in diverse revenue streams adequate to meet growing financial needs.

Big Recognition and Appreciation: The North Country Trail experience is marketed effectively, resulting in Greater Trail use.Greater recognition of the Trail and association with its story. Greater awareness of the Trail and its benefits, particularly in NCT commu-nities, who view the NCT as an asset.

A compelling and shared vision of the Trail, its promise and meaning among NCTA members, Trail advocates and Trail communities.

Big Trail Development and Strategic Completion:

Critical trail segments identified and prioritized for completion; all com-pleted trail maintained to standard with corridor permanently protected. The NCT will be a premier hiking and backpacking trail highlighting the unique north country human and natural landscapes through which it passes.

Staff identified specific, measurable and time-bound outcome objectives, the aggregation of which will benchmark success toward achievement of Big Ideas goals. Progress toward these outcomes will be reported regularly in a “dash-board” format. Specific tactics and plans for implementation will be contained in the annual work plan as outlined in the budget proposal.

Here are a couple of examples of the out-comes identified.Big Membership

By December 8 NCTA will have 46 members (a member for every mile).In 2008: 50% of all non NCTA mem-ber volunteers will join NCTA.

Web-based membership sign-ups will increase by %.The number of volunteer hours reported will increase by 25%.Every chapter’s membership roster will show an increase.Three new chapters will be started in strategic communities.Member satisfaction will be bench-marked through web survey.Conference attendance will increase by % in 8.

Big Development: Revenue sources will show increased diversification.Private donations (corporate and indi-

Your staff, L to R: Bill Menke, Andrew Bashaw, Glory Meyer, Clare Cain, Bruce Matthews, Matt Davis. Standing L to R: Tiffany Stram and Matt Rowbotham. Erin Lesert is missing from the picture.

Staff Drafts Operating Plan

Matt Davis captures staff ideas on a flip chart.


Chapter/Affiliate Project Name/Purpose Project TypeAdams County Crossroads Map PromotionAllegheny National Forest ANF Kiosks (5) Trail Structure

Brule St. Croix Register Boxes Trail StructureTrailhead Kiosk Trail Structure

Buckeye Trail Association Wayne NF Kiosks (3) Trail Structure

Butler NewsletterStudent Memberships Promotion

Central New York Nelson to Carey Hills Rd. #2- gates Trail Structure

Chief Noonday Brochure Reprint PromotionClarion Clarion University Connection PromotionDakota Prairie Grasslands NTD Event Promotion

Finger Lakes Trail Trail Crew Trail Building

Grand Traverse Hikers

Brochure PrintingNCT Upgrade/Tool Trailer

PromotionTrail BuildingEquipment

Harbor SpringsChapter Trailer

Brochure PrintingGPS Unit

EquipmentPromotionEquipment

Heritage Iron County Trail Construction Promotion

Hiawatha Shore to Shore Brochure Printing Promotion

Itasca Moraine Conference MusicianKiosks/Signs/Brochures

PromotionTrail Structure

Promotion

Laurentian Lakes Outreach Event Promotion

Peter Wolfe Chapter Brochure Promotion

Sheyenne River Valley Brochure Printing Promotion

vidual) will constitute 25% of NCTA’s revenues.Five Corporate sponsorships will be in place by the end of 8.The Founders’ Club will be generat-ing a minimum of $, in annual giving.Retention of annual donors (repeat donors) will increase by 15%.

Big Recognition and Appreciation: An Inventory of Trail Highlights will be completed by 1/8.NCTA brand will be researched, devel-oped and launched 6/8. NCT will be included in trails com-munity/municipal plans.50% of Chapters will conduct Trails Days, festivals or other outreach events.1% of Chapters will conduct at least one public hike.Media Coverage of NCTA, NCNST will increase by 1%.

Big Trail Development and Strategic Completion:

By December 8 a GIS-based Project Management System will be ready for across-the-Trail implementation. Through this “PMS” implementation, NCTA will be better positioned to accomplish these desired future out-comes:Critical trail segments identified and prioritized for completion; All completed trail monitored and maintained to standard;All Trail corridor permanently pro-tected.

For a complete summary of outcome objectives, the NCTA staff ’s statement of Vision, Values and Guiding Principles, and their SWOT analysis, contact Bruce Matthews at [email protected].

2007 Funded Field Grants

One of the most popular ways to fund a chapter project is through a Field Grant.

The Association offers Field Grants to support Chapters, Affiliates, State Trail Councils with projects. Twelve percent of all membership dues received funds these competitive Field Grants. Applications are available online and are reviewed four times a year by the Field Grant Committee. Grants are awarded according to merit, benefits to the Trail and the Association, need of the applicant, and the applicant’s grant history.

So far this year the committee has awarded $16,577 for the following projects:

Bill Menke shares ideas with fellow staff members.


FRED SZARKANPS Trail Manager

GOING FOR THE GOLD

Recently two separate things hap-pened that gave me the inspiration

for this article. I attended the NCTA-USDA Forest Service-National Park Service Triad meeting where one session was devoted to controlling invasive spe-cies and another to the environmental management program at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, our host site. Then shortly after I returned, I received an information request from a college stu-dent who undoubtedly sent the same request to a large number of NPS sites through the internet, a request for an accounting of how we were implement-ing sustainable practices at our “park.”

I believe that a hiking trail is about the greenest “park” you can possibly have; however, there are some things we could do to make our trail an even greener operation, compliments of the Triad.

Fighting Invasive SpeciesWe can slow or reverse the spread

of invasive plant and animal species by cleaning our boots every time we enter or leave the trail. Even more effec-tive is learning about those species and managing our activities to counter their spread. For an example, garlic mustard is an aggressive plant that has distinc-

Could We Be Greener?tive leaves when small and can mature seed once it blooms even after it is cut or pulled. However, by pulling and bagging the plants before they go to seed, it is possible to control new outbreaks of the pest. Of course this works best on small localized infestations; once it spreads, garlic mustard pretty much takes over. But did you know that it is possible to spread the seeds when you mow through areas where it grows? To control that, you need to avoid mowing through those areas and power wash the deck off before moving on to an area that is free of infestation. (The simplest way to wash off the mower is to use a self-serve car wash.) And by the way, the seeds can remain viable for 7-8 years. Sounds like a lot of work and it is, but without it, garlic mustard crowds out the spring ephemeral wildflowers like trillium, Dutchman’s breeches, trout lily, spring beauty, and many others. In addition to garlic mustard there are other equally tough invasive species such as purple loosestrife, spotted knapweed, burdock, Canada thistle, multiflora rose, common buckthorn, bush honeysuckle, and many others.

Using Greener Fuels and Lubricants

Pictured Rocks NL now uses lubri-cants that are made entirely of vegetable oil, including bar and chain oil and -cycle oil for chainsaws. Since bar and chain oil is effectively spread directly on the environment, a Soy-based oil is a huge improvement. Using Soy based -cycle oil has an extra advantage, in

addition to being better for the environ-ment by producing fewer emissions; it also smells better, rather like French fries. The Lakeshore also uses Soy based products for engine lubrication, chas-sis grease, hydraulic fluid, and in diesel fuel. They have learned that the vegeta-ble oils are also better lubricants, as they have a higher lubricity than petroleum products.

So I would like to encourage all of you to think about being greener. Learn about invasive species in your area and contact the local cooperative extension office about the best way to control and eradicate them. Learn the life cycle of those pests and manage trail mainte-nance to frustrate, not support them. Don’t just cut and drop invasive vegeta-tion; bag it and haul it off. Make sure that there is a sturdy boot brush in the tool box when you go out to maintain trail. Build a simple boot cleaning sta-tion at popular trailheads, put up a sign explaining why hikers should use it, and of course keep it cleaned up so that you don’t start a weed garden.

Seek out Soy based bar and chain oil, lubricating oil, and cycle oil. Plan your mowing program to control effectively with the minimum number of trips, which will also save time and fuel. You might need to mow earlier to get out before invasive species bloom, or later to allow for a weed pulling party first. For more information on Soy based lubricants go to www.nps.gov/piro and then click on the environmental leadership link and look for renewable lubricants.

The Onondaga Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) sponsored three neighborhood walks

on newly constructed sections of hiking trail south of Syracuse, N.Y. The public was invited to join ADK on short 3.5 mile walks basically in their backyards. The objective is to introduce the “neighbors of the trail” to hiking opportunities and demonstrate how the trail might be a valuable community resource. It is hoped that resi-dents will feel a sense of pride and ownership in the trails. The community hikes are part of our trail protection initiative. Between 12 and 15 participants attended each hike. The hike schedule was preceded by a PowerPoint

presentation at a local library that introduced local people to the North Country Trail, its mission and vision, con-struction criteria and photos of local sections. ADK ON also produced a brochure and map of the newly completed and future trail sections. The sections of North Country Trail constructed and maintained by the Adirondack Mountain Club, Onondaga Chapter, are concurrently part of Finger Lakes Trail that spans ~350 miles from the PA state line through Central New York State. Hikes on the Finger Lakes Trail sections of the NCT in Central New York will be offered at the 8 NCTA Conference.

Onondaga Chapter


There have been many invigorat-ing events on the Trail recently.

The Partnership for the National Trails System (www.nationaltrailspartnership.org) Conference brought together lead-ers in the trails community in Duluth, MN. The National Park Service, our Association, and the Forest Service gath-ered in Munising, Mich., for two days for our annual Triad meeting to discuss how to improve the overall manage-ment of the Trail. Our volunteers have increased their overall volunteer work hours and we’ve reported an increase to the National Park Service this year. Our staff has been strategically planning for the future and our chapters are doing more innovative activities all the time. We are moving in a good direction; the winds of change are upon us. So I ask you, where else can we focus as we move into the winter of 8?

One of the questions I have recently struggled with is how our Association of dedicated volunteers can best improve the state of the Trail? With over miles of existing trail already on the ground, how can we adequately main-tain these miles? How do our chapters address upkeep, management and qual-ity issues? We don’t have a large enough work force. Some of us find building trail more satisfying than maintaining it, which makes our trail maintainers even more lonely out there. So how do we, in light of these obstacles, prioritize our efforts to move forward in the most effective way?

“Build it right the first time.” That is my new motto. Or maybe it’s always been my motto but now I am actively naming it and sharing it. Trail that is built in a mindful, sustainable way from the beginning makes everything that comes after more manageable. All of the “front-end” work … the refining

Quality vs. Quantity:the Quandary of the North Country Trail

with Clare CainDirector of Trail Management

ON THE TRAIL

of a flag line, revising layout choices, conversing with others about the best place for a National Scenic Trail to lie across the landscape … all can seem like an unending conversation. But if a trail is laid out properly from day one, if shortcuts are avoided and sustainable trail design techniques are utilized, then this is the first and most important step in creating trail that will serve the hik-ing population of the North Country for generations.

You know what I mean. You’re on crew punching trail on the flagline and someone inevitably says, “It’d be easier if we….” While it might be easier, if it compromises the quality of the trail or the trail building standards we’re expected to uphold, it simply isn’t right.

We can always find an easier way. Trail building is hard, dirty work and we’re always looking for ways to ease the physical demands of trail construction. But when we shortcut, when we give in to fatigue and take the “easier” way, we shortchange the Trail, our mission, our trail users, and our land managers. All suffer the results. Above all our main-tainers, who will inevitably be yoked with correcting any shortcuts down the line, will not find much to appreciate about a “punch and leave it” approach. The trail will inevitably suffer.

Consider the following hypothetical scenario:

An experienced hiker new to the area goes out for a -day hike (4 miles) on the North Country Trail because she just read about it in her local paper. She finds the Trail in places overgrown, poorly blazed, sometimes muddy, overly steep in places, eroded in others, and in general not very enjoyable to walk. Sure, stretches are in great shape but the Trail is not like the other long-distance trails she has been on. Sadly, this was her first and LAST hike on the North Country Trail. …or…This same experi-enced hiker goes out for the same hike. She found the Trail to be spectacular in layout and construction and very well maintained. She had a wonderful experi-ence, perhaps even exceeding the other long-distance trails she had been on. At

the end of the hike, she was so excited to hike more that she contacted NCTA, joined as a member, and expressed her desire to help construct more of this fabulous trail in her area.

Which scenario do you want to cre-ate?

Let’s challenge ourselves as vol-unteers to recognize that when we are thirsty/hungry/tired may not be the best time to make decisions about the lay-out of the Trail. We are both fortunate and challenged with building a “trail of national significance”. We have accepted the charge of building and maintaining the most enormous trail project in the country. And we have demonstrated, over and over, that we are more than capable; we CAN meet this chal-lenge! But we cannot let this daunting responsibility drive us to punching trail through without thought.

Let’s approach our trail building and maintenance to get it right the first time. I would rather be proud of the North Country National Scenic Trail because of its consistency, its uniform tread, its well-maintained corridor, its quality structures and erosion resistant lay-out than to take land managers or potential partners out on a piece of “developed” trail that is only 75%, cut in just to create more miles. This year, when the question comes up of whether to cut corners on the Trail, stop yourself and ask, “Is this what Senator Gaylord Nelson intended as he fought so hard to pass the National Trails Act? Is this the BEST we can do with the awesome responsibility we have been given as stewards of this national trail treasure?”

Let’s make our New Year’s resolu-tion for the North Country National Scenic Trail, to build it right the first time in 8. I look forward to work-ing with all of you in the coming year, a new year! a new focus! Happy holidays and New Year and, if nothing else, go for a hike!


When I graduated from college about eight years ago, I never imagined I would be where I am professionally

today. My “dream job” was to use GIS in a natural resources setting, perhaps on a local or state level. But here I am, maintaining the GIS data for the North Country National Scenic Trail, the longest of eight National Scenic Trails: I hit the jackpot!

As much as this is my “dream job,” seven years later the time has come for me to move on. After deciding to move back to Wisconsin to be closer to our families, my husband accepted a position with the City of West Bend, beginning the end of December.

The Association has had a rough road the past two years, but whenever the going got tough at Headquarters, I thought about you, our dedicated, hard-working volunteers and your passion for the trail. Because of you, I’ve stayed this long. Because of you, I would stay longer if our family was in Michigan. Because of you, the decision to move back is bittersweet, but we know it’s the right choice for our fam-ily.

I truly believe that the Association is past the roughest part of the road, and is heading back in the right direc-tion. The addition of Bruce Matthews, our new Executive Director, and Erin Lesert, our Membership Services

Tiffany Stram Bids Farewell to the North Country Trail Association Family

Coordinator, has made my decision easier because I know that you are in very capable hands. We have an extremely dedicated staff that works wonders with the resources provided. And, of course, I have full confidence in Matt Rowbotham, our GIS Specialist, and know that he will pro-vide you the GIS services you need. He’s taken on additional responsibilities for me in the past through my maternity leave and rough early pregnancy (for which I can’t thank him enough), and I fully support him in taking over the GIS reins.

I consider myself very fortunate to have worked for you, our members, on such a great mission. I admire your pas-sion and enthusiasm. It has been a wonderful journey from my first hike with the Western Michigan Chapter when a member asked me if this job was something I really wanted to do or just a stepping stone, to planning the 7 Annual Conference with the assistance of the Trouts and Hedeens (for which I am grateful!). I don’t think I will ever forget the endless snowshoe GPS hike with Charles Krammin in the Barry State Game area, Hike the Hill in 1 where rookies Richard Lutz and I flew solo through an appointment with a Pennsylvania Congressman, and GPSing in the eastern Upper Peninsula with numerous volunteers including Tom Learmont, the Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter, and, of course, relentless black flies (where my head net became such a part of me, I ate it on numerous occasions!).

It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with each and every one of you. I will miss interacting with such a diverse group of passionate volunteers set out to accomplish a common goal. I wish you the best in the future and encour-age you to continue on the journey!

I consider myself very fortunate to have worked for you, our members, on such a great mission. I admire your passion and enthusiasm.


StateMembers Last Issue

Current Members

Change Since Last Quarter

Percent Change

North Dakota 75 81 6 8%Minnesota 195 208 13 6.7%Wisconsin 228 235 7 3.1%Michigan 1,159 1,188 29 2.5%Ohio 244 246 2 0.8%Pennsylvania 236 239 3 1.3%New York 226 228 2 0.9%Other 163 168 5 3.1%Total 2,526 2,593 67 2.7%

MILESTONESAlong the North Country Trail

Along the way to building the longest continuous hiking trail in the country, we pass many milestones. This page marks some that show our progress.

State by State Membership Membership in the NCTA demonstrates public support for the trail. Membership dues help fund activities that benefit the trail. Here’s how each state changed since the last issue of the North Star.

Trail Building Progress on the North Country TrailThe National Park Service certifies those completed miles that satisfy its certification standards. In addition, there are many more completed miles that may be enjoyable to hike but have not been certified for a variety of reasons.

State

PercentDone andCertified

MilesCertified

ChangeSince LastIssue

OtherOff-Road

Miles

TotalOff Road

Miles

MarkedRoad

Miles*

North Dakota 46.8% 222.1 0 1.3 223.4 0Minnesota 30.6% 114.9 0 313.2 428.2 0Wisconsin 58.6% 117.1 0 4.9 122 5Michigan 53.9% 619.7 0 128.5 748.2 9.1Ohio 33.4% 350.4 0 26.7 377.1 4.8Pennsylvania 50.0% 132.6 0 38.6 171.2 4.9New York 43.4% 271.2 0 80 351.2 0.6Totals 44.2% 1828 0 593.3 2421.3 24.4

*Marked Road Miles reflect those road miles that are both blazed and marked with NCT Connector signs.

Volunteer Hours Increase will help with Congressional Funding!

Every year the NCTA reports volunteer hours to the National Park Service (NPS). These hours reflect the sweat equity labor spent by our dedicated volunteers on behalf of the Trail. We recently reported a total of 43,599.40 hours donated between October 1, 6 and September 3, 7. Last year we reported a total of 33,185.58 hours. We've had a 31% increase!

The total hours we submit to the NPS are critical in gain-ing Congressional support for the North Country National Scenic Trail's appropriation for 8. Whether we clip brush, organize a meeting, dig new trail, take care of the tools, install a bridge, write letters or manage a chapter's finances, all our hours translate into future dollars for the Trail!

In fact, we're told by our friends in Congress that the num-ber of volunteer hours is the single most important factor in generat-ing support among their legislative colleagues for continued funding!

We are delighted to welcome Jack Cohen to the Board of Directors of the Association.

As executive director of Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau in Pennsylvania, he understands both the value of marketing our trail to the public and the lure of the trail which brings visitors to his neighborhood.

New Board Member

Thank you

to all of our

volunteers for your

contributions on behalf

of the Trail,

and for taking the time

to report your hours!


Harvey Tjader

Leaders of organized hikes com-monly ask themselves whether

they are prepared to deal with various emergencies that might arise during a hike, including the need to evacuate a disabled hiker. But are you prepared for the event that the disabled hiker is you, the leader?

Chuck Church and I led a canoe trip during this summer’s North Country Trail Conference in Bemidji, Minnesota. We cruised down a sec-tion of the Schoolcraft River and then paddled upstream on a slow-moving section of the Mississippi. I had paddled this route many times and didn’t need a map, but I made one to hand out to the participants for their own use. Chuck and I looked at the launching point and the take-out point prior to the day of the cruise. We discussed emergency provisions like a cell phone, first-aid kit, extra life vests and throw ropes. Our plan was for me to lead the procession of a dozen canoes while Chuck would “sweep,” following the slowest canoe.

Soon after starting, I started to feel like I was not in perfect health, but it was nothing to get alarmed about. We paddled down the Schoolcraft and crossed several small lakes. We stopped to check out the wild rice, which would be ready for harvest in a few weeks. We turned upstream at the confluence with the Mississippi River, to tour a scenic part of that river. It moves slowly here through a floodplain forest dominated by silver maples and black ash. The silt banks frequently are undercut by the current during spring runoff and sum-mer storms, causing mature trees to topple across the river channel, blocking navigation. Fortunately, the Minnesota Conservation Corps had been here, trimming the fallen branches and logs so we were able to wind our way through the forest.

We had been paddling for a couple hours, and I thought we should find a place to land the canoes and get out to stretch. A DNR campsite offered a good opportunity. I steadied people’s canoes as they climbed out onto the river bank. It was close enough to noon, so everyone dug into their boxed lunches. I didn’t feel up to eating. By this time, it was obvious to me that I was having a gallstone attack. I’d had them before and knew what to expect: a few hours of acute pain coming in waves interspersed with periods of intense

discomfort. Eventually, it would pass and I’d feel fine.

I asked Chuck to take over as the leader, take the canoeists a bit farther upstream, and then stop and check on me on their way back. I was really unconcerned about being evacuated, as I felt certain that I could paddle into Bemidji after a few hours. Chuck was determined to arrange my evacuation, which was the appropriate thing to do. I was too distracted by pain to help him plan how that could be done.

Nobody seemed to understand exactly where we were on the map and how someone could drive as close as possible to that location. In hindsight, I realize that I had drawn the map so someone could easily find the start and finish of the cruise, and identify a few landmarks along the way. I hadn’t given much thought to using the map to plan the evacuation of one of the canoeists, especially if I were that canoeist and in no condition to help. I knew exactly where I was: on the Mississippi River, between its confluence with the Schoolcraft River and Jefferson Avenue. But the only way that information was going to be

drawn out of me was if someone specifically asked for it and exercised persistence. Otherwise, I was isolated in a world of pain and didn’t want to be bothered by anyone else’s prob-lems – even if their problem was getting some help for me.

The problems with my map: Jefferson Avenue and other possible access routes were not labeled.

The campsite was not located on the map.Highway 2 and 71, a busy four-lane limited-access high-

way that we could hear from the campsite was not labeled by both highway numbers nor as “limited access.”

The problems with my leadership:I had not taken time to point out to people (especially to

Chuck, my co-leader) where we were on the map at frequent intervals. Sometimes that is difficult when you are in a dozen canoes, strung out over a quarter-mile of river.

Eventually, my son found his way to a spot where he could pick me up. Time was not critical in this instance, so the vague and confusing directions he received caused frustration, but were not life-threatening. Soon I was lying in my own bed with a hot water bottle. I had surgery to remove my gall bladder a few days later and have com-pletely recuperated now.

Evacuating a Disabled Hiker:A practical lesson learned at the 2007 North Country Trail Conference

Harvey Tjader is pictured here on a day hike in Minnesota.

Matt D

avis


The Buckeye Trail Crew takes a break to smile for the camera. From left to right: Roger Myers, Les Weidenhamer, Herb Hulls, Suzie Hulls, John Rethman, Jim Runk, Elmo Layman, and Rick Adamson.

Rick AdamsonOhio State Trail Coordinator

In 1995, Jim Hoops thought as he drove toward Toledo, “Wouldn’t it be nice

to have a hiking/biking trail along the Maumee River on the old canal tow-path?” Six years later, he learned that his neighbor, Greg Wisniewski, a Buckeye Trail Association member and trail maintainer, shared the same vision. Greg explained that the Buckeye Trail, which Jim had never heard of until that day, went right through the City of Napoleon but not many people were seen hik-ing there because the route was actually along busy state highways 44 and 11. At this time Jim Hoops was in his fifth year as an Ohio State Representative, so he begin to ask questions about the canal lands along the Maumee River between Defiance and Napoleon.

On August 6, 4, Jim invited Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director, at the time Sam Speck, up to northwest Ohio for a tour along the Maumee River to see his vision. Next, he put together a meeting with the person in charge of the canal lands for ODNR, Dick Shore, individuals from the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, and a leadership team from the Buckeye Trail Association. Everyone was very impressed with the dedication and enthusiasm of the BTA volunteers when they learned that then-president Herb Hulls had left home at 3: A.M. to attend!

Finally in September of 2005, a five day work party convened at Independence Dam State Park just outside Defiance. We had expected to construct about 5-6 miles along the old abandoned Miami and Erie Canal towpath with the 20-25 volunteers who had arrived. After the first day we knew we would not reach our goal. There were just too many trees that were too large to remove, roots and all, to keep them from growing back, so after five days we had gained only 1.4 miles of new trail. Back to the drawing board. Since the BTA Trail Crew had commit-ments elsewhere throughout Ohio, they could not get back to the towpath project that year.

Another five day project was sched-uled for early spring of 6. Over the winter we painstakingly worked on and received a grant to pay for rental of a mini-excavator to assist in remov-

ing the many larger trees; we worked with the community, BTA Trail Crew members, and asked the North Country Trail Association for volunteers. We were rewarded with at least 18 volunteers! Donations of water, food, and ice poured in from local businesses. Another local businessman agreed to construct a bridge, approximately 3-4 feet in length and six feet wide with railings to cross a deep ravine. This community let us know they wanted this project, and more than eight new miles resulted.

Jim Hoops requested state capital funds for trail improvements along the towpath between Defiance and Grand Rapids. He first considered $1, but then changed it to $500,000. He incor-porated Henry County Park Board’s list of capital needs, which included improve-ments along the Buckeye and North Country Trails as their top priority, with his request and submitted the material to the Finance Chairman in February of 6. He felt there was an excellent chance to receive funds for this project because they could prove that they weren’t relying only on the State of Ohio to fund this project: hundreds of volunteer hours were already documented towards this project and more were coming.

During the summer of 6, Jim invited Governor Taft to see what the

Buckeye Trail Crew and volunteers had cleared in the spring of 6. After hiking about a mile of the Buckeye/North Country Trail, Governor Taft was extremely impressed that it had taken no tax dollars, so was willing to do whatever he could to see this project move for-ward. This was a very important meeting because as the Capital Budget was mov-ing through the House and Senate in the fall of 6 the Governor was right there making sure the $500,000 request stayed in the bill’s language, and it was awarded.

In the spring of 7 BTA volunteers started constructing new off-road trail on the other side of Napoleon eastward toward Grand Rapids. Our campsite was at Mary Jane Thurston State Park. So far, wherever we camp throughout Ohio, we have free use of the facilities because of who we are and what we are contributing.

This spring we had the free use of a small dozer belonging to a local business-man. One of the requirements from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for use of the towpath was to make the tread wide enough to accommodate both bicycles and walkers. That is where the small dozer came into play and the mini-excavator last year. Again we were blessed with the community supporting our efforts: Clark Hogan, a local busi-nessman, donated most of our suppers for

Twenty-four Down: Eighty To Go


five days. Other local chapter members also donated a supper on our last evening and still others brought hot breakfasts. Although it was a cold spring, with snow on the ground some days, our two dozen volunteers were able to eat inside an enclosed park shelter with a fireplace.

Then again in June of 7 the Buckeye Trail Crew, swelled to 8 help-ers, moved about 3.9 more miles south of Defiance, to an off-road location along the towpath where again we had the use of the dozer. Our camp, on a farmer’s private property, was beautiful mowed soft grass, with flush toilets and shower facilities. We were even served milk and eggs gathered fresh that morning from the cows and hens just a few yards away. How’s that for freshness? Later in the week we were joined by Clare Cain, NCTA Director of Trail Management, and Bruce Matthews, new Executive Director of the NCTA. They spent the night and worked all the next day beside the BTA Trail Crew. Both were very impressed with the hard work and dedica-tion they saw.

Some of the BTA Trail Crew worked eight days in a row in June along the Miami and Erie Canal towpath. We worked 5 more days south of Defiance, now in Paulding County where yet another local businessman agreed to donate all the culverts we needed there. He said to pick up whatever we needed, even a culvert measuring 4 inches in diameter and feet long! Other local

businesses donated water and ice. The Arbor Society in Oakwood provided lunch one day for the trail workers. Finally a dozen trail workers stayed an extra day to finish trail construction up to a road we wanted to reach before leaving till next year.

Months after we left the area, Les Weidenhamer from Paulding County assisted in installing two 4-inch culverts feet long in a very wide and deep ravine. They were donated and installed by local people who just wanted to help get the trail in place. This culvert installation took three days, three truckloads of gravel and ten

loads of dirt. Before the snow flies in 7, grass will be popping up, both grass seed and labor also donated by local people. Les has been very help-ful in locating maps and permits and finding the right persons to contact to assure this project will be completed.

Thus 9.4 miles were cleared and opened in 7!

I am hopeful we will have an even larger workforce next year in the early spring of 8. Want to be part of this? From March 9 through April 3 all that is needed is your willingness to lend a hand. We have about 8 more miles to take off-road to this beautiful, safer and historic Miami and Erie Canal tow-path. Watch for details in future issues of the North Star and on the NCTA web site.

The crew rests for lunch.

Left to Right: Andrew Bashaw, Herb Hulls, Bruce Matthews, Rick Adamson, Clare Cain, Jim Runk and Pat Hayes.

Gary D

ill


Thank you for generously

supporting the

North Country Trail Association!

www.northcountrytrail.org

Yes, I want to make a difference for the North Country Trail!

To help, I am sending a year-end gift of: _________________

$100.00 ___ $75.00___ $50.00___ $35.00___ Other___

I want to purchase an $18.00 gift membership for:

Name ______________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________

City ________________________________________________

State _________________________ Zip __________________

Email __________________ Phone ______________________

Chapter Preference ___________________________________

__ Closest Chapter

__ No Chapter Affiliation

To purchase a gift membership, or make a year-end gift to NCTA, complete this form, enclose it with your check and mail it to:

North Country Trail Association229 East Main Street,Lowell, MI 49331

Just in time for the H olidays - Trail Shop gift certificates!

The Trail Shop is offering gift certificates specially designed for theHolidays. They can be purchased in any amount and can be personal-ized for that special someone on your list.

These make great stocking stuffers! To order your gift certificate now, phone 866-445-3628 or visit the Trail Shop at www.northcountrytrail.org. Click on Member Services.

NONPROFITU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDGrand Rapids, MI

Permit 340North Country Trail Association9 East Main StreetLowell, Michigan 49331

LV19892

Happy trails to you. Our eight newspapers across Michigan cover the great outdoors,including the best nature walks, day hikes and overnight backpacking trips. Read us,then find a slice of heaven of your own on foot. Booth Newspapers: The Ann Arbor News,The Bay City Times, The Flint Journal, The Grand Rapids Press, The Jackson CitizenPatriot, The Kalamazoo Gazette, The Muskegon Chronicle and The Saginaw News.

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North Star Vol. 26, No. 4 (2007)

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