Newsletter June 2002
Larry Pio, a member of our chapter, has agreed to give the Newsletter editorship a try. Below is his first newsletter. If you see him, be sure to give him a pat on the back for a great job!
At our June 12 meeting
Tom Garnett was elected Chapter President, replacing Dave Cornell, our chapter founder, who has served as President since 1996. We are all grateful to Dave for his work to date, and although his title has changed, he continues to be extremely active in doing some of the difficult work for our chapter. Our next meeting is July 10 at 7:00 PM at the Barry Township Hall in Delton, MI. Map and directions are provided by clicking here!Chapter Web Page
Gail Speer has done a wonderful job with our chapter web page in providing news, event schedules, maps (see the updated maps by clicking here!), and other great information, including copies of our newsletter, and a list of key chapter contacts. To access our web page, use the following link: http://www.northcountrytrail.org/cnd/
Charles Krammin to lead a hike June 21 to June 29
Charles Krammin is sponsoring and leading a 8-night/9-day hike from Fallsburg County Park, North of Lowell, Michigan to Battle Creek, Michigan, beginning on June 21. The hike will cover roughly 8-10 miles per day, provide campsites each night (tents only). Charles will help with car spotting, so day hiking and hiking of 2 or 3 day segments are also available. Packs will be trucked to the next night’s campsite – it doesn’t get any better than this. Maps will be available for sale, however there will be no campsite fees or sponsor fees. Contact Charles Krammin at 616/945-2569 or krammin@core.com for information and reservations. This hike is for anybody and is being structured toward the novice hiker - about 8-10 miles a day, with a daypack. All your overnight equipment and food will be shuttled to the next camp site.
Press Conference at Bridge Park
State Representative Mark Schauer and State Senator John Schwarz held a press conference at Bridge Park in Emmett Township (near Battle Creek) on June 13. It included the announcement of $20,000 in state administered funding (requires a $20,000 local match) for planning the development of the trail way between Emmett Township and the City of Marshall along the Kalamazoo River corridor.
New Maps
An intern at the NCTA office will be working on the new 1:100,000 map sets, which should be available after Oct 2002.
Recent Trail Work
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New "North Country National Scenic Trail" signs were installed on Wattles Road, on both approaches to the entrance to Calhoun County’s Bridge Park.¨
MDOT has installed "North Country Trail" signs Michigan Avenue at the entrance to Kimball Pines.¨
The crew is nearing completion of the removal of downed trees north of Augusta from the Big Wind of Oct 2001¨
A side trail and marking has been completed to Sharp’s Park Campground from the trail south of M-179 (Chief Noonday Road)¨
Connector trail signs have been installed from Kent County to Hillsdale County. This was completed under a $450 grant from the NCTA.¨
The temporary trail through the Middleville State Game Area and the Paul Henry Bike Trail are marked with connector trail signs. A wilderness trail through this area is being pursued parallel to Solomon Road. Thanks to all the members and guests who have helped with this work. To join us for future work sessions, please look at the web site for our schedule, or meet us on July 13 and July 27 at 8 AM for our work session breakfast at Judy’s Restaurant; 915 Territorial; Battle Creek.Upcoming Trail Work Plans
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Extension of the current trail in Fort Custer National Cemetery¨
A sign permit has been approved at the Yankee Springs historic site on Norris Road¨
Complete the removal of downed trees north of AugustaCompleted Promotional Activities
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Tom Garnett and Barb Vandyken made a presentation and led a hike with Pharmacia national / international managers on May 14¨
An informational open house was held at the Portage Public Library in April¨ Sheryl Drenth made a presentation at the Delton Library in May
Upcoming Promotional Activities
Jerry Pattok, teamed with Charles Krammin and LaVerne Bebeau are chairing a project for a chapter booth at the Hastings Summerfest in August 23,24, and 25. The purpose of this booth is to get information out to the public about the trail and our chapter, and the publicity opportunity at the Summerfest should be great.
Lynn Waldron Resigns as Director
Lynn Waldron has decided to resign as Director and Vice President - Trail Development, although will remain as an active member. We would all like to thank Lynn for his leadership for the past years.
Trail Adopter Responsibilities Project
Neil Juhl and Dave Cornell will be putting together a more formal trail adopter agreement, which will include expectations and requirements for the adopter, as well as requirements for each landowner for that trail segment. We are hoping to have a rough draft at the July meeting.
Treasurer’s report: $ 4116.54.
Next month:
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Update on LaVerne Bebeau’s trail interpretation project.¨
Discussion of committees where volunteers are needed (all of them).
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
Trecs Inc.
Lee’s Sporting Goods
Prairieville Family Inn
Sharp Park Campground
Sandhill Marketing
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Newsletter for November/December 2001
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