Grand Marais Chapter

of the North Country Trail
January 6, 2007

HIKE

The day dawned snowy and wet as five hikers braved the elements and 
traversed a section of the North Country Trail.  Chosen for this 
meeting hike was the south loop off H-58 towards the Blind Sucker 
Flooding. Inspection was done on two sections considered for 
re-routing because of erosion and corn was raised about the 
over blazing of trees along the trail.  Upon completion of the 
designated loop the hikers crossed H-58 and traveled north to Lake 
Superior for a look at one angry sea.  Hungry hikers then feasted on 
Chili and cornbread while conversing on their escapade in the wilds of 
Northern Michigan. A business meeting followed with five new 
prospective members in attendance.

MEETING MINUTES

Meeting called to order at 3:10 p.m. by Steve Miller, Secretary.
Eight people in attendance.

Reading of the December 2006 minutes.

Motion by Roger Pilon, second by Mike Ballard to approve the minutes. Carried.

Steve welcomed five new people in attendance and reminded them of the 
goal to elect a stable leadership in April after building membership 
through the winter months.

Reviewed chapter by-laws and charter. Currently not adhering to 
regular meeting schedule, as Saturday meetings seem to be working 
well. By-laws are consistent with other organizations and in 
attendance found no problem with either the charter or by-laws.
Concern was raised about liability coverage provided by the North 
Country Trail. Steve will check into what is provided by the national 
office and report back.
Charter is to be renewed every five years. Please read your copy of 
by-laws and charter in depth and bring your questions or concerns to 
the next meeting.

Question raised concerning membership: Membership is eighteen dollars 
for the first year with a sponsored membership. Thirty dollars per 
year after that.  One has to be sponsored by a current member to 
qualify for the first year reduced rate and not have been a member for 
two years.

New Business

Next meeting at Steve Schmecks and Sue Robishaws. Information will be 
sent soon. Don’t miss this one!  February 3rd
Discussion was held on the co-ordination of trail work and what to do 
about concerned citizens who take it upon themselves to mark and clear 
trail.  A suggestion by Mike Ballard of assigning sections to be 
monitored by members was met with approval.
There are two state trails under consideration for this chapter’s 
adoption. The Blind Sucker Pathway and the Fox River Pathway. The 
state does not have the funds to maintain the routes.  Only until we 
get a handle on our own responsibilities will we be taking on more 
trails. A good goal for the near future.

Trail work accomplishments last month was the removal of over two 
hundred old blazes from a mile of trail within the school forest.  
Steve met with Craig Winnie to ensure that there was enough markings 
left for him to groom ski trails. A mile and a half section of trail 
was cleaned of old blazes and re marked with properly prepared and 
applied blue blazes. This was performed east and west so it adds up to 
three miles. Thanks to Steve Miller and Lori and Pat Savage

who braved the blue to help get this done.

Good ideas: to set up smaller designated hikes with maps for visitors 
and locals. Mike Ballard will begin documenting the information. We 
all need to and want to learn how to use a GPS. Richard Janney vowed 
to learn and then teach us all so there will be one less excuse for 
missing a meeting in the future.


Unfinished Business

Steve located the sign from the beach at the Sable Creek mouth. He is 
currently fixing it up for replacement in the spring. The sign at 
Woodland Park is an NPS sign. Steve will contact Chris Case, facility 
manager, about the movement or a change in text to clear up some 
confusion with hikers.

Parking area. Steve made contact with Jeff Stamply of the DNR.  He 
will be on vacation for two weeks and then be ready to renew talks for 
us to receive approval.

Chain saw certification: after the meeting I was contacted by Sue 
Robishaw. There will be contact made from the Forest Service when the 
next school will be.

Treasures report

$1,717.59 in the account.

I plan on joining the Hiawatha Chapter for their hike this Saturday. 
If anyone is interested in attending, please call me for details.  
Thanks for your interest; it is you that will make this chapter 
effective once again. 

Submitted by
Steve Miller, Secretary