Grand Marais Chapter

of the North Country Trail
MEETING MINUTES
December 9, 2006

The day activities began with a snowshoe hike down the North Country 
Trail east of Grand Marais.  Seven hikers participated in the walk 
that included points of interest such as the hangout of Al Capone and 
Baby Face Nelson and the ditch that was dug in an attempt to combat 
the flood waters of Lake Superior. I also have a bridge for sale.  
Abilities were put to the test with a snowshoe crossing of the narrow 
bridge over the Baker Creek and battling with the elements of a 
beautiful northern Michigan afternoon.

Crock pot delicacies greeted the hikers as they returned to feast.

Nine people attended the 2 o’clock meeting.

Meeting was called to order by Secretary Steve Miller

Steve Miller welcomed all in attendance and gave an overview of the 
immediate needs of the Grand Marais Chapter.
1. Build membership
2. Elect officers
   The winter months will be used to become familiar with active 
members to ensure an informed vote in April.

We will also be working to add to the membership.

Steve Schmeck and Sue Robinshaw gave an overview of the trail work 
performed on their adopted section within Valley Spur and west of M-94 
to the Rock River.  They will head up a future contingency of volunteers 
to work on this section of trail.
  Steve Schmeck used his GPS to map out this section of trail and is 
working on compiling the information in order to formulate maps for 
distribution.
   Thanks go to Steve and Sue for the purchase of a brush trimmer for 
this chapter’s trail needs. Steve Schmeck gave an overview of the 
machines design and function.

New Business:

  Chapter Charter and by-laws were passed out for members to review 
and input will be received at the January meeting concerning questions 
or changes. Lori Savage will scan the documents and send them

to Steve Miller.

  Discussion of logging east of Grand Marais:
  The trail loop south of Superior Dunes has been and will continue to 
be logged. Trees with blue blaze are to be left in place and the trail 
cleared of large brush. Plans are in the making for a chapter outing 
to scope out the trail in order to assess damage and work needed to 
restore the trail come spring.

Roger Pilon suggested regular workbees or hikes for the Chapter. All 
were in agreement.

Concerns were voiced over chainsaw certification for those of us who 
use them on the trail.
Sue Robinshaw will check into the availability of classes for those 
interested and forward them to Steve Miller.

Plans are in the making for a visit from Bill Menke, regional trail 
director to attend the February 2007 meeting.

Steve Miller gave an overview of where trail work ceased last year.  
Lake Superior campground to the Two Hearted River would be the goal 
for this summer’s trail work.

Unfinished Business:

  Establishing a parking area east of Grand Marais. All is in place 
but approval from DNR.
  Steve Miller will continue to hound these state officials

  The need for a sign change west of Woodland Park. Steve Miller will 
contact Mike Beek for advice on ownership of the sign and changes to 
be made.

Update for Chapter Web site. Lori Savage has volunteered to make 
changes to our site. This has not been up dated since its conception 
in 2003.  Initial changes will consist of contact names, email 
addresses and phone numbers. The pages will then reviewed at the 
January2007 meeting for member input.

Treasurers Report:
$1,717.59 in the account.

Next meeting scheduled for January 2007, to be announced.

Thanks to all for helping to reorganize this chapter toward a 
worthwhile endeavor of a non-motorized activity.

Steve Miller, Secretary