Lifetime Achievement Award

Gene Elzinga's many years of devoted service to the North Country Trail have resulted in a very much deserved award. The Lifetime Achievement Award was announced at the NCTA 2004 Annual Conference, and the attractive plaque was presented to him at our Chapter meeting, September 14, 2004. This award is the most prestigious award presented by the NCTA.

The citation read at both of these meetings listed Gene's accomplishments in organizing, recruiting, exploring, planning, and building trails, bridges, and boardwalks. It also lauded him for providing opportunities for young people such as the scouts, handicapped youngsters, and students to participate. The citation further stated that Gene actively promoted, publicized, and generated enthusiasm for trail work, hiking, and skiing. The North Country National Scenic Trail across much of the Upper Peninsula is a tribute to his dedication to making it a reality.

This award is given for significant commitment and accomplishments over ten or more years. To receive this award, an individual must show true dedication, exceptional service and outstanding contributions toward the dream of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Service may be performed in a voluntary or paid capacity. Gene was a long time hiker and backpacker while working for Esso Research in New Jersey and France, and when he retired about 16 years ago he was looking for some way to combine this interest with projects that would be of service to folks in his home town area. When an opportunity to help develop the North Country National Scenic Trail in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan presented itself, it seemed to be just what he was looking for. The trail had been completed in much of the Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests and in Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, but that left a long stretch in western Alger County, all of Marquette County, and well into Baraga County where nothing had been accomplished except a general idea of some areas that would be nice to include in the route. He organized the North Country Trail Hikers Chapter out of the informal group of volunteers who began helping him with the project, and until recently has served as chapter president. Even in winter he was constantly leading groups on ski or snowshoe hikes to further explore areas that might be appropriate for the trail. He worked with local land owners and government land managers to gain permission and easements to have the trail cross their lands. Overcoming resistance to a trail through the McCormick Wilderness with its many restrictions is a notable success. Close cooperation with the Michigan DNR was required to obtain permits for various bridges and boardwalks for river and wetland crossings. He was ingenious in obtaining donated building materials, or in producing them from logs and pilings and having them pressure treated. He designed many of the bridges that were built, and spent countless hours helping with the construction. He organized many fund raising projects for needed materials, supplies and tools.

Gene provided many opportunities for young people to participate in trail projects. He helped many Boy Scouts to obtain their goal of Eagle Scout by developing a section of trail, a bridge, or a campsite. He worked with many youth groups, including handicapped, to provide the experience of a job well-done, and mentored NMU students preparing for work in a related field.

He has also been instrumental in the building of other trails in the Marquette area, and has again distinguished himself by working diligently on a project which resulted in Marquette being named "Trail Town USA."

The North Country Trail in the U.P. as it exists today is a tribute to Gene's vision and his dedication to making it a reality. Above all, his enthusiasm and energy have helped to keep the group energized. He continues to be actively involved when he is not traveling and serves as a limitless resource of knowledge and experience to other chapter members.

Gene was featured on the cover of the North Star, the magazine of the North Country Trail Association,