Sept 2, 2005
news release of the NCTA

Annual Awards Presented at August Conference

VANGUARD AWARD

Criteria: An elected official whose leadership, actions and advocacy have substantially benefited the North Country Trail.

Recipient: Gaylord Nelson

The late Senator Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day and the person who introduced the bill to create the North Country National Scenic Trail.

In 1969, as a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson came up with one of the most powerful ideas of his time: Earth Day. Inspired by the teach-ins dealing with the Vietnam War, Earth Day was an instant success, drawing 20 million participants the first year (1970). American Heritage Magazine called the first Earth Day "one of the most remarkable happenings in the history of democracy."

Senator Nelson has received hundreds of awards. Some of them include:
In 1995, he received the nation's highest civilian award: the Presidential Medal of Freedom. "As the father of Earth Day, he is the grandfather of all that grew out of that event: the Environmental Protection Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act," said the proclamation from President Clinton.
In 1992, the United Nations Environment Programme presented Gaylord Nelson with the Only One World Award.
In 1990, he received the Ansel Adams Conservation Award, bestowed upon a federal official who has shown exceptional commitment to the cause of conservation and the fostering of an American land ethic.

Gaylord Nelson began his public service in 1948 as a state senator. He was reelected three times, holding his Dane County seat for ten years. In 1958 Nelson became only the second Democrat of this century to be elected Governor of Wisconsin. After serving two terms, he was elected to the U.S. Senate. Nelson was reelected in 1968 and 1974, serving a total of 18 years.

The founder of Earth Day was ahead of his time on the environmental front. In 1961, Governor Nelson created the Outdoor Recreation Acquisition Program. The goal was to acquire one million acres of Wisconsin parkland, wetlands, and other open space, and it was funded by a penny-a-pack tax on cigarettes. In the U.S. Senate, he was the author of legislation to preserve the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail corridor and to create a national hiking trails system. He sponsored or co-sponsored countless conservation bills, including the Wilderness Act and the Alaska Lands Act. In Wisconsin, his U.S. Senate legacy includes the St. Croix Wild and Scenic Riverway and the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Nelson also was a trailblazer in consumer protection, especially involving prescription medicines. He was one of only three Senators to vote against the $700 million appropriation that signaled the start of the ground war in Vietnam. After leaving the Senate in January 1981, Nelson continued his fight for the planet's health as counselor of The Wilderness Society. He has been involved with a wide range of land preservation issues, including elimination of logging subsidies, protection of national parks, and expansion of the National Wilderness Preservation System.

Gaylord Nelson was born June 4, 1916, in Clear Lake, WI, and spent his childhood there. He received a BA from San Jose State College and a law degree from the University of Wisconsin. Nelson served in the U.S. Army during 46 months of World War II and was a first lieutenant during the Okinawa campaign. He and his wife Carrie Lee are featured in a chapter of Tom Brokaw's recent bestseller, The Greatest Generation. After the war, Nelson practiced law in Madison. He and his wife have three children and three grandchildren.

FRIEND OF THE TRAIL AWARD

Criteria: An employee of a unit of government or an organization whose leadership, accommodation and active collaboration have substantially benefited the North Country Trail.

Recipient: Dorian Grilley

The criteria for this award is an employee of a partner organization whose … have substantially benefited the North Country Trail and Dorian and his efforts for the trail through our first Supporting Affiliate, the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota, fit this perfectly. Dorian and the Parks and Trails Council have been at the forefront of all major NCTA activities conducted in Minnesota for a number of years. The council's 2003 Minnesota State Trail Conference, which prominently featured the NCTA, proved to be a great networking opportunity for the Association. It provided the introductions and contacts which were developed into the very successful 2004 Minnesota State North Country Trail Summit.

Perhaps Dorian's most significant contributions have been demonstrated shepherding the Northeast Minnesota Route Adjustment of the North Country Trail process in Minnesota. His contacts at the state legislature and with county boards, chambers of commerce, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and community leaders have been invaluable through this process. And his personal relationship with Congressman Oberstar and his willingness to go to bat for the required federal legislation needed to make the route adjustment official with the Congressman are proving to be a significant factor in securing Congressman Oberstar's support. Dorian's contribution here could certainly be the difference in securing this trail route change contemplated and in the works for over 20 years. Upon completion of this route adjustment we will all owe Dorian a debt of gratitude. It should also be noted that Dorian isn't the only staff member of the Parks and Trails Council who have been extremely helpful to the cause of the North Country Trail. Julia Cuchna, Robyn Priestly and Joe Jeruzal from the Council's staff have also helped to further NCT in Minnesota.

FRIEND OF THE TRAIL AWARD

Criteria: An employee of a unit of government or an organization whose leadership, accommodation and active collaboration have substantially benefited the North Country Trail.

Recipient: Mark Carlstrom

Mark Carlstrom has been a forester with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for 20+ years. Since 2000 he has served as the Area Supervisor of the Park Rapids area office.

In that capacity, Mark has been open and encouraging to volunteers building trail through the Paul Bunyan State Forest and adjacent county land. He advocates for the North Country National Scenic Trail and offers assistance to minimize the impact on the footpath from other forest uses, including logging and OHV incursion. He was persistent and instrumental in securing a no cost lease of DNR managed land for the laying of the trail in our area. He encourages and supports his staff in cooperating fully with the local Itasca Moraine Chapter. Carlstrom has assigned a specific forester in his office to be the on-the-ground contact for approving the placement of the trail so that work on building the trail continues with little delay. Computer mapping using forestry personnel and equipment is another way in which Carlstrom has supported the laying of trail locally. Mark has hiked portions of the trail in the Paul Bunyan State Forest to understand what is being done and makes suggestions for improvement. He can be counted on to be present for ribbon cutting and award ceremonies held by the local chapter. He has an open door to volunteers seeking advocacy and support for the North Country Trail. Mark Carlstrom epitomizes the designation, Friend of the Trail, and is a very deserving nominee for the 2005 award.

TRAILBLAZER AWARD

Criteria: A business or foundation for far-sighted vision and assistance, demonstrated by one or more acts of considerable support for the NCT or to the NCTA.

Recipient: Lowell Community Fund

Established in 1997 by the estate of Harold Englehardt, this fund has already supported the Lowell and surrounding communities through funding local initiatives. In 2004, the Lowell Area Community Fund granted $39,000 to the NCTA for Capacity Building for Collaborative Trails Fundraising. This grant allowed the NCTA to hire the first Development and Communications Coordinator. In the past, the Lowell Area Community Fund also provided the NCTA with grants to relocate the national headquarters from Grand Rapids to downtown Lowell.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

Criteria: An individual, in recognition of more than a decade of 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.

Recipient: Gaylord Yost

This person's contributions to the North Country NST and to the association are almost too numerous to mention. He has been heavily involved in many, many aspects of NCTA volunteerism and leadership and his contributions are both wide ranging and of long duration. They date back to the mid-1980's, when he began his involvement during the infant days of both the trail and NCTA. He has been a chapter president, a state coordinator, a statewide newsletter editor, served many terms on the NCTA Board of Directors, and actively led and served on most of our committees. This person's interest has been so strong that even when he was employed by a Federal agency he persuaded his superiors to allow him to serve as a voting member (not an ex-officio member) on our Board of Directors.

In addition, this person recruited significant numbers of new members, and encouraged these members to organize into chapters. In fact, we would have to say that without this person's continual encouragement and facilitation, the three chapters within the State of Wisconsin probably wouldn't exist yet today. This person's extremely long length of significant service makes him worthy of this Lifetime Achievement Award. Oh-and one last accomplishment that will surely reveal this person's identity is the mere fact that he is the immediate Past President of the association. Gaylord Yost, please come forward. You truly deserve this award!

For many years (at least since the mid-1980's) this person has been heavily involved in almost all aspects of NCTA volunteerism and leadership. He has been a chapter president, a state coordinator, a statewide newsletter editor, served many terms on the NCTA Board of Directors and is the immediate past president of the Association. His interest has been so strong that even when he was employed by a Federal agency (USFS), he persuaded his superiors to allow him to serve as a voting board member (not an ex-officio member). His accomplishments and service on various committees are almost too numerous to count. His extremely long length of significant service makes him worthy of this award.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Criteria: An individual, in recognition of exceptional volunteer service in furthering the goals of the NCTA, and outstanding contributions toward the dream of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Not more than one of these awards may be granted each year to an individual who is not a member of the NCTA or an Affiliate.

Recipient: Bill Coffin

Bill Coffin and Pat Leinen, Distinguished Service recipients

Bill has worked for hard many years to promote single-use hiking trails in Central New York State.

Bill Coffin has been a very active, long time volunteer (since the early 1970's) for the Finger Lakes Trail Conference, and Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) both at statewide Club level and Onondaga Chapter (ADK-ON) level and NCTA member. Bill's major contribution and strength is networking with local organizations, and land trusts and negotiating with private landowners. Without this background work there would be no trail to construct. Bill has recruited all of the private landowners to date for the NCT Onondaga Extension trail (about 18 miles, public and private). For his dedication and support of the NCNST I feel Bill is a worthy candidate for NCTA recognition. One of the above must apply. Bill revived the initiative to extend the North Country Trail in Central New York. He with others scouted the Link Trail during 94 & 95 and in 1997 Bill was the "founding" president for the four month organizational phase of the CNY NCTA Chapter. At present he is a member at large. From 1997 to the present Bill has worked hundreds of hours/year: NCT Certification of the FLT Onondaga trail, reblazing the trail blue, scouting routes, negotiating with landowners and actually constructing trail. His work hours are underreported.

His trails resume also includes: FLT: Board of Managers, Trails Committee, Trail Preservation Committee, while he was ADK-ON Chapter Trails Chair the gap in the FLT/NCT in Central N.Y was closed (1992, 30th anniversary of FLT). Trail Steward for 25+ years. ADK-ON Chapter: Member of Executive Committee off and on for over 26 years, 1976 & 77 Outings Chair-2 yr., 1978 & 79 Chapter Chair-2 yr., 80 & 81 Chapter Director-2 yr., Trail Chair 8 years (86-93) overseeing 93 miles of trail, trail steward for over 20 years, trip leader for over 20 years, Landowner Liaison, negotiates with the DEC, NCT Trail Team (landowner negotiation, scouting, construction, advocate) ADK Statewide Club Level: Trails Committee member 1985- 2005, Board of Directors (formerly Board of Governors) 5 yr., two terms, ADK Trails Chair -2000-2003. Avid hiker - Northville Placid Trail End to Ender twice, Adirondack 46er (climbed the 46 Adirondack peaks over 4000 Feet), hiked in most National Parks w/i the 48 states, and Switzerland, Spain, Norway, and Tanzania (Kilimanjaro summit) Trail Supporter- Open Space Meetings, speaks at public hearings, and speaks at symposiums and workshops on behalf of single use foot trails, drafted ADK's foot trail policy, liaison with DEC and private landowners.

Recognitions: FLTC Wallace Wood Award (2004) - FLTC's most prestigious volunteer award. Only one is awarded per year. ADK's Balsam Fir Award (1999) for volunteerism on behalf of trails in the Adirondacks. Heart and Sole NCTA recognition.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Criteria: An individual, in recognition of exceptional volunteer service in furthering the goals of the NCTA, and outstanding contributions toward the dream of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Not more than one of these awards may be granted each year to an individual who is not a member of the NCTA or an Affiliate.

Recipient: Jim Burow

Jim was a co-founder of the Heritage Chapter of the NCTA some 10 years ago. He has been a devoted member and officer of the chapter for all of the 10 years and was the Chapter Chairman until health issues forced his retirement this year. He has organized and conducted the Annual membership meeting and has faithfully made most of the scheduled work and other events scheduled in Iron and Ashland Counties for the Chapter. In addition, he has served on the Board of Directors for the NCTA. His interest and service to NCTA has been outstanding and he deserves to be recognized as a volunteer who has been moved by the North Country Trail vision and has worked hard to see it attained.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

Criteria: An individual, in recognition of exceptional volunteer service in furthering the goals of the NCTA, and outstanding contributions toward the dream of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Not more than one of these awards may be granted each year to an individual who is not a member of the NCTA or an Affiliate.

Recipient: Pat Leinen

Pat (middle) is presented her award by Rob Corbett, while Helen Coyne looks on

Pat Leinen should be considered for this award, but certainly not because anybody would know how much she does! While it is clear to those of us paying attention that she chairs the awards committee, what isn't so clear is just how much she contributes to the energetic Minnesota presence in the NCTA. Apparently, one gradually learns, she is the brains behind our board President and Minnesota chair, his mentor and his guide, sounding board and inspiration, and frequent dutiful helper.

In other words, Pat carries out many of the good ideas that others get credit for, and it's about time her longtime and ongoing contributions were recognized.

TRAILBUILDER OF THE YEAR

Criteria: A volunteer, whose work in NCT construction, planning, or negotiations have resulted in the development of outstanding new trail or facilities over the past year.

Recipient: Carter Hedeen

Carter receives the Trailbuilder Award from Clare Cain

In 2004 Carter accomplished the following: Carter led the effort to weigh the pros and cons of various alternatives for the route, flagged the route, a lead contributor in the actual work of whittling 5.1 miles of trail out of dense aspen forest with thickets of hazel brush and alder in the Paul Bunyan State Forest. The 5.1 miles of trail were later certified. Carter flags the trail not once but more likely three times before he selects the most desirable route from all design and aesthetic standpoints. Carter scheduled work details for members and friends of the Chapter. In addition Carter worked with the YMCA Backpacking Club at the University of Minnesota and the Outdoor Program Center at Bemidji State University scheduling spring and fall work sessions. Carter also led the effort to construct a campground and a .3 mile connector trail to the campground from the main trail. This involved getting the necessary approvals from the Paul Bunyan State Forest as well as from the Hubbard County Environmental Services department for the latrine. Carter has attended meetings and work sessions with other Chapter members to expand and improve the current NCT routing and maintenance within Itasca State Park.

Carter is the Vice President of the Itasca Moraine Chapter and has been an active recruiter of chapter members and workers. Carter has been the lead in designing, flagging, brushing, grubbing, grooming and mowing of the 15 miles of trail that have been certified the last 3 years. The entire 15 miles of developed trail is through the Paul Bunyan State Forest.

Carter is the past Chair of the Urban Forestry Council in Park Rapids, current Chair of the Hubbard County Woodlands Council and has received training from the Minnesota DNR in Woodland Management. Carter understands woodland management, how to select the path of the trail that best presents the forest to the hiker. Carter maintains excellent rapport with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Forestry Division near his home in Park Rapids. He has a trail from his back door through an urban forest to the DNR building.

Carter is a true conservationist. He and his wife Florence have established Conservation Easement with the Minnesota Land Trust that covers their 190 acre forest property including 1 mile of shoreline on Skunk Lake. Carter has a passion for the forest and for the North Country Trail that is just unmatched.

Carter has a great sense of humor. Carter read a grant application that I had prepared for a federal highway recreation trail grant. In response to a question about accessibility, I had indicated people with canes or walkers could traverse the trail. Carter, a retired physician, told me he thought I was pushing the envelope a bit. I told him that he as a physician, and relative to this matter, could not see the forest for the trees. A few days later we were scouting a route in the forest and Carter deadpanned to me that the beaver dam we just crossed was really going to slow down the people with walkers.

Carter is a task master. After a day in the forest, an exhausted trail builder asked Carter for advice to recover from all the work. Carter said, "Go home take two aspirin and call me in the morning for your next assignment."

He has spent hours bushwhacking, flagging, clearing, organizing trail clearing weekends and chain-sawing through the Paul Bunyan State Forest of Minnesota.

TRAIL MAINTAINER OF THE YEAR

Criteria: A volunteer, who has demonstrated exceptional dedication or achievements over the past year in maintaining or restoring pre-existing North Country Trail segment(s).

Recipient: Rich Krieger

Rich Krieger with Trail Maintainer Award

Rich has a dedication to creating a premier hiking experience that is exceptional. He and his wife Deb maintain one of the most popular segments of NCT, that portion which is often combined with the Manistee Riverwalk for a weekend loop trip. This section of trail is heavily used and has needed lots of maintenance for years, but it had not previously received this until Rich joined the Spirit of the Woods Chapter. He (with Deb) has cleaned, tended and fussed over these miles, and the connectors to the MRT so that now hikers can better follow those connections. He has installed temporary signs where the Forest Service wasn't ready to approve permanent ones. He directed a Boy Scout project to stabilize a seriously eroded bank which threatened the trail. He is meticulous in his commitment to maintain a primitive experience as much as possible while yet keeping a clean inviting trail.

He would rather go out twice to cut back brush than make one wide gash and wait for it to grow back. Rich is also our chapter president, and as such often hears of other maintenance needs along the trail. When those are not able to be taken care of by other people, Rich is the one out there fixing things. He repaired a connecting piece of trail which the Road Commission obliterated when they replaced a bridge. He repeatedly checked on the temporary re-route for the trail during a timber harvest. He took extra time to quickly help solve a "wrong sticker" issue at road crossings. Rich is definitely one of our top trail folks, and we need to reward him!

LEADERSHIP AWARD

Criteria: A volunteer, who has demonstrated exceptional leadership leading to significant local achievements or highly successful events.

Recipient: Peggy Jones

Peg has carried the ball for our Chapter's Ridgerunner Program for the past three years, developing the materials to be handed out to hikers as well as training and instruction for the Ridgerunners. This program benefits the entire NCTA by the dissemination of information on the trail and opportunities to join and help develop the trail for interested hikers. In all honesty, our chapter has made far more contacts with the hiking public through the Ridgerunner program than our many efforts on National Trails Day. For this we wish to publicly recognize Peg Jones for her efforts.

OUTREACH AWARD

Criteria: A volunteer, whose efforts to build coalitions, partnerships or other forms of local support have contributed significantly to the ongoing success of the North Country Trail.

Recipient: Andy Skurka

Andy, through his efforts to thru hike the Sea-to-Sea Route, has connected the North Country Trail and its volunteers together better than anyone else has in a very long time. The publicity Andy and his trip have generated across our nation and the route of the NCT has raised awareness of the North Country National Scenic Trail, the North Country Trail Association and the NCTA's volunteers in an unprecedented manner. And what a fine spokesman he has turned out to be, well spoken and considerate. As he is interviewed by the local press along his journey he always has made sure he has thanked the NCTA volunteers for their help, stating the NCTA Chapters have been, "absolutely fantastic". He says he hopes his undertaking will energize local chapters and local community members. As far as his willingness to notarize the NCTA efforts and the NCT Andy says, "People have been out there working their butts off and trying to get this trail really well known, I have not myself gone out on a work crew, so this is the least I can do".

We need to thank Andy for the great awareness his journey has brought to the North Country Trail.

Awarding him the NCTA Outreach award is a small way we can show Andy our appreciation of all the benefits his efforts have brought to us. I wish Andy great success completing his adventure and I hope that he can attend our 2005 Annual Conference so I can personally thank him for all he has done for the NCTA and present him with the Outreach Award.

COMMUNICATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD

Criteria: A volunteer, for exemplary work in promoting the North Country Trail or the NCTA through a communications medium (newsletter, website, brochure, etc.) or personal contacts.

Recipient: Ginny Ruppe

Ginny has been editing the Minnesota State NCTA Newsletter, the "Call of the North" for so a period of time that I don't even knows how long it's been. She had already acted as editor for our previous state coordinator, Rod MacRae, a number of years when I became Minnesota State Trail Coordinator in 2000. Since 2000 we have regularly published 4 issues each year. Working on sometimes short deadlines Ginny always steps up when the call is made for the next issue, without ever complaining. She is always cheerful and helpful making the process of delivering our next issue a pleasure. Through Ginny's efforts to be as cost effective and efficient as possible she has developed a relationship with her local printer who does more of the process for us at a very favorable rate. This has resulted in a significant reduction in the time spent by volunteers getting the newsletter mailed to the Minnesota membership. And I don't want to forget to mention the quality of the finished product. Since I've been Minnesota State Trail Coordinator I've had the pleasure of receiving many compliments on the Call of the North newsletter, when Ginny is the one who really deserves the credit.

Then I should also mention Ginny acts as webmaster for the Star of the North Chapter's webpage on the NCTA website and that she has been the Star of the North Chapter Secretary since 2000. In general Ginny is the type of volunteer that every chapter needs at least a small handful of. The type of dedicated individual who you know you can always count on when there is a task to be completed, one who will step forward to fill the need. Ginny is that type of volunteer for us and she should be recognized for her communications contributions.

RISING STAR AWARD

Criteria: A volunteer between the ages of 8 and 18, who has made significant contributions to the North Country Trail, and whose dedication to the NCT and the NCTA sets an example to other youths and shows exceptional promise.

Recipient: Stratton Lucas

Stratton receives the Rising Star Award from John Leinen

Stratton has participated in Chequamegon Chapter activities since 1999, when he was 11 years old. He has blazed trees (no to mention the dog) and maintained trail, often engulfed in mosquitoes and rainstorms, every year for the past 5 years. On occasion Stratton has been the only other volunteer to help alongside the chapter president and vice-president. He has hiked numerous sections of local trail, has participated in two annual conferences, plus the Mackinac Bridge walk, and as a 12-year-old mustered the courage to accompany Bill Menke's roving trail crew for a 3-day trail construction binge. Most recently, Stratton (now 16) was one of five volunteers to spend a solid day amid non-stop rain helping reconstruct a trail bridge. He carried tools 1.5 miles each way to and from the site, worked diligently, hefted heavy timbers, stood in the middle of the creek, didn't complain, and put forth a Scout's honest effort (without being one). With his contributed share, the bridge was completed by the end of the day.

Stratton has demonstrated admirable effort and participation as a youth, has been a good companion for their chapter volunteers, and can be proud of his contribution, the skills he has learned, and the example he is setting, not only for other youth, but for other volunteers.

SWEEP AWARD

Criteria: A volunteer, for tireless work and achievements behind the scenes on behalf of the North Country Trail or the NCTA.

Recipient: Char Chandler

Char Chandler is our longest-standing volunteer at NCTA headquarters. She began helping out in 1995 shortly after the association moved out of the schoolhouse in White Cloud to Sparks Drive in Grand Rapids. She committed to preparing our bank deposit on a weekly basis and has been doing a superb job every since. Char is a dependable and reliable volunteer and the association has come to rely on her talents to keep us on track with all the daily incoming funds. Char also finds the time to lend her talents and insight to the Audubon Club, Blandford Nature Center and Park Congregational Church. She is a very deserving person of this award.

BLUE BLAZES BENEFACTOR AWARD

Criteria: An individual or household demonstrating vision and generosity through significant monetary or in-kind contribution(s) to the NCT or the NCTA.

Recipient: Margaret and Byron Hutchins

The Hutchins have collaboratively contributed to the North Country Trail in an enormous way. Over the past 20 plus years the Hutchins have been actively involved in hiking and mapping sections of the NCT. They have taken their intimate knowledge of the Trail and translated it into the Hutchins Guides that hikers of the NCT know and love. The Hutchins have traveled the trail from end to end collecting mileage data, trailside features, and other pertinent user information. Their maps have the colloquial feel that hikers can relate to. They are hand-typed on the Hutchins typewriter and then sold and distributed through the NCTA office in Lowell, MI. The Hutchins recently met in Lowell with NCTA staff to turn over production of the Hutchins legacy to the NCTA. The Hutchins have devoted time, energy, and incredible effort to the mapping of our trail before such technology as GPS and GIS were available. Map guides of the NCT would not have been available had it not been for the concerted effort of these two amazing hikers and trail icons. Because of their efforts, the North Country National Scenic trail has been introduced to many new faces over the years.