Cool but sunny weather created a pleasant day for conferees who chose to sample sections of North Dakota. Tours included the Sheyenne National Grassland, Fort Ransom State Park, Sheyenne State Forest, Lake Ashtabula and the Seven Historic Bridges of downtown Valley City. One of those bridges was featured on the cover of the July North Star. Pictured here is the Sheyenne River Valley.
Many others stayed to participate in the all-day Volunteer Leadership Seminar which included such topics as Leadership and Management Skills, Strategic Planning, Landowner Relations, what administrative needs will we have when "Willing Seller" passes, Trail Design, Americans with Disabilities Act Guidelines, and more.
The evening session included the annual membership meeting and presentation of awards. This was followed by media presentations on the Garrison Diversion Project and the Lonetree Wildlife Management Area.
Awards presented were:
Sweep Award for working behind the scenes to Len and Joanne Barons of West Michigan Chapter.
Gaylord Yost (left), NCTA President, presents the award to Joanne Barons.
Trail Builder of the Year Award to Ron Rice, Pennsylvania.
Communicator of the Year Award to Angela Addington of Spirit of the Woods Chapter.
Vanguard Award to a legislator or public servant whose leadership has substantially benefitted the North Country Trail- Vern Ehrlers of Michigan.
Distinguished Service Award for significant contributions over 3 years to Werner Veit, West Michigan Chapter, North Star Editor, and past President of the NCTA.
Lifetime Achievement Award for significant accomplishments over ten or more years to Rod MacRae of Minnesota. Rod formed the first Headwaters Minnesota Chapter, served for many years as State Coordinator, has written a guidebook to the Chippewa National Forest, and worked tirelessly for almost 20 years for the NCT. Gaylord Yost presents the award to Rod MacRae.
