Newsletter WON AlAN CET OUT, DOOR CLUB November 1995

ANNUAL MEETING VOLUNTEER OF YEAR NANAMOCOMUCK

Following a poduck supper in the Grove, In honor of National Trails Day, and in Editor's Note: This article, reprInted from the the Annual Meeting began at 7:40 P.M. on recognition of the important role of Novemba' 1935 issue of Appalachia, makes a August 20, 1995, at the Wonalancet volunteers in clearing and maintaining strong casefor giving a permanent name to one of Chapel. Approximately 40 members hiking trails in the United States, the our mountains. On the WODC map of 1991, its name is put In quotes, sInce the USGS does not attended; Co-President George Zink Quabaug Corporation has selected the fifty recognize it. How can we affect the adoption of presided. top volunteers for 1994, one from each this appropriate Native Ameriam name? State. Peter Smart, Trails Chainnan of the Secretary Judith Reardon read the Passaconaway and His Children. It bas WODC Club, was selected as "Volunteer Minutes of the 1994 Annual meeting. always ttoubled me that the unmistakable of the Year" in the State of New Treasurer Dick Daniels summarized the summit of the fIne ridge by which one 1994 income and expenses, and gave this Hampshire. approaches Passaconaway on the Walden year's expenses and income. To date (the Peter was cited for his outstanding Trail should bear so undistinguished a fIScal year ends December 31) income is volunteer work in 1994. He coordinated name as the "Unnamed Hump." In a $6,277 and expens~ are $5,627. He noted cooperative work on trails in the Sandwich region where every ridge and hummock is that there is time for further income, and Range with other organizations including loved and named, something more expenses will increase since the fall TrailWrights, the Chocorua Mountain imaginative might have been expected. Of Club, Tin Mountain Conservation Center, Newsletter costs will be incurred during late, that imagination bas been exercised Wonalancet AMC Cabin, U.S. Forest this year. around Wonalancet and the "Hump" bas Service, and the Over- The-Hill Hiking been called Nanamocomuck, the name of Treasurer Daniels then introduced the Group. Joint work trips with these groups Passaconaway's eldest son. This bas been expense budget recommended by the added to the work of WODC volunteers so far recognized that the 1934 edition of Executive Committee for 1996. Following and trail adopters, yielding 2137 recorded the Guidebook (p. 379) refers to it as "a a brief discussion, members approved the hours on WODC trails in 1994. Peter and shoulder locally known as N anamuck" budget. other Trails Committee members also (sic). Perhaps it is time the name became helped with construction of the Bearcamp Dick then read Clarinda Philips' more official, and more certain of conect River Trail in Sandwich and Tamworth, spelling, by securing its insertion on the Membership Report. During the year there and maintenance on several U.S. Forest have been 46 new individual members, 12 maps. Service trails including the Downes Brook From Albany Intervale there is excuse new family members, and one organi- and Flat Mountain Pond trails in enough for calling it only a hump or zational member-the Northeastern univer- Sandwich, Waterville and Albany. shoulder, for Passaconaway itself sity Husky Club. Most of the new member He served as the acting WODC Trails dominates the scene. On the South side of application cards originated from the Chaitman in 1992, and was elected Trails the range it is invisible until one gets Ferncroft Kiosk, a few from Bennett Chainnan in 1993. During his period in away over in North Sandwich, well out of Street Kiosk, and some given as gifts. office there has been increased awareness climbing distance, for Wonalancet, named for Passaconaway's younger son and The Trails Report given by Chainnan of trails issues among members, and an successor, shoulders up and fIlls all the Peter Smart is reprinted elsewhere in this encouraging growth in the number of (Cootinuedon Page2) (Continuedon Page2) issue. Following the report, George Zink announced that Peter Smart has been selected as "New Hampshire Trails Volunteer of the Year." An article on the award and recipient appears elsewhere in this issue.

Mike Bromberg of the Map Committee reported that over 75 changes have been made to the map itself: trail relocations, new names, corrections, elevation of Rollins Trail, etc. The color scheme has been modified for greater clarity, the new WODC logo is on the map, and the locations of old logging roads and ski routes have been field-checked. Text includes comments on the use of bicycles (Cootinuedon Page7) Location of Mt. Nanamocomuck as viewed from Chase Road, North Sandwich (Continuedfrom PageI) F ALCON SUCCESS VOLUNTEER OF YEAR ,"~ Chris Martin of the New Hampshire $; members and non-members participating Audubon Society has sent us an in trail stewardship. as well as the antount unpublished report on the Peregrine

Caring for the Sandwich Range since 1892 of work accomplished Falcon breeding status in New Hampshire Smart is a resident of Chocorua. He is for 1995. From the report we learn that a The Newsletteris published twice eadl year by pair of falcons was on the Square Ledge the Wonalancet Out Door Club. The mailing the owner-operator of Applied address is: Microcomputer Systems. that produces and site (eyrie) in Albany during the fIrst visit by ornithologists on April 16. This is the WODC distributes computer software for use by same eyrie referred to in the Newsletter of Newsletter Editor civil engineers in designing and Wonalancet, NH 03897 constructing storm water systems for December 1992, a year during which broken egg shells were found at the base The Editor encouragesmembers and interested towns. cities. and commercial applications. of the cliff, with no evidence of a readers to submit material for use in future issues. Quabaug Corporation. donor of the Articles, poems, drawings, comments, criticisms, successful hatch. suggestions,are welcomed. award. is a charter sponsor of National Trails Day. Among its products are the The year 1995 had a different outcome. Vibrant soles found on footwear On April 18 incubation was conf1rlned, (Continued from Page 1) manufactured by major companies in the hatch was verified on June 1, and one fully feathered chick was observed on July NANAMOCOMUCK United States and wherever outdoor apparel is produced. 6, with fledging imminent. Banding of the young falcon was not attempted. A band foreground. Wonalancet is a bustling little WODC members are pleased that Peter's was present on the male parent, though the peak, credited with 2800 feet on the map outstanding trails work is being recognized band could not be read; the female was of the Geologic Survey, and seems well- by others. We are grateful to him for all unbanded. named for the lesser successor of the great he has done for the Club: by introducing sachem of the Pennacooks; Wonalancet us to the pleasures of trail work. by his Signs were posted by the Forest Service, the chieftain appears to have been commitment to protecting paths and trails both on the overlook at the top of the cliff efficient, pacific and generally possessed from deterioration. and by his unbounded and at the base, notifying the public of falcons on the site. Square Ledge is used of all the more exasperating virtues. enthusiasm-that we fmd catching! Passaconaway, the highest of the by rock climbers to a limited extent, and Sandwich Range, has the grandeur of a far Congratulations. and thank you Peter. in 1992 it was postulated that the breeding larger mountain and is well named for the might have been terminated due to great chief. Between the two, what name disturbance by climbers. Climbing schools could be more appropriate for the high at Eastern Mountain Sports, International shoulder, 3200 feet according to the W~~~Qmcers .~S~.9~ Mountain Equipment, and Ragged Survey, a graceful shape almost hidden by Mountain Equipment were alerted to the GeorgeZfuk closure. No violations were noted during the others, than that of Nanamocomuck, ~esident. Jccj" .L. R 4" ..;I ;;; VlcePtesldent UWw ~~ n the breeding season. Apparently there was the elder son who did not succeed his garbara Sidle' , father? According to Charles Edward "' ,y good cooperation by all. R1chardDanier s Beals' deductions from the fragmentary Pete£Smart The young fledged from this territory is early histories, he died young. According the first on record. Within the State of to a more romantic local tradition, he was New Hampshire, a record high total of 15 gJ too shy and too hostile to the encroaching MemL-~L~ UCJcSlll p Claririda Philf p s young falcons made their fIrst flights over settlers to wish for the chieftainship. the White Mountains. So 1995 was a very Whichever story we accept, this spruce- At~e, good year. dark, hidden little summit close to the 3~esSOyle greater one, can fittingly be called SuswB~ant~Kimbaff Nanamocomuck.

Jot.c~ M ..~1" Ruth Gillette Hardy !lW o;;I..I1 e]d o;;I- Editorial Board of Appalachia ..", Na~Sid1ey After completion of the Dicey's Mill of spruce boughs droop over the upper Trail by Fay and the farmers of Birch edge of this window, and it is framed Intervale in August, 1891, Fay began to for those who sit within the lodge, as a CAMP RICH make plans for building a shelter near the matchless picture, the superb form of Editor's Note: The WODC presendy maintains peak of Mt. Passaconaway. Fay chose a Chocorua. Due east, it is at its best at three primitive shelters in the Sandwich Range site for the shelter near the present sunset. Wilderness: Camp Rich on Mt. intersection of the East Loop and Walden Passaconaway-prior to 1916 known as Figure I, the original Passaconaway Passaconaway Lodge; Camp Shehadi on Mt. Trails. Though not supplied with abundant Lodge, is from an old glass photographic Whiteface; and Camp Heermance on Mt. water, there was a small stream close by plate currently in the AMC Library .It is Whiteface. Each is unique in its construction, age, and it was a relatively flat spot. Fay the shelter described in the above and history. All are historic in age (over 50 years estimated the elevation to be that of the old), designedand built by weliknown people and paragraph. organizations, and constnlcted during a time of peak of Mt. Chocorua, approximately From the small number of workers and economic,cultural, and social developmentin the 3,400 feet. White Mountain region of New Hampshire. the short time required for construction, it To build the Passaconaway Lodge is apparent that the logs were of small The original PassaconawayLodge was built in required two weekends. The builders were 1891, Shehadi in 1898, and Heermance in 1912. diameter and were hauled but a short few in number: two experienced distance. The lodge had no wooden floor; We plan to print an article on each or these woodsmen from Tamworth, Fay, and historic shelters in coming issuesor the Newsletter. the bare ground was covered with balsam several ladies and children-"...the ladies branches. As for the roof, it was thatched The First Passaconaway Lodge and children cut hemlock sprays and with spruce boughs. By current standards The Appalachian Mountain Club's carefully arranged the floor." O t h e r it was a primitive shelter-useful for a few department of Improvements decided to interesting details of the shelter are: years, at best. construct, during the summer of 1891, a trail to the peak of Mt. Passaconaway and It measures nine by fourteen feet on Rebuilding and Relocation a permanent shelter somewhere near the the ground, is seven feet high at the In less than six years after construction, top. The responsibility for the endeavor open front, and three at the back. Back the lodge needed major repairs. A brief was given to Charles E. Fay, an officer of and ends are built up of unpeeled logs; note in Appalachia from July of 1897 AMC. the east end, however, only as high as reports, "The Passaconaway path has been the back. The triangular space cleared out and the camp rebuilt." No Charles Ernest Fay was an outstanding remaining is partly arranged as a details of the rebuilding are known, and mountaineer, leader, teacher, and writer. window. What was not needed for this By vocation a professor of modem that rebuilding was short lived, for just purpose is closed with rustic work; two years later during the summer of languages at Tufts College, he served the spruce trunks a few inches in diameter 1899, the original Passaconaway Lodge AMC in various volunteer capacities were split, the halves cut to the proper throughout his active life. In 1876 he was in such a state of dilapidation that it lengths, and these nailed on vertically, was necessary to rebuild. Since the chaired the fIrSt preliminary meeting of with bark outward. The rough inner original site was made unattractive by the future AMC, and served as President side was then concealed by a tapestry overcutting of fIrewood and numerous in 1878, 1881, 1893, and 1905. He edited of birch bark. Sprays from the thatch Appalachia for over forty years and wrote windfalls, and in addition the water supply numerous articles. Beginning in was uncertain, the lodge was 1895, he pioneered in exploration relocated on a new spot about V2 of the Canadian Rockies and the mile further west where there was Selkirks. His fame extended well an excellent water supply. The beyond the United States; he was site selected is where Camp Rich an honorary member of the now stands. Alpine clubs of London, Italy, The new Passaconaway Lodge and Canada. In writing a short was an open shelter, 9' by 13'. history of the fIrSt fifty years of Charles Fay was again the chief the AMC, a contemporary stated: architect and construction His unique record as camper supervisor, while Fred J. Bickford and tramper, as climber and of Tamworth was the chief explorer, as editor and builder. Little information exists executive, places Professor concerning the new shelter; the Fay among the foremost account in Appalachia is sketchy. figures in the history , the life, Nowhere is it stated that the and the progress of the original shelter was "moved." One Appalachian Mountain Club. wonders whether any logs from Figure I. Original Passaconaway Lodge. 1891 the 1891 shelter were part of the 1899 shelter. "Rebuilding" in this instance probably means the 1899 shelter was built entirely from materials not part of the original structure. The life of a primitive wooden shelter built one hundred years ago, or earlier, was brief. Shelters were built of native logs untreated with preservative, and lacked log floors. Foundation logs (sills) rested directly on the ground or on loose boulders. The roof timbers were either thatched with boughs, bark, wood slabs, or at best covered with a single layer of tarpaper. Such shelters would not meet current U.S. Forest Service building standards. AMC's and WODC's pride in the over one hundred years of stewardship of Passaconaway Lodge is akin to that of the young man who cherishes his great Figure 2. Camp Rich, 1993 grandfather's axe, the one that has had five was so voted 1Irulnimously. From that new handles and three new heads. Early Repairs and Rebuilding moment forward, for almost fIfty years, it has been known as Camp Rich. Photographs believed to be of the 1897 Wid1iD 7 years of the date of transfer to shelter, show a substantial structure of WODC, a guest of the Femcroft Inn Later Restorations sawn logs about 8" in diameter. It appears offered to pay the entire cost of a new Each year Camp Rich is inspected by WODC crews, and some minor work to be well built. The central front opening shelter on Mt. Passaconaway. Though done; only occasionally is a report of such is 7-8' wide with short front walls on each there is no indication of a pressing need regular maintenance reported to the side. for restoration, apparently the offer was general membership. Every ten to twenty- too good to refuse. At the WODC annual Passaconaway Lodge into New Bands five years, major reconstruction is done. meeting in September, 1925, it was Recent big years were 1953 and 1977. In December of 1916, a number of New reported that "a new camp has been built At the Annual Meeting in 1953 the England organizations with a commitment on Passaconaway. Those who helped in Trails Committee reported: to trail development and maintenance met building the new camp were Mr .McKey, The biggest undertaking of the season in Boston to discuss their mutual interests, Mr. (Walter) Walker, Mr. Edward Walker, was the rebuilding of Camp Rich on and to form a New England Trail Mr. Billy Child, and Mr. Loder." Passaconaway. The old roof was in Conference (NETC). Among the 30 or so Photographs from that period show a good condition, but the logs on the charter members were the Appalachian Passaconaway Lodge which resembles the side walls were rotten. The District Mt. Club, Wonalancet Out Door Club, present Camp Rich. See Figure 2. Forest Ranger from Conway Chocorua Mountain Club, and the Camp Rich designated red spruce trees that could Waterville Athletic and Improvement be used, and these were cut and peeled In July of 1948, friends, neighbors, and early in June. Later in the season the Association. WOVC members were saddened to hear reconstruction of the shelter was When it became clear that the newly that Edgar J. Rich of Winchester, MA, undertaken by a crew of three. The old formed NETC was developing trail and Wonalancet, NH, had died. He was roof was raised about a foot above the sides, and allowed to rest on a networks, the Councillors of AMC did devoted to the Club and the community. temporary support of logs. After the what they had long desired, transfer some He had served in several WODC offices walls had been rebuilt, the support was of its holdings to well organized local including the presidency. (See "Who Is E. removed, and the roof lowered into clubs, among them, WODC. Holdings J. Rich?" in the June, 1993, issue of the place. Bairing some unfortunate event, transferred to WODC were the WODC Newsletter.) such as a large tree falling on it, the Passaconaway Loop, Passaconaway shelter should last for another twenty At the August 1948 Annual Meeting it Lodge, and the Bennett Street Trail. Since five years. was moved that "the PassaconawayShelter that transfer WODC has been sole The trail crew consisted of William be renamed the Edgar J. Rich Shelter." It caretaker of the Passaconaway Lodge. Hoag, who worked for only one day on Camp Rich, Alexander Lincoln, Jr., m!lintenance around the site. Volunteers 1995 TRAIL REPORT and Frederick Steele. enjoyed die festive WODC Annual Beginning in October of 1976, a series This has been a good year for the Barbecue afterward, hosted by the Sidleys. of work projects took pla~ at Camp Rich, WODC trail network, with over 2,900 Several WODC members joined the and continued through 1979. Under the person-hours spent on maintenance, AmeriCorps crew during their final week guidance of Trails Chairman Ted Sidley, preservation, and restoration. This may be of work on Dicey's Mill Trail. The new sills, reroofmg, and "chinking" the ftrst year that our efforts have completion of this WODC project was between logs was accomplished during exceeded the ongoing wear and tear that celebrated widi a lavish pizza dinner one summer. The following year a new results from harsh New England weather served by WODC members. The event floor was laid, and over 6,000 hikers per year. took place at the AmeriCorps' campsite (Canlps Rich and Heermance)... have off the Dicey's Mill Trail, where the At the heart of this record season are the been improved with the addition of Cookes allowed them to camp. thirteen scheduled trips completed by our plank floors. The shelters are now volunteer trail crew, including three On July 26th and August 8th we worked much more inviting, since people do multiday tri~. In addition to a handful of on die Big Rock Cave Trail widi a group not have to sleep on the sometimes regulars, our crew consists of a rotating from the Tin Mountain Conservation wet, always uneven, ground, and use mix of adopters, club members, and other Center. Water bar projects were selected of the shelters has increased thjs year. trail enthusiasts. This year a dozen primarily to demonstrate erosion control Use or the Camp AmeriCorps members, during their off techniques. Thank you to Joel Rhymer and We have no year by year records of the time, joined our volunteers. Your efforts members of die "Peaks and Paddles" number of people who have used Camp turned an ambitious schedule into a program. Rich. One record from the 1950's states, successful one. We thank you. On August 5di a small crew built three "It was interesting to note in the visitors' We also owe much to the AmeriCorps water bars on die Big Rock Cave Trail. book left in the camp on Passaconaway program itself. Under the guidance of the Building on die ditching done by Tin that nearly 40 persons had spent the night Sandwich Range Conservation Mtn., we used die grip-hoist to move there during 1951." Another statement Association (SRCA), AmeriCorps crews rocks from nearly 100 feet away and lower them into place. This completed a from the late 1970's indicates that "use of spent approximately 1,000 hours three year project of stabilizing die lower the shelters has increased this year." To stabilizing sections of the Blueberry judge by current reports from hikers, section of die trail, which follows a Ledge Trail, Blueberry Ledge Cutoff, and depressed old roadbed, and suffers runoff during the height of the season until well Dicey's Mill Trail. By installing rock into October, there are many nights when from adjacent logging. steps, water bars, and soil retainers, their the number of campers exceeds the efforts go a long way toward capacity of the shelter. stemming the effects of water and What or the Future? boot traffic. The future of Canlp Rich is uncertain. In SRCA and AmeriCorps also 1987 during the preparation of the completed a prelimirulIy inventory Sandwich Range Wilderness Management of all trails in the Sandwich Plan, the Forest Supervisor declared that it is the policy of WMNF to remove all Range. This inventory includes shelters from Wilderness areas. Largely as trail problems, bootleg campsites, a result of this decision, WODC has been and other useful information. performing minimal maintenance of its Under the guidance of Nat shelters, including Camp Rich. Within Scrimshaw, this data is being recent months, there is some indication entered into a computer based that the US Forest Service is reconsidering Geographic Information System. its traditional policy on shelters in The involvement of the Wilderness. It is my belief that the future Community School and other of the WODC shelters rests primarily in local citizens is providing a broad the will of WODC members. If you want base of support for this project. to preserve these historic shelters enough to work for their restoration and A Sampling of Recent Projects protection, I believe it can be done. Otherwise, they will continue to decay and Despite a modest turnout for will ultimately be removed. New Hampshire Trails Day, we cleaned all the water b~ on the Let your thoughts be known to Club Dicey's Mill Trail, while a second officers. crew cleaned out the toilet at George E. Zink Camp Rich and did basic AmeriCorps' Pizza Feast00 Dicey's Mill Trail August 26 was the annual WODC-CMC =ed to keep pace .wi~ the ongoing others. Trail activities have grown work day, spent on the Bickford Trail. A age. Can we sustam this effort? tremendously in the 20 years since the large turnout allowed one crew to ditch The fIrst reason for concern is the Adopt-A- Trail program began, and and grade a wet section, while a second cloudy future of the AmeriCorps wi.thout proper coordination the risk of crew placed rock steps in a muddy stretch. program. There is some hope it may have skipped or duplicated work is very high. Our thanks to the Breasteds This is not only wasteful, for shortening our hike by but may leave adopters letting us park in their yard. feeling discouraged or Thanks also to the Zinks unneeded. The role of for hosting a barbecue adopters should be afterward. revisited, with an eye th d . I f toward reafflmling the key e nzz e o I th la .. Inptember 9th f ro e ey p y m protectmg fourSe built a set, a ofcrew rock o our tr at1 s. steps and two rock water Closing Comments bars on. the Cabin Trail. In 1995, approximately Even with such a small $3,400 of WODC funds crew, we were able to get were spent in support of m?re ~ork done with the over 2,900 hours of trail gnp-hO1st than would have maintenance, or about $1.15 been possible with per hour. We are most traditional techniques. grateful to Eastern Based on our growing use Mountain Sports for a gift of the grip- hois t , of $500 toward our support Trailwrights suggested that Movingrock stepping stones to the BrookPath using the grip-hoist of the SRCA trail crew. we co-host a hoist a limited program in the White Mountains The 1996 trails budget of workshop. The program was held on next year. This would be very valuable $3,875 approved at the WODC Annual September 23rd on the Brook Path, where particularly if their efforts can re' Meeting, will help maintain our current adopters Roger and Susan Korpi had effectively directed. level of maintenance and protection of .trails. pomtea out the nee

~ field trip led by Karl Roenke, Cultural the beneficiary of a retirement fund, the added their opinions. It was a valuable Resource Specialist with the WMNF, is income to be used for trail work. A Trust afternoon for all attendees,many of whom reported elsewhere in this issue. A Fund Committee has been appointed joined in the potluck supper following children's walk along the Brook Path was consisting of Judith Reardon, Susan adjournment. organized and run by Susan Korpi. All Bryant Kimball, and John Chandler. activities were a delight to participants. A Library Committee has been George Zinkannounced that WODC has appointed consisting of Sally Zink, been given a trail easement on a portion Barbara Sidley, and Barbara Nordeen. LOOK! of the Bickford Trail where it crosses the 11ris committee has been charged with land of Peg Johnson and Paul Rente. This responding to the Trustees of the Cook Please take a minute to look at is the fIrst easement the Club has Memorial Library who have asked your address label. We are trying received; easements are very important to whether WODC would like to put its to update the membership the Club, since all our trails begin on library in the genealogy room at the Cook database, and you can help. Is private property .Thanks were expressed Memorial Library .The WODC library your name spelled correctly? Are to Rachel and Dan Goodkind who gave cabinet is currently housed in the we using the title you prefer? Has the easement, to Peg Johnson and Paul genealogy room. your address changed with the Rente who purchased the land covered by Prior to adjournment, Hal Graham introduction of enhanced 911 the easement, and to Kenneth Cargill, expressed appreciation for WODC's service? attorney and neighbor, who did all the direction, and presented Peter Smart with The number following your legal work without pay. It was voted that a TrailWrights mug. name tells when our records the Executive Committee select indicate your membership expires. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 appropriate gifts for these people, such as For example, a 95 following your mounted maps of the Sandwich Range P.M. name tell us that dues are paid Wilderness Area. through December 1995. There is It was moved by the Executive sometimes confusion, because the Committee that Mike Bromberg be made PANEL DISCUSSION Annual Meeting is in August, while a life member of WODC in appreciation the fiscal year ends on December On the afternoon of August 20, 1995, of the work he has done on the 1991 and 31. If we have applied your dues WODC hosted a panel discussion on The 1995 maps. Mike accepted with thanks. to the wrong year inadvertently , Future of Trail Maintenance in the White Chris Conrod was thanked for his labors please let us know. Mountains, held in the Wonalancet in making signs. Send corrections or Chapel. Representing many active and suggestions to our new address: Members were informed of the recent local clubs in the area were: Carl death of Steams "Red" Smalley; he died Gebhardt from the Laconia office of WODC Membership Services two days before the meeting. Re has WMNF; Terry Clark, Rick Young, and HCR 64 Box 5 always been supportive of the Club, and Eric Swett of the Saco Ranger District, Wonalancet, NH 03897 was generous in allowing hiking trails and WMNF; Bob Spoerl from the Parks and camping on his property, including Recreation division of the NH State replacement of the bridge on the Old Mast Department of Resources and Economic Road. It was moved that this bridge be Development; Tom Lentz of AMC; Hal named the Smalley Bridge, and the motion Graham of TrailWrights; Wes Crane and was approved by 1manimous vote. Nat Scrimshaw of the Sandwich Range A Nominating Committee consisting of Conservation Association; Suzanne Well and Eric Hamilton of AmeriColJ>S; and John Mersfelder and Susan Korpi submitted a list of officers and Executive Judith Reardon of WODC. Peter Smart Committee members for 1996. Their was moderator. recommendations were approved. A list of The PU1J>OSeof the discussions was to the 1996 Club officers is found in a box build awareness of trails maintenance elsewhere in this issue. issues facing WMNF, and to encourage Judith Reardon announced that the cooperative efforts among the many Executive Committee has taken the initial groups that care for trails. step in opening a Trust Fund. The action Although the chief PU1J>OSeof the was sparked by an anonymous Club program was to encourage communication member who wants to name WODC among the organizations on the panel, a sizeable audience attended, many of whom WILDERNESS future, mounting Wilderness pressures will .How can managers be encouraged to force us to limit access to once in a protect Wilderness in the face of MANAGEMENT COURSE lifetime! public opposition? From September 10-15, 1995, I attended Overall, the week was very helpful in .How do we help address the a Wilderness Management Course improving my awareness and imbalance of federal planning vs. conducted by the us Forest Service and understanding of Wilderness, and of the federal implementation? die Arthur Carhart Wilderness Training fedeml employees and agencies that are .What is the role of cultural Center. This was an interagency program charged with its care. Most of all, I resources (shelters, stone walls, attended by 46 people from die agencies learned that the designation of a railroad beds, logging camps, trails) in responsible for Wilderness management in Wilderness area is only the f11'Ststep in its Wilderness? die eastern US: the Forest Service, die US ongoing care and management. Yes, Fish and Wildlife Service, and die Wilderness must be actively managed, .What is the appropriateness of National Park Service. There were also 4 particularly to protect it from the human maintaining fisheries (such as trout representatives from private groups that "users" that often pose the greatest threat stocking) at Black and Flat Mt. Ponds? to its integrity. have Wilderness involvement: The AMC, .Wilderness is an area where "natural WODC, and Outward Bound. The For me, this workshop is just a forces predominate." Is man a "natural program was held at die AMCs Camp beginning. It will cause me to re-examine force?" Dodge facility in Pinkham Notch. many of my assumptions about Wilderness and to ask more thoughtfully, IIAre our The discussions win be open-ended. No To provide some fIrsthand Wilderness effort will be made to reach agreement; no experience, the week began with overnight actions truly in the best interest of positions win be taken or recommended. camping trips. Six groups of eight people Wilderness?" The object is to have an enjoyable evening were dispatched by canoe, llama, and on Peter Smart of discussion on important issues which foot. These trips also provided a valuable will face the public during the next year opportunity to get to know odier or two when a revised management plan is participants, who came from all over the written for the Sandwich Range eastern US and were mostly strangers to WINTER ACTIVITIES Wilderness. each other. The Executive Committee announces Phone Peter Smart at 323-8666, or Upon returning to Camp Dodge, we two activities for members and guests George Zink at 323-8693, if you have shared three intensive days of lectures and during the winter of 1996. One is a cross suggestions or comments relative to the workshops concerning Wilderness issues. county ski trip, the other a potluck supper discussion. These included die management of followed by a discussion. wildlife, ecosystems, cultural resources, v On Saturday January 27th, 1996, a V On Saturday, February 27th, 1996, a fIfe, air, and water resources. Odier potluck supper for members and their cross-country ski trip is scheduled. The programs covered Wilderness management guests will take place in Runnells Hall, proposed route begins on the Bickford principles, Wilderness education, Chocorua, beginning at 5:00 p .M. For Trail in Wonalancet, to the Paugus Mill Wilderness Act case studies, and die further information or suggestions on what site, then up the Whittin Brook Trail as far application of die Americans with to bring, phone Susan Korpi at 323-8767, as interest and energy anow. Return will Disabilities Act (ADA) to Wilderness. A or Sally Zink at 323-8693. be by the same route, or by Big Rock or field session on minimum tool philosophy Cabin Trail if the group is feeling more provided a break from die classroom Following supper there will be an open adventurous. Group size is limited to 10 in routine, and consisted of demonstrations of discussion of various issues related to Wilderness. saw sharpening and water bar management of Wilderness areas, such as: construction. To round out the technical .How should education vs. Phone Fred Lavigne at 284-6919 if you aspects of the program, a session on enforcemeJlt be balanced in Wilderness would like to participate or you want personal values helped us to understand Protection? further information. our personal views on Wilderness. .Is it appropriate to use plastic After dinner, die evenings were flagging in trail work and research, or highlighted by thought-provoking talks, synthetic materials for boundary AN APPEAL such as die personal experiences of Jim markers and signs? Editor's note: I find myself in a tricky spot. I've Bradley as a Wilderness Ranger. Butch asked members and friends to write articles for Marita, the Regional Forester for die .What is the role of trails in this issue. Some did respond, and they were good Eastern Region, presented his views on die Wilderness? What about signs and articles. In an effort to keep the Newsletter future of Wilderness, which includes die blazing? compact and appealing, I have edited text prediction that within the foreseeable vigorously. AB to the good, you say. I've cut so from Femcroft. He is the Wonalancet am about to write mayor may not be of much there isn't enough remaining for a 10 page weather prophet. Almost every day of the interest. issue, and too much for 8 JMIges.What to do? summer season begins with numerous I came fl1'St to Wonalancet in the I've ransacked the roes and found two queries, after breakfast. "What kind of a documentswhim will perhaps interest some. One summer of 1934, the summer before I day is it going to be for a mountain, Mr. is a letter from a longtime member, Phyllida entered college. Mother was working at WiIIis, written from Hood College in Frederick, Alden?" Over his pipe the mountaineer the Wonalancet Farm, helping Miss Violet MD, in May of 1977. The secoud is a clipping considers, cocking a weather-eye toward Jones, (Walter Jones' sister), operate the from the Boston Globe, a dispatch from the sky above Whiteface, and his verdict Wonalancet in October in the 1930's. Hope you Farm for the Waldens. I was I/excess" determines the fate of the day with the enjoy them. baggage,-free to roam the WODC trails- Femcrofters. my first introduction to any hills higher A graduate of Amherst College in 1880, than New York's 1,000 ft Bear Mountain. Climber Makes SOtb Ascent of Mr. Alden is a member of Phi Beta Kappa Those 8 weeks opened a new life for me: scholarship fraternity. Until his retirement, Mt Whiteface active participation in Mt Holyoke Outing he taught history for many years and was WONALANCET, NH Oct.8. What is head of the department at Packer College Club,-the Cascades, Sierras, Alaska, probably a modem record for trampers in in Brooklyn. He collaborated in the Switzerland, Tetons,-membership in the the White Mountains was established compiling of the Century Dictionary and AMC, the 4,000 Footer Club, the yesterday when Edmund Alden, veteran the History of American Biography. He is Appalachian Trail 'project' (of which to climber, made his 5Oth ascent of Mt. also an authority on the local lore of the date I've seen 1,750 miles, and am White Mountains. He is the mainstay and Whiteface, which rises above Wonalancet nibbling away at the remaining 300), by a three mile trail to an altitude of 4,200 patriarch of the Wonalancet Out Door membership in the Ladies' Alpine Club feet. Club, and probably knows more mountains by name from a fixed observation point, (London, now merged with The Alpine He expects, before he leaves the White than any other visitor to the White Club), and so forth. Mountains in time to vote in New York, Mountains. He once named 60 peaks seen Memories of Wonalancet in 1934: The to make an equal score for Mt Chocorua, from Mt Chocorua. He spend much of the group of old-timers around the fIre in the which he has climbed 48 times. early season in opening trails and evening at the Farm-MI. Walden, MI. Mr. Alden has climbed most of the suggesting improvements in marking, and clearing the popular paths through the McHenry, MI. Major, MI. (Rev) Peaslee. White Mountains including the higher local mountains. Unlike many seasoned MI. McHenry, and an artist friend of MI. peaks of the Presidential Range, many trampers, Mr. Alden never disdains the Major, who showed me some of the trails. times in the nearly 50 years that he has novice at hiking. He loves to win a been a summer visitor in this region. He The WODC map on my wall, and trying convert to mountain climbing, and spends to see how many of the trails I could hike. has also been an enthusiastic climber in hours in planning trips that the less hardy It was the early 50's before I ever did the the Al~ and the Rockies, but he loves the and the children of the party can safely Sleeper Trail from Waterville over to mountains of N.H. and often says there is enjoy. as much beauty and satisfaction to be Whiteface! Mrs. Lombard and her kennels He laments that in his long climbing found in the local climbs as on the more of Chinook dogs. Seeing a black bear experience he has never met a bear, but he famous mountains of the world. cross the road at dusk between the Seeley never expresses skepticism over other He is not a climber who goes after trampers' bears. kennels and the bridge over the brook-my records, and has kept no score of any of fl1'Stwild bear! his mountain trips except for the diary Later memories-starting from the Farm record of his sojourn on his two favorite To the Officers of the WODC in September '38 with my father the fmt mountains, Chocorua and Whiteface. He May 1977 time I ever climbed Mt Washington,. never climbs for time, and selects a day walking up to Blueberry Ledges with for the clearness of the view that it I was delighted to receive the WODC Mother when she was in her 80's, ~ promises. He spends a five month summer Newsletter and learn of the Annual at Wonalancet, and after leaving here Meeting (1976) decisions to continue getting hired to do trail work right after current trails maintenance, continue the often climbs in the mountains of Virginia, the war in 1946! three Special Use Pennits for the shelter on visits to his daughters. sites, and undertake long term efforts to And much more. A group of guests at Femcroft attended upgrade facilities. Sincerely, a party given by Mrs. E.L. Fisher last The enclosed check, $3 dues and $100 Phyl1ida Wil1is evening in honor of Mr Alden's golden contribution, is a token of my support for anniversary ascent of Whiteface. They the decisions made at the Annual Meeting, recalled the years in which he has been and an indication of how much I owe to the accepted leader of all the most members and friends of WODC. What I ambitious tramping parties that put out