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2019 ANNUAL REPORT

Welcome to The North Country Association WELCOME TO THE Association The North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST) is the longest path in America’s National System stretching more than 4,600 miles across eight states. In 1981, the North Country Trail Association (NCTA) was incorporated as the official ‘friends’ organization of the Trail. Working alongside the the Association is the Trail’s steward, providing experiences that celebrate nature, promote physical health and build community connections.

Today, we are thousands strong. We are a united community of individuals and partners who embrace the spirit, peace, and beauty found along the Trail.

TOGETHER WE...

Hike it Build it Love It

Photo: John Day

MISSION OUR COMMUNITY’S CORE VALUES The North Country Trail Association develops, maintains, •• Accountability We take ownership and responsibility for protects and promotes the North Country National Scenic our actions, policies and decisions. We engage in wise Trail as the premier hiking path across the northern tier of stewardship of public and private resources. the through a trail-wide coalition of volunteers •• Collaboration We value the spirit of cooperation between and partners. staff, volunteers, all partners and landowners and are committed to building and maintaining this culture of VISION collaboration. Service is the backbone of our organization. Our vision for the North Country Trail is that of the premier footpath of national significance, offering a superb experience •• Excellence We strive for exceptional quality and safety, for hikers and backpackers in a permanently protected both in the work we do in building and maintaining the Trail corridor, traversing and interpreting the richly diverse and in the experiences of the users of this world-class trail. environmental, cultural, and historic features of the northern •• Inclusion We are committed to ensuring that everyone is United States. respected, included and valued for their contributions to our mission and culture. We actively welcome people of different backgrounds, perspectives, thoughts and beliefs.

NORTHNORTH COUNTRY COUNTRY TRAIL TRAIL ASSOCIATION ASSOCIATION 2019 2019 ANNUAL ANNUAL REPORT REPORT2 2 FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND BOARD PRESIDENT

We did it!

2019 brought exciting growth to the Trail and NCTA as we were successful in passing historic legislation that changed the route of the Trail in and extended the Trail into . This created a vital connection important to fulfilling the vision of the . We completed many projects on the ground that have been planned for decades. We funded and built large structures and bridges and thousands of volunteers maintained more miles than ever before, improving and expanding access to millions of Americans.

In 2019 we funded more than $560,000 in trail projects,

NCTA Executive Director equipment and volunteer training, a 161% increase over Andrea Ketchmark and 2018. We trained 100 new Crew Leaders and improved our former Executive Director resources aimed at helping volunteers work with landowners, Bruce Matthews sign a giving our volunteers the skills they need to further develop copy of S.47. the Trail and protect the corridor.

Our community also grew as we recognized inclusion as a core value and held hundreds of events to engage new people along the Trail in the work we do. We continued our Hike 100 program to encourage new and seasoned hikers to take on a challenge at their own pace, held our first ever Next Generation Coalition Summit to engage a younger audience in the planning for our future, and we completed our technical map series, now completely free to the public, making them accessible to more people. We continued to expand our network of trail users, partners and supporters which is growing larger every year.

The North Country Trail is growing as is our community that supports it and we hope you feel the excitement because YOU made this happen. Thank you!

TIM MOWBRAY ANDREA KETCHMARK Board President Executive Director

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 3 Protecting the Trail

Photo: John Day NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 4 The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (S.47) added 400 miles of existing trail along Minnesota’s North Shore and through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to allow NCTA to work toward closing the 150-mile gap in Minnesota. It also paved the way for the over 40-mile expansion east into the NCT’s newest state, Vermont.

North Country Trail Association staff, friends, and the National Park Service celebrate the passage of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act in March 2019.

Led by a team made up of staff, board members and The passage of this act helped NCTA make progress on two volunteers representing each of the Trail’s eight states, the goals: First, change the official route of the North Country Advocacy Committee champions our collective voice at National Scenic Trail (NCNST) in northeastern Minnesota – the national level. In 2019, after 25 years of dedication and nicknamed the Arrowhead Reroute – moving it to a more determination, we were able to celebrate two milestone scenic and sustainable location using hundreds of miles victories that will change the Trail forever. With bipartisan of existing trail. Secondly, extend the eastern terminus of support, the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, the NCNST to meet the in Vermont, which then and Recreation Act (S.47) became public law. connects with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail.

“ Extension of the NCNST into “ After a very long time of advocacy work, “ This is an important step forward Vermont helps support the mission it’s exciting to now be doing the actual for the North Country Trail, of the Green Mountain Club (GMC) work of implementing the Minnesota Middlebury Area Land Trust (MALT), by making the mountains of Vermont Arrowhead Reroute. The NCTA has and Addison County of Vermont. play a larger role in the life of the hit the ground running: Scouting and We look forward to the day when a people. Bringing the NCNST to VT flagging new Trail routes southwest of National Scenic Trail shares a path expands the long distance hiking Grand Rapids; recruiting volunteers in with our local Emerald Necklace, the opportunities, connecting local trail the Remer-Grand Rapids and Ely areas; Trail Around Middlebury.” networks, and contributing to the and working with partners like the — JAMIE MONTAGUE state’s recreation-based economy.” and Minnesota Executive Director for MALT DNR to develop a proposed route from — MIKE DEBONIS the into Ely. We’re also Executive Director of the continuing to support the Kekekabic Trail Green Mountain Club Chapter, Association, and Association as they continue their amazing work on their existing trails and sections of the NCT.”

— MATTHEW DAVIS NCTA Regional Trail Coordinator ND and MN

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 5 Building and Maintaining the Trail NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 6 Did you know the North Country Trail is the longest National Scenic Trail in America, with 3,147 of the 4,600 miles being off-road Trail? This hasn’t always been the case. The Trail we know today was built one project at a time. From the prairies to and Vermont Adirondack Mountains, our Trail’s work never rests.

Getting Things Done in 2019!

MICHIGAN For years, the Peter Wolfe Chapter worked to save the popular Characterized as the land of waterfalls and rock outcrops, the O Kun de Kun Falls section of Trail and a nearby suspension Wisconsin Roving Trail Crew and Heritage Chapter received bridge over the Baltimore River. The first task was finding a several field grants in 2018/2019 to complete a three-mile reroute that would keep the Trail at a 12% grade or less. There Trail segment adjacent to the beautiful Potato River. Field was also the matter of getting wheelbarrow loads of gravel to Grants underwrote the costs for lumber and hardware needed the remote and often inaccessible slippery clay trail sections. to complete 344 linear feet of puncheon and five bridges Finally as a result of a united determination, in 2019, a grand between Upson Lake and Foster Falls. The Rovers Crew ribbon cutting celebration was shared with local, state and helped the Chapter build 18 structures in all. Special thanks to national government agencies, media, and the people and AmeriCorps and WisCorps for their assistance in getting things partners who unselfishly gave their energy and support to done. Now hikers can have safe passage as they explore the this maintenance project. Funding was made possible in part ancient Penokee Mountain Range filled with expansive vistas through grants from the Natural Resources Trust and lush walls of lichens, mosses, and small ferns. Field Fund, the Program, the National Forest Services Grants are supported annually by donor contributions and are Challenge Grant Program, the National Park Service and the available to NCTA Chapters and Affiliates four times a year. . These 2019 highlights are only a small representation of the NORTH DAKOTA tireless work given day in and day out by NCTA Chapters, staff Inside the Western Terminus rests some of the newest NCNST and volunteers. These statistics are more than just numbers, miles, including a reroute that showcases big skies, superb they are results that came from thoughtful planning, innovative birding and breathtaking sunsets over the majestic prairie collaborations and a united vision to make every experience wetlands and grasslands found within the nearly 15,000-acre along the Trail a memorable one. Audubon . Originally designated as the Snake Creek National Wildlife Refuge in 1955, but renamed in 1967 for the artist and naturalist, John James Audubon. In 2019, working with an Eagle Scout candidate from Bismarck, ND, we developed a four-mile segment of the Trail with about 11 more NCNST miles within the Refuge yet to be developed. Each mile on the NCNST frames this natural habitat in a way only Mother Nature can provide. Photo: Dove Day

BUILD: CURRENT TRAIL MILES •• 71.4 miles of new Trail constructed Off-Road On-Road Total •• 5,768 linear feet of puncheon, boardwalk and turnpike GIS Miles GIS Miles Miles installed NORTH DAKOTA 256.2 189.6 445.8 •• Seven new campsites built MINNESOTA 689.1 159.9 849.0 134.8 76.2 211.0 •• 18 new bridges installed WISCONSIN MICHIGAN 853.8 305.4 1,159.2 MAINTAIN: 504.9 558.4 1,063.3 233.8 48.5 282.3 •• 3,307 miles of Trail maintained by Chapters and Affiliates NEW YORK 430.4 241.6 672.0 •• 291 kiosks and signs updated VERMONT 44.1 26.4 70.5 •• 7,358 feet of puncheon and boardwalk repaired TOTALS 3,147.1 1,606.1 4,753.1 •• Hundreds of trees and miles of overgrown Trail cleared

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 7 Celebrating our Volunteers

There are many reasons people choose to give their “ When I say ‘we’ and ‘us,’ I do it with intention. This work is time to the Trail. Some are motivated to give back only achievable with our far reaching network of dedicated because they have received so much personal joy volunteers. Our Affiliate organizations and agency partners from hiking it. Others are inspired knowing they are share in the vision. Our dedicated staff have the expertise a part of something greater than self; something that needed to move us forward. And individuals, corporations will last for future generations. So many reasons and and foundations support the work with funding through one constant fact: Volunteers are the heart and soul grants and donations. Thank you for doing your part!” of the North Country Trail Association. — ANDREA KETCHMARK North Star Vol. 39, No. 1

Hike it, Build it, Love it In Action VOLUNTEER DERRICK PASSE: VOLUNTEER CHASE GREGORY: NATURAL BORN LEADER JACK OF ALL TRADES Derrick is a man who knows how to get things done, and his Chase Gregory lives by the motto, ‘Jack first brush with leadership came about nearly 30 years ago. of all trades, master of none, better than a He saw a volunteer recruitment flier for the Boundary Waters master of one,’ and perhaps that is why he Canoe Area Wilderness and decided to sign up. He even was so drawn to finding ways he could help checked that he would be a trip leader if they needed it. the NCNST. An original member of NCTA’s Next Turns out they did, because Derrick was the only Generation Coalition (Next Gen), Chase jumped at the person who had volunteered for that position. chance to be a Jack of all trades, when it comes to Since that life changing decision, Derrick has NCNST outreach, volunteerism and advocacy. spent at least one week out An avid outdoorsman, Chase’s appreciation of the year maintaining the and outdoor skills grew while at Camp Merz, Kekekabic section of the •• 1,058+ volunteers BSA in Mayville, New York, where he started Trail. He leads work crews •• 83,300+ volunteer hours as a volunteer before advancing to a paid of nine, the maximum per •• $2,228,326 in private leadership role. From there, his quest for Boundary Water regulations, and all sector value adventure has included kayaking around the their tools and gear through unpredictable Kinzua Reservoir, hiking the Susquehannock portages to get to the Trail. This tradition •• Infinite reasons to Trail System Circuit, an 85 mile loop in the has been interrupted only once so he could celebrate the impact Allegheny mountains, the Hike 100 Challenge, recover from heart surgery. these individuals have made and working toward living a carbon reduced Derrick was first introduced to the North life. He is also a 2017 graduate of Edinboro Country Trail Association at a Kekekabic University, holding a BS in Computer Science. Trail Club (KTC) gathering in Duluth. Bill An appreciation for our planet and fascination Menke and others were leading discussions on where the NCT with the computer sciences are at the core of his involvement should go and how it would integrate with existing trails. The with NCTA and our Affiliate, the Conference discussion took time to gain momentum and as it did, it lit a (FLTC). Chase manages the FLTC Instagram account and is fire in Derrick. Soon he shared his dedication to the NCT with a member of their web committee. In addition to Next Gen, the KTC and the NCTA Chequamegon Chapter. From there his time with NCTA includes serving on the New York State it was a natural growth transition to add the NCTA Board of Marketing Committee and most recently, joining the NCTA Directors to his leadership responsibilities. Derrick brings an advocacy team at Hike the Hill®. Chase summarizes Hike the authentic love of the Trail into everything he does. Hill® as “The experience was one of a kind, and leaves you He works to make the Trail the best it can be; for those who like feeling like you made an impact.” to spend a week working in the wilderness and for those who And making an impact is exactly what Chase loves to do. enjoy an afternoon hike. Continuously using his connections, Derrick strives to bring the National Park to your front door. He knows how special it is to have a National Park so close it feels Hike the Hill® is a joint effort between the Partnership for National Trails System and the American Hiking Society as if it is in their front yard, and that’s what makes the NCT so aimed at increasing congressional and federal agency leader special. As Derrick notes, the more you get involved the more it awareness of funding and other needs that sustain the becomes a part of who you are. National Trails System.

Locationed in Minnesota, Derrick is involved with Kekekabic Left photo: Derrick Passe Trail Club, NCTA Chequamegon Chapter, Superior Hiking Trail Right photo: Chase Gregory Association, and is a NCTA Board Member.

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 8 Celebrating our Chapters

Special thanks to the 28 Chapters and 10 Affiliates who live and breathe the vision of the North Country Trail.

NCTA Chapters and Affiliates NORTH DAKOTA MICHIGAN, Upper Peninsula PENNSYLVANIA •• Lonetree Wildlife Management Area •• Ni-Miikanaake Chapter •• Wampum Chapter •• Sheyenne River Valley Chapter •• Peter Wolfe Chapter •• Butler County Chapter •• Dakota Prairie Chapter •• North Country Trail Hikers Chapter •• Clarion County Chapter •• Superior Shoreline Chapter •• Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy MINNESOTA •• Hiawatha Shore-to-Shore Chapter •• Allegheny National Forest Chapter •• Minnesota Waters and Prairie Chapter •• Laurentian Lakes Chapter MICHIGAN, Lower Peninsula NEW YORK •• Itasca Moraine Chapter •• Harbor Springs Chapter •• Finger Lakes Trail Conference •• Star of the North Chapter •• Jordan Valley 45° Chapter •• Central New York Chapter •• Arrowhead Chapter •• Grand Traverse Hiking Club Chapter •• Adirondack Mountain Club •• Kekekabic Trail Chapter •• Spirit of the Woods Chapter •• Border Route Trail Association •• Western Michigan Chapter VERMONT •• Superior Hiking Trail Association •• Chief Noonday Chapter •• Middlebury Area Land Trust •• Chief Baw Beese Chapter WISCONSIN •• Brule-St. Croix Chapter OHIO •• Chequamegon Chapter •• Northwestern Ohio Rails-to-Trails Association •• Heritage Chapter •• Association •• Wampum Chapter

OHIO PENNSYLVANIA In July 2019, the first Ohio NCTA Crew Leader Training Chapters all along the NCT are actively giving back in their course took place. Working alongside the Buckeye Trail local communities. In September the Wampum Chapter and Association, this one-day course helped prepare volunteers the Knights of Columbus Beaver Valley Council 604 worked to lead successful trail building and maintenance projects. together to host the fifth annual Hike 4 Kidz event, benefiting Crew Leader Trainings include both hands-on field experience the McGuire Memorial and St. Anthony’s school programs. with classroom topics like leading and motivating volunteers, This 4, 6.5, or 10 mile hike is just one of the many ways our recruiting participants, project planning and more. NCT community gives back and gets people outdoors!

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 9 Programs and Outreach

The North Country Trail Association oversees a number of programs and outreach initiatives that make the Trail safe, promote the user experience, and celebrate and build friendships along the way.

CHAPTERS AND AFFILIATES The 28 NCTA Chapters and eight Affiliates are so important to the Association that we wanted to mention them again. In addition to their focus on involving Chapter members, community volunteers, college students, Scout Troops, and Youth Corps in the building and maintenance of the Trail, they also do some pretty great work in the area of promotion. These efforts included 155 Chapter and Affiliate-led hikes and 170 events hosted and attended to promote the Trail in 2019.

Photo: Amelia Rhodes

MAPS Accessibility was the driving force behind the decision to

Photo: Kate Lemon provide free map downloads through the website. In 2019, there were more than 24,044 map downloads. Thanks to the CELEBRATION 2019 support of individual donors, these maps are free, eliminating In April 2019, more than 400 Trail users gathered in Bellaire, barriers that might keep someone from experiencing the Trail. Michigan for the North Country Trail Association Celebration Keeping updated information on an ever changing trail is not event. This special time is filled with workshops, awards, an easy job. Mapping isn’t a field with a hard stop, especially mingling and hikes. It is also a time for recharging your spirit, and on the growing NCT, but it does have moments to celebrate. In this year did not disappoint. Keynote speaker, Mirna Valerio 2019, NCTA celebrated the completion of our Technical Series (A Beautiful Work in Progress, A Memoir), shared her maps, creating 445 updated maps for the NCT. inspirational prejudice-busting, body-positive, and adventure seeking story with all in attendance. Each year the Celebration grows in quality and content and is quickly becoming one of our favorite annual events.

Photo: Emily Rodriguez

Photo: Abbey Holden NEXT GENERATION COALITION HIKE 100 The Next Generation Coalition is a group of young people Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a long-distance hiker, a ages 18-35 connecting on and because of the North Country trail runner, or have yet to take your first step on the North National Scenic Trail. This initiative connects trail users and Country Trail, the Hike 100 Challenge is for you. By joining, you supporters from Generations Y and Z to a network of other trail become part of a Trail-wide community that is passionate lovers with the goal of getting more young people involved in about staying active outdoors and on the NCT. Hikers receive outreach, volunteerism and advocacy. The Coalition has grown access to exclusive resources, including tips and tools for to more than 50 members, nine of which attended the first-ever the Trail, extra encouragement and motivation, and a log to “Next Gen Summit” in Michigan’s Porcupine Wilderness State help track miles. Pets can hike too. In 2019, we celebrated Park, where members completed a trail construction project 920 people and 145 dogs who met and finished the challenge! and planned for the future of the Coalition.

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 10 TRAIL TOWNS NCTA Trail Towns extend throughout our eight states. They are partners in our efforts to promote the Trail to their residents and embrace the Trail as a resource to be protected and accessed. There were 22 Trail Towns actively working with NCTA in 2019. SPECIAL FUNDING SUPPORT FIELD GRANTS TRAINING AND SUPPORT The NCTA offers Field Grants ranging from $200 to $5,000 The Association provides a number of resources; in print, in to Chapters, Affiliates, Regional Trail Coordinators, and Trail person, and online. The online Volunteer Resource Center, Councils. This program, supported by individual donations special webinars, in-person trainings, and grant writing, social throughout the year, is designed to support initiatives that media and brand standard marketing support are examples of benefit the Trail and Association. Construction materials other support services available to our membership. NCTA has and equipment are the most frequent requests, with Chapter trained over 100 new Trail Crew Leaders since 2018. centered marketing materials closely following, but the fund has underwritten less traditional requests too. In 2019, 14 Field Grants were awarded across the Trail — each making great things possible.

Photo: Chris Loudenslager

TRAIL PROTECTION Securing long-term access and ensuring the Trail is permanently protected are critical. NCTA offers a Trail Protection Grant program to assist Chapters and Partners with the intricate layers involved in protecting the Trail and offers resources for volunteers to successfully work with landowners, including the Trail Protection Handbook, revised this year. In Photo: Dove Day 2019, 14 new easements and agreements were put into place with private landowners. NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 11 donor highlights

Photo: Josh Larson NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 12 In our fast-paced world, we need a place to slow down and breathe. The North Country Trail is that place. Because of you, the North Country Trail Association is able to continue to serve the Trail and all it offers. Your gift protects and provides access to the beauty and spirit of the Trail, not just for today but for future generations. Thank you to our partners and friends who made 2019 such a remarkable year.

OFFICIAL TRAIL PARTNERS National Park Service USDA Forest Service Michigan Department As the officially administering As a major land of Natural Resources agency for the North Country management partner, Thanks to the Iron National Scenic Trail, the the Forest Service Belle Trail program, the National Park Service has a supports critical Michigan DNR supports long history of supporting volunteer training like NCTA’s Crew NCTA’s work by funding capacity NCTA through a Cooperative Agreement Leader program and community building and needed trail projects that funds a portion of our operations programs like Trail Towns. throughout the state. along with select special projects.

$25,000 AND UP Lux Foundation

FOUNDERS CIRCLE TRAIL CHAMPION TRAIL GUARDIAN $10,000-$24,999 $2,500-$4,999 Larry Bell Dennis* and Cathy Garrett Lorana Jinkerson Margaret MacRae Tom and Mary Moberg Melinda and Jerry McCarty National Park Foundation Merrell Partnership for the National Trails System Noquemanon Trails Network REI Foundation Richard and Leslie Rae Platte John and Cyndi Woollam Patricia Shepherd Jim Stewart and Jan* Ulferts Stewart TRAIL LEADER Laura Bethany Thomas $5,000-$9,999 Mark* and Rachel VanHornweder Loren Bach and Dave Martus Jeff* and Nancy VanWinkle Peter Bennett and Julia Davey Raymond Vlasak Betty A. Lewis Environmental Charitable Trust Walmart Foundation Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau *Board Member Mike* and Renee Chapple Dan and Ruth* Dorrough Jerry* and Nancy Fennell Cheryl* and Mark Kreindler Greg and Karin McAleenan Jim and Eleanor Mitton Nicholas Funds Jane and Tom Norton Osprey Packs, Inc Michael Rodenberg Lynda Rummel and Rolf Zerges

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 13 FOUNDERS CIRCLE

YOU helped fund $560,000+ in trail projects, equipment and volunteer training

Photo: Dove Day

TRAIL BLAZER TRAIL BUILDER $1,000-$2,499 $500-$999 Pat Allen and Mark Miller Ken Adams Dan and Peggy Mourer Elizabeth Bell Amazon Smile Foundation Timothy* and Sue Mowbray Barbara Bott and Bob Jennings Adirondack Mountain Club- ND Parks and Recreation Gloria and Kevin Brushwyler Onondaga Chapter Ginny and Bill Newman William and Mary Coffin Mike and Kathy Bradley Northwest Bank Dave and Jan Cornell Butler Outdoor Club Rita Oswald Robert and Barbara Davis Mary Campbell and John Larch Dale and Kathy Painter Skip and Lori Duchesneau Rob W. Carr, Jr. and Janet Carr Barb and Brian Pavek Carol and Ron Enger Julie Caswell and Richard Rogers Eric Rehorst Fifth Third Bank Civil Design Solutions, Inc. Glenn and Barbara Reed Finger Lakes Trail Conference John Clement, Jr and Christine Clement John and Marge Schmitt Fun Corps LLC Robert Courtois Donald Schott Grand Rapids Community Foundation Edward and Julie Dallas Dawn and Mike Shallberg Great Lakes Endurance, LLC Cliff and Jane Denay Jeanne and Michael Sekely John Heiam and Lois Goldstein Donald Dorn Bradford and Lynne Slagle Carter and Florence Hedeen Roy Dray Ron and Linda Sootsman Peggy Jones and Andrew Zeek Robert and Patti Dunning Superior Hiking Trail Association Joseph and Cindy Krueger Randy Eshenroder Irene Szabo Lawrence County Chip Everest and Gayle Newman Everest John and Tracy Texter Ineke and Chip Leer Dave Galbreath Toledo Refining Company Christopher and Margo Light Tom and Janis Gilbert Jerry and Beth Trout Karin Lohman Ed and Rennae Gruchalla Anthony and Nancy Veit Elizabeth Nickel Timothy Hicks Sandra and John Wagner Jaron Nyhof* Elizabeth Holland and Mike Choate Stephen* and Karen Walker Dennis Pace and Anne Grofvert Gladys and Jim Hoogterp Gary Werner and Melanie Lord Larry Pio* and Suzanne Darling Steven Huyser-Honig Daniel Willshire† Paul and Lori Spoelstra Bette Jackson The Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall Foundation Dale and Harriet Jones We are grateful for all of our Traverse City Track Club David Johnson supporters who helped make 2019 Mike and Cheryl Trieschmann Andrea Ketchmark# the successful year it was. Without Roger and Rebecca Tuuk Paul and Kristi Kline you we would not be able to share United Refining Company Bobby and Deb Koepplin all the great accomplishments William Vogt and Claire Eberwein Harold Lassers celebrated in this report. Quinn Wright* Duane Lawton* Robert and Jane Leedle Thank You. Louis and Nellie Sieg Fund Annie and Patrick Luckey * Board Member Mary MacDonald # Staff Member Jim and Norma Matteson † Deceased Bruce and Linda Matthews Michael and Pam Mazor Bill# and Donna Menke

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 14 ADDITIONAL THANKS TO... TRAIL ANGELS $250-$499 Jerry Allen and Connie Pausits-Allen Mike and Susanna Ausema Beaver County Paul Blanchard David and Nancy Blewett Ryan Bowles and Lori Skibbe Jim and Hope Bradley Lynn Broaddus and Marc Gorelick Robert and Anita Campbell Michael Costello Timothy Cotts Bill Curry Matthew and Stacy Davis David and Shari Dosland Erik and Ellen Dovre Scott and Patricia Duemler Michael and Pam Dundas Jim and Jill Eisele Loyal and Bonnie Eldridge Catherine Ferguson and Jim DuBay Terry and Lori Foster James Gilkey Bruce Goodman and Janet Krueger Greg Hazle Sarah Heppenstall Hubbard County, Township of Thorpe Gary and Terry Isham YOU made Barb Jauquet-Kalinoski and Greg Kalinoski an Impact Ralph and Ruth Johnston Lynn Ketchmark Norman Kuchar Al Larmann and Mary Kunzler-Larmann

Bruce Lemmons and Anna Belu Photo: Kenny Wawsczyk Steve and Carol Maass Jean Magolan and Donald Matcom Steven and Kathy McBride Midwest Mountaineering James W Sprague Cheryl and Tim McGrath Don and Joan Miller Clifford and Nancy Stammer Larry Meyer and Sharon Schaafmeyer Mines and Meadows ATV Resort Kathryn Sutcliffe Moraine Trails Council Mike and Tina Toole Roger Morrison John and Mary Jo Wagar Craig Mulhinch Dave and Patty Warner Craig and Nancy Mullenbrock Tim Werkema Keith Myrmel Larry Willis and Robyn Ellis Andrew and Elwira Mytys Brad and Joan Wire Peter and Deb Nordgren Peter Wood Northwestern Mutual Merri Carol Wozniak Merry Ossenheimer Lise Zahn Charles Otis William and Wesenyelesh Peterson We have made every effort to make sure these lists Charles and Lynne Poat are as accurate as possible. If we have omitted or incorrectly reported your generous support please YOU helped Nicholas and Eliza Rhodehamel accept our apology and contact Nancy Brozek, successfully advocate for Brian and Susan Roberts Vermont to become the Director of Development and Communications Bob and Janice Schuelke NCT’s eighth state! [email protected] or (616) 897-5987 Deborah Sears ext. 5. Frederick Silver

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 15 Planned Giving Program

Photo: Jerry Warner

For more information Recommend NCTA contact Nancy Brozek, through your Donor Name NCTA as a Director of Development Advised Fund beneficiary on a retirement and Communications: or life insurance policy [email protected] (616) 897-5987 ext. 5.

Donate stock or give through your IRA See if your employer will match your gift

Name NCTA in your will Join the Founders Circle or estate by making a monthly gift of $42 or more

Gifts made through bequests and other planned giving vehicles create a sustainable financial future for the Association. We are proud to honor these Legacy Society Members.

LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS Anonymous (1) Tom and Mary Moberg Pat Allen Tim* and Sue Mowbray Loren Bach and Dave Martus Jaron Nyhof* Steve and Karen Bade Eileen L. Oehler† C Mike* and Renee Chapple Bob Papp and Annette Hollister-Papp NORTH OUNTRY S † † LEGACY OCIETY Cecil and Joanne Dobbins Gerald Phillips

ES 0 Tom Funke Ron and Linda Sootsman TA 01 BLISHED 2 Tom and Jan Gilbert Walter Srogi† Robert and Sheridan Haack Harmon Strong† John Heiam and Lois Goldstein Irene Szabo Martha Jones† Jere Thompson† Beth Keloneva Roger and Rebecca Tuuk Betty A. Lewis† Elizabeth Wheatley† Bruce and Linda Matthews Joan Young Roderick† and Peggy MacRae * Board Member † Deceased

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 16 Tribute and Memorial Gifts

Thank YOU to All of Our Contributors

Photo: Melanie McManus

The North Country Trail Association is filled with appreciation and recognition for those honored and remembered this past year.

MADE IN HONOR OF Heather Blaikie Mary MacDonald Mike Toole Marci Burke Mack Martin Ray Vlasak Joseph Clewley John Mellen Kevin Whitley Cliff Denay Bill Menke Kelly Williams Erik Dovre Annie Nelson Mary Woodruff Peter Ford Shari Sanderson The Peter Wolfe Chapter of NCTA Christopher Glueck Ed Scurry The Superior Shoreline Chapter Rennae Gruchalla Brad Shafer The Harbor Springs Chapter Mark Hammers Tom Shupback The Kekekabic Trail Chapter Elizabeth Harwood Vincent Smith Lorana Jinkerson Bob and Neva Stanford Cory Langenbeck Vernon Texter

MADE IN MEMORY OF Bob and Dorothy Bair Jake Jakubowski Sam Schlear Leroy Chiovitte Pat Johnson Ernest Scott Hanna Cooper Calvin Kangas Jack Slagle William Dahl Oren Krumm Carol Smith James Davis Denny S. Maintenance John Stehle Jim Davis Paul Mercer Daniel Streeter Tom Duvendack C. Ogg Fred Swank David Givers Atley Oswald Kay Walborn MariBeth Heckman Tom Reimers Daniel Willshire Howard Hintz Barb Rodenberg

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 17 2019 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

he financial sustainability INCOME AND EXPENSE INCOME BY SOURCE of the North Country Trail Year ending 12/31/2019, in $1,000’s Association continued to 5% T 2% grow stronger in 2019. INCOME 1% Our major program areas of Donations Incl. Membership $572.0 trail building and maintenance, NPS Base Support & Projects 375.1 36% awareness and advocacy, and Grants 508.2 volunteer support and training were Trail Shop Sales 20.4 32% all well supported by our revenues. Programs and Events 72.0 More money went onto the Trail Other Income 29.0 and supported our volunteers, TOTAL INCOME $1,576.7 as we increased our efficiency 24% in leveraging public and private EXPENSES dollars to achieve our mission. We Salaries & Benefits $556.0 Donations Incl. Membership decreased our dependence on the Administration 147.9 NPS Base Support and Projects National Park Service as those Communication & Outreach 152.4 Grants funds now make up only 24% of Trail Shop Cost of Sales 9.8 Trail Shop Sales our revenue stream, and we saw Trail Management & Projects 557.4 Programs and Events significant growth in government Travel and Meetings 59.2 Other Income grants as our capacity to go after Advocacy 2.3 these funds have grown, resulting in Depreciation 0 over $500,000 in grants that funded TOTAL EXPENSE $1,485.0 work directly on the Trail. NET INCOME $91.7 Due to solid financial management EXPENSES BY CATEGORY and the significant charitable support of our many donors, the 0.7% NCTA was able to fund and fulfill 8.9% 0.8% its mission. NCTA’s investment portfolio increased due to the strong BALANCE SHEET 16.4% performance of the market and the As of 12/31/2019, in $1,000’s growth of our Operating Reserve, ASSETS which reached nearly $50,000, Checking/Savings $413.6 9.3% taking us more than halfway to our 40.7% Investments 150.3 goal. With strong fundraising goals 4.8% Accounts Receivable 143.1 and a close watch on expenses, Other Current Assets 8.2 18.4% we ended the year with a positive Total Current Assets 715.2 net income. That combined with Fixed Assets 20.0 the liquidity and availability of our General Support $132.5 8.9% TOTAL ASSETS $735.2 assets and cash on hand put us in a Govt. Relations $12.4 0.8% strong financial position to support Chapters $243.6 16.4% LIABILITIES our programs going into 2020. Development $137.9 9.3% Other Current Liabilities 65.0 GIS / Cartography $71.6 4.8% TOTAL LIABILITIES 65.0 Outreach $273.0 18.4% TOTAL EQUITY 670.2 Trail Management $604.2 40.7% TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY $735.2 Trail Shop CoS $9.8 0.7% TOTAL EXPENSES $1,485.0 100% The North Country Trail Association holds the “Accredited Charity” rating from the Better Business Bureau. The rating means that the NCTA maintains or exceeds the Wise North Country Trail Association is a 501(c) Giving Standards for Charity Accountability (3) nonprofit organization. Our most recent established by the BBB. The standards audited financial statements and tax return measure financial and programmatic data, can be found at northcountrytrail.org, or as well as fundraising and administrative provided upon request. practices looking for certain standards in disclosure, transparency, program and fundraising cost ratios and solid financial management. NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 18 Together we Hike it Build it Love It

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL REPORT 19 Special thanks to those who shared their stories, provided financial support and gave of their time in 2019.

Photo: Elizabeth Jones

STAFF BOARD OF DIRECTORS Andrea Ketchmark, Executive Director Tim Mowbray, President Valerie Bader, Director of Trail Development Jaron Nyhof, First Vice President Nancy Brozek, Director of Development and Communications Dennis Garrett, Vice President East Matt Davis, Regional Trail Coordinator for North Dakota and Minnesota Mark VanHornweder, Vice President West Tarin Hasper, Annual Fund Coordinator Larry Pio, Secretary Kate Lemon, Marketing and Communications Coordinator Mike Chapple, Treasurer Bill Menke, Regional Trail Coordinator for Wisconsin Ruth Dorrough, Immediate Past President Nicole Murphy, Administrative Assistant Josh Berlo, At-Large Alison Myers, Administrative Assistant Jerry Fennell, At-Large Emily Rodriguez, Outreach Intern (Hike 100 and Next Generation Coalition) Cheryl Kreindler, At-Large Matt Rowbotham, GIS Coordinator Duane Lawton, Michigan Lisa Senneker, Finance Administrator Derrick Passe, Minnesota Kenny Wawsczyk, Regional Trail Coordinator for Michigan Jan Ulferts Stewart, North Dakota Jeff VanWinkle, Michigan Stephen Walker, Ohio Quinn Wright, New York

NORTH COUNTRY TRAIL ASSOCIATION 229 East Main Street Lowell, MI 49331

(616) 897-5987 northcountrytrail.org [email protected] facebook.com/northcountrytrail instagram.com/northcountrytrail