Newsletter WO NALAN CET OUT DOOR CLUB June 1999

FREDERIC L. STEELE 1984. Five of the six on the Committee SCA TRAIL CREW were WODC members. In mid-May 1999, a longtime and We are off on a new venture! During Recently, rereading Club minutes of the faithful member of d!e WODC, Frederic recent years WODC has hired the past, I noted that as Trails Chairman Fred L. Steele of Tamworth, passed away. Fred Sandwich Range Conservation Association served for a longer time than any other was a Club officer for over two decades, (SRCA) to do major trail work. SRCA member of record. Those were the days serving as Trails Chairman for fourteen was recendy dissolved, so we faced the when the Chairman was also the principal years (1953-1967) and as Vice-President dilemma of finding a new crew. trails worker. He, aided by his wife and for three. Fortunately, we learned of an organization children, wielded the axe, crosscut saw, entided the Student Conservation Fred was born in Tamworth, and began and clippers; painted the signs and blazes, Association (SCA, easily confused with his schooling in a one room schoolhouse and wrote out longhand or on the SRCA) that operates a Resource on Great Hill. He graduated from Phillips typewriter all correspondence and reports. Exeter Academy in 1929, and from Assistance Program offering opportunities Harvard University Cum Laude in for people 18 years and older to spend 1933. Before serving in d!e Army a summer working and learning with Signal Corps during WWII he taught an environmental or resource at Ashburnham School in management organization. SCA Massachusetts. workers are true volunteers -they receive only a $50 per week stipend For over 35 years he taught science for food, plus free housing and bus and mad!ematics at St. Mary's in d!e fare. The Randolph Mountain Club Mountains School, now the White (RMC) uses SCA volunteers for one Mountain School, in Littleton, NH. of its trail crews, and finds the Throughout his years he touched d!e experience valuable. lives of many students, instilling an appreciation of d!e natural world. Our need is for a crew of at least five able and strong people to work Fred was an accomplished botanist for about eleven weeks during the and aud!or of several excellent papers coming summer -the largest crew ~d books: Trees and Shrubs of we have ever assembled. Through the Northern New England; A Beginners energetic efforts of our Trails Guide to the Trees and Shrubs of Committee, a crew has been hired - Northern New England,. At four are volunteers from SCA. The Timberline, A Nature Guide to the experience we've gained in the process Mountains of the Northeast; and Early of hiring will simplify preparations for Days in Tamworth. He was an future years, should the Club decide authority on d!e alpine flora of Mt. to undertake restoration projects on Washington. On at least two occasions Frederic L. Steele other trails. Fred led memorable natural history hikes for WODC, one to Head! Pond The WODC is responsible for the Bog in Ossipee and anod!er on Mt. C()St of crew housing, plus $1600 per Of courne he was well paid! In 1962 Fred Wonalancet during which he pointed out volunteer to cover other expenses as received $151..50 for 101 hours of trail and desl,'ribed d!e affects of altitude as oudined above. In addition to being less work and supplies". His son Nat worked seen in variations of plant growd! and expensive than hiring traditional 781/2 hours at 50e per hour for $39.25, development. employees, this arrangement allows us to and son Ben 681/2hourn at 25e for a total provide a valuable learning experience to After retirement Fred was active wid! pay of $17.25. Membership dues in that college age people who are interested in d!e Audubon Society of New Hampshire, year were $2.00 each. d!e Society for the Protection of NH exploring careers in outdoor and environmental fields, while upholding the Forests, and the Chocorua Lake My earliest memory of Fred was of the WODC volunteer heritage. Conservation Foundation. He was an trail reports he presented at the Annual Meetings. His sparkling eyes and dry wit active member of d!e Sandwich Range The crew will be led by Eric Flood, Wilderness Committee appointed by d!e were classic. At the 1958 meeting, "There who was recommended to us by the RMC. SPNHF, and played a significant role in were no accidents this year, but a minor Eric has a BA in Recreation Management, determining d!e boundaries of d!e area mishap occurred the day we decided to and a strong interest in Leave No Trace subsequently protected by Congress in give my young son a taste of trail camping and Wilderness. He worked for clearing. (Continuedon Page4) the RMC last year, and has done trailwork intriguing. Those selected are available year off before her college studies. Her during our 11 week program, and have activities include modem dance, acting, strong backgrounds and experience related swimming, basketball, lacrosse, ropes to our project. We will be welcoming the course, camp co\UlSelling, and as prefect following crew members: for freshman girls. Caring for the Sandwich Range since 1892 Zachary Hasse is from West Virginia. Jonathan Segev is from California. He He is 19 years old, and has just completed is 19 years old and has fInished his fIrst The Newsletteris published twil:e each year by his second year of college at the year at the University of California, the Wonalancet Out Door Club. The mailin2 University of Pittsburgh, majoring in majoring in computer engineering. He has address is: biology and English. He has worked as an lived a number of years in Israel, and has WODC Newsletter Editor emergency room intern, as a carpenter, worked for a catering company and UC 64 Box 5 and with Habitat for Humanity. His restaurant. His activities include drama, Wonalanl:et, NU 03897 outdoor activities include backpacking, backpacking, swimming, and working as a 'fhe Editor enl:ouragesmembers and interested climbing, biking, and canoeing. He has camp co\UlSellor. readers to submit material for use in future issues. First Aid certification. Articles, poems, drawings, comments, I:ritidsm.., We encourage all Club members to meet !;uggestions,are well:omed. Olivia Lester is from Utah. She is 18 the crew and extend a hearty welcome. The WODC Web site address is years old and will begin college at the We feel certain that home cooked food http:llwww.wodl:.org University of Utah in the fall. She has and entertainment will be much worked for the city council Public Works appreciated by them. Their telephone Department in Brigham City, and her number in Wonalancet is 323- 7064, or you (Continuedfrom Page1 ) activities include basketball, track, can visit them on Walden Trail Saturday SCA TRAIL CREW photography, tutoring, Audubon S()Ciety, through Tuesday of most weeks. Hike up the Environmental Club, Symphony, Old Mast Road, then continue along for the Androscoggin District of the Museum of Art, and other groups. She has Walden Trail until you fmd them. Your WMNF. In the winter he teaches skiing at made several lengthy canoe and presence will be much appreciated. You Sunday River in Bethel, Maine. Eric backpacking trips, and has led youth are also invited to join us for the weekly arrived in Wonalancet on May 1 in order groups and helped with ftrst aid classes. Saturday pack-in to their camp site. to become familiar with the area and the trails. In addition he will help prepare the Daesha Ramachandran is from New JudithReardon crew housing, generously made available Jersey. She is 18 years old and will take a by Doug McVicar and Frumie Selchen. This excellent location, "Green Shutters" on Ferncroft Road, will be an enticement Summer Gatherings for the crew members who will be coming . At 7:00 P.M. Saturday July 10, Verna Jungels of the Audubon Society of New from several sections of the country . Hampshire will present the program Moose to Mice at the Daniels' barn in North The SCA crew will arrive by June 10 Sandwich. The barn is located at 431 Chase Road, route 113A. with the fIrst week spent in intensive When most people think of wildlife, they think of mammals, and NH has many training workshops. Actual work will run fascinating species. Examine their adaptations to varying habitats, food needs, from Saturday June 19 through seasonal requirements, and behaviors. An assortment of skulls, bones, pelts, and Wednesday August 25. The crew will mounted specimens will be used to compare different mammals and highlight their spend each Saturday through Wednesday similarities and differences. This program will be of great interest to children. Be camped near the work on Walden Trail. sure to bring them. This will allow them to do 4 112to 5 days . On Sunday August 15 at 7:00 P.M. in the Wonalancet Chapel, Peter Pohl the of work for each hike in to Walden. They Carroll County Forester, will present a slide program entitled NU's Biodiversity. will return to clean and sharpen their This program identifies unique ecosystems throughout the State and describes their tools, and have three nights off in fragile nature and interrtlatedness. Wonalancet. Peter, in his role as County Forester, has provided guidance for 25 years to Dick We've selected applicants who are Daniels in the management of his Tree Farm. Dick will give a brief talk explaining experienced with lengthy hiking and how timber and habitat management have changed the character of his land camping trips, and are involved in . A potluck supper will be held in the Grove beside the Wonalancet Chapel activities that keep them physically fit. beginning at 5:00 P.M. on Sunday August 22. All Club members and friends are They have also expressed a strong interest encouraged to attend. If the past is any indication, there will be good food and in trail maintenance, back country patrol, drink, pleasant fellowship and conversation. Bring a hearty appetite and a bowl of and/or resource management. We reviewed your favorite recipe, hot or cold. Following the meal, the Annual Meeting will be nearly 40 resumes, all impressive and held in the Chapel. EV A & MIL TON SEELEY required his retirement from an active life as a research chemist. At the urging of There are many names associated with Walden, in January 1927 they moved to the dogs of Wonalancet, none more Wonalancet and lived in a house across important than those of Eva and Milton the road from Wonalancet Farm. There Seeley. Their influence upon sled dog was work at the Farm for both Short and racing was strong and permanent, largely Milton, for Walden was assembling dogs, because of their work improving and drivers and equipment for the First Byrd standardizing the breeding of Siberian Antarctic Expedition (BAEI). The Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, and Chinook Kennels was then located on the Eva's complete devotion to everything she north side of Wonalancet Brook, behind did. Wonalancet Farm. One hundred dogs It was Arthur Walden's fame that participated in the Expedition, only part of brought the Seeleys to Wonalancet. They those then training at the Kennels. heard of Walden and Chinook for the first During the training period a need time during the winter of 1923 while Eva, developed for better rations for working frequently called "Short" due to her small dogs. Milton, a trained and experienced size, was organizing a winter carnival in research chemist, studied the dietetic her hometown of Worcester, demands of working dogs, and then Massachusetts. At that time she read a developed a food to fIll the need. In 1929 newspaper account of a winter festival in when dIe BAEI sled dogs were held in Gorham, NH at which Arthur Walden quarantine on an island off the New Short driving a team she bred and trained showed his team of sled dogs. Short knew Zealand coast the dogs were found to be people would be interested in having in poor healdI. Believing an inadequate from Little America in the Antarctic in 1933. All four offspring participated in the Walden and Chinook at the Worcester diet the cause, expedition leaders cabled event, so she phoned Walden. It took little Milton for his formula. A New Zealand Second Byrd Antarctic Expedition inducement to persuade him to attend. food plant operator lent his ovens, and in (BAEII). Short had her first dog sled ride at the two weeks twenty-five tons of Milton's Through the efforts of the Seeleys and Worcester carnival. pemmican biscuits were made. During the other breeders, the American Kennel Club rest of the expedition dIe dogs ate officially recognized the Alaskan "The trails were on the golf links. At pemmican biscuits, supplemented by seal Malamute as a breed in 1935. In April of one point, a cat scooted across the trail and whale meat. that year the Alaskan Malamute Club of immediately in front of the dogs, and As soon as Arthur and the dogs left the America was formed at the Seeley home disappeared into a clump of trees. in Wonalancet; Milton was the first Chinook and his eight team mates Intervale for BAEI, the Seeleys' interest turned to the breeding of Alaskan dogs. At president, and Eva the se~Tetary.Eva and immediately took off after the cat. that time dIe Siberian Husky was dIe only Milton helped revive the New England Walden quickly overthrew the sled. Sled Dog Club founded by Walden in This probably saved me from injury , purebred Eskimo dog recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Seeleys fIrst 1924, and the Siberian Husky Club of but Walden did injure severely one America. hand. I was thrilled by the ride, and I tried breeding dogs similar to those driven began immediately to make plans to by dIe Malemute people, who occupied The Seeleys purchased Walden's the Seward Peninsula and adjacent islands Chinook Kennels in 1933, and moved the visit Wonalancet." in Bering StJ:"ait.They secured a male kennels to the current site on the south She visited in Wonalancet later that named Yukon Jad who was raised near side of State Route 113A. The kennels winter, and had several long dog sled Dawson in the Yukon Territory, and a property consisted of 50 acres on which rides. She later stated, "My future in sled female, Bessie, who had been purchased the Seeleys built a log cabin house and dogs began right there." in Alaska. In 1929 they succeeded in several other log cabin style shelters and producing four sons of Yukon Jad and pens, and dog sled trails. A large field was In 1923 Eva was a young woman of 32 Bessie, all with Alaskan Malamute cleared to the south of the house where years, a graduate of Sargent College. In characteristics. These four sons they drivers and trainers tented during May of 1924 she married Milton Seeley; named Gripp of Yukon, Tugg of Yukon, preparation for subsequent expeditions. they celebrated their honeymoon at Kearsarge of Yukon, and Finn of Yukon. Wonalancet Farm. It was soon apparent The Chinook Kennels trained and Gripp of Yukon in 1935 became the fIrst that Milton too was fascinated by furnished dogs and drivers for several American Kennel Club Alaskan Malamute Walden's dogs. expeditions including the first, second, and Champion, and the fIrst recorded registrant third Byrd Antarctic Expeditions, the Early in their married life they of the Malamute breed. The voice of Finn Army's Search and Rescue Arctic discovered Milton had an illness that of Yukon became dIe "canine broadcaster" [;J 4

Division, the Army's North European Olympics held at Lake Placid. Although Life was difficult for Short during her campaign of World War II, the Finn not a winner in the latter, she was the only last decade. She lacked fInancial resources Ronne Expedition of 1947, and Operation woman driver in the event. to hire others to operate the kennels and Deep Freeze of the International was physically unable to do the work "I drove a team of Malamutes. I knew Geophysical Year in 1955. About 200 herself. Her many friends helped as they I wouldn't win because they're not as dogs were trained in Wonalancet for each. were able, but Short's independent spirit strong or as fast as Huskies, but I was a barrier to accepting assistance Milton died in 1945 following a long wanted to show how manageable they gracefully. Her house and the Chinook period of failing health. His death was a could be." Kennels began to show signs of loss felt by the whole community and Short was inducted into the Mushers' deterioration. She lost the ability to drive extending beyond dog sled people. He was Hall of Fame in Knik Alaska, and her car, and in 1983 suffered a stroke that universally admired and loved. An posthumously given the honorary Number resulted in hospitalization. Mounting obituary reads, One position at the 1987 Iditarod Trail medical bills resulted in the sale of the "The community will never know how Sled Dog Race. This is memorialized on a kennels. much it owed to him, because of his granite block at the roadside historic site Eva B. Seeley died on December 28, reticent modesty the very strength on the Chinook Trail in Wonalancet. This 1985. She is buried next to Milton in the of his integrity caused him to be site was dedicated in October 1988 Jewell Cemetery in the Albany section of Wonalancet Intervale. George Zink

(Continuedfrom PageI)

FREDERIC L. STEELE

Arriving at the top of Sandwich Dome at one dclock, we found we had omitted to put a lunch in the pack. There was a good supply of balsam trees, the inner bark of which is said to be an to appeal to Alec Lincoln for part of his lunch." At the 1962 meeting, "Every year the trails are inspected by the Saco Office of the Forest Service, and every year we get a letter of complaints on various matters, such as sanitation facilities at the camps, the condition of the ladders on Whiteface, Short with Kotzebuhe and the Yukon pups etc. The letter this year was longer than usual, so we took Mr. Archibald of the listened to. His mind was on the other through dIe joint efforts of dIe present WMNF on an inspection trip up Whiteface fellow's rights, not on his own -on Chinook Kennels property owner and the and cleared up many of the criticisms, getting an opportlU1ity for some yOlU1g State of New Hampshire. pointing out, for instance, that the Rollins person, on clearing up a In later life Short was a frequent judge Path which had been declared "t()() mislU1derstanding or stopping an at dog shows, especially in New England narrow" was wider than the FS trail up injurious rumor, on opening the roads and dIe northeastern portion of dIe United Whiteface, and that the lack of a sign at to justice, on making things easier for States. She was an accredited American Downs Brook was their omission." people." Kennel Club judge of dIe three Arctic sled May our memories of Fred long be In addition to work with dogs, from dog breeds: Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, bright; we'll miss meeting him on the 1933-1945 Milton operated the and Samoyeds. mountains and in town. hydroelectric plant on Wonalancet Brook Eva wrote two books, one for children in George Zink that provided electricity for homes and 1930 entitled Chinook and His Family. barns of the lntervale. The second, The Complete Alaskan Added to her work breeding and training Malamute, she wrote in 1976 widI sled dogs, Short participated in many Maxwell Riddle, an international dog racing events including the 1933 Winter audIority. AMC GUIDE REVIEW compactness of the previous edition came TRAILS REPORT: at some cost in type size and clarity of White Mountain Guide: Hiking Trails in design, and it was in fact nearly 100 pages SPRING 1999 the White Mountain National Forest, longer than the new one. 26th edition, 1998 (Boston: Appalachian At this writing we are preparing to The new maps included with the Guide Mountain Club Books, compiled and launch a five person trail crew for a full are full-color digitized maps plotted with edited by Gene Daniell and Jon summer of work on Walden Trail. The Global Positioning System (GPS) Burroughs, $21.95). objective is to rectify major erosion technology. In the fm;t printing of the new problems, as mandated by WODC Since 1907 when it was first published, Guide there was a significant misprint in members at the 1997 Annual Meeting. In many members and friends of WODC the text indicating map scale on five of the Spring of 1998 the WODC was have considered AMCs White Mountain the six maps. The scale text on Maps #2 awarded a $9,800 grant from the National Guide an essential companion on their through #6 should read, "One inch equals Recreational Trails Fund in support of this hikes. Its maps and narrative guidance 1.5 miles" instead of "One inch equals 3!4 work. The grant is matched by a cover the 52 miles of WODC maintained mile." Scale text on Map #1 is correct as comparable value of volunteer time, tools, trails, all other WMNF trails in both New printed: "One inch equals 3!4 mile." The and financial support from the Club, Hampshire and Maine, some of the major scale ratio of Map #1 is different from bringing the total value of this project to trails outside the National Forest in that used to draw maps 2 through 6, and just under $20,000. northern New Hampshire, and the entirety the Map #1 scale text was inadvertendy of the Appalachian Trail and its side trails Although the restoration work was used on the other maps in that fm;t in New Hampshire. expected to be spread over two summers, printing. The scale ratio, scale bar and the ice storm of 1998 caused a change in Some of the southern summits and areas border scale are correct on all maps. plans. In addition to the major effort in New Hampshire, like Cardigan, Embarking on a hike without a reliable required to clear storm damage from Monadnock and the Belknaps, have been map and trail guide is as unwise as taking trails, there was a shortage of qualified removed, and will be covered in a new off with inadequate clothing and water. crew due to extensive cleanup operations AMC Guide to Southern and Central New WODC's one page version is excellent, throughout the State. When the heavy Hampshire, which should be in bookstores and tucks easily into a shirt or pants rains of June required a second wave of by the time you read this review. pocket. But if your planned hiking in the emergency trail work, it became clear that AMCs Guide has never been the model Sandwich Range is likely to include Walden restoration would have to be of compactness and concision offered by non- WODC trails with which you are not delayed till 1999. Since our NRTA grant WODC's own trail map and guide, but of thoroughly familiar, the AMC Guide is an expires in the Fall of 1999, it is also course its coverage is much more important resource. necessary that we complete the entire ambitious. Even for our local trails, the project this season. You can leave at home those maps you two are usefully complementary . won't be using. (Take a waterproof map After a long winter of preparations, a One's fl1'St impression of the new 26th bag; unlike the WODC map, which is five person trail crew is about to start edition of the Guide may be that it is big printed on waterproof tyvek, the AMC eleven weeks of work on Walden Trail. and expensive. Its 5"x7" fornlat stretches maps are paper.) If, in your pre-trip (See separate article on our SCA l,'few.) the limits of a practical, packable trail planning, you have access to a photocopy While day-to-day work on the trail will be guide. * In the six years between machine and you're sure where you want under the direction of crew leader Eric publication of the 25th and 26th editions to go, make a copy of those few pages of Flood, the Trails Committee has prepared the price has risen from $16.95 to $21.95, the Guide describing the trails you intend an exciting week of workshops and a nearly 30% increase. You can get 20% to hike. Staple them together, fold them training to get the crew off to a strong off if you're an AMC member and buy it into a small waterproof zip-lock bag, and start. These activities also offer an from them. leave the big book at home. If you follow excellent opportunity for all WODC Despite these reservations (and a few this advice, however, don't change your adopters and volunteers to learn some new others requiring more discussion than a trail plan mid-trip. skills. Programs will include trail safety, short review allows), the new Guide is a * Although AMC offered an arguable wilderness first aid, Leave No Trace worthy purchase. It is a new edition, and defense of the larger size as a more practices, camping techniques, basic tool several real improvements have been environmentally sound use of paper, its use, and an advanced hoist & rigging made. The descriptions of more than 500 principal rationale was commercial; larger workshop. trails have been wholly updated. The topo books are more visible on retailers' All activities will be held at the summer maps and the typography of the book bookshelves. The earlier, traditional size crew residence -last house on the left itself have been thoroughly redesigned, was 3-5!8" x 6". before the Ferncroft Kiosk -and are making the whole significantly more John R. Boettiger open to all. We will also welcome the readable. If the new edition is bigger, it's crew and kick off the week with a not significandy heavier. The relative fabulous potluck supper at the Mersfelders' on Friday, June 11th. Since Walden Trail will be our primary focus this year, the Club will be dependent on its trail adopters for keeping trails open and well maintained. As always, please let us know if you need assistance. Trail work is always easier and more fun in a group, so don't hesitate to invite us. That's not all for 1999. We've scheduled an overnight trip on the Kate Sleeper Trail, a fun day with Trailwrights, plus a special project and potluck supper for NH Trails Day. Please see the adjacent schedule for details. Finally, visit the WODC web site at www .wodc.org for late-breaking news on all swnmer events. We also hope to post weekly dispatches and photos from the Walden crew, providing a personal perspective on their swnmer adventures, plus an opportunity for you to communicate with the crew. It's a great way for members to participate in the swnmeI's activities, particularly if you can't join us on the trail. Peter Smart

MISSION STATEMENT

While the Executive Committee was discussing fInancial planning for the Club, we decided it would be helpful to have a mission statement. We debated what should be included in a mission statement and then investigated what historic documents had to say on the topic. We discovered that Article 2 of the WODC Incorporation document, dated 812611976,is a historic mission statement. The items the present Executive Committee suggested were very similar to those in Article 2. It is gratifying to ,know that the philosophy of the Club remains reasonably constant. Article 2 of the Articles of Incorporation is as follows: "The objects for which the corporation is established are for provision and care of paths, trails and other facilities for persons visiting the White Mountain National Forest and other The eight extensions to the Sandwich COMMOM MYTHS mountain and forest lands; regarding Range Wilderness would improve its these lands, to promote their bolU1dary.The current Wilderness area is MYTH ONE: "There is no true conservation and the enforcement of pinched in, like a wasp's waist, while the wilderness in the eastern part of the the laws regarding their conservation ideal shape to protect interior forest United States." and use, to promote communication habitat would be a circle. In addition, the Response: There is no general agreement between their owners and the public on current Wilderness Area does not yet among people as to what wilderness is. these issues, and to promote discussion protect some of the historical and Wilderness is a concept, an idea; there are and education on all these matters; and recreational resources valued by local as many ideas of what wilderness is as for the social recreation of the residents. Adding the proposed extension there are people. To a city dweller any corporation's members; no part of the lands would protect these area from large area of undeveloped land is corporation's property shall benefit any logging, motorized recreation, and habitat wilderness. To the experienced explorer or member or associate of the fragmentation. scientist who has searched for a portion of cooperation, or any private person, FSR also seeks a changed management the Earth where man's presence or culture except for reasonable compensation area designation for Sandwich Notch that has not penetrated, there is no wilderness paid to employees or agents." would remove it from the timber base and left anywhere on Earth. No acre on the The above paragraph indicates that the provide increased protection from heavy surface of any continent or any sea has mission of the WODC is care of paths and recreational uses. Designating Sandwich escaped from man's activities. Plastic trails, care of other facilities (e.g. bridges, Notch a Historic Area would ensure throw-aways, oil drums, abandoned kiosk) promote conservation of the preservation and enjoyment of historic vehicles, polluted air, polycWorinated WMNF and other mountain and forest sites such as cellar holes, barn biphenyls (PCB's) are found everywhere lands, promote the enforcement of the folU1dations, mill sites, remnants of a on Earth. In this sense there is no "true laws regarding land conservation and use, logging railroad, camps, wells, and other wilderness" remaining. promote communication between the land remains of a community that at its peak in For clarity it is necessary to distinguish owners (e.g. private landowners and the mid-1840's comprised more than 40 between the concept of wilderness (printed WMNF) and the public on issues of homes. in this paper with a small "w") that is conservation, land use, and conservation In the near tenn Friends of Sandwich law enforceriietit,-pro1iI6te discussion and subjective -varying with each person's Range intends to participate in all steps of education on all these matters, and social experience -and Wilderness (printed with the White MolU1tain National Forest recreation of the WODC membership. a capital "W") that is designated as such Management Plan revision process. It by an act of Congress. It is these Dick Daniels seeks to change the management area designated areas that are dealt with in this designations for each of the proposed article. extensions and for Sandwich Notch. FSR's FRIENDS OF THE long-tenn goal is to extend the bolU1daries Congress has a special interest in eastern of the Sandwich Range Wilderness. portions of the United States, and in an Act of January 3, 1975 stated: SANDWICH RANGE If you want to know more about FSR In response to the U. S. Forest Service's and the proposed extensions, or if you "Therefore, the Congress finds and proposed Aigonquin Timber Sale in want to become involved, contact: declares that it is in the national interest that these and similar areas in historic Sandwich Notch, a local citizens' Fred Lavigne or Evelyn MacKinnon the eastern half of the United States be group formed in 1998 to oppose the sale. 407 Diamond Ledge Rd. promptly designated as Wilderness Calling themselves the "Friends of the Center Sandwich, NH 03227 within the National Wilderness Sandwich Range" (FSR), they enlisted Tel: (603) 284-6919 or E-Mail: Preservation System, in order to the support of many others in their [email protected]; preserve such areas as an enduring communities and saw their efforts Note: Many members of FSR are also resource of wilderness which shall be rewarded when, during the Forest members of WODC, but FSR is managed to promote and perpetuate the Service's road building moratorium, the independent of the WODC. The material wilderness character of the land and its Aigonquin sale was postponed indefinitely. for this article was extracted from FSR specific values of solitude, physical The FSR then expanded their goals. publications/notes and does not represent and mental challenge, scientific study, They researched, inventoried, and mapped current WODC policy or a decision of the inspiration, and primitive recreation for eight distinct desirable extensions to the Executive Committee. the benefit of all of the American Dick Daniels Sandwich Range Wilderness -the Black people of present and future Mountain, Jennings Peak, Lost Pass, Scar generations." Ridge, Square Ledge, Mt. Paugus, There is designated Wilderness in Wonalancet, and Flat Mountain extensions. eastern United States because Congress has declared it. One of "these and similar On a Forest Service sign as one cutting, motorized vehicles, and developed areas" referred to above and established by enters a National Forest one reads the recreation are not permitted. the 1975 Act was the area currently words "Land of Many Uses." In Some uses are incompatible. Where road entitled the "Presidential Range-Dry essence, that is the significance of the building takes place (for timber concept; a National Forest must be River Wilderness" in the White Mountain management, developed campgrounds, or managed in such as way as to serve National Forest. roadside recreation) the water resource many uses. Forests are used for: cattle MYTH TWO: "Hunting and fishing are cannot be fully protected, and back country grazing; timber harvesting; water recreation is compromised. prohibited in Wilderness." resources and protection; back country Some typical uses within Wilderness Response: This statement is false. Hunting recreation (hiking, back-packing, areas are: wildlife protection, water and fishing are permitted in Wilderness camping in areas remote from roads); resource protection, back-country areas. viewing natural scenery; wild life protection (non-game as well as game recreation, scientific study, hunting and A full response requires further species, unique and endangered fishing. Other uses such as temporary clarification. The fISh and game laws of species); hunting and fIShing; vehicle structures and commercial services - the State within which a Wilderness area driving (automobiles and trucks, services generally offered by packers, lies apply. A hunter or fisherman must summer recreational vehicles (summer outfitters, and guides -may be permitted have a State license, and obey the State ORV's), winter recreational vehicles under some conditions. Because a regulations. The specific wording of the (winter ORV's); scientific study; Wilderness serves many purposes, a Wilderness Act follows: developed recreation (down hill skiing, Wilderness is a multiple use area. "Nothing in this Act shall be construed cross country skiing, picnicking, riding MYTH FOUR: Anyone intending to as affecting the jurisdiction or gondolas and other types of lift to enter a Wilderness Area must fIrst secure responsibilities of the several States mountain peaks); mineral development; a permit. with respect to wildlife and fish in the commercial enterprises (horseback Response: There is nothing in the national forests." riding, trips by mule and horse, rafting on rivers and lakes, trips led by Wilderness Act that mandates permit use. In addition, the hunter or fisherman must guides); vacation homes. Each of these This myth is based, locally, on the early comply with all regulations of the federal uses takes place on some National experiences of many users of the Great agency within whose jurisdiction the Forest, somewhere in the US. All Gulf Wilderness in the WMNF prior to Wilderness occurs. For example, if in a National Forests must provide a mix of 1984, and of some areas in a few western period of high fire danger an area is various uses. That is the basic States. Further clarification of this closed to Forest users, then sportsmen significance of the multiple-use policy; statement is needed. must comply with the restriction. each National Forest must provide a The Wilderness Act of 1964 is explicit MYTH THREE: Wilderness is a single mix of uses. in providing that each agency use, not a multiple-use. All these uses need not take place on administering any area designated as Response: The simple, straight-forward each Forest. There is currently no Wilderness shall be responsible for denial of Myth Three is found in the commercial mining on the White managing the area. Since the present five Wilderness Act itself, (Section 4 (a) (1»: Mountain National Forest, nor are there Wilderness areas of New Hampshire and any grazing rights being utilized. Since Maine are within the WMNF boundaries, "Nothing in this Act shall be deemed many other uses do occur on WMNF, it is the WMNF that manages the areas. to be in interference with the purpose multiple use is being practiced. for which national forests are Following congressional designation of established as set forth in the Act of Significantly, several uses need not each Wilderness, the Forest Service June 4, 1897 (30 Stat. 11), and the occur on the same piece of land. A section prepares a detailed plan which describes Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act of of Forest leased to an operator of an how the area will be managed. Such a plan must be consistent with the wording June 12, 1960 (74 Stat. 215)." alpine ski area is not also available for timber harvest, or mineral development. of the Wilderness Act, the terms of the Congress has stated that Wilderness Usually there is a principal use in any specific Act by which the Area was encompasses multiple-use. A more given section of Forest. For example, both established, and the interpretation of these complete response follows, since no sides of the Kancamagus Highway are Acts by the Department of Agriculture term or concept used in discussions of protected from activities that would (Code of Federal Regulations Sections forest management is more widely compromise the visual quality of a 251.70 to 251.84). A management plan is misunderstood than that of motorist's experience. The principal use is based upon the characteristics of the multiple-use. Trained and experienced that of developed recreation. The principal specific area: its size and location, its Forest managers themselves frequently use of the Bowl Research Natural Area is topography and terrain, the number of fail to use the term properly. scientific study; other uses such as timber people who can use the areas without injuring the resource -its carrying capacity -, the traditional use patterns, Response: This myth dies hard! The (a) Natural ecological succession and other factors. Wilderness Act is quite specific in stating will be allowed to operate freely to that the preservation of ecosystems is the the extent feasible. The f1fSt Management Plan for Great prime objective. There may be recreation, Gulf Wilderness, released to the public in (b ) Wilderness will be made but recreation is secondary to preservation. 1975 specified a permit system in order available for human use to the Wilderness is defmed by the Act (Sections "to maintain the wilderness resource and optimum extent consistent with the 2c) in such a way as to make it certain maintenance of primitive provide a true wilderness experience." The that preservation of natural systems is need "to maintain the wilderness resource" conditions. paramount. was obvious since in excess of 25 ,000 "A wilderness, in contrast with those (c) In resolving conflicts in persons per year were using the Gulf -an resource use, wilderness values will areas where man and his own works area of only 5,552 acres. That was the be dominant to the extent not dominate the landscape, is hereby highest use per acre recorded for any limited by the Wilderness Act, recognized as an area where the earth Wilderness in the National Wilderness subsequent establishing legislation, and its community of life are Preservation System. The decision to or the regulations in this part." require permits was introduced in order to untrammeled by man, where man The intention of Congress is clear. limit the number of people using the area, Wilderness is primarily an act of and hence reduce or eliminate degradation preservation; recreation is not its prime of its wilderness qualities. purpose. Preservation of its character is required In the Pacific Northwest the major by the wording of the Act (Section (4) challenge to Wilderness may come from (b»: the forest industry , in Alaska it may be " each agency administering an area from oil exploration and development, in designated as Wilderness shall be areas of the western u.s. it may be from responsible for preserving the the grazing and mining interests. In the wilderness character of the area and White Mountains of New Hampshire and shall so administer--,-~ such area.- for such Maine, the principal challenge comes from other purposes for which it may have high recreational use, and misuse. In a been established as also to preserve its region of 70 million people within one wilderness character." day's driving distance of the New England mountains, preservation of the last In 1984, about ten years after the remaining vestiges of wild country will decision to require permits, a study by WMNF concluded that the objectives to be require \Ulderstanding, resolve, sacrifice, and a continued vigilance in support of the achieved by a permit system in the Great ideals of this \Uliquely American Gulf Wilderness had been reached, and institution that a permit for day and/or overnight use need no longer be required. The permit George Zink requirement was then withdrawn. Great Falls on Bennett Street Trail In summary , a permit requirement can be imposed by the Forest Service himself is a visitor who does not whenever it is deemed necessary in order remain. An area of wilderness is FUNDRAISER UPDATE to protect an area. But a permit system is further defmed to mean in this Act an Thanks to strong support from WODC not a requirement in Wilderness, nor is the area of undeveloped Federal land members and friends, the end of the system in common use. retaining its primeval character and ftmdraiser is close at hand. We only have influence, without permanent about $2,000 left before we reach our It is not unusual for the Forest Service improvements or human habitations, $20,000 target. With a little luck we may to require permits whenever any section which is protected and managed so as be able to conclude the campaign in time of the Forest is being degraded by to preserve its natural conditions " for Annual Meeting. over-use. For many years a permit was Dues renewal; If you haven't already required for over-night camping in The Department of Agriculture under done so, please remit your membership Tuckerman's Ravine even though which the Forest Service functions, has dues for 1999. Membership levels are: Tuckerman's is not in Wilderness. stated its objectives in administering Basic ($15), Steward ($25), Trail Blazer Wilderness (Section 251.71 of Title 36, ($50). Select whichever level works best MYTH FIVE: Wilderness is for Code of Federal Regulations). for you. Contributions always welcome. recreation. Tom Rogers "To that end: New WODC T -Shirts Now Available

The long-awaited new WODC T -shirts are now available. After experimenting with other attractive designs, we determined that the design that would print best on T -shirts is the familiar logo from the WODC decal, depicting the mountain view from Wonalancet. This is a change from the smaller OUT DOOR CLUB circular design used in previous FOUNDED1892 T-shirts.

For the first time, T -shirts are available in either the traditional cotton or Coolmax fabric. Coolmax is a fabric which feels similar to cotton but which wicks away perspiration, making it comfortable for trailwork. When the weather turns wet and chilly, wicking fabrics do not feel clammy like cotton, which can be a comfort and safety factor .

The T -shirts are short-sleeved, with the logo (blue sky and snow-covered mountains in white and black) centered on the front of the shirt. The cotton T -shirt is heather grey, with the Club name in blue surrounding the logo. The Coolmax T -shirt is navy blue, with the Club name in white. They are different enough that everyone should own at least one of each!

Both shirts are available in medium, large, and extra large sizes. The medium size also fits most children.

The T -shirts are in the process of being printed at Original Designs, in North Woodstock (near Lincoln, New Hampshire) and should be available by the time you read this. To order, please mail in the order form below.

WODC Merchandise Order Form

Please mail completed form and payment to: Wonalancet Out Door Club

WODC Member Services HCR 64, Box 5 WODC Trail Map & Guide $5.00 Wonalancet, NH 03897 WODC Patch $3.00

~~tt~;WODC ;-~shi~t.heather greya- -, I D Medium D Large $14.00 Phone: D X-Larae

WODC navy blue ~0 Medium Coo/max T -Shirt 0 Large $16.00 Name: 0 X-LarQe

I Additional Contribution Street: All prices include shipping Total Enclosed

City ,State,Zip'