2020 Annual Report

2020 ANNUAL REPORT

Hike it Build it Love It Photo: Chequamegon Chapter Photo: Richard Lutz Photo: Nick Meekhof

We are a united community of individuals and partners who embrace the spirit, peace, and beauty found along the Trail

Photo: Grand Rapids Christian Middle School Photo: Aria Kampfer

Photo: Grand Rapids Christian Middle School Photo: Matt Davis Photo: Dove 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 United States 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. •• Excellence We strive for exceptional quality and safety, Our vision for the North Country Trail is that of the premier both in the work we do in building and maintaining the Trail footpath of national significance, offering a superb experience and in the experiences of the users of this world-class trail. for hikers and backpackers in a permanently protected corridor, traversing and interpreting the richly diverse •• Inclusion We are committed to ensuring that everyone is environmental, cultural, and historic features of the northern respected, included and valued for their contributions to United States. our mission and culture. We actively welcome people of different backgrounds, perspectives, thoughts and beliefs.

Cover Photo: Pregent-Halford Family

North Country Trail Association 2020 Annual Report 2 FROM the Executive Director and Board President

We are resilient!

hen we look back at 2020, we’ll remember what mattered. The Trail provided space, peace of mind and grounding to millions of people when it was needed most. W More people completed the Hike 100 Challenge, we reported more volunteer hours than ever before, we pulled our community together in new and innovative ways, and we were able to keep thousands of miles of the Trail maintained and blazed, while it was facing record use. You made that happen!

In turn, we heard your stories about what it’s meant to you to have the Trail in this time of need. The North Country Trail is more than just a Trail and 2020 showed us just what that means and why it’s so important that we do this work.

In 2020, we lived up to our promise to add two new Regional Trail Coordinators, providing professional staff across the entire Trail for Photo: Ben Brosseau the first time in history. We built 51 miles of new Trail in 2020 and put $200,000 directly onto the ground through trail construction and maintenance projects. We focused on general trail maintenance, blazing and mapping to show the way for all that were seeking solace on its path, for there has never been a time that a walk in the woods was needed as much.

In all aspects of our work, NCTA adapted to the challenges that faced us all in 2020 and we’re better for it. The North Country Trail Association is resilient and you made it all possible. Thank you!

Jaron nyhof Andrea Ketchmark Board President Executive Director

NorthNorth Coun Coutry nTtryrail T Arailsso Aciatiossocniatio 2020n 2020Annual Ann Rualeport Report3 3 After extensive research, preparation and planning, the Board of Directors adopted a three-year strategic plan focused on seven long-term priority objectives. F0RWARD FOCUSED

Photo: NCTA

TRAIL OBJECTIVES Maintain Protect the Trail, the Trail Viewshed and Every mile will have an Hiker Experience active Chapter or Affiliate Become an organization that responsible for maintaining has capacity and structure the Trail to NPS standards to prioritize and permanently and reflecting the quality of a secure access for the National Scenic Trail. route and protect the trail experience.

Complete Promote the the Trail North Country There are 3,150 miles of National Scenic off-road Trail currently completed. Over time we Trail Increase national, state and will move 1,600 miles of local awareness of the North the route that are currently Country National Scenic Trail on roads to the optimal hiking experience, the natural location that serves to fulfill and historical resources the North Country Trail’s it offers, and volunteer nature and purpose. opportunities to engage with NCTA and our work.

North Country Trail Association 2020 Annual Report 4 ORGANIZATIONAL OBJECTIVES Support Our Develop NCTA’s Increase Vital Chapter Organizational Available and Affiliate Capacity Funding Community Increase NCTA’s capacity to Become a self- Each Chapter and Affiliate meet the opportunities and sustaining organization, organization will be actively challenges of fulfilling our enabling us to achieving their commitment mission and support our implement what has to our mission, with partners and community of been identified within successful mechanisms to trail stakeholders. our strategic plan. develop new members and new leadership over time.

NorthNorth Coun Coutry nTtryrail T Arailsso Aciatiossocniatio 2020n 2020Annual Ann Rualeport Report5 5 Strategic Plan Accomplishments 2020

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0 N Pond 28 13 00 8 5 S 13 0 ta 2 r 2 r 5 P o in t D Bureau r of Land 450000m.E Management North Country51 Trail Association52 2020 Annual Report53 6 54 55 56 ^" - Parking −" - Camping - Point of Interest Use this map on your mobile device w/ the “PDFMaps” app Virtual 1/2 mile North Country - NCT - On-Road - from Avenza - http://avenza.com/pdf-maps Intervals National Scenic Trail To add this map at no cost from the Avenza Store, follow the - Nearby Trail - 10' Contour Interval "For Smartphones" link at http://northcountrytrail.org/trail/maps/ Minnesota Map Series 1:31,680 UTM 15 NAD 83 - Public - County - Wetlands MN-053 1 in = 0.5 miles 2019 Magnetic Declination: Licensed under Creative Lands Bndry. 0.17° E Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 Like these maps? Consider making a donation to the NCTA that will help Updated - 11/29/2018 0 0.25 0.5 Miles International License. ¯ http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ support this service.northcountrytrail.org/donation northcountrytrail.org NCT maps and information will change often. Please always download the latest version at: https://northcountrytrail.org complete the Trail

The Outdoor Foundation and Outdoor Industry Association reported 8.1 million more Americans hiked in 2020 than 2019, as the national participation rate grew 16.3 percent.

The North Country National Scenic Trail was no exception. Reports of increased Trail use were prevalent across the Trail. With traditional work groups restricted, Chapters planned and prepared for increased volunteer needs to be completed in a shorter time period.

•• Regional Trail Coordinators helped to facilitate

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0 N Pond 28 13 00 8 5 S 13 0 ta 2 r 2 r 5 P Northeast Minnesota Map MN-053 o in t D Bureau r of Land 450000m.E Management 51 52 53 54 55 56 NorthNorth Coun Coutry nTtryrail T Arailsso Aciatiossocniatio 2020n 2020Annual Ann Rualeport Report7 7 ^" - Parking −" - Camping - Point of Interest Use this map on your mobile device w/ the “PDFMaps” app Virtual 1/2 mile North Country - NCT - On-Road - from Avenza - http://avenza.com/pdf-maps Intervals National Scenic Trail To add this map at no cost from the Avenza Store, follow the - Nearby Trail - 10' Contour Interval "For Smartphones" link at http://northcountrytrail.org/trail/maps/ Minnesota Map Series 1:31,680 UTM 15 NAD 83 - Public - County - Wetlands MN-053 1 in = 0.5 miles 2019 Magnetic Declination: Licensed under Creative Lands Bndry. 0.17° E Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 Like these maps? Consider making a donation to the NCTA that will help Updated - 11/29/2018 0 0.25 0.5 Miles International License. ¯ http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/ support this service.northcountrytrail.org/donation northcountrytrail.org NCT maps and information will change often. Please always download the latest version at: https://northcountrytrail.org protect the Trail

NCTA Staff meet with Congressional Staff from Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Leahy and Representative Welch’s offices to discuss funding needs and the National Scenic Trails Parity Act.

Photo: NCTA

Executive Director Andrea Ketchmark continues to Seven NCTA delegates, including two from the Next serve on the PNTS Trail Leaders Council and in 2020, Generation Coalition, attended Hike the Hill, virtually, in also joined the Board of Directors. February. NCTA continues to champion the National Scenic Trails Parity Act to secure unit status for Ice Age, “It’s exciting to be part of such a vibrant community, New England and North Country National Scenic Trails. striving to elevate the status of the entire National Trails System. Through our collective advocacy in the halls of In August 2020, the bipartisan Great American Outdoors Congress and by building strong relationships with our Act was signed into law. This includes funding for the federal agency partners at the national level, we will see National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration policy that upholds the values and vision of the National Fund, and the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This Trails System Act. The success of the Partnership’s is is an important step to maintain and protect lands and success for the North Country Trail.” —Andrea Ketchmark. resources in our National Forest and National Park land in all eight NCNST states.

promote the Trail Social Media 21,000+ Facebook followers Presence Marketing Milestones 8,000+ Instagram Two major marketing milestones were accomplished in 2020: a new website and a new Association brochure. “Both pieces offer a better user experience and more accurate and appealing representation of the work our volunteers, Chapters and Association do throughout the year.” —Kate Lemon, Marketing Coordinator.

Association Brochure

Michigan Blue Magazine northcountrytrail.org

North Country Trail Association 2020 Annual Report 8 Accomplishments continued

Inaugural MY NCT Membership Drive Launched The My NCT program incorporates the promotion of the Trail through an artist’s visual interpretation of the North Country National Scenic Trail (NCNST).

Inaugural My NCT Art, a woodcut of the Trail created by Michigan artist Erica Lang, owner of Woosah Outfitters

“I am honored to capture what this [Trail] means to so many people. I hope it makes them want to get out, go to their favorite state and make new memories.” —Erica Lang

Stay Safe, Stay Local with Hike 100 At a time when the need for respite was on the forefront of everyone's mind, how would the ever popular Hike 100 Challenge continue when group activities and travel were restricted? Enter #HikeFromHome which allowed non-NCT miles to count toward the Hike 100 Challenge.

Photo: Casey Gutierrez 4,000+ registrations from across the country 2,714 individual finishers Promoting Togetherness on the Trail

573 pets completed the “I love being able to get to know my son as an individual in a setting where he Challenge feels at ease enough to easily articulate his thoughts and feelings. Until last year, we hadn’t experienced that with Sam. For individuals who have autism, the world is often overwhelming—noisy, crowded, odiferous. Being in nature, when Sam hikes, he is able to listen and feel ‘nothing and be (himself). — Jen Steinberg.

Photo: Jen Steinberg Photo: Loren Edwards

Photo: Joe Baldino

NorthNorth Coun Coutry nTtryrail T Arailsso Aciatiossocniatio 2020n 2020Annual Ann Rualeport Report9 9 Special thanks to the 29 Chapters and 8 Affiliates who live and breathe the vision of the North Country Trail.

North Country Trail Association 2020 Annual Report 10 Accomplishments continued Celebrating our chapters and affiliates

Photo: Jane and Bob Leedle

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

NorthNorth Coun Coutry nTtryrail T Arailsso Aciatiossocniatio 2020n 2020Annual Ann Rualeport Report11 11 Support Our Vital Chapter and Affiliate Community

chapters hosted 135 events

Membership: 3,703 Members

Photo: Mike Toole

Special Programming Verbal Judo Coronavirus Task Force With an expected increase of traffic on the Trail, and the NCTA encouraged volunteers widely differing viewpoints around Covid-19 safety, the to #VolunteerResponsibly Association took a proactive approach. Curtis Smith, Vice and employ best practices President of Training with the Verbal Judo Institute, led 40 while volunteering during people through an online workshop on de-escalation and the pandemic. A 16-member persuasion tactics when confronted with Task Force, composed of Chapter and Affiliate leaders, people who are being verbally abusive, volunteers, National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service resistant, and difficult to the point of partners, NCTA Board representatives and Association creating an impasse. staff, was created to discuss volunteer issues related to the coronavirus and create a set of guidelines and best practices. While the initial focus of the Task Force #RecreateResponsibly will eventually end, the success of the collaborative is undisputed and will continue with a comprehensive focus NCTA supported and promoted on risk management. the national #RecreateResponsibly initiative to protect yourself, others and the outdoors.

North Country Trail Association 2020 Annual Report 12 Accomplishments continued

A Year of Technology All Association staff created home offices while meetings and training across the country were held online.

Inaugural Campfire Chats with members of the Monthly Chapter and Affiliate Founders Circle and NCTA staff were held on Zoom. Leadership Check-Ins These small group discussions were a place to share thoughts and ideas about the future needs of the Trail Chapter and Affiliate Leadership check-ins via Zoom: and Association. What began as bi-weekly updates, to help survive unknown consequences brought on by a pandemic, Celebration 2020 was also held virtually. For the have transformed into idea exchanges between Chapter month of August, the Association celebrated leaders, Affiliates, National Park Service and NCTA staff. volunteers, partners, supporters, and the Trail The meeting provided social interaction and discussion Community as a whole. on hot topics like coronavirus Trail implications, National •• Facebook Live Opening Ceremony with more than Park Service compliance protocol, Chapter and Affiliate 2,000 views. support, and Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI). •• 131 volunteers were recognized by NCTA and NPS •• Next Generation Coalition Summit •• Founders Circle Reception featuring Anne Nelson as guest speaker Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) •• NCTA's mapping technology in trail management and hiking workshops. In June, the North Country Trail Association joined with others in signing the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge and began amplifying efforts to create a welcoming space on the Trail for all. •• Director of Trail Operations, Valerie Bader, represents the Association on the Partnership for the National Trails Systems (PNTS) JEDI working group. The group has advanced the Partnership’s JEDI initiatives through crafting a statement of inclusion for publication, drafting an internal best practices outline, and supporting training through a series of virtual workshops.

•• Outdoor Afro leader Kim Refosco began working Photo: Kevin Huver with NCTA JEDI Committee in planning two series of online training sessions, a pilot for Pennsylvania North Country Stories: Creating Spaces a candid Chapter leaders and volunteers, and a board and conversation on the Trail experience from a person of staff training series. color’s perspective, featuring Alice Jasper, Good for Michigan Program Director. •• NCTA Board approved the use of donor-directed funds for a mini-grant program (starting in 2021) focused on JEDI work. The intention is to fund work affinity groups are already doing on the NCT, rather than duplicate efforts. 2020: a year like no other

Justice equity diversity Inclusion

North Country Trail Association 2020 Annual Report 13 increase available funding

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. you helped 2,714 finish hike 100 Photo: Karen & Wayne Monsen donor highlights $25,000 and up Colcom Foundation Iron Belle Trail Lux Foundation Michigan Fitness Foundation REI Foundation

founders circle north country trail association

Trail Champion Trail Guardian $10,000-$24,999 $2,500-$4,999 Larry Bell Pat Allen and Mark Miller Gloria and Kevin Brushwyler Robert E. Bauer Lorana Jinkerson Mary and William Coffin Jim and Eleanor Mitton Carter and Florence Hedeen Tom and Mary Moberg John Heiam and Lois Goldstein National Park Foundation Cheryl and Mark Kreindler Nicholas Funds Lamb-Weston/RDO Frozen Partnership for the National Trails System Duane Lawton* Jim Stewart and Jan Ulferts Stewart* Melinda and Jerry McCarty Jim Warbritton Noquemanon Trails Network John and Cyndi Woollam Derrick* and Cheryl Passe Jeff* and Nancy VanWinkle Trail Leader Raymond Vlasak $5,000-$9,999 William Vogt and Claire Eberwein Peter Bennett and Julia Davey * Board Member Betty A. Lewis Environmental Charitable Trust Mike* and Renee Chapple Jerry* and Nancy Fennell

North Country Trail Association 2020 Annual Report 14

Official Trail Partners

National Park Service As the officially administering agency for the North Country National Scenic Trail, the National Park Service has a long history of supporting NCTA through a Cooperative Agreement that funds a portion of our operations along with select special projects.

USDA Forest Service As a major land management partner, the Forest Service supports critical volunteer training like NCTA’s Crew Leader program and community programs like Trail Towns.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources Thanks to the Iron Belle Trail program, the Michigan DNR supports NCTA’s work by funding capacity building and needed trail projects throughout the state.

Photo: Karen & Wayne Monsen

NorthNorth Coun Coutry nTtryrail T Arailsso Aciatiossocniatio 2020n 2020Annual Ann Rualeport Report15 15 donor highlights

founders circle north country trail association

Trail BLaZer Trail BUILDER

$1,000-$2,499 $500-$999 Norman Kuchar Anonymous (3) Anonymous (2) Michelle Lackey Olsen and David Olsen 3M Foundation 906 Adventure Team John Larch and Mary Campbell Loren Bach and Dave Martus Ken Adams Karen Larsen and Colin Alworth Brian and Elizabeth Bachynski Adirondack Mountain Club - Harold and Pam Lassers Colleen and Patrick Bollom Onondaga Chapter Robert and Jane Leedle Jack Cohen Amazon Smile Foundation Bruce Lowing Dave and Jan Cornell American Legion Post 66 Bruce and Linda Matthews Robert Courtois Roberta and John Anderson Quentin McMullen and Molly McMullen-Laird Timothy Davis Richard Austin Bill and Donna Menke Skip and Lori Duchesneau Joe Baldino Dan and Peggy Mourer Douglas and Suzanne Garrity Mel Baughman Northwest Charitable Foundation, Inc. Linda F. Hobbs Craig Bell Jane and Tom Norton Bob Jennings and Barbara Bott Thelma Boeder Jaron Nyhof* Dale and Harriet Jones Erin Borrink Rita Oswald Susan Kangas Allon Bostwick Bob Papp and Annette Hollister-Papp Andrea Ketchmark# Ryan Bowles and Lori Skibbe Jay Rosen Keystone Trails Association Anne Brown Mike Saunders # Cindy Koning Tom and Nancy Brozek John and Marge Schmitt Cindy and Joseph Krueger Mike and Bonnie Brunett Donald Schott Joseph Lavender Joe and Sharon Callahan Michael and Jeanne Sekely Ineke and Chip Leer Robert and Anita Campbell Sheyenne Valley Community Foundation Lindy Paving, Inc. Matthew Carlson Rich Slagle Karin Lohman Julie A. Caswell and Richard T. Rogers Mike and Terry Stafford Louis and Nellie Sieg Fund ChronoTrack Systems Corp Kevin Steffens Joseph Luther Civil Design Solutions, Inc. Joanna Swanson* Lyme Great Lakes John Clement, Jr. and Christine Clement T & C Markets IM, Inc. Margaret MacRae Bill Courtois Ted Terry Jim and Norma Matteson Robert and Patti Dunning John and Tracy Texter Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance Enon Valley Community Volunteer Jerry and Beth Trout Fire Department Timothy* and Sue Mowbray Werner Veit Randy Eshenroder Bill and Ginny Newman VFW Post 1835 of Franklin, PA Chip Everest and Gayle Newman Everest Elizabeth Nickel Sandra and John Wagner Grant Fenner and Renee Dodea Dennis Pace and Anne Grofvert Stephen* and Karen Walker Diane Flaherty Dale and Kathy Painter Gary Werner and Melanie Lord Four Bees By The Sea Larry Pio* and Suzanne Darling David Westphal Fryburg Sportsman Club, Inc. Daniel Raish Todd and Jennifer Winnell Dave Galbreath Glenn and Barbara Reed Bradley and Joan Wire Dennis* and Cathy Garrett Scheels Dave and Carol Wright Tom and Janis Gilbert Brad and Lynne Slagle Quinn Wright* Grand Rapids Community Foundation Jane Spetoskey Gaylord and Marlene Yost Elijah and Jessy Gregg Paul and Lori Spoelstra Ed and Rennae Gruchalla Irene Szabo We are grateful for all of our John and Cindi Haag The Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall Foundation supporters who helped make 2020 Paul Hagan Torch LLC the successful year it was. These Nicole Halgrimson Mike and Cheryl Trieschmann accomplishments are the result of Gary and Debbie Hall Roger and Rebecca Tuuk your generous support. Mick Hawkins United Refining Company Thank You. Sarah Heppenstall Walmart Foundation Todd and Yvette Jester Andrew Zeek and Peggy Jones Sarah and Michael Julien * Board Member Kelley Ketchmark # Staff Member Paul and Kristi Kline † Deceased Deb and Bobby Koepplin

North Country Trail Association 2020 Annual Report 16 Photo: Campbell Family

YOU were a part of a Trail Community 3,703 members strong — and growing.

North Country Trail Association 2020 Annual Report 17 donor highlights

YOU made an impact

Photo: Campbell Family

North Country Trail Association 2020 Annual Report 18 Additional thanks to... trail angels north country trail association

$250-$499 Skye Hill Michael Reid Anonymous (7) Elizabeth Holland and Mike Choate Susan Reil Dave and Jean Adams Steven Huyser-Honig Nolan Revers Akeley Township Gary and Terry Isham Barbara and Richard Robbins Jennifer Allen Itasca Mantrap Co-Op Electrical Bernard Rocca Travis Avery Association Trust Michael Rodenberg Elizabeth A. Bell Sarah Jacoby John Rogers Steven and Stephanie Benn Bruce and Linda Johnson Elizabeth Root Betty Benson Johnson & Johnson Matching Mike Schaeffer and Debby Page Gifts Program Josh* and Megan Berlo Erin Schmuckal Ralph and Ruth Johnston Terry Bernhardt Deborah Sears Mary Kapp Paul Blanchard Frederick Silver Lynn Ketchmark David and Nancy Blewett Lara Sims Scott and Mary Lagaard Michael Bos Jenny Slagle Mary Laug Rick Bothwell Kim and Michael Slette Crystal Lawrence Jim and Hope Bradley Ric Stanford David and Elizabeth Lee Steven and Suzanne Breithaupt Sandi Steensma Dara and Rick Lemmon Dr. Lynn E. Broaddus and Mark Stoddard Dr. Marc H. Gorelick Doug Leu Claire and David Stokes Mark Bryson Rosemary Link Andrea and Bruce Stomberg William Bullis Lori Luken Eric Stuck Denny Caneff Carol and Steve Maass Superior Hiking Trail Association Russell and Christine Carpenter Mary S. MacDonald Laura Bethany Thomas Rob Carr, Jr. and Janet Carr Jean Magolan David and Stephanie Tigges Pam Carrigan Sara Manchester Mike and Tina Toole Michael S. Case and Ronda Barnes Micholene Marczak Anne Torrey-Nemer and Eli Nemer Clarion County Rod & Gun Club Annie and Dave Matz Laura Toth and Rashelle Brown Chad and Tracie Coffman Glee Mayer Township of Thorpe, Hubbard County Susanne and Kim Cyranoski Steven and Kathy McBride Amy Tweeten Kristin and Jeff Dahl Cheryl and Tim McGrath Jessie Underwood Stephanie Dannenberg Michael McKeown Grace VanLaanen Robert and Barbara Davis Casey Jo McMillan Anthony and Nancy Veit Laura DeGolier Emily Meyerson and Harry Kitchen Jacob Vernola Jane and Cliff Denay John Miller Catherine and Don Vivio Nichole DeVries Don W. Miller Mark and Nancy Wadopian David Dixen and Carol Pierce Kayley and Chris Mockerman John and Mary Jo Wagar Scott Duemler Eric Mondrush Jeffery Wallace EarthShare Chapters Raymond Moon-Gabet and Kris Wegerson and John Ipsen Elizabeth Gabet Gregory W. Edwards Tim Werkema Edwin and Nancy Morse Loyal and Bonnie Eldridge Krista Wilhelmson Debora Murray Emmons & Olivier Resources, Inc. April Willbur Myrmel Maps, Myrmel and Larry Willis and Robyn Ellis Cory Enger Associates LLC Elizabeth Wonder ExtremeTerrain Peter and Deb Nordgren Ian Woods Deborah Fergus Lauren Novak Diana Wright Douglas Gentry Daniel and Lisa Nydick Jack Wykoff James Gilkey Timothy and Debra O’Rourke YourCause, LLC Trustee for YourCause James Glockner Merry Ossenheimer Tim and Lauren Groenhof Brian and Barb Pavek We have made every effort to make sure these lists Robert and Sheridan Haack Grant Pecor are as accurate as possible. If we have omitted or Paul Haan and Julie Nietling William and Wesenyelesh Peterson incorrectly reported your generous support please accept our apology and contact Nancy Brozek, Director Dr. Allison Hart-Young Charles and Lynn Poat Gary and Karen Hearing of Development and Communications nbrozek@ Amy and Phil Poholski northcountrytrail.org or (616) 897-5987 ext. 5. Keith Hein

North Country Trail Association 2020 Annual Report 19 donor highlights

legacy society north country trail association

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† Mike* and Renee Chapple Bob Papp and Annette Hollister-Papp William W. Currie† Gerald Phillips† Cecil† and Joanne Dobbins Carol J. Smith† Tom Funke Ron and Linda Sootsman Tom and Jan Gilbert Walter Srogi† Robert and Sheridan Haack Harmon Strong† John Heiam and Lois Goldstein Irene Szabo Ronald H. Horn† Jere Thompson† Lorana Jinkerson Roger and Rebecca Tuuk Martha Jones† Elizabeth Wheatley† Beth Keloneva Joan Young Betty A. Lewis† * Board Member Bruce and Linda Matthews † Deceased Roderick† and Peggy MacRae

Recommend NCTA through your Donor Advised Fund

Name NCTA as a beneficiary on a retirement or life insurance policy

Donate stock or give through your IRA OUR Planned Name NCTA in your will or estate

Giving Program For more information contact Nancy Brozek, Director of Development and Communications: [email protected] (616) 897-5987 ext. 5.

North Country Trail Association 2020 Annual Report 20 Tribute and Memorial Gifts

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

Made in Honor of Adalee Erickson Ellie Williams NCTA H. Staff Adirondack Mountain Club— Eunice Wills Neil Isham Onondaga Chapter Friends Lincoln Coltrane Honda North Country Trail Hikers NCTA Alyssa Meller Hughes Sprouse Our Easter Family EGGStravaganza Anna Pogozelec Harbor Springs Chapter Pat and Angela Scripps Anne G. Nelson Hiawatha Shore to Shore Chapter Paul Dovre Barbara Ann Smith Jan Ulferts Stewart Peter Wolfe Chapter Barry and Kent County Jeff Ekola Randy Rittberg Brule St Croix Chapter Jeffrey L. McKown Robert Cummer C. D. Ogg John Parlin Ruth McNamara Calvin Kangas Jordan Valley 45 Chapter Sheyenne River Valley Chapter Carl Hooks Josh Brucksch Star of the North Chapter Central New York Chapter Kekekabic Chapter Sunny Reil Chief Noonday Chapter Kelly Ballou Thomas H. Davis Christine A. Halbert Kevin Mackie Tom Gilbert Chuck Durant Kimberly Branson Volunteers Clarion Chapter Laurentian Lakes Chapter Western Michigan Chapter Connie Julien Lorana Jinkerson William H. Weidenfeller Connie Sherry Luke Jordan Zach Ford and ATM Cove Tim Tebbe Cynthia Wilson Mark Papke-Larson Daniel Willshire Mary S. MacDonald David Sokol Matt Gruchalla thank you to all Ed Scurry Matt Rowbotham our contributors Matthew Davis

Made in Memory of Arthur Tweeten Edward A. Blacksmith Larry Julien Atley Oswald Ernest Scott Lillian B. Hart-Young Barbara Ann Smith Franklin Rahn MariBeth C. Heckman Bev McCready Frederick J. Geyer Martha Jones Bruce A. Pandoff Howard Hintz Mike R. Boshnyak C. Dennis Shepard Jerry Pattok Peggy Keeney Calvin Kangas John A. Mattson Phyllis High Cecil Dobbins Jose Blanco Ralph E. Ramey Daniel Willshire Joseph R. Clewley Ric Stanford Ed and Margaret Benda Kady Elkins Virginia Wunsch Ed T. Chappel Laney Allaire

NorthNorth Coun Coutry nTtryrail T Arailsso Aciatiossocniatio 2020n 2020Annual Ann Rualeport Report21 21 2020 Financial Highlights

ou ensured the financial Income and Expense INCOME BY SOURCE sustainability of the North Country Trail Association Year ending 12/31/2020, in $1,000’s Y 1% remained steady in the midst of an 2% 4% unprecedented and unpredictable year. Income Although Covid-19 disrupted some Donations Incl. Membership $828.4 9% planned work, revenues continued to 57% support major program areas of trail NPS Base Support & Projects 400.1 building and maintenance, awareness Grants 131.5 and advocacy, and the support of our Trail Shop Sales 26.1 volunteer community. Programs and Events 9.8 27% Strong performance in fundraising Other Income 55.4 and a much appreciated bequest, TOTAL INCOME $1,451.3 paired with decreased expenses due to delays in projects, events and Expenses Donations Incl. Membership travel due to Covid-19, resulted in Salaries & Benefits $652.3 NPS Base Support and Projects a net income for 2020 of $300,000. Administration 152.4 Grants Our donors and foundation partners Communication & Outreach 112.5 Trail Shop Sales continued to grow their support of Programs and Events our work with a 45% increase in their Trail Shop Cost of Sales 13.0 giving. Support from the National Trail Management & Projects 197.8 Other Income Park Service through our Cooperative Travel and Meetings 22.4 Agreement also increased. Thanks to Advocacy 0.2 an 4% increase we were able to add Depreciation 0 additional trail management staff. TOTAL EXPENSE $1,150.6 Grants, which we rely on mainly to fund trail projects, fell by 74% due to temporary pauses in planned projects NET INCOME $300.7 in the field due to Covid-19. We’re happy to report that these projects are now back in motion and will be completed in 2021. Our investments also grew in 2020, now totalling Balance Sheet Expenses by category $347,000. This includes modest growth in Endowment accounts and As of 12/31/2020, in $1,000’s growth in contributions toward our 1% 11% Operating Reserve which exceeded Assets 0% a goal of securing one month of Checking/Savings $719.1 9% operations, ensuring we can weather Investments 347.7 32% any challenges ahead in the world’s Accounts Receivable 35.2 economy. Other Current Assets 10.2 14% Due to solid financial management Total Current Assets 1,112.2 and the dedicated support of our Fixed Assets - many donors, the NCTA was able to 7% TOTAL ASSETS $1,112.2 meet its goals in 2020 and is prepared 26% to fund its mission in 2021 and beyond. Liabilities Other Current Liabilities 141.2 General Support $131.7 11.4% Govt. Relations $0.2 0.0% TOTAL LIABILITIES 141.2 Chapters $100.6 8.7% TOTAL EQUITY 971.0 Development $158.2 13.7% TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY $1,112.2 GIS / Cartography $78.5 6.8% Outreach $304.3 26.4% The North Country Trail Association holds Trail Management $364.1 31.6% the “Accredited Charity” rating from the Trail Shop CoS $13.0 1.1% Better Business Bureau. The rating means that the NCTA maintains or exceeds the Wise TOTAL EXPENSES $1,150.6 100% Giving Standards for Charity Accountability established by the BBB. The standards measure financial and programmatic data, as well North Country Trail Association is a 501(c) as fundraising and administrative practices (3) nonprofit organization. Our most recent looking for certain standards in disclosure, audited financial statements and tax return transparency, program and fundraising cost can be found at northcountrytrail.org, or ratios and solid financial management. Photo: Jim Lawson provided upon request.

North Country Trail Association 2020 Annual Report 22 Together we Hike it Build it Love It

Special thanks to those who shared their stories, provided financial support and gave of their time in 2020.

Hiker: Campbell Family Background: Dove Day

North Country Trail Association 2020 Annual Report 23 Develop NCTA’s Organizational Capacity Welcoming New Staff A part-time Events Coordinator and a part- time Data Entry Specialist joined the team. Two full-time Regional Trail Coordinators (RTCs) were hired to further the development of the NCNST in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Vermont. The RTC position is the voice of the Association among NCTA Chapters, Affiliates, and Partners; including land managers and the National Park Service. Having liaisons representing each state is a turning point for the Association.

Staff Board of Directors

Andrea Ketchmark, Executive Director Jaron Nyhof, President Christin Robinson Valerie Bader, Director of Trail Operations Tim Mowbray, Immediate Past President Kevin Russell Nancy Brozek, Director of Development & Communications Mike Chapple, Vice President Jo Swanson Stephanie Campbell, Regional Trail Coordinator Dennis Garrett, Secretary Jan Ulferts Stewart Matthew Davis, Regional Trail Coordinator Mark VanHornweder, Treasurer Jeff VanWinkle Heather Ertle, Data Entry Specialist Josh Berlo Steve Walker Kate Lemon, Marketing/Communications Coordinator Ruth Dorrough Quinn Wright Tom Moutsos, Regional Trail Coordinator Jerry Fennell Nicole Murphy, Database and Membership Administrator Duane Lawton Alison Myers, Administrative Assistant Derrick Passe Lisa Senneker, Financial Administrator Larry Pio Matthew Rowbotham, GIS Program Manager Sharon Ray Holly Visser, Member & Donor Relations Coordinator Kenny Wawsczyk, Regional Trail Coordinator Abby Whittington, Annual Events Coordinator

Graphic Design by James Falk

CONTACT northcountrytrail.org

@northcountrytrail

229 E. Main Street, Lowell, MI 49331 [email protected] (616) 897-5987 | (866) 445-3628 (toll free)

Photo: Sluis Family

North Country Trail Association 2020 Annual Report 24