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Currents & Communities Currents & Communities

2014-2015 Winter Newsletter An historic 740-mile water trail through New York, , Québec, New Hampshire, and Maine

Northern Forest Canoe Trail Mission A River Wide Approach We protect and steward our water trail and foster community vitality to on the Missisquoi promote inspiring outdoor experiences The was an Abenaki in the Northern Forest Region. canoe route from Lake Champlain to Our Vision Masonville, Québec and, by portage, to As the best water trail in North America, . Today, it is used by the Northern Forest Canoe Trail provides recreational boaters, fishermen, and wildlife access to the natural beauty of our region watchers. The Northern Forest Canoe Trail and route. Through quality management includes 67 miles of the river, which flows and collaborative community partnerships, through 12 communities in southern Québec and northern Vermont. our trail contributes to the economic Gray Gables Mansion B&B owner Tim Green celebrates resilience of the region and promotes the While we take pride in completing trail with NFCT interns at the Richford River Fest on the banks health of its lands and waters. projects and offering paddling trips across of the Missisquoi River. our region every summer, last season we also focused considerable energy on this single Northern Forest Fort Kent Canoe Trail river corridor. We improved trail signage, river access,

QUÉBEC and erosion control in the communities of

MAINE Enosburg Falls, Highgate Center, Richford, CANADA U.S. Sheldon Junction, Sheldon Springs and NEW YORK Swanton. By focusing on one river, our four- VERMONT person trail crew spent less time driving and NEW ATLANTIC OCEAN These Northern Forest Explorers paddled 60 miles on Old Forge HAMPSHIRE more time dedicated to trail maintenance. their 5-day Missisquoi trip. We also invited landowners and local trail volunteers to campfire dinners to show our Win a Rafting Trip on appreciation for the ways they support the Maine’s Rapid River trail. Talking over a meal enabled NFCT to reaffirm that we are managing campsite use Join/Renew your membership by in accordance with each landowner’s wishes. 12/31/14 and be entered into our raffle In July, work at Highgate Falls exemplified for a Float Plane Ride and Rafting Trip the strength we harness from community for Two with ELC Outdoors. collaboration. ENEL Green Power and the See inside for details! Town of Highgate converged on the dam’s Two father-son teams were among the racers of a portage trail to clean water bars, build stone paddle-and-pedal race. retainer walls, and dig out a buried staircase. Read more on page 5. Outfitter Montgomery Adventures has Missisquoi River efforts led our Northern Forest Explorers trips on the Missisquoi River for four summers were possible thanks and they rekindle relationships with kids to the American Canoe who return to the program each year. Last Association, L.L. Bean, the Lake summer’s group canoed 60 miles of the river Champlain Basin Program, REI, Sticks in 5 days! The kid’s journals are filled with the thrill of navigating rapids and the plea- & Stuff, NFCT’s Trail Fund and our sure of eating camp food after a satisfying enthusiastic volunteers! long day’s paddle. continued on page 3

NFCT2014 Fall NL.indd 1 12/11/14 7:14 AM board of directors Warren Cook, President Co-Founder, Maine Network Partners A River Wide Approach on the Missisquoi continued from page 1 Kingfield, Maine From the Executive Director Alan H. Bennett M.D., Vice President Long time 90-Miler competitor Dear Members, Supporters, and Friends, Raquette Lake, New York & Durham, New Hampshire Have you been to St. Regis Canoe Outfitters in Saranac Lake, Jed Kalkstein, Treasurer New York? I stopped by recently and had a chat with owner Dave Fayston, Vermont Cilley. It is no wonder they are such a staple in the Adirondack paddling world—they have the perfect map table for planning Alan Stearns, Secretary Executive Director, Royal River adventures! Like me, they were not only looking back over Conservation Trust the great things that happened in 2014, but also poring over Hallowell, Maine possibilities for 2015. Russell Collett This year the Northern Forest Canoe Trail enjoyed familiar Gorham, Maine waters. Kids from 70 communities paddled the trail with Steve Gladstone Northern Forest Explorers. Our intern crew built retaining walls, COO, Rowing Innovations Hinesburg, Vermont lean-tos, portage trails and privies. Don Hudson We also explored new territory. Our stewardship team conducted user surveys President Emeritus, Chewonki Foundation on the Allagash and Missisquoi rivers. We designed and constructed innovative boat Arrowsic, Maine wash stations to prevent the spread of invasive species. We networked with other youth Ben Malakoff organizations in New Hampshire and Maine to find ways to collectively increase the Communications Associate, Reingold connection of Northern Forest youth to the outdoors. Washington, DC Thinking forward to 2015, we are ever contemplating how to improve the trail and Bo Norris Co-Founder, Maine Network Partners contribute to the communities along our route. How can we best plan for protection and Cape Elizabeth, Maine stewardship of the entire waterway through a Long Range Management Plan? Can we Betsy Paine offer our Northern Forest Explorer experience more widely with a broader geography Lawyer and age range? Is there sufficient paddler interest to offer more guided day trips and Andover, New Hampshire canoe and kayak races? What would it look like if we could support the Androscoggin John Schweizer River Committee to designate that river with New Hampshire’s protected river status? Board Chairman & CFO, Rowing Innovations We aspire to answer these questions and move forward in being the best water trail Burlington, Vermont that we can be. One of my personal aspirations for the New Year is to paddle more of the Marc Sherman Northern Forest Canoe Trail! I hope you, too, will include NFCT in your planning for Owner, Outdoor Gear Exchange 2015. Let us know where you want to paddle and we will help plan your trip! Burlington, Vermont Making It All Happen Sincerely, Emeritus Ron Canter, NFCT Route Researcher North Potomac, Maryland Karrie Thomas, Executive Director Rob Center, NFCT Co-Founder Harpswell, ME Kay Henry, NFCT Co-Founder Visit our website to watch our Northern Forest Harpswell, ME Explorers in the episode Facing Waves: Northern Forest Canoe Trail in New Hampshire. Staff Karrie Thomas, Executive Director Kevin Mack, Director of Partnerships Thanks to our 2014 Funders & Marketing Allagash Wilderness Waterway Foundation LL Bean Walter Opuszynski, Trail Director Sandy Tarburton, Membership & Davis Conservation Foundation Maine Community Foundation Communications Director Elmina B. Sewall Foundation New Hampshire Recreational Northern Forest Canoe Trail Fields Pond Foundation Trails Program P.O. Box 565, Waitsfield, VT 05673 Phone: 802.496.2285 Fax: 802.329.2239 H. King & Jean Cummings Charitable Fund Quimby Family Foundation [email protected] Hamill Family Foundation REI www.northernforestcanoetrail.org Lennox Foundation USDA Rural Business Enterprise – NH Leonard C. and Mildred F. Ferguson Vermont Community Foundation Foundation Vermont River Conservancy 2

NFCT2014 Fall NL.indd 2 12/11/14 7:14 AM A River Wide Approach on the Missisquoi continued from page 1

Last summer we introduced guided luncheon provided by the Friends of the day trips trail-wide to our events Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge. calendar, and the Missisquoi River outing Refuge manager Ken Sturm said, led by volunteer Russ Ford was a hit. “Families that regularly expose their Ten canoeists and kayakers spent a day children to nature will create a connec- on the river. Paddler Paula Fletcher tion which can last a lifetime. We’re said, “I enjoyed stretching my skill set committed to finding ways to help fami- Guided day trips connected new paddlers with by venturing into new experiences with lies make these connections whether it is experienced volunteers. expert guides. Their love of paddling was on the refuge or in other natural areas. contagious!” We look forward to partnering with Our presence along the Missisquoi As part of our Clean-Drain-Dry NFCT in the future!” River last summer led to impressive campaign, an NFCT Waterway Work In September, NFCT’s Walter outcomes with water quality being the Trip built a boat cleaning station at the Opuszynski and Karrie Thomas held an biggest winner. Trail maintenance to Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge. informal paddle-and-pedal race among correct erosion, paddling outings to share The system catches rainwater and friends on the Missisquoi River and the the river’s beauty, and youth education to provides a trestle stand for paddlers to Missisquoi Valley Rail Trail, looping enlighten the next stewards of this river rest and rinse their canoes and kayaks between Richford and East Berkshire. system all help with the future protection to help prevent the spread of aquatic Eleven racers competed and helped us of this waterway. invasive species. determine that we want to hold similar We are excited to devote this type of In August, we partnered again with races on the Northern Forest Canoe energy to other rivers along the trail in the refuge on a family paddling day. Trail in the future. coming years! The goal was to introduce families new to canoeing to the refuge and the Last September, an amendment was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives to Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Fourteen designate segments of the Missisquoi River to the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. kids and parents were given an introduc- We will be watching closely to see if the bill gets passed by the U.S. tory lesson to paddling (big thanks to Senate and enacted. This designation would mean further protection volunteer Keith Sampietro!) and a free for this ancient and modern link in northern Vermont! Making It All Happen Farewell to Youth Program samples and how to paddle a canoe and the Northern Forest made him or kayak, but also learned leadership, the perfect person to forge this new Director Roger teamwork, and and to identify program along the trail. Poor proudly with the Northern Forest After four years, the program In 2010, Roger Poor they call home. Fostering meaningful has reached a level of maturity that joined the Northern Forest connections with the natural world allows us to manage it with a smaller Canoe Trail to shape our remains a guiding principle of the staff commitment, and Roger is budding Northern Forest program. now working his magic at-large. He Explorers program. For Working with interns, local remains active in connecting youth four summers Roger outfitters, educators and parents, Roger with the outdoors in Maine and New recruited youth from forged relationships that created what Hampshire. We are grateful for his trailside communities to he might refer to as “magic goo” for the passion and perseverance in getting participate in week-long youth program: the special energy and Northern Forest Explorers launched, outdoor experiences. He excitement that happens among like- and we wish him well. worked tirelessly with minded people set to an inspiring task. We are actively planning Northern community schools and “Roger affected me deeply as a Forest Explorer trips for 2015. Our goal recreation programs to teacher, mentor and friend,” shares remains to offer these adventures along enroll 10–14 year olds past intern Gretchen Kaija. “He has the trail to help kids connect with the repeating his mantra a rich passion for his work and is Northern Forest. Stay tuned for next “No child will be turned away.” invested in the well-being of the kids.” summer’s schedule. Roger was particular about the Roger’s ability to relate to kids, program’s curriculum. Kids not only and his firm belief in the value of learned about taking water quality developing a connection between youth 3

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NFCT2014 Fall NL.indd 3 12/11/14 7:14 AM Stewardship News Hot On the Trail tatistically, NFCT staff and Allagash Wilderness volunteers worked longer Waterway User Impact Study Sand harder in the 2014 season than in years past. We The 92-mile Allagash Wilderness built and improved campsites and Waterway was established by Maine’s trails, took on larger infrastructure state legislature in 1966 and became projects, and administered two the first state-administered river in A waterway work trip on the Upper Ammonoosuc River user surveys. These efforts were the National Wild and Scenic Rivers focused on making enhancements at three campsites. made possible thanks to Trail Fund Program. The Northern Forest Canoe donations as well as grants, materials Trail follows the entire route, and it is in-kind and support from land the trip of a lifetime for many paddlers. managers. Special kudos go to Regional In 2000, the University of Maine Field Coordinators Noah Pollock and performed a study throughout the Jack Powell for supervising many waterway that set a baseline for the projects like the ones below. degree of user impact at each campsite. The final report helped those who New York manage the waterway prioritize their work. ➤ Raquette Falls: Installed a lumber Last summer, the Northern Forest retainer wall at Palmer Brook lean-to. Canoe Trail was contracted to replicate ➤ Town of Plattsburgh: Installed a the study. NFCT interns Robert Kacir We thank our Trail Crew interns Russell Hanson, and Brendan Shumway navigated the Lorenzo Betoloto, and Elizabeth Ziehl for making new primitive campsite on the topnotch improvements like these steps to Lussier Lapierre property. entire waterway visiting its 150 camp- Campsite on the Missisquoi River. sites. At each site they took countless Vermont measurements focusing on erosion, ➤ Swanton: Installed a clean-drain-dry impact and vegetation. The guys get our station and performed a user feedback high fives for organizing data and devel- survey at the Missisquoi National oping detailed reports all while battling Wildlife Refuge. black flies. ➤ Sheldon Junction: Installed a stone The new user impact survey will staircase at Lussier campsite. provide Allagash Wilderness Waterway rangers with a valuable comparison to ➤ Richford: Installed an 8-step log help determine how effective manage- ladder at a new Richford campsite. ment practices have been and to identify new priorities. We are honored to New Hampshire A new lean-to in Rangley provides through paddlers continue playing a part in managing ➤  with a campsite before tackling the 4-mile Dallas Groveton: Installed a clean-drain-dry this amazing resource! Carry which traverses the highest point on the NFCT station and a long-term paddler park- in Maine at 1,685 feet. ing area at Normandeau campsite. ➤ Stark and West Milan: Installed Field Season 2014 Supporters • New York Department of campsite signs and sign-in boxes at Environmental Conservation • Allagash Wilderness Waterway Cordwell, Frizzell and Normandeau • Outdoor Gear Exchange campsites. Foundation • American Canoe Association • REI MAINE • DeLorme • Rangeley Lakes Regional Logging Museum ➤ Rangeley: Constructed a lean-to • Lake Champlain Basin Program at the Rangeley Lakes Regional • Sticks & Stuff • LL Bean Logging Museum. • Vermont River Conservancy’s • Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands ➤ Allagash Wilderness Waterway: Paddlers’ Trail Performed a user impact survey • Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge Stewardship Fund throughout the river system. • New England Interstate Water • Vermont Watershed Grants Program Pollution Control Commission • New Hampshire Recreation Trails Thank you! 4

NFCT2014 Fall NL.indd 4 12/11/14 7:14 AM In August, Vermont Troop 700 tested their wilderness skills on a multi- Hot On the Trail day paddling trip on Maine’s Bow Loop Trail. Each night the boys rebuilt fire Volunteers Give Back rings, collected trash, and had a very Our thanks go to volunteers who tallied memorable experience. Megan captures partner Aaron wheeling their 216 hours of service on Waterway Work canoe past a solar farm in Sheldon Springs, Vt. Trips last summer. They worked with our Going the Distance Trail Crew on campsite and carry projects Last summer, twenty through and on Gull Pond Stream and the Missisquoi, section paddlers tackled the Northern Raquette and Upper Ammonoosuc rivers. Forest Canoe Trail, each experiencing Hats off to their dedication to enhancing their own hardships and enchantments. the paddling experience! Starting in May, Eric McIntyre of Brian Castler Gwen Hunter New York solo canoed the trail in 38 Ray Clarkson Kristine Keeney days celebrating his twenty-first birthday Katherine Duffendack Jim Kolbe along the way. Dan Falvo Mark Kuprych Journal of the Floating Dutchman Niki Falvo Sarah Meixell records the daily routine of Geoff Seventy-six year old through paddlers Marilyn and Don Potter combined camping and staying at inns Amy Hanson Lelia Mellen and Valerie Welch who hail from the during their trip. TJ Hanson Lorilee Scheonbeck Netherlands. At the trail’s start, they Bill Herrington Ken Schneider purchased a Penobscot 174 Royalex Marty Hillard Tony Telesco canoe from Mountainman Outdoor Supply Company in Old Forge, New Groups Make an Impact York. Read about their journey online Last June, ENEL Green Power at nfct.paddler.nl. provided more than a dozen employees JB Townsend of New York solo during a company-wide volunteer day kayaked the trail and volunteered to help fortify a portage path around the midway when he ran into our Trail Crew Highgate Falls dam on the Missisquoi at the Frizzell campsite on the Upper Through paddler Valerie Welch won her life jacket River. The Town of Highgate provided Ammonoosuc River in New Hampshire. in NFCT’s 2012 auction! their road crew and equipment to help From Massachusetts, father and son Megan McAlonis and Aaron with ditching and heavy rock work. By team Tim and Ben Hille canoed the Hernandez drove cross country from the end of the day, a well-armored culvert New York and Maine sections of the their winter job in the Grand Canyon was installed providing substantial trail. Having volunteered on multiple to spend a leisurely several weeks on the erosion control to the path. Volunteers Waterway Work Trips in previous trail. They met many “Trail Angels” but also cleaned water bars and dug out a summers, their trip was a great oppor- most rewarding was a friendship kindled buried staircase. tunity to re-visit sites they had helped with fellow through paddlers Marilyn Last July, Outward Bound supplied improve. and Don Potter of Michigan. The two two groups of young adults to help peel School teacher and wood carver pairs had nearly forty years difference dried logs for a new lean-to. Our Trail Geoff Davis of Indianapolis completed between their ages yet kept leap frogging Crew was grateful for the help during 420 miles from New York to western in Maine. the three weeks they were stationed at Maine with funding from a Lilly Teacher Congratulations to all of this year’s the Rangeley Lakes Regional Logging Creativity Fellowship. Read his updates through and section paddlers! Museum. at 50littlebirds.com.

+ Value Win a Rafting Trip for Two in Maine $400 A guided rafting trip on Maine’s Trip for two includes: Rapid River provides an exhilarating • Float plane rides between way to experience the Northern Rangeley, ME and put-in and take-out Forest Canoe Trail! Join or renew • Guided all-day rafting trip your membership by 12/31/14 and you • Riverside lunch will automatically be entered into our This trip is to be taken during the sum- drawing for this FREE rafting trip. mer of 2015. Drawing and notification to winner will take place in January 2015. Visit www.NorthernForestCanoeTrail.org for more details. Pay dues online or use the reverse side to mail-in your payment. 5

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NFCT2014 Fall NL.indd 5 12/11/14 7:14 AM Trail Connections Supporter News The Androscoggin River Gets Northern Forest Explorers a New Advocate Allagash, Androscoggin, Clyde, Thanks to our New Hampshire Saranac, Missisquoi…these are some of the rivers Northern Forest Explorers Outreach Coordinator Phoebe The Allagash River trip was a bonding weekend Backler, NFCT has a lead role in the paddled last summer. experience for parents and kids. Androscoggin River Committee More than 100 youth, aged 10–14, (ARC), a network of non-profits, went on week-long paddling trips on businesses, and government agencies the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. They dedicated to the promotion and pres- learned paddling and camping skills ervation of the Androscoggin River as well as a healthy dose of leadership, watershed in New Hampshire. teamwork, and pride in their backyard Through support from USDA waterways. Rural Development, ARC created the A returning participant wrote in Androscoggin River Code for the her journal, “Although last year on 36-mile river corridor. The code provides the Clyde River my canoe sank in the guidelines encouraging stewardship and rapids, I am very excited to go on the Clyde River trippers raft up for orientation. careful use of the watershed, and targets Connecticut River rapids this year. recreational users, groups, and local I like the way it makes your heart race, guide companies. and you get all happy and excited!” To bolster this educational effort, We work hand-in-hand with local an ARC River Runner intern spent last outfitters who handle logistics and summer doing outreach to paddlers and provide boats and gear for the program, Thanks to Our Business Partners recreationists on the waterway. This and we are indebted to their contri- winter, ARC begins the process of part- bution to the kids’ experience. Our nering with the New Hampshire Rivers thanks to Adventure Bound, Great Management and Protection Program. Glen Outfitters, Mac’s Canoe Livery, Montgomery Adventures, NorthWoods Stewardship Center, Raquette A Northern Forest Explorer on the Tupper Lake and River Outfitters, Siskin Ecological Saranac River trip catches dinner. Adventures and Maine guide Tom Gerard. Special recognition goes to Laurieann our youth program interns. Milligan, Sue Noyes, Kristin Skiff and The Northern Forest Explorers Amy Washburn for their recruitment Program was generously funded by efforts. We also thank Erin DeVries of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway the University of Vermont Extension Foundation, the Eastern Outdoor Reps for intern training, and to Patrick Association, the Rotary Club of Lake The Connecticut River trip offered magnificent Blackstone and Allison Dolzonek, Placid and individual benefactors. views of the Percy Peaks. Thanks to Our Corporate Supporters Pay Your Dues and Give a Gift Membership Respond by 12/31/14 to have your gift recipient entered into the Rapid River Rafting Trip drawing! Your Membership Gift Membership Please check one: ■ $35 Member ■ $50 Household ■ Already Renewed Friend‘s Dues: ■ $35 Member ■ $50 Household

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Total Payment: $ ______Make checks payable to: Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Donations are tax deductible. Send to: Northern Forest Canoe Trail, PO Box 565, Waitsfield, VT 05673 6

NFCT2014 Fall NL.indd 6 12/11/14 7:14 AM Supporter News REI Connects People to Trail OGE Enhances Campsite Paddling.net Sponsors Auction We received a $10,000 grant from We thank This year’s 10th annual online REI, one of the nation’s largest retailers of Burlington- auction raised $16,000 for the Northern outdoor products. The award supported based Forest Canoe Trail. We thank our work in three watersheds last retailer Paddling.net for being a lead sponsor summer including trail improvements Outdoor for 8 years. We also thank our many on New York’s Raquette River, outreach Gear Exchange for awarding us a corporate and business supporters who about invasive species on Vermont’s $1,000 grant to build a removable privy make donations Missisquoi River, and access improve- at Lawyer’s Landing on Vermont’s each year, and ments on Maine’s Allagash River. Missisquoi River. This improvement will our members Funding also supported programs to make this Enosburg Falls’ campsite more and friends who provide paddling trips sustainable for day and overnight users. browse, bid and support the NFCT for youth and adults We plan to install the privy next spring. in this spirited way. in these regions. Visit gearx.com Visit paddling.net Visit rei.com

Get your Northern Forest Canoe Trail paddle in the colors of our trail marker. Order at www.shawandtenney.com. Thanks to Our Business Partners Class III Kittery Trading Post Town of Long Lake Lakeside Camping Scampy’s Country Class V Store & Deli Adirondack Exposure Mahoosuc Outdoors Tranquillity Lodge Little Gnesta Simon the Tanner Allagash Canoe Trips Memphremagog Mac’s Canoe Livery Watershed Association Trail Partner Swanton Motel Allagash Guide Service Maine Huts & Trails Northeast Whitewater Bert’s Boats Tea Birds Cafe & Attean Lake Lodge Maine Island Trail Northern Door Inn Camp Tecumseh Association Restaurant Charles River Canoe Ted’s Market & Deli & Kayak Old Forge Hardware Cedar Pond Campground Nansen Ski Club The Abbey Restaurant Cochran’s Cabins & Pelletier’s Campground Clyde River House Newport Natural Kiwassa Lake B&B Clyde River Outfitters Market & Cafe The Great Outdoors Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Vermont Cry of the Loon Outdoor of Commerce Clyde River Recreation Outdoor ESCAPES New Adventures Hampshire Tickner’s Raquette River Outfitters Flying Disc Cafe Paddling Trails Donnelly’s Sunset Point Rangeley Region Lake St. Regis Canoe Outfitters Great Camp Sagamore Cruises & Kayaking Trailside Lodge Ecopelagicon Nature Store Class IV St. Williams on Long Point Grey Gables Mansion Bed Raquette Lake Village Deli & Gord’s Corner Store The Last Resort Cabins & & Breakfast Navigation Company General Store Recreation Campground Indian Hill Motel Salt Water Workshop Yellow Deli Hulbert Outdoor Center Kingdom Trails Thanks to Our Corporate Supporters

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NFCT2014 Fall NL.indd 7 12/11/14 7:14 AM NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID THE MAILING CENTER 05641

P.O. Box 565 Waitsfield, VT 05673 Time to plan next summer’s adventure!

Members receive 15% off NFCT publications. www.northernforestcanoetrail.org

Northern Forest Canoe Trail Mission Fund Help Us Meet a $15,000 Challenge Grant! Does the Northern Forest hold a special place in your heart? Do you value access for yourself and others to great adventures, vibrant communities and healthy rivers? Do you love the view from the water? Protect what you love! Please, make an end of the year donation to the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Thank you! Donate by 12/31/14 by phone, mail or online. www.northernforestcanoetrail.org

Our Values: Access to Experiences • Stewardship • Protection through Connection • Leadership • Passion • Innovation • Collaboration • Grit • Integrity

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