North Country Trail Association (NCTA)
OUTREACH
Programs —NCTA celebrated the fourth year of the Hike 100 program, encouraging hikers to log 100 miles on the North Country NST; over 1,000 finishers are anticipated.
Next Generation — NCTA connected over 50 members ages 18-28 in the second year of its Next Generation Coalition. Nine members attended the first ever “Next Gen Summit” in Michigan’s Porcupine Wilderness State Park, where members completed a trail construction project and planned for the future of the Coalition.
Maps — NCTA completed a multi-year technical series map project, creating 445 free downloadable trail section maps; the maps were downloaded 36,285 times by NCT users.
PROTECTION
Legislation — The North Country National Scenic Trail Route Adjustment was signed into law as part of the John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act. This legislation authorizes the Minnesota Arrowhead reroute and extends the NCT’s eastern terminus into Vermont, connecting with the Appalachian Trail.
Documentation — NCTA revised and updated its Trail Protection Handbook and Options for Landowners brochure, providing volunteers with valuable resources to permanently protect the NCT’s corridor.
CAPACITY
Staffing — NPS hired Christopher Loudenslager as the new NCT Superintendent. NCTA welcomed a new Director of Development and Communications.
Strategic Plan — NCTA staff, board, and partners are working on a new strategic plan to guide the future work of the organization, expected to be completed in early 2020.
