North Country Trail National Conference

NCTC National Conference is being held at Clarion University this year August 10th-13th. If interested in attending any time go to this website http://www.northcountrytrail.org/conf06/index.htm for registration and more information. The North Country Trail is a National Scenic Trail that extends from New York to North Dakota some 4000+ miles and utilizes the footpath of the Baker Trail for some 18 miles starting north of Cook Forest and continuing to the Gravel Lick Bridge area, south of Cook Forest. Unlike the Appalachian Trail, The North Country Trail is a confederacy of Trails incorporating existing trails by connecting and creating a continuity of older trails, networking, strengthening and expanding their life past a community life to a national life. Some say this dilutes the identity of the trails, we think it will strengthen the identity of the Baker Trail. The Rachel Carson Trails Conservancy has become an Affiliate member of the North Country Trail Association. The Conservancy will be responsible to maintain the North Country Trail on this 18 miles section. Becoming an affiliate of the NCTA offers many advantages to the Conservancy and its members. These advantages include cost sharing of projects; a voice on the NCTA State Trail Council; additional exposure for the Baker Trail by access to publicity on the NCTA calendar; and finally a potential for dual membership status for all of us at a reduced fee to the North Country Trail Association from $30.00 to $16.00. If you are interested in joining the North Country Trail checkout their website at www.northcountrytrail.org. A network of interrelated trails gives us strength in our efforts to keep hiking alive and well in Pennsylvania.