The North Country Trail group recently presented a certificate of appreciation to Mike and Tina Toole for "understanding what volunteers' dedication of time in maintaining the trail, attending meetings and participation of activities." The presentation was made by chapter president Keith W. Klos.
Mike And Tina Toole have been members for less than two years, make a great pair. They have adopted a section of trail and maintain it well. They belong to the "High Toppers" Club. Which is a club that aspires to climb the highest points in each state. They are almost up to 30 states. If you see Mike or Tina on their section on the NCT, Route 59 to Chapel Bay, let them know how much you appreciate their work.
The North Country National Scenic Trail is a premier footpath that stretches for about 4,600 miles linking communities, forests, and prairies across seven northern states. Already, more than 1,800 miles have been certified off-road. The mission of the North Country Trail Association is to develop, maintain, preserve and promote the North Country National Scenic Trail through a national network of volunteers, chapters, partner organizations and government agencies. The Association achieves its mission by creating, encouraging and supporting programs of public education, membership services, recreational opportunities and resource and corridor protection in keeping with its Vision for the Trail.
Article Photos
Tina and Mike Toole with Keith Klos, chapter president
The North Country Trail Association enters into affiliate agreements with other organizations that envision the completed trail. Maintaining Affiliates are independent organizations, which also work to build, maintain, and promote sections of the trail. Supporting Affiliates are independent organizations, which work with us to help fulfill our Mission, but are not responsible for a specific section of trail. Allegheny National Forest is one such affiliate and without their support and dedication to the North County Trail, it would be extremely difficult to maintain the 100-mile trail as it travels from the New York border thru McKean County, Warren County and Forest County.
The Allegheny Outdoor Club, which is an organizational member of the NCT in the ANF, offers a patch for users completing the trail in the Allegheny National Forest. Although the North Country Trail Association is a national nonprofit organization, they function locally through Chapters of volunteers and trail enthusiasts. The Pennsylvania is considered the Keystone of the North County Trail. As one of Pennsylvania's four North County Trail Association chapters, the Allegheny National Forest Chapter, without their dedication of the volunteers, their time and service, the NCT in the ANF would not excite. For more information please contact, Keith W. Klos at nct001@verizon.net, or telephone 814-484-7420.