News : NCCC to Assist North Country Trail Association in Becker County

FR:Chris, Jackson, Tom, Greg, Michael Bk:Katoiya, Caitlin, Mary, Marlin, Autumn, Allison, Christine

From June 7 – July 16, 2010, AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) team, Maple 3, is assisting the North Country Trail Association, Laurentian Lakes Chapter through the construction and clearing of a new segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail in Becker County on their first NCCC service project.

This team of 12 members is constructing approximately 10 miles of new trail near Ponsford , Minn. for six weeks. Tasks for the team include removing brush, constructing new treadway, building boardwalks and bridges over wet areas and placing signs. The work completed during this time is assisting Becker County in meeting its goal of increasing natural resource based tourism in their community.

The NCCC team is continuing the work of their sponsoring organization, The Laurentian Lakes Chapter of the North Country Trail Association. This organization is made up of 50 members from the Becker County area. They are continuing the building of the trail under the National Trails System Act which calls for the construction of the North Country Trail (NCT). They have received numerous grants including some from Becker County and the Federal Recreational Trails Program. Through the work they are completing, the Laurentian Lakes Chapter hopes to continue developing a natural feature for non-motorized recreation as well as create a positive economic impact on their local community. More information on the NCT is available at www.northcountrytrail.org/llc.

NCCC member Greg Amsler of San Anselmo , Calif. stated, “Our team is excited to start our work in Ponsford and hopes to accomplish our goal of clearing ten miles of trail before the conclusion of our project.”