Our Stories

2025 NCTA Volunteer Awards: Communicator

This award is presented to volunteers for their exemplary work in promoting the North Country Trail Trail or the NCTA through a communications medium (newsletter, web site, brochure, etc.) or personal contacts.

David Irvine

When David sees a need, he doesn’t complain, he simply works to fix it. Not only is he an integral part of the NCTA Chief Noonday Chapter’s social media team, but he’s a sawyer too. He’s phenomenal at coordinating Trail Adopters, particularly with his spreadsheet that tracks downed and cleared trees – it’s an invaluable asset for the team. David is excellent at integrating new people into the Chapter, and he brings a fresh perspective to any event or task.

Gail Rogne

Since her first day as a member of the NCTA Dakota Prairie Chapter, Gail has been happily volunteering. She has held a variety of leadership positions, including Chapter President, and her communication skills cannot be matched. She manages a variety of social media accounts to promote Chapter hikes and events, and does a fantastic job showcasing North Dakota’s North Country Trail. Should the need arise to sweep a hike, table an event, or maintain trail, Gail is usually at the ready. She spreads the joy of the trail wherever she goes.

Doug Seaney

Doug has been the NCTA Jordan Valley 45° Chapter’s communication coordinator for over three years, but he is one of the longest-serving active members. He maintains the Chapter email list to distribute updates to members and trail users, publishes a quarterly newsletter, and attends all Chapter leadership meetings. In addition to communications duties, Doug helps maintain the trail, showing up for most work projects and mowing long parts of the trail every summer. He also participates in most Chapter hikes and adds to the fun.

Learn more about how the you can honor NCTA volunteers for their service on and for the North Country National Scenic Trail, and consider a nomination at northcountrytrail.org/volunteer-awards.