Our Stories
2025 NCTA Volunteer Awards: Friend of the Trail
This award is presented to public employees, units of government, or members of an organization whose leadership, accommodations, and active collaboration have substantially benefited the North Country Trail or the NCTA (and not working solely in the capacity of NCTA members).
City of Duluth Parks and Recreation Division
More than 350 miles of trails wind through and around the City of Duluth (Minnesota). The Parks and Recreation Division takes seriously the importance of maintaining these world-class recreation opportunities for their residents and visitors. Last year, the City passed a resolution to support the Superior Hiking Trail Association’s Master Plan, which included two future reroutes through the city to significantly reduce the trail’s roadwalks. Even through a bustling city, the Division prioritizes trail connectivity with park lands. They are able to provide fantastic access to the outdoors and are absolutely excellent partners.
Catherine Getty
Catherine is a Commissioner in Barry County, Michigan, as well as an engaged member of the NCTA Chief Noonday Chapter. She claims one of her main motivations to run for County Commissioner was to represent the importance of parks and trails. She has served on the county parks board for about 20 years. Here, she builds strong relationships between nonprofits, municipalities, and private businesses. Catherine often includes the Chapter and North Country Trail in her discussions. For example, she co-championed an effort to incorporate them in the country’s Master Trails Plan, which connects communities to trails. Thanks to her efforts, roadwalk has been eliminated and the trail community has been strengthened.
Drew Hanson
Drew is wholly dedicated to the partnership model that embraces the roles of the NCTA, its Wisconsin volunteers, and his agency, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). He facilitates partner meetings, helps secure state funding for projects, and advocates for land easements for the trail. He does a wonderful job maintaining relationships between the NCTA, volunteers, and local DNR property managers. Drew is always willing to listen, entertain ideas, and identify solutions. He understands the nuances of working on a National Scenic Trail and is an excellent example of the cooperative management system.
Richard Hatfield
Rich has been a District Ranger with the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania for a decade, and supports the NCTA Allegheny National Forest Chapter in countless ways. He is great at gathering stakeholders to agree on solutions. He once led discussion that resulted in dedicating 100 feet of buffer on both sides of the trail through logging projects, as well as added safety provisions. This has become a standard for any logging contract with the Forest. Rich stays in regular communication with the Chapter about potential projects and how they might impact the trail, and he has directed funds to help the Chapter purchase supplies and equipment. His prompt responses and professional skills make working with Rich very productive and rewarding.
Joe Jandernoa
Joe is Unit Manager of the Yankee Springs Recreation Area in Michigan, through which the North Country Trail winds. He is a reliable assistant to the NCTA Chief Noonday Chapter, providing equipment and park employees to help control erosion on the trail. Last fall, he approved the placement of multiple benches and provided the hands to help install them. In alignment with the NCTA, Joe strives to make the trail more accessible and enjoyable.
Michael Kangas
Under Michael’s leadership through his position at the U.S. Forest Service, the NCTA Sheyenne River Valley Chapter can develop and care for the trail and its amenities in North Dakota’s Sheyenne State Forest. Michael’s support, through both guidance and funding, allows the Chapter to keep the trail maintained. He stays in close contact with volunteers regarding their needs, and often sends Forest Service employees and equipment for Chapter workdays. Michael’s dedication, especially at a state level, is invaluable.
Joe Morisette
Joe is a state park superintendent in New York State, and has provided the NCTA Central New York Chapter with unwavering support and advocacy. For many years, the Chapter has strived to reroute a large roadwalk segment through state lands. Joe pored over maps and hiked proposed route, provided and purchased materials, had custom signage made, and coordinated the design of a trailhead kiosk. He assigned park personnel to assist with Chapter workdays and allowed the Chapter to store materials at a state park facility. This reroute was completed last October thanks to Joe’s dedicated partnership.
Scott Shipley
When Scott joined the Chippewa National Forest staff, he immediately began assisting the NCTA Star of the North Chapter. He helped clear trail and secure camping for Chapter work trips, and joined construction projects. With his extensive background in fire and trail work, he ensures everyone is safe and provides excellent experience stories. He is currently leading the development of a trail reroute that will eliminate a long roadwalk. Scott is a true Friend of the Trail in Central Minnesota.
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.
