Our Stories

Mapping the Future in Minnesota

Mapping the Future in Minnesota

Dedicated volunteers and partners have been establishing a route for the North Country Trail for more than 40 years, but notable gaps remain. One in particular is in Northern Minnesota, in the Arrowhead Region where the North Country Trail extends southwest from the Kekekabic Trail.

A passionate group of volunteers in Ely stepped up to address this challenge. They formed a new NCTA Chapter in 2023 and began scouting potential routes in this remote and rugged landscape. They generated a wealth of GPS data, but it became clear that without a structured system to manage and analyze this information, it would be difficult for our staff to interpret and use effectively.

They turned to NCTA GIS Program Manager Matt Rowbotham, who levered the power of the Association’s online mapping system: an intuitive platform that provides volunteers with essential GIS tools. He adapted a web-based application (typically used by NCTA Regional Trail Coordinators) to allow volunteers to upload their field data, access key datasets like parcel boundaries and wetlands, and collaborate more effectively.

To ensure success, Matt Rowbotham and Matt Davis, NCTA Regional Trail Coordinator for Minnesota, launched the project with clear instructions and a virtual kickoff session to help volunteers get started. The results have been inspiring:

• About 20 volunteers contributed to this effort.
• They recorded more than 200 miles of potential trail routes and 132 waypoints marking potential campsites, parking areas, and necessary trail structures.
• Some of the data they collected is now actively informing trail proposals under review by the National Park Service and land management partners.
  

“This project is a testament to what dedicated volunteers can achieve with the right tools and support,” said Matt Rowbotham, NCTA GIS Program Manager. “By stepping up to learn new skills and contribute directly to the planning process, they are shaping the future of the North Country Trail, one mile at a time.”

Matt Rowbotham was first introduced to the NCTA in 2002 as an intern studying geography at Grand Valley State University. He joined the staff in 2004. In addition to GPS and mapping, Matt also provides IT support to the NCTA. Matt lives in Traverse City, Michigan with his wife Brigid and their two daughters. Matt enjoys hiking and fly fishing, most of which he does on or near the NCNST.

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