Following this introduction is a tentative agenda for the Labor Day weekend campout and hikes in the Trap Hills.

As the agenda states, the gathering and camping place is Matchwood Campground, which is south of M-28 between Ewen and Bergland, MI.  The campground has lots of space, but a single vault toilet, so there may be waiting lines in the AM.  We are also concerned about exceeding the Forest Service’s desired limit on the number of campers staying in the campground.  If the limit is reached, late arrivals will need to find another spot to pitch a tent (we’ll have some options to suggest), though we can all gather in the campground for campfires, etc.

In order for us to get a handle on the number of expected campers, if you think there’s any chance you will be attending, please email me with the answers to the questions in the questionnaire which follows the agenda.

Please send your email response by 8PM Monday, August 26, so we will know how likely it is that we’ll have an overflow crowd at Matchwood Campground.  We will need to make additional provisions if this is the case.

Directions to Matchwood Campground will be emailed to anyone who sends me their answers to the questionnaire and indicates there’s at least a slight chance they’re coming.

Here is a partial list of suggested items to bring:
Food
Stove
Cooking and eating gear
Water bottles
Camera
Binoculars
Small shovel or trowel (in case we overtax the vault toilet, and a woods trip is necessary)
Toilet paper (we’ll probably use up all they have in the campground)
Folding chairs (for sitting around the campfire)
Folding table if you have one
Rain gear
Hiking boots

Friday, August 30th
Meet at Matchwood Campground (whenever you get there).
7 p.m. - 8 p.m. (EDT)** Campfire, discuss agenda for the weekend.
 

Saturday, August 31st
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon.  Leave campground for Trap Hills.  Two separate trips will take place at this time.  One will be to either Gleason Falls and North Country Trail off of Victoria Road, or to viewpoints along the NCT west of Forest Road 480. The other is to Little Trap Falls and North Country Trail between Old M-64 and Forest Road 326.

12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m.  Lunch at campground

1:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.  Hike to Gogebic Ridge overlook, beaver pond and old-growth forest. Leave from North Country Trail at FR 326 trail head.  A second option may be provided.

7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Dinner

8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Campfire, and discussion of Ottawa National Forest Management Plan Revisions, Wilderness and Wild and Scenic designations, and recreation.
 

Sunday, September 1st
8:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. All day hike on North Country Trail between U.S. Mine and Norwich. Seven miles and rugged! We will visit "The Rock", Gleason Falls, numerous blufftop overlooks, and other points of interest.

Shorter hikes (day or half day) will be provided for those not interested in a strenuous, all-day hike.

7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Return to Matchwood Campground for dinner, campfire and discussions.
 

Monday, September 2nd
8:30 a.m. - 12 noon. Half day hike into the Cascade Falls area.  Other options may be provided.

12:00 noon - GOODBYES.

CAMPGROUND:
The Matchwood Campground provides rustic car camping. A vault toilet and a pump well are available. Fire rings and picnic tables are present and swimming is available just a few miles down the road. For those who desire more developed facilities there are campgrounds at Bergland Township Park and Lake Gogebic State Park, which both have electricity, showers, and swimming beaches.

FOOD: Bring food for all your meals.  Remember to pack food and water on all hikes.

* Agenda subject to some changes.
** Time is Eastern Daylight time in Ontonagon County

Questionnaire:
Name(s)
Where are you coming from (city, state)?
What is the probability that you will be attending?
     Certain
     Probably
     Slight chance, but probably not
How many people in your group?
How many vehicles?
Will you have a motor home?
What is your expected arrival time and day?
What is your expected departure time and day?
Where do you plan to sleep?
     Matchwood Campground
     Another campground in the area (do you have one picked out?)
     A local motel (if so, which one?)
     At home
     Other (please specify)

The official Sierra Club contact person for this event is Ron Horn.
3165 Tree Lane
West Bend WI 53095
(262) 675-6747
ronhorn7@yahoo.com

You may contact me, Doug Welker, or Ron, for the latest info.  Ron doesn't check his email often, so if a quick response is desired, better contact me.

If you wish to be informed when new information is added to this page, or wish to get future email announcements about the event, email the webmaster and I'll put you on the list.  Just put "Trap Hills Activists' Weekend" in the TITLE of your message.  I often don't open messages unless the title is something I expect or the sender is someone I know.

Here are some links for more info:
Northwoods Wilderness Recovery (they've been working to protect the Trap Hills, and other special areas)
Trap Hills page, Peter Wolfe Chapter, North Country Trail Association
Main page, Peter Wolfe Chapter