NFCT eBulletin Apr 2014: Auction | Maple Syrup for Membership | NFCT Paddling Trips

The following is the newsletter for Northern Forest Canoe Trail, courtesy of the NFCT:

April 2, 2014

Spring Freshet Auction – Bid Today!

Our 3rd Annual Spring Freshet Auction celebrates the start of the paddling season by tempting you with new gear and a chance to support our Stewardship Program. With more than 40 items to choose from, bookmark and bid today. Auction runs until April 18. Thanks for your support!

Job Opening – Regional Trail Coordinator

We are looking for a qualified candidate to oversee the NFCT corridor in New Hampshire and Maine this summer. Duties include oversight of our stewardship intern crew and adopt-a-segment program. Visit our website for a job description and application, or email Trail Director Walter Opuszynski at walter@northernforestcanoetrail.org. Applications are due April 15.

NFCT Being Featured on Outside TV – Watch on April 5

NFCT is getting air time thanks to Facing Waves, a new paddlesport television series on Outside Television. The episode The Northern Forest Canoe Trail – New Hampshire features Northern Forest Explorers and scenes from Lake Umbagog and the Androscoggin and Rapid rivers. Next showing: April 5 at 1:30 pm EST. Go to Outside Television for your local airings.

April is Film Festival Month – Get Your Tickets

We’re co-hosting Rapid Media’s Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour 2014 with our excellent partners. Check-out the list of this year’s films that we will be choosing from. Tickets cost $12 adult/$10 student online, or $15 at the door. Purchase your tickets today.

Maple Syrup for Your Membership – Renew by April 30

Sap is starting to flow along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Renew your membership by April 30 and be entered into a drawing for a Half Gallon of Maple Syrup. Help support our efforts to maintain access to the 740-mile water trail. See details at Become A Member/Renew. Plus, all dues-paying members will have a chance at the end of the year to win a free Rafting Trip for Two on Maine’s Rapid River (includes a float plane ride!) courtesy of ECL Rafting.

Youth Program Gathering in NH – April 26-27

Northern Forest Explorer hopefuls and alumni are invited to a weekend in the woods at the Barry Conservation Camp in Berlin, NH this month. We’ve teamed up with the University of New Hampshire’s Outdoor Education Program to offer this overnight with hiking, outdoor camping, and leadership development. Register by April 10 by contacting Youth Program Director Roger Poor at roger@northernforestcanoetrail.org. 

Advanced Flat-Water Canoeing – May 27–June 6

Sterling College in northern Vermont is offering a 2-week intensive summer course to improve paddling skills and discuss North Country paddling, all while paddling on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Learn more at Sterling College Outdoor Education.

Northern Forest Explorers – Send Us Your Sign-up Form

We have 10 overnight trips scheduled for this summer to take 10–14 year olds on 5-day paddling adventures along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Our goal is to give kids who live in the communities along our corridor a sense of pride for their backyard waterways. Learn more and get a registration form at Northern Forest Explorers Youth Program.

New York

  • 6/30–7/4, Old Forge & Long Lake
  • 7/7–7/11, Tupper Lake & Saranac Lake

Vermont

  • 7/7–7/11, West Charleston & Island Pond (Clyde River)
  • 7/28–8/1, Newport (Clyde River Watershed)
  • 8/4–8/8, Richford & Enosburg (Missisquoi River)

New Hampshire

  • 6/23–6/27, Errol, Berlin & Dummer (Androscoggin/Umbagog),
  • 7/21–7/25, Colebrook & Groveton (Connecticut River)

Maine

  • 7/21–7/25, Fort Kent & Allagash (Allagash River)
  • 7/28–8/1, Eustis & Stratton (Flagstaff Lake)
  • 8/4–8/8, Rockwood & Greenville (West Branch Penobscot River)

NFCT Paddling Trips – Adults Welcome!

This summer we are offering four guided day trips on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Trips are rated easy and suited for beginners and paddlers wanting a leisurely pace. Space is limited. Call contacts directly to sign-up and ask questions.

  • 6/28, Androscoggin River, NH
    Free. Bring your own canoe/kayak and paddling gear, or call for local rental options. Contact: Jim Cochrane, (603) 733-7721.
  • 7/12, Saranac River, NY
    Cost: $65 ($10 will be donated to NFCT) includes boat and paddling gear; price negotiable if you bring your own gear. Contact: Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters, (800) 491-0414
  • 7/12, Missisquoi River, VT
    Free. Bring your own canoe/kayak and paddling gear, or call for local rental options. Contact: Riss Ford, (802) 777-9664.
  • 8/12, Rangeley Lakes Region, ME
    Cost: $65 ($10 will donated to NFCT) includes boat and paddling gear; price negotiable if you bring your own gear. Contact: Ecopelagicon, (207) 864-2771.

Waterway Work Trips – Register Today

Join us for a weekend of trail work, paddling, and camaraderie this summer. We camp near work sites in gorgeous locations and even do the cooking. WWTs are a great opportunity for family bonding or a reunion with friends! Click on links for project descriptions, site maps, and how to register. 

Adirondack Trip on the NFCT – Sept. 14–20, 2014

Our partner Adirondack Exposure is offering a fully-guided paddling experience on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail this September 14–20, 2014. Paddle the Fulton Chain of Lakes and Raquette Lake during the day, and return to a comfortable bed, shower, and Adirondack history lessons in Old Forge, NY each night. For details and a sample itinerary, visit Paddling Through History on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

Get Your NFCT Maps and Guidebook 

Mark your calendar for this summer’s trip on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Visit our Plan A Trip for day and multi-day trip ideas, then get our maps and guidebook to help navigate the perfect long weekend or vacation.