The NFCT’s stewardship team had a great season, completing over a dozen stewardship projects. I am so grateful for our field coordinator, Will Lockwood, and our stewardship interns — Liam Ryan-O’Flaherty, Alex Cassu and Kyle Halstater. This was the first trail crew experience for each of them, and it was great to see them grow into a capable and enthusiastic team. Fifty volunteers joined us on seven Waterway Work Trips! We’re excited to share a recap of what we accomplished together.
We transformed the Troy River Access along the Missisquoi River from a challenging riprap slope to a user-friendly and attractive hand carry launch with a wide landing and 12 stone steps.
We gave the McCuin Island campsite along the Lamoille River a makeover, with timber steps, a box privy, signage and tenting areas, and battled against invasive Japanese Knotweed. Downstream, we rebuilt a set of timber steps providing river access in a town park.
We refurbished 10 campsites on Lake Champlain’s Valcour Island with new privies, reconstructed fire pits and removed dangerous old docks.
Along the Saranac River, we established a new campsite on Union Falls Pond’s quiet south end and installed 10 timber-cribbed steps at the Franklin Falls hand carry access.
We rebuilt two sets of steps at the Nulhegan River’s Belknap Campsite and established a new campsite — the Walter Campsite — in a beautiful stand of white pines near the river’s headwaters.
We installed a durable set of 12 steps, boat slide and a bench at the Brownway River Access along the Missisquoi in Enosburg.
We rebuilt the Colebrook Bridge River Access with steps, a 20-foot bridge and a gravel footpath providing access to the Connecticut River. We also built privies at four riverside campsites and rehabilitated two NFCT kiosks in the region.
We reestablished two campsites on Long Pond along the Moose River in Maine with stone steps, tent pads, box privies and signage.
We installed a two-bin moldering privy at Moosehead Lake’s Hardscrabble Point, completed an extensive clean-up at Farm Island and refurbished infrastructure at the NFCT Brassua Island and Baker Brook campsites.
Behind the scenes, we had dozens of volunteer Waterway Stewards working to keep the corridor in good shape for all. Thanks to everyone who helped out this season! You make this trail and this community exceptional.
Thank You for Your Support
The NFCT’s stewardship work is made possible by generous organizations and individuals who contribute time and money to help us preserve and enhance your canoe trail. We thank you all for your unwavering support.
Project Partners:
Maine AMC • Brookfield Power • Lake Champlain Basin Program • UMATR Wild and Scenic Committee Town of Enosburg • Vermont River Conservancy • Maine Bureau of Public Lands • New York State DEC Davis Foundation • Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund • Colebrook Economic Development Corporation • New Hampshire Charitable Foundation
Waterway Work Trip Volunteers:
William Kenyon • Gretchen Whitteberry • William Eiseman • Peter Kaurup • Pamela Mitchell • Paul Glasscock • Robert and Eileen Liseno • Laurie Chandler • Leonard Weiss • Brad Cushing • Royq Bouchard • David McCarthy • Michael Zimmerman • Kristen Grant • Tony Bartlett • Peter Roderick • Russell Spencer • Jeffrey Krisko • Parker Castle • Justin Illuzzi • Jenny Leung • Mike Mowry • Bob Lagrander • Kelly Lagrander • Jess Wilson • Chris Fithian • Adam Mitchell • Bill Wright • Cameron Larnerd • David Frenzel • Mary Jo Newcomb • Deborah Gallagher • Ken Pickren Sara Mele • Mackenzie Todd • Thomas Mccleary • Jan Reimers • Adam Mitchell • Shellie West • Jim Ryan • Kim Jensen • Geoff Marchant • Dave Ingersoll • Griff Keating
