I’m writing to gather support in getting U.S. Representative Chip Cravaack to introduce legislation that reroutes the North Country Trail, a 4,600- mile trail that runs from North Dakota to New York, to the Arrowhead. I’m a long distance hiker. I through-hiked the Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia in 1996—it was a lifechanging experience, and when I tell the story it inspires people to take charge of their lives and accomplish goals that seem impossible.
Bringing the route through the Arrowhead gives our district more exposure when throughhikers relate their stories through slide shows, talks and through free publicity via newspapers and magazines that cover the hikers. The hike through the Arrowhead will change lives and inspire Americans to strive for seemingly impossible goals. In addition, the following is true:
1. The re-route has significant non-partisan support in Northeastern Minnesota.
2. The re-route does not involve significant federal dollars and is a more fiscally responsible option for completing the NCT. Because the reroute uses many existing primitive trails, like the Kek, Border and Superior Hiking Trail, and because it avoids wetlands, it could save over $2 million over the original route.
3. The reroute offers greater National Scenic Trail potential.
4. The reroute makes greater use of our National Forests.
5. The NCT benefits local communities and the region’s economy. According to an Economic Impact of Recreational Trail Use in Different Regions of Minnesota study, hikers spent $414 million within our area. The reroute brings one of the largest national trails to our area and national trails bring more hikers. More hikers increase the dollars pumped into our economy.
Making the Arrowhead reroute part of the North Country Trail will increase tourism to our area. It will increase guiding, tourism and lodging jobs and help funnel more money into the area. I know of three specific Grand Marais retailers, several shuttle services and, at least one new business that would grow with additional hikers.
It’s a no-brainer that Representative Cravaack should champion. Please, write him telling him to.
Bryan Hansel
Grand Marais
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