LOCALadk Magazine

62 Spring 2020 LOCALadk Magazine LOCALadk The board and staff at the Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) are humbled and excited to spread the news that we're working with the Adirondack Watershed Alliance (AWA) to transfer their events and activities to NFCT's care by the launch of the 2021 paddling season. AWA has been managed by Brian and Grace McDonnell for over two decades. It currently coordinates the 'Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Race and the Celebrate Paddling Invitational in Saranac Lake, the Long Lake Long Boat Regat- ta, and the Adirondack Canoe Classic, known more common- ly as the 90 -Miler. For those readers unfamiliar with NFCT, here's the quick and dirty: We're a nonprofit organization that maintains and promotes the 740 -mile water trail that runs from Old Forge, New York, to Fort Kent, Maine, and connects New York, Ver- mont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine. The trail show- cases the mix of landscapes and communities currently lining the traditional routes used by indigenous peoples, settlers, and guides. It is the longest inland water trail in the nation and consists of 23 rivers and streams, 59 lakes and ponds, 45 communities, and 65 portages. Our plan is to work with AWA to achieve an efficient trans- fer of operational information. What does that look like for 2020? AWA will continue to manage events, with NFCT staff and volunteers obser ving and engaging in all aspects of op- erations, with a particular focus on AWA's marquee event, the 90 -Miler. During that time, we will complete fundraising and meet our financial obligations. We will officially acquire all aspects of AWA in 2021, taking on correspondence, regis- tration, marketing, and sponsorships. Brian McDonnell will continue working with NFCT to ensure the events and activ- ities are implemented in keeping with the expectations of partners and participants. Passing The Paddle The Adirondack Canoe Classic "90 Miler" will be changing hands in 2021

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