Canoeists and kayakers will find improved portage trails, new and rehabilitated campsites and new information kiosks for the 2010 paddling season along the 740-kilometre Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) between New York and Maine.

Trail staff and volunteers completed projects last year on the historic 740-mile waterway in New York, Vermont, Québec, Canada; New Hampshire and Maine. NFCT, the non-profit organization that manages the trail, will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year and release the first official guidebook to the trail in March.

"In 10 short years we have translated a wonderful idea into a mapped, accessible recreation resource of national significance," said NFCT Executive Director Kate Williams. "We are grateful to our community partners, and to the paddling community for supporting and encouraging this endeavor. We are looking forward to the next decade and beyond."

These are the improvements made for 2010.

New York

Overgrowth was cleared from the Buttermilk Falls and Deerland portage trails. The trails were signed and a 25-foot stone causeway was built.

A 20-step stone staircase was built on the Permanent Rapids portage trail just south of Franklin Falls Pond. Eight campsites were rehabilitated in the Franklin Falls area, and 100 saplings were planted at locations of impact and erosion in the region.

A dilapidated cabin was removed and two new campsite areas were installed on Upper Saranac Lake.

A kiosk was installed at the Green Street boat launch on the Saranac River in Plattsburgh.

Vermont

Lumber-cribbed steps were constructed at the Highgate Falls portage trail access point on the Missisquoi River. Side-hilling and tread resurfacing were also completed on the portage trail.

Signage was improved and overgrowth was cleared along the corridor on a Nulhegan River portage trail.

An outhouse, picnic table and welcome signs were added to the Samuel Benton campsite on the Connecticut River in Maidstone.

Kiosks were added at the Bridge of Flowers and Light on the Missisquoi River in Enosburg Falls, and at Island Pond in the Northeast Kingdom.

New Hampshire

Clean-up was completed along the Connecticut River from Maidstone, VT to Groveton, NH.

Maine

Brush was cleared and new signs and blazes were added to two portage trails along the Moose River in Somerset County.

A kiosk was installed at the Fryeburg visitor information center on Route 302 near the Saco River.

Fifteen sections of bog bridging were replaced on a Moose River Loop portage trail, and new holes were dug for two privies at the Sally Beach campsite on Attean Pond in Jackman.

Québec

Completed a clean-up on the Missisquoi River and its North Branch from Glen Sutton to Mansonville.

The NFCT now has more than 150 public access points in four states and Canada, and more than 470 individual campsites on public and private land. An interactive map on www.northernforestcanoetrail.org gives paddlers a detailed look at the 13 sections of the trail and nearby accommodations, services and attractions.

Other resources include the new Official Guidebook to the NFCT and water resistant trail section maps. These can be found on the NFCT Web site, at specialty outdoor retailers, outfitters along the trail, and at booksellers.

For more information about the Northern Forest Canoe Trail call 802-496-2285 or www.northernforestcanoetrail.org.

Photo Credit: Mwanner at en.wikipedia, Lake Saranac