This award recognizes an individual that has made outstanding contributions and provided consistent support for trail planning, development, or maintenance. It is intended to recognize the efforts of a private or public sector individual working for enhanced trail recreation on either the local, state, or national level.
The New Hampshire Bureau of Trails proudly nominates Lainie Castine for the 2010 American Trails, Trail Worker Award.
The Bureau of Trails has been working closely with Lainie for over five years. In that time she has made huge improvements to the Cohos Trail, a 162 mile trail that spans northern New Hampshire to the Canadian border. Lainie has been fundamental in getting much of the trail design and landowner permission as well as building much of the trail on state property herself.
Lainie also created a guidebook for the trail, a 50 plus page book with pictures of the trail and descriptions of all the segments. Only approximately 100 books were printed and they all sold out within a day. In addition to the guidebook, she is also responsible for 40 miles of maintenance and is the secretary and treasurer of the club. She does this with her husband who is president of the club.
The trail now has an international status since it now has a connection with the International Appalachian Trail. Lainie has been instrumental in the connection between Quebec and United States/New Hampshire. Sentiers Frontaliers hiking club in Canada which is part of IAT.
A work day was organized between ATV, snowmobile and state staff for National Trails Day 2010. Many projects were completed by all the different users working together. Lainie is not afraid to use whatever resources she has to get the job done. With Lainie’s help, the Cohos Trail Association has put in over 1000 feet of bog bridging and most recently an impressive 28 foot bridge. One of her current projects is to make signage along the trail similar to the "old camp" style that is prevalent in that area.
On any given day you can find Lainie on the trail, hiking and re-hiking the trail checking for problems, laying out new trail, installing signage or taking someone on a walk. Another project Lainie has been working on recently is to create interpretive areas along the trail so people young and old can learn about the wildlife and land in northern New Hampshire. She is always working with public and private landowners; the land the Cohos Trail is on is owned by private landowners, has easements with the state, logging companies, etc. It takes a lot of patience, perseverance and organization to do what Lainie does, and we all reap the benefits!
538 views • posted 01/16/2018
