New York environmental officials say a completed trail project at North Harmony State Forest in Chautauqua County moved a section of multi-use trail away from a wetland and improved nearly three-quarters of a mile of the corridor. The public can see the work at an 11 a.m. ribbon cutting Tuesday, Oct. 6.
The Department of Environmental Conservation said in its Oct. 5 announcement that crews rerouted about 1,300 feet of existing trail onto higher, drier ground. The project also rehabilitated other sections, bringing the total length of improved trail to about 3,955 feet.
A drier route for trail users
The work was intended to protect the designated wetland, reduce erosion and limit effects on water quality while making the route more durable for horseback riders and other users, according to DEC. Acting Region 9 Director Chad Staniszewski said the new alignment provides a safer, more sustainable route.
Crews cleared and prepared the corridor, installed heavy-duty woven geotextile fabric to stabilize the trail, placed about 800 cubic yards of gravel, and graded, crowned and compacted the surface to improve drainage. The project brought together DEC, the Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System and the towns of Harmony and North Harmony.
DEC said the updated trail also provides access for hunters with mobility impairments through its Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities. The agency linked that access to New York's broader “These Lands Are For Everyone” initiative, which aims to expand inclusive recreation on state lands. DEC did not say that every part of the forest trail meets an accessible-trail standard.
The project received a $206,975 matching grant through the state Environmental Protection Fund's Park and Trail Partnership Grants Program. Parks & Trails New York administers the program with the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
Additional support included $25,000 from the Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Legacy Funds, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, and a $15,000 matching grant through the Friends of the Chautauqua County Greenways Fund. The latter is an initiative of the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth.
How to attend the ribbon cutting
DEC, the equestrian trail group and the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce plan to hold the free ceremony at 11 a.m. Tuesday. Visitors who want a short horse-drawn wagon ride to the trailhead should meet the equestrian group at 10:30 a.m. at Jasper Picnic Area, 2347 Warner Road in Panama.
Visitors may instead drive directly to the ceremony at 6904 Wiltsie Road. DEC said orange cones and flags will mark the trailhead, and snacks and refreshments will be available. Questions can be directed to Theresa Draves at (716) 363-2002.
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