Chautauqua County Parks Department

Various groups to present updates on outdoor recreational trail projectsPeople of all ages enjoy utilizing the 250+ miles of recreational trails available in Chautauqua County. On Oct. 1, the Friends of the Chautauqua County Greenways will hold a public meeting to provide details on various projects and initiatives involving the various public trails the county has to offer.  CHERRY CREEK, NY -- In cooperation with the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), the Friends of the Chautauqua County Greenways (FCCG) will hold a public informational meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 6:30 p.m. at the Barn at Farrington Hollow (7495 Farrington Hollow Road, Cherry Creek). This meeting will provide the public with updates on various trail and waterway development and maintenance projects, along with conservation efforts throughout Chautauqua County. A recap of various activities during the summer, including the first ever CHQ Trails Day held on June 21, will also be discussed. “There are so many incredible recreation projects that are happening right now in Chautauqua County,” noted Jacob Bodway, Trail Coordinator for CCPEG. “Each trail user group has exciting updates, and this event will give everyone an opportunity to see the impact that our efforts are making throughout the county. We encourage people to come to the Barn at Farrington Hollow and ask questions about any of our recent and future projects!” Groups to present during the meeting include Boutwell Hill Ski Club, Chautauqua County Parks Commission and Parks Department, Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System, CCPEG, Chautauqua Rails to Trails, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, the Town of Mina, and Western New York Mountain Bicycling Association. "All summer long, FCCG member groups have been hard at work—improving trails, clearing hazards from our waterways, and planning future projects that will make the county’s outdoor spaces even better. It’s inspiring to see just how much is happening to make our region a beautiful, exciting destination for outdoor enthusiasts, both residents and visitors alike. You’ll get the first look at these efforts at this meeting!" says Twan Leenders, Director of Conservation at the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy and co-chair of FCCG. Anyone interested in learning more about the various outdoor recreational trails in Chautauqua County is invited to attend. More details about FCCG can be found on the FCCG Page at ChooseCHQ.com. The public is also invited to follow FCCG-related activities on the FCCG Facebook group page. The Friends of the Chautauqua County Greenways’ public meeting on Oct. 1 will provide an update on a variety of trail projects, including the recent opening of the Homestead Loop trail in Boutwell Hill State Forest, which was celebrated during CHQ Trails Day on June 21. (Submitted Photo) About FCCG – The Friends of Chautauqua County Greenways is housed under CCPEG and is an organization whose aim is to collaborate and build on private/public partnerships to position themselves to raise the necessary capital and programmatic resources to realize the primary objectives outlined in the 2012 Greenway Plan. Member groups include the Boutwell Hill Ski Club, the Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System, CCPEG, Chautauqua County Rails to Trails, City of Jamestown, the Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, the Heron Farm & Events Center, and the Western New York Mountain Bicycling Association. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources in Chautauqua County. As an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC), CCPEG acts as the catalyst for advancing economic prosperity, focusing on job creation, retention, and quality of life enhancements. For more information, visit CHQPartnership.org.

Funding will help to kick-start Phase V renovation work of Earl Cardot Eastside Overland TrailCHERRY CREEK, NY – The effort to renovate a section of overland trails in eastern Chautauqua County has taken a major step forward. The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) is pleased to report that it has secured a $35,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, to help fund Phase V of the Chautauqua County Overland Trails Revitalization Project.  Phase V renovation work includes trail construction, trail improvements, and trail reroutes in Boutwell Hill State Forest in Cherry Creek, along Chautauqua County’s Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail. To secure this grant, CCPEG collaborated with the Chautauqua County Parks Department and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to plan and to organize the best way to approach Phase V.  The collaboration is also being used to apply for additional funding to help ensure all aspects of the Phase V project can be completed. If all funding is secured, the trail improvements and construction work will be done by experienced mechanized trail-builders from Trail Construction Associates (TCA), based in Chautauqua County. The team from TCA are familiar with the Overland Trails and are excited apply their green design trail-building techniques to improve the sustainability of the Overland Trail in Boutwell Hill State Forest.  According to Jacob Bodway, Trail Coordinator for CCPEG, Phase V will update the Eastside Overland Trail to meet modern standards of trail sustainability and accessibility. “We will be rerouting chronic wet areas and improving sections of trail that have poor drainage and erosion issues. These improvements will benefit hikers and bikers of all skill levels and help keep the trail dry during the winter months for cross country skiing. Even better, this project dovetails with the recent improvements to the ‘Homestead Loop’ in Boutwell Hill State Forest,” Bodway said. Bodway adds that additional funding for Phase V has been applied for, with award announcements for all pending grants expected by mid to late summer. Once all funding is secured, the work is expected to begin by the end of summer or early fall. The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds were established at the Community Foundation to provide support to four areas that were important to Mr. Wilson: caregivers, community assets, design and access, and youth sports. Endowment funds, like these created to honor Mr. Wilson, are designed to grow over time and provide funding for charitable causes according to a client’s wishes. The Chautauqua County Overland Trails would not be possible without the support and cooperation of private landowners. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.

Public encouraged to attend, learn about projects that will enhance the County’s outdoor trailsJAMESTOWN, NY - In cooperation with the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG), the Friends of Chautauqua County Greenways (FCCG) will hold its first public informational meeting of 2025 on Wednesday, June 11 at 5 p.m. at the Robert H. Jackson Center, located at 305 E. Fourth Street in Jamestown. This meeting will provide the public with updates on trail and waterway development and maintenance projects, along with conservation efforts throughout Chautauqua County. Some of these projects include updates to the Eastside Overland Trail in Boutwell Hill State Forest, maintenance on the Marden E. Cobb Waterway Trails, and the grand opening of the “Homestead Loop” in Boutwell Hill State Forest, among many others. The group will also highlight the upcoming CHQ Trails Day, taking place at various locations across the County on Saturday, June 21. “The Friends Group has been working hard on trail projects throughout the county,” says Jacob Bodway, Trail Coordinator for CCPEG. “The June meeting will allow time for the various trail-user groups to present on current and upcoming trail projects, grant requests, and long-range goals. It’s incredible how much we have accomplished by working together and by celebrating our incredible natural assets, right here in Chautauqua County!” The Friends Group is comprised of several organizations and municipalities from across Chautauqua County, with a goal of enhancing and improving outdoor recreation trails in the County, through a spirt of cooperation and collaboration. Members include Boutwell Hill Ski Club, CCPEG, Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System, Chautauqua County Parks & Trails, Chautauqua Rails to Trails, Chautauqua Watershed Conservancy, the City of Jamestown, and WNY Mountain Bicycling Association. For more information about FCCG, visit ChooseCHQ.com. About FCCG – The Friends of Chautauqua County Greenways is housed under CCPEG and is an organization whose aim is to collaborate and build on private/public partnerships to position themselves to raise the necessary capital and programmatic resources to realize the primary objectives outlined in the 2012 Greenway Plan. More information about FCCG can be found under the “Agencies” section of ChooseCHQ.com. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.  

Phase IV Revitalization Efforts Focused on Trails in Panama and Brokenstraw State ForestsPeople who use Chautauqua County’s Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail in Panama and Brokenstraw State Forests will notice several improvements and upgrades, thanks to work that was recently completed through the Phase IV Overland Trail Revitalization Project. PANAMA, NY – In cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Chautauqua County Parks Department, the Chautauqua County Partnership of Economic Growth (CCPEG) is pleased to report that Phase IV of the Chautauqua County Overland Trails Revitalization Project is complete. The Phase IV redevelopment focused on updating the Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail in Panama and Brokenstraw State Forests, along with sections of private property south of Titus Road in the Town of Sherman. Blessed with dry and temperate weather in August and September, Trail Construction Associates (TCA) was able to complete its work without any issues. This marks the fourth year that TCA has been working on the Overland Trails and the company’s familiarity with the scope of work is evident in the finished product. Thom Wright, TCA co-owner, noted his appreciation to “collaborate with the land owners, the NYSDEC, and the county to bring these sections of the Overland Trails to a more sustainable level for trail users.” “Panama and Brokenstraw State Forests are absolutely beautiful public lands, and I am incredibly happy with TCA’s updates to the Overland Trail through these two state forests,” said Jacob Bodway, CCPEG Trail Coordinator. “There is one important reroute in Panama State Forest that adds accessibility for all trail user groups, and TCA also did a wonderful job of addressing some of the chronic wet areas of trail along sections of private property. I can’t thank the private property owners enough for recognizing the importance of the Overland Trails for Chautauqua County residents and visitors.” “As we seek to improve our recreational assets for existing county residents and market the county to prospective residents, it is essential that we have quality attributes for them to enjoy,” said Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency CEO, and CCPEG advisory board co-chair. “The trails were tired and needed some much needed TLC, which this initiative addresses.” Phase IV was funded through the generous support of local foundations, including: Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, The Lenna Foundation, The Sheldon Foundation, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, The Jessie Smith Darrah Fund, and CCPEG. Pending future funding, Phase V of the Overland Trails project will focus on Boutwell Hill State Forest in the summer 2025. To learn more about all public trails in Chautauqua County, visit CHQTrails.org.  About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.

$65,000 Awarded to CCPEG to Fund Improvements along Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland TrailLocal Foundations are Committed to Overland Trail Improvements CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, NY - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) has been awarded $65,000 from local foundations to make improvements to the Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail in Brokenstraw and Panama State Forests. The funding will also help with trail improvements on sections of private properties south of Titus Road in Sherman. The latest improvements are part of Phase IV of the Chautauqua County Overland Trails Revitalization Project.  The Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail is a 24 mile-long nature trail spanning four towns and six state forests – all within Chautauqua County. Located near Mayville, Sherman, and Panama, this scenic trail is well used and is one of the most challenging hikes and/or mountain biking trails in western New York.  The foundations that helped CCPEG reach its Phase IV fundraising goal include the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, the Jesse Smith Darrah Fund, the Lenna Foundation, and the Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation. To secure these grants, CCPEG collaborated with the Chautauqua County Parks Department, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and private landowners to plan and organize the best approach for Phase IV of the project. In addition, CCPEG allocated $15,000 to help leverage funding for the project. “Phase IV represents the first instance where we will be working with private landowners to improve sections of the Overland Trail that run through their properties,” explained Jacob Bodway, CCPEG Trail Coordinator. “I can’t express how lucky we are to have our local foundations believe in this project and how indebted we are to have private landowners who understand that the Overland Trails are an important recreational asset to everyone who loves exploring the county’s beautiful forests and countryside.” Like the previous phases, the trail upgrades for Phase IV will be completed by Trail Construction Associates, a trail building company located in Forestville, NY. Work will begin by the end of July and should finish by late September. “I am thrilled to see all of the work that is being undertaken on our county’s extensive trail system,” said Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and Co-Chair of the CCPEG Advisory Board. “Maintaining our existing trails was one of the top ten recommendations put forth in the Chautauqua County Greenways Plan we developed back in April of 2012. Trails are one of the key assets we are promoting in our recently-unveiled branding campaign, and is the basis of the trails mapping initiative we rolled out last month. That being said, it is essential that we have a good product for our residents and visitors to experience. Thank you to everyone that is involved in keeping this initiative moving forward.” The Chautauqua County Overland Trails would not be possible without the support and cooperation of the Chautauqua County Parks Department, Chautauqua County Department of Planning & Development, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, and local landowners. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.

Funds will support upgrades to Fred J. Cusimano Overland Trails in Panama and Brokenstraw State ForestsJAMESTOWN, NY: -- The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) is pleased to report that it has secured a $25,000 grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, to help fund Phase IV of the Chautauqua County Overland Trails Revitalization Project. This phase includes trail construction, trail improvements, and trail reroutes along sections of the Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail in both Brokenstraw and Panama State Forests. “This section of the trail is popular with a variety of trail-user groups and runs through two absolutely beautiful New York State Forests,” said Jacob Bodway, CCPEG Trail Coordinator. To secure this grant, CCPEG collaborated with the Chautauqua County Parks Department and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to plan and organize the best approach for Phase IV of the project. According to Bodway, Phase IV of this project will update the Westside Overland Trail to meet modern standards of trail sustainability and accessibility. “Ultimately, these Phase IV improvements will offer substantial drainage improvements and will incorporate sustainability designs to mitigate erosion and to make the trail far more accessible for a variety of trail user-groups,” Bodway said. The trail improvements and construction will be completed by Trail Construction Associates (TCA), based in Chautauqua County, who Bodway said are familiar with the Overland Trails and are excited apply their green design trail-building techniques to improve trail sustainability. “We will be rerouting chronic wet areas and improving sections of trail that have poor drainage and erosion issues,” Bodway said. “We plan to ‘build-up’ the trail in low areas, add bench-cut trail for better drainage, and reroute a section of trail to move it from an old gas-lease road and into the woods. These improvements will make the trail far more accessible for trail-users of varied abilities. We can’t wait to get started!” The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds were established at the Community Foundation to provide support to four areas that were important to Mr. Wilson: caregivers, community assets, design and access, and youth sports. Endowment funds, like these created to honor Mr. Wilson, are designed to grow over time and provide funding for charitable causes according to a client’s wishes. The Chautauqua County Overland Trails also would not be possible without the support and cooperation of private landowners. About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.