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Deb Fenn John Landi John grew up in Putnam Valley, a rural, forested community several miles north of New York City where outdoor play, roughhousing and sledding were regular pastimes for John; later to be replaced by football, lacrosse and other organized sports in high school. Upon graduation, the campus and curriculum at Alfred University appeared “a perfect fit” for John where he undertook a 5-year MBA program in Finance and Economics, with an eye on a career in sports management. John’s first job as a data analyst with Greenwich Associates was an exceptional “learning experience” where he honed his skills and keyboard speed under the tutelage of a former Goldman Sachs employee. He then joined the Buffalo Bills organization as a customer relationship management system administrator (CRM), and was subsequently promoted to CRM Architect with Pegula Sports and Entertainment. In December of 2020, he joined his current firm, CTBK Accounting and Business Consulting, as a business data and analytics manager, “Since COVID, CTBK has offered a hybrid work experience, typically with three days working from home; two at the office,” he explains. “One of the company’s core values is Human Connection. Working cooperatively is really part of the company’s DNA, which I really like, and which adds real value to the work experience.” Today, John and wife Lindsey live in Orchard Park, where Lindsey grew up and where her parents and extended family still reside. “When I’m not puttering around the house and yard, we take time to travel, and we both enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors.” The couple recently returned from a trip to the Grand Canyon, and last year’s trip to the Hawaiian Islands included full days of long hikes and exploration. “I think the ECRT trail is truly important. It gives the community a place for walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, and simply enjoying nature. It’s a great connector and a wonderful, potential economic stimulus. Case in point is the ‘Walk Over the Hudson’, close to where I grew up. It’s had a transformative, positive impact on communities on both sides of the bridge.” John also appreciates the trail’s historic aspects. Proud owner of his grandfather’s Lionel train set circa late-1940’s, Christmas finds the Landi living room transformed into an elaborate, impressive Christmas village. “Meanwhile, I look forward to the day when I can hike or ride the entire 27 miles of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail.” Yes, John. We’re with you! May 1, 2024 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next < Back

Beginning April 10th, the section of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail from Buffalo St. to Sharp St. in Springville will be temporarily closed to allow for a culvert to be installed in that section of the trail. Please observe the posted closure signs and watch for the reopening announcement here. < Back Culvert Installation in Springville Jeff Sellers Apr 9, 2023 Beginning April 10th, the section of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail from Buffalo St. to Sharp St. in Springville will be temporarily closed to allow for a culvert to be installed in that section of the trail. Please observe the posted closure signs and watch for the reopening announcement here. Beginning April 10th, the section of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail from Buffalo St. to Sharp St. in Springville will be temporarily closed to allow for a culvert to be installed in that section of the trail. Please observe the posted closure signs and watch for the reopening announcement here. Previous Next

Rider registration fees and donations to this event help make incredible progress on the trail < Back Why We Ride Beth Lasky Sep 5, 2023 Rider registration fees and donations to this event help make incredible progress on the trail Beth Lasky, EA2EVL Fondo Chairperson, talks about why we ride the Fondo, primarily to raise funds for the improvement, expansion, and maintenance of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. Donate, Ride or Volunteer: https://www.givesignup.org/Race/NY/EastAurora/EA2EVLFondo . Previous Next

Here you'll find answers to many of the frequently asked qestions about the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail and its future. Just the Facts About the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (Updated October 2023) Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit volunteer organization formed in 2008 to serve as the trail manager for the former rail line that runs from Orchard Park to Ashford. ECRT is making great progress in its efforts to convert this 27-mile rail line to a multiuse recreational trail. What sections are open today? I n Orchard Park , a 1.3-mile section from the Orchard Park Depot to Jewett Holmwood Road has been newly resurfaced and opened in June of 2023. A 2-mile section of the trail from Ellicott Road to Jewett Holmwood Road is cleared to its natural surface and open. A 1.7-mile Pop Warner section in Springville is open, as well as another 3.5 miles of natural surface trail in East Concord . What types of activities does the trail accommodate? Walking, hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are available in all open sections. Surface-friendly biking is available in Springville and Orchard Park. Considerate horseback riders are welcome in Concord (re: waste materials), and snowmobilers may use the Springville and open Concord sections of the trail when the local snowmobile trail system is open. ATVs, dirt bikes and other motorized wheeled vehicles are not permitted. Snowmobiles are not permitted in Orchard Park. Who owns the trail? Has it been abandoned? Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad owns the land and the railroad right-of-way. The railroad has not abandoned its interest in operating a railroad on the property. It is private property and is owned “fee simple” which means the railroad holds the title. The railroad has railbanked its property for interim use as a trail to preserve it for the possibility of future rail restoration. What does railbanking mean? The Surface Transportation Board (STB) approved the railroad’s Notice of Interim Trail Use as a multi-purpose trail. ECRT was named trail manager in 2018 through a federal railbanking agreement. This corridor has been identified by the STB as a significant national transportation asset that needs to be protected and preserved for potential reuse. The railbanking order stipulates that ECRT is to develop a multiuse trail on this corridor. Who has jurisdiction over the trail? The federal government has jurisdiction over the corridor. This preempts local and state jurisdiction of its use. Even though it is private property, the use of the property is regulated by the STB since Congress regulates interstate commerce. It’s still a transportation corridor, with train traffic being replaced by trail users. It can be replaced by rail traffic again in the future. It is a railroad right of way that is being used as a trail in the interim. What is the best way to build it? The decision to use this railroad corridor as a trail is final. It has been reviewed and approved by the STB. The best way to build it is to work in partnership with local towns and residents to gather public and municipal input and preferences. Working together and with town support, we can be more successful in raising the funds needed to add amenities and create the best product for all. The trail will likely be built in phases over time. Some sections may open for limited use, with future amenities and improvements made as funding permits. Who is responsible if someone is injured on the trail? Are adjacent landowners responsible? Trail users are responsible for their own safety. The NYS General Obligations Law, Recreational Use Statute, specifically states no owner or lessee of property shall be responsible for or held liable for any injury to person or property for which access has been granted for recreational purposes. Adjacent landowners cannot be held liable in the event someone enters adjacent property without permission. Has there been recent progress on trail design? A 1.3-mile section from the Orchard Park Depot to Jewett Holmwood Road has been newly resurfaced and opened in June of 2023. In addition, seven bridges throughout the Concord section of trail have been redecked, and trail surfaces cleared for winter use. Recently awarded grant funds have resulted in universal access to the Springville Community Trout Pond in the spring of 2023, including an on-site bike rack and a trail Welcome/Information kiosk. What next for the trail? 2024 goals include: Further improvements on the 2-mile Orchard Park section between Jewett Holmwood Road and Ellicott Road Designs to address drainage, washout and culvert work necessary on the West Falls trail section Further improvements to the natural surface trail in Concord Evaluation and design for the historic Cascade Bridge spanning Erie and Cattaraugus counties Universal access to the Springville Trout Pond Highlights of ECRT’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2025 are available online at ecattrail.org/strategicplan23-25 . G et Involved : To learn more, start at our homepage . Sign up to volunteer , donate , or become a membe r . Downlo ad PDF

Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail recognizes its volunteers with personal stories. Volunteer Spotlight Archives Dave Stahley Carol & Tim Goff Lisa Rood Jim Cielencki WNY Snowmobile Club of Boston

We’ve made it easy – just 2 clicks – to send a letter of support to our elected officials: Orchard Park Town Residents – Share Your Support Orchard Park Village Residents – Share Your Support Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. (ECRT) is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation working to construct a multi-use recreation trail on the 27-mile inactive Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad rail line in Western New York. In August of 2018, ECRT and Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad (B&PRR) announced the signing of a 49-year railbanking agreement. The agreement allows the ECRT, by federal statute, to construct the trail. The trail will begin in Erie County at the historic rail depot in the Village of Orchard Park and follow the inactive rail line South, connecting the towns of Orchard Park, Aurora, Colden, Concord, and the Village of Springville. Today, ECRT has over 6,000 friends and community supporters and is currently seeking funding from state and federal sources, foundations, and individuals for design and construction. We are actively encouraging Orchard Park to take an active role in the planning and support of this project. We believe it will benefit the vibrancy and quality of life in Orchard Park. It will connect neighborhoods and the village and provide safe biking, walking, and cross-country skiing. And it will honor Orchard Park’s connection to railroad history, provide recreation opportunities for all residents and restore and improve the natural environment along the corridor. Please take 2 minutes to share your support, enthusiasm, and thoughts with Orchard Park’s elected officials and encourage them to get involved in supporting this project for our community . Together we can ensure they hear from the majority of residents who support this project and not just a few vocal opponents. Orchard Park Town Residents – Share Your Support Orchard Park Village Residents – Share Your Support Thank you in advance for your support!

Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail has secured a rail banking agreement to develop the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad corridor into a multi-use recreational trail. For Immediate Release ECRT, Inc. Secures Long-Term Rail Banking Agreement with Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad Lease approves construction of a 27-mile multiuse trail in Western New York (August 16, 2018) ORCHARD PARK, N.Y.: The Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. (ECRT) and Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad (B&PRR) announced the signing of a 49-year rail banking agreement that allows the non-profit organization, by federal statue, to construct a multi-use recreational trail on the 27-mile former rail line in Western New York. The Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail begins in Erie County at the historic rail depot in the Village of Orchard Park, and follows the inactive rail line connecting the towns of Orchard Park, Aurora, Colden, Concord, and the Village of Springville. The trail ends in Cattaraugus County in the Town of Ashford. “We’re so pleased to reach an agreement with the Erie County Rail Trail organization,” stated B&PRR Marketing Director Kevin Bowser. “They value our railroad history, the natural attributes of the corridor, and the outstanding recreation and economic potential the trail will bring to the community. We fully support their efforts to create this trail.” The ECRT trail features historic rail depots, quaint villages, woodlands, marshes, farmlands, popular ski areas and a spectacular high-trestle bridge. The 1.7-mile Springville Pop Warner Trail is already open and is a model for trail development. The remaining trail will be built in sections as community meetings are held, funding is secured and a visioning plan is complete. “We’re thrilled to have a signed agreement so we can start building the trail,” said Deborah Fenn, ECRT’s co-chair. “Our goals are to protect and maintain the trail as a natural, cultural and historic resource while providing a safe, welcoming place for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy nature and outdoor recreation.” ECRT, Inc. is currently seeking funding for economic studies and plan design, and meeting with municipal, county and state leaders to inform them of the agreement and to discuss next steps. The group is also setting up local engagement meetings with adjacent landowners, community members and other stakeholders to discuss preferences for trail surfaces, activities, access points, and to address privacy and safety concerns. “Trails like these are quiet economic generators,” noted ECRT Co-chair, Gary Willert, who was instrumental in the negotiation process. “Research shows that homes and property values are likely to increase the closer they are to the trail. We hope the trail will promote economic growth and foster strong community connections while preserving the unique character of our quaint towns and villages.” ABOUT ECRT, INC. Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. is a 501(c)3 volunteer organization formed in 2008 to support New York State Park’s effort to create a linear park along an inactive Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad (B&PRR) rail line. In 2018, ECRT, Inc. and B&PRR reached a long-term rail banking agreement to begin construction of a 27-mile multiuse trail. Today, ECRT has over 6,000 friends and community supporters and is currently seeking funding from state and federal sources, foundations and individuals for economic impact studies and design plans. To volunteer, contribute or support the trail, contact ECRT, Inc. at www.ecattrail.org

Links, Resources, and Presentations Below you will find a wealth of information related to rail and other mutli-use recreational trails. Use the below to find research related to rail-trails, explore other communities' trails, and even locate a trail to visit. ECRT Specific Download Presentation Download Sample Letter of Support Trail Studies and Reports Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: Trail Benefits University of Nebraska at Omaha: Trail Neighbors Study Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: Safety Study of 372 Trails Rails-to-Trails Conservancy: Economic Impact Study National Park Service: Trail Development Resources and Studies Trail Analysis of PA Oil Heritage Region Trails Pennsylvania Allegheny Trail Alliance Trail User Study Points of Interest Along the Corridor. Author, Sean Williams, Orchard Park High School. 09.18. Links to Other Trails Parks and Trails NY: New York State Trail Finder Pat McGee Trail: Cattaraugus, NY Allegheny River Valley Trail: Allegany/Olean, NY Genesee Valley Greenway Chautauqua Rails to Trails National Rails-to-Trails Conservancy TrailLink American Trails Parks and Trails New York Adventure Cycling Association Useful Links Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Parks and Trails NY New! The Orchard Park Train Depot

Springville "Pop Warner" Trail The first 1.7 miles of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail are open in the Village of Springville, NY. T he trail head can be found across from the historic train depot at: 227 West Main Street, Springville, NY 14141 Click below to enlarge the trail map:

Jim and Cynthia Page Volunteers Jim and Cynthia Page clearly demonstrate you don’t have to live on or near Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail to appreciate it, use it and support efforts to complete it. Long-time Lancaster residents, both are active cyclists. Jim retired from Calspan in 2018. During his last few years with the company (a time when all four daughters were grown and on their own), he took to riding to work and back every day from March through November “It was a 25 mile round trip. One year I estimated that I rode around 3,000 miles to work and other outings." Cynthia, meanwhile, who grew up in Amherst, recalls biking to college in all kinds of weather, starting on a big, heavy bicycle and eventually graduating to a 10-speed. She biked frequently in her neighborhood, often with family members. “Jim and I met at Calspan. We had a lot in common. An important, enjoyable part of many of our days was spent outdoors, often on bikes.” Their interest in biking even influenced their choice of neighborhoods. “We bought a home with access to bikeable roads,” said Cynthia. “There were no bike trails back then. And if you’re raising a family, it’s important for children to have a safe place to ride.” Both Jim and Cynthia are members of GOBike, where Jim volunteers repairing and renovating bikes for kids, an activity he thoroughly enjoys. They also support the notion of a regional trail – one that will someday incorporate the ECRT, the Southern Tier, and the Genesee Valley Greenway. Jim was one of several volunteers who helped improve and mulch the berm at the Orchard Park Depot. He has also participated in clearing portions of the West Falls section of the trail from Ellicott Road south on National Trails Day last June. Most recently, Jim helped clear debris adjacent to Jewett Holmwood Road in preparation for the opening of the new trail segment. “We are so impressed with this new section of trail. It was remarkable how quickly and professionally the stone dust surfacing of the trail was completed. It’s beautiful and a real asset for the community.” “The people on the ECRT board and volunteers are great to work with,” Jim reflected. “There’s a positive, engaging exchange of ideas and information along with the hard work demonstrated by these people. It’s extraordinary. “We look forward to future rides on the trail, especially as it continues to build to its full potential, linking communities for transportation, pleasure, and commerce. It will be an immeasurable asset to the south towns, not just for the people who live along the route. We are definitely looking forward to helping where we can.” More volunteers

General Questions What is Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail and what is their role? E rie Cattaraugus Rail Trail (ECRT) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit volunteer organization formed in 2009 to develop and manage the 27-mile Buffalo & Pittsburgh rail line into a linear park for multiple recreational and educational activities. ECRT is seeking volunteers, supporters, and institutional funding to help make this happen. ECRT goals are: Historic preservation of former railroad corridor for adaptive reuse Build closer, stronger connections within and across communities Improve community well-being Provide a safe place for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy quiet outdoor recreation To encourage economic and community development that is compatible with the rural character of the communities hosting the trail, through trail-related activitie s What is happening along the BP&R rail corridor? I n 2018, the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail non-profit organization (ECRT, Inc.) signed a 49-year railbanking lease agreement (with four-10 year extensions) with the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad (B&PRR). Railbanking is a federal program that maintains the railroads federal right-of-way while allowing for interim trail use in lieu of rail traffic for an interim period. Under the terms of the lease agreement, and the federal rail banking program, ECRT was selected as the local trail manager to build a multi-use trail on the 27-mile rail line. ECRT is looking forward to working with local communities to make the necessary safety and aesthetic improvements to the right of way and bring the communities trail vision to a reality. Why did B&PRR want to stop rail traffic? The Buffalo & Pittsburg Railroad filed a request with the Federal Surface Transportation Board (STB) in September, 2008 to formally cease freight operations for an indeterminate amount of time. During the summer of 2009, A&K Railroad Materials removed the rails and ties. The bridges and culverts remain in place. B&PRR chose to cease rail traffic on the section between Orchard Park and West Valley because it had more challenging grades and crossings than an alternate route through East Aurora. In addition, there was a lack of business along the Orchard Park to West Valley section of railway. However, the STB and B&PRR still see the corridor as a strategic piece of infrastructure and it was determined that the corridor not be allowed to disintegrate or turn forever wild. B&PRR requested to federally railbank the corridor for interim trail use, so they could have the option to reactivate rail service in the future as needed. B&PRR and the STB selected ECRT to be the local trail manager to build this multi-use recreational trail. What happens to real property values adjacent to rail-trails? T here is a great deal of evidence from existing rail-trails that property values either remain the same or increase. Often, buyers seek homes along these corridors for their recreational value. Trails are among the top five amenities homebuyers look for when deciding where to move. Homes near trails sell faster, and home values increase the closer they are to the trail. What about liability on the trail? Trail use is preempted from liability due to The Recreational Use Statute of the NYS General Obligations Law. Additionally, ECRT has purchased and maintai ns a comprehensive insurance program for non-recreational liability. Adjacent homeowners have no increased liability or responsibilities. Will the rail-trail be safe? What about my privacy? The trail will be open from dawn to dusk. A well-maintained, community managed trail is safer than an abandoned railroad corridor. Signage with rules and a local telephone contact number will be posted along the trail. Besides employing a proven volunteer "neighborhood watch/patrol", the ECRT will coordinate with local police and first responders to ensure community safety is maintained and concerns are addressed. Trail surface conditions will allow access by first responders when necessary. Trail users are responsible for their own safety. ECRT will work with adjacent property owners to ensure privacy and safety. Design, good trail management and regulation enforcement can mitigate privacy and safety concerns. When will it open and who gets to use it? E CRT is just beginning the design effort, which could take up to a year to complete. We are estimating the entire trail could take anywhere from 5-10 years to complete. The Springville Pop Warner Trail is currently in use and is a model for our ECRT trail development vision. The remaining trail will be built in sections as community funding and planning is completed. Announcements will be made as soon as other sections are ready for public use. Plans for the 27-mile rail trail include conducting a series of meetings with local governments, community residents, adjacent neighbors and other stakeholders along the corridor to encourage community involvement in design, construction and various uses for the trail. Funding will be sought to produce a community-specific, clear visioning plan, which will be integral to the trails development. Outdoor enthusiast, including bikers, hikers, horseback riders, cross-country skiers, bird-watchers, and snowmobilers are envisioned to have access. However, every use may not be allowed on every segment of the trail. ATVs and dirt bikes – considered “wheeled motorized vehicles” will not be permitted on the rail-trail. I'm interested in supporting Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. What can I do to help? Become A Member, donate or become a volunteer. Where can I visit a local trail? In addition to the Springville Pop Warner trail section of ECRT, other regional trails you can visit include: Ch autauqua Rails to Trails, the Allegheny River Valley Trail, the Cattaraugus Pat McGee Trail, the Genesee Valley Greenway, the Tonawanda Rail Trail, Clarence-Akron-Newstead Bike Path, and Lancaster’s Heritage Trail.

Mary Brummer, DVM Mary Brummer got involved with ECRT not long after her retirement in 2017 from 33 fulfilling years as a small animal veterinarian in Orchard Park. She finally had time to pursue her varied and numerous interests, but she carefully considered where she wanted to commit her newfound free time. Mary was aware that there was an effort underway to get the rail trail developed as a multi use recreational trail, but she could not find any news about the endeavor, so she approached the OP Recreation department, and discovered that a Rail Trail group was meeting every month in the basement of the Municipal building. Mary attended her first Board meeting there in January 2018 and she was impressed by the energy of that initial group of 10 people actively seeking ways to make the trail a reality. Everyone there had creative ideas, as well as the vision and attitude that they were going to “make this happen”, and Mary decided that she wanted to be a part of that. One of the Board members organized an overnight trip to the Pine Creek Rail Trail near Coudersport, PA. Mary and then-president Anne Bergantz rode the trail for two and a half hours, talking about the organization and its history, and Anne really brought Mary “into the fold”. The group of 12 spent a day riding, visiting, eating and relaxing on the trail. Many small businesses had popped up along the trail’s path, especially in the village centers, and it made a huge impression upon her. The Pine Creek Rail Trail embodies for Mary what she envisions the ECRT Cattaraugus Rail Trail being someday. Mary was asked to be the group’s secretary. She also worked on the group’s Governance Team with the intent to firm up the Board’s structure, define best practices, develop standard operating procedures for a land trust, avoid conflicts of interest, improve record-keeping, and set parameters for elections and term limits of Board members. Mary grew up in Snyder, the “middle” daughter surrounded by five brothers. She attended Mount St. Joseph Academy and studied Biology at UB. No career path “lit her up” until she browsed through a catalog of careers in the school Guidance office and “Veterinarian” really appealed to her. She visited a veterinary hospital to learn more about the field, eventually working part-time at the Amherst Animal Hospital, where she learned to love the “small business family” way of operating. She graduated as a general veterinary practitioner from Cornell University, which is where she met her husband, David. David is more recently retired, too, from his career as a specialist in veterinary internal medicine. David and Mary have two grown children, and two grandchildren. Mary loves to garden and has been in the Orchard Park Garden Club for many years. She learned the intricacies of being a flower show judge, going on to become President of the Judges Council. This was a huge commitment of time that required her to combine her creativity, science and horticultural skills as well as a fair bit of engineering to not only design floral pieces, but Floral Design workshops as well. Active in her church for the past 30 years, she chairs the Worship team, with the goal of making services more creative and engaging. Mary played the flute during her school years but set it aside until an aunt’s passing, when she was encouraged to play the flute at her aunt’s funeral service. That special experience led her to resume taking lessons, and forming a flute quartet that plays in public several times a year. “A day that I can play just feels like it has more value,” Mary says. Mary shares her husband’s goal to be always curious about the world, feeling that it is a life force that provides us opportunities to grow, create and explore until life’s end. She feels called to talk and work with community members and elected officials in order to forge the best way to get things done and move forward. She’s inspired to make it a reality to one day take her grandchildren for a bike ride on the trail in Orchard Park, and perhaps enjoy a “sculpture alley” or a “pollinator garden” along the way. More volunteers