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Open to the Public for Questions and Commentary at the meeting's end. < Back West Falls NY Forward LPC Meeting Next Tuesday Deb Fenn Jul 16, 2024 Open to the Public for Questions and Commentary at the meeting's end. On Tuesday, July 23rd at 6 pm the West Falls NY Forward Local Planning Committee will hold its 3rd meeting at the West Falls Fire Company. Members of the public are encouraged to attend these meetings but, as a reminder, these are working meetings of the LPC, and the public will have the opportunity to make comments and ask questions at the end. https://www.westfallsnyforward.com/ Previous Next

Celebrating another fabulous Fondo! < Back 2024 EA2EVL Fondo a Success Debbie Stellrecht Oct 8, 2024 Celebrating another fabulous Fondo! https://video.wixstatic.com/video/0373ea_6dcbea6329744bb49bd66afd1211ea93/1080p/mp4/file.mp4 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail thanks each and every 2024 EA2EVL Fondo sponsor, donor, rider, volunteer and cheerleader for supporting our biggest annual fundraiser for its 4th year! You've given so much to help us build more of the trail from the Orchard Park Train Depot to the West Falls Depot. The fundraising total will take a little time to shake out, but we're thrilled to report that once again 400 riders were able to enjoy a beautiful 42 mile ride in great weather and safety. Stay tuned to our Facebook page for more photos and video of this incredible event. Previous Next

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Here comes Peter Cottontail! < Back West Falls Easter Egg Hunt 2026 ECRT Mar 15, 2026 Here comes Peter Cottontail! Join us for an Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 28th at 10:30 am in West Falls. There'll be prizes and candy for the kiddos, and a chance to have your picture taken with the Easter bunny! The hunt takes place o n the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in West Falls, behind St. George Church. Preregister today at https://www.zeffy.com/en-us/ticketing/easter-egg-hunt--2026-4 or scan the code below. Scan to register for the Easter Egg Hunt Previous Next

Support our EA2EVL riders – Learn more about the trail < Back ECRT Friendraiser at 42 North Brewing 2024 Fondo Team Sep 26, 2024 Support our EA2EVL riders – Learn more about the trail You are invited to 42 North Brewing in East Aurora on Thursday, September 26th to raise a glass of your favorite beverage in support of the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! 42 North will donate a portion of all beverages purchased between 6-9 p.m. to ECRT to help extend and improve the multiuse recreational trail that runs from Orchard Park to Ashford, NY. Join in the fun: Take a chance to win our split club raffle! Register to ride in the EA2EVL Fondo 42-mile charity bike ride on October 5 Browse or buy new ECRT gear Join ECRT as a contributing member Grab a bite to eat from Fat Bob’s! PLUS : ECRT Board members can answer questions and share maps and plans for the trail. Previous Next

National Trails Day 2024 It was a spectacular day to celebrate National Trails Day Year: 2024 Previous Next

Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is a railbanked 27-mile rail trail in Erie and Cattaraugus counties of New York. Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization of volunteers working to develop and maintain a multiuse recreational trail on the rail corridor. Events EA2EVL Fondo 2026 Register now for EA2EVL Fondo 2026! Read more News WKBW News Visits Trail with President Mary Brummer The trail is about more than walking or biking. It's about preserving history while creating something future generations can use every day. Read more Become a Member! Love the outdoors? Consider joining us. Your support helps our ongoing efforts to preserve the former rail corridor with the intent to develop it into a multi-use recreational trail. It also demonstrates community support to our local and state officials. All members receive our ECRT newsletter as well as additional benefits, depending on the Membership level you choose. Learn more about Membership... Volunteer Spotlight: Laura Gunderson Since 2021, Laura has been actively involved with the ECRT organization. She is currently the Leader of the West Falls chapter of Friends of the Trail. Read more Become A Trail Expert Read Just the Facts! What sections are open today? What types of activities does the trail accommodate? Who owns the trail? Has it been abandoned? What does railbanking mean? Who has jurisdiction over the trail? What is the best way to build the trail? Who is responsible if someone is injured on the trail? Are adjacent landowners responsible? Has there been recent progress on trail design? What's next for the trail? Explore the Trail: Explore the future Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. More on exploring Learn More About ECRT: Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization and trail manager for the railbanked portion of the Buffalo-Pittsburgh Railway in Western NY. Over twenty-seven miles long, this railroad right-of-way connects the communities of Orchard Park, Aurora, West Falls, Colden, East Concord, Springville and West Valley, New York. More about ECRT Follow Us on Facebook: Sign the Petition to support the ECRT

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!

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

Howy Holmes "Mr. Orchard Park" Howy Holmes is a lifelong resident of Orchard Park. His home, built in 1861, was originally located along Quaker Field Stables and was owned by Harry Yates, who, among other accomplishments, was a principal with Buffalo & Pittsburgh RR and instrumental in the design and construction of the OP Depot. Howy’s parents bought about an acre or so of property from Yates and moved the historic house to its current location at Bridal Path and Freeman Rd. Howy and wife Dorothy later purchased the home from his mother in 1982 where they raised their family and continue to live today. “I went from sleeping in the kid’s bedroom to the master bedroom – about 30 feet down the hall,” he quipped. Howy attended OP HS and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in finance from Miami Florida. There he met his wife Dorothy, in the last few days of his college career and her master’s program. He then joined the Navy reserves and served from 1966 – 1968. He and Dorothy married in 1972. Together, they raised 2 children, now grown: a daughter Chandra who lives near St. Louis, and son Tyler, who lives nearby in Amherst. After college, Howy decided to join the family’s highway construction business, Holmes & Murphy, established in 1917 by his grandfather. His wealth of experience in design and construction has been invaluable to Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, and the board continues to rely on him and his considerable expertise. Throughout his adult life, Howy has been an active and avid community supporter. People often refer to Howy as ‘Mr. Orchard Park”, and rightly so! His affiliations and accolades include Orchard Park Citizen of the Year (2004), member and President of the Orchard Park Chamber of Commerce, Co-President of the Orchard Park Historical Society, President of the Quaker Friends Cemetery, board member of the Buffalo Ski Club and Hickory Hill Swim & Tennis Club, and a charter member of the Orchard Park Council of the Arts – the organization that built the Orchard Park Pavilion. “I was ‘Person of the Year’ in 2006 in Time Magazine,” he says, half-jokingly. “Just Google it.” [That was the year Time noted every citizen in that category!] Howy is also known to be a frequent attendee at Town board meetings. “I’m interested in what’s going on. You have to read the local paper and follow what’s happening in your hometown. It’s important. How else can you make good decisions? You need to support and sometimes question your local officials. That’s democracy.” Howy has been involved with Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail since its inception. “I mow, walk the trail in Orchard Park pretty frequently, take on maintenance jobs and participate in design and development. The new section [of the trail in Orchard Park] is so important. It links residents to the library, the depot and all the village has to offer. It’s such a great asset for the town and village. And this is just the beginning!” More volunteers

Other ways you can give to Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. More Ways to Give Now you can donate your Car, Boat, Trailer, or RV! Learn how at careasy.org/erie-cattaraugus-rail-trail-inc Legacy Donations There are several ways that through your legacy you can help with ECRT’s vision to develop and connect a network of safe and accessible trails from Orchard Park to Ashford, for all families and visitors to the area. A Bequest in Your Will The simplest way to include the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in your planned giving is to write us into your will. The following is sample language that you can use: I give and bequeath to the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc., PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127, _____% of my estate (or the sum of $_____, a specific piece of property, or asset) to be used as advised by the board of directors. IRA, 401K, or Life Insurance Policy Do you have an IRA, 401(k), life insurance policy, or any other assets not included in your will? If so, these are called non-probate assets, and you must plan your beneficiaries for them separately. If you’d like to do this on your own, simply include our full name and address when filling out your beneficiaries: Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc., PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127. Donor-Advised Fund If you are using a donor-advised fund for your annual giving, consider directing your fund administrator to designate Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. as the beneficiary of any remainder. As a Contingent Beneficiary If you have family members or friends that you plan on leaving your assets to, consider including the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. as a contingent beneficiary. This ensures that, no matter what happens, your assets will end up protected and designated. Let Us Know! Have you already included a gift to us in your will or trust? We would love to thank you for your generosity! Please let us know by contacting us to ensure that we know your vision and goals. Thank you. Without supporters like you, our miles of trails would not be possible! Make your gift go further: Does your employer match employees’ charitable donations? You might be able to double your gift to ECRT! Prefer to send a check? Please mail it to ECRT, PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127. NYS Charitable Donation Disclosures ECRT is an all-volunteer charitable organization. All funds received are dedicated to promotion, design, and construction of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail. The latest financial report from ECRT may be obtained from the NYS Attorney General's Charities Bureau website at www.charitiesnys.com , or by written request to Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127. Information about charities may be obtained by calling the NYS Attorney General at (212) 416-8686.