Search Results

Help keep the trail safe for everyone < Back Report Trail Issues Deborah Stellrecht Dec 13, 2024 Help keep the trail safe for everyone We want everyone to enjoy the trail in winter, but remember, unauthorized motor vehicles of any kind aren't allowed on the trail, especially snowmobiles, in Orchard Park, and Aurora. If you see snowmobiles, ATVs etc. on the trail in these areas, please report it! Scan the QR code below or click here to report a trail problem. Snowmobiles are permitted on clearly designated trail sections in Concord. Previous Next

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

< Back Kathleen McCrone Previous Next

So many ways that YOU can help! < Back Fondo Volunteers Needed Deborah Stellrecht Aug 24, 2023 So many ways that YOU can help! We n eed volunteers to help out with our EA2EVL FONDO 42-mile charity bike ride on September 30th. Volunteer tasks include: Start assistants: Help with registration and Start area of event at 42 North Brewery in East Aurora. Includes handing out registration packets, event giveaways, and associated items. Course Pointers: Help ensure participants remain on-course, particularly in potentially confusing intersections, sometimes calling out instructions in potentially confusing locations along the route. Water stops: Provide water and snacks to riders, answer questions and cheer them on! Finish line assistants: Help in handing out food, water, and Gatorade, answer rider questions and help with clean-up of finish area. As a small token of our appreciation for helping with the ride, you'll receive a ride t-shirt, as well as drink and food tickets to the after ride party at Holiday Valley. Past years' volunteers' tell us that it's also a great time! Please sign up at our website today to help us make the ride a safe and fun one for all riders! https://www.givesignup.org/.../NY/EastAurora/EA2EVLFondo . Can't volunteer? Donate! Every little bit helps! Previous Next

Many are getting outside to walk, bike or run for their mental wellbeing < Back Practice Self-care for Your Mental Health National Alliance on Mental Health Jul 11, 2024 Many are getting outside to walk, bike or run for their mental wellbeing Self-care for your mental health, from the National Alliance on Mental Illness ( https://www.nami.org/ ). Summer has officially arrived. It’s supposed to be fun and relaxing. But it can also be stressful. How you take care of yourself — and your mental health — matters. That’s why NAMI launched its NEW Summer of Self-Care project, and they asked their subscribers to upload selfies of themselves enjoying their favorite summer self-care activity. The photos are in, and NAMI’s Summer of Self-Care photo album just went live. Check it out at https://supportnami.org/selfcarealbum/ ! It’s striking how many photos are of folks getting outside to walk, bike or run for their mental wellbeing, many of them on recreational trails near their homes. Practice some self-care for YOU today! #mentalhealthawareness Previous Next

Learn more about membership and how you can help us build the trail. Become a Member! Join the movement! Become a member and help us build the trail for the benefit of the whole community. By becoming an ECRT Member you will: Show that you are a trail supporter, and you have a true desire to see all 27 miles completed. Help ECRT to have a reliable income stream to fund trail development. Improve development efforts by offering an enhanced connection to the trail for members. Provide ECRT with additional resources to educate the community and broaden our base of support. Create additional excitement about the trail and encourage use and participation. Demonstrate support of the development of the trail to funders and governmental entities. Enjoy additional benefits that are detailed under each membership level in the Member Registration Form below! A Message from our President Prefer to mail a check? Make your check payable to Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Address to: ECRT, PO Box 584, Orchard Park, NY 14127. Thank you! NYS Charitable Donation Disclosures Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization registered with New York State and dedicated to building and maintaining a 27-mile multiuse recreational trail from Orchard Park to Ashford, NY on the railbanked Buffalo & Pittsburgh rail corridor. The latest financial report from ECRT may be obtained by request from ECRT at www.ecattrail.org or from the Attorney General's Charities Bureau's Website - www.charitiesnys.com . Information about charities may be obtained from the Attorney General at (212) 416-8686.

Trail Users Here are some frequently asked questions from enthusiasts who would like to use the trail. 01 What is the proposed Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail? The former trail line travers es two counties (Erie and Cattaraugus) and connects five communities, starting in the Village of Orchard Park, going through towns of Orchard Park, Aurora, Colden, Concord, the Village of Springville and ending in Ashford. The trail features historic rail depots, quaint villages, woodlands, marshes, farmlands, popular ski areas and a spectacular high-trestle bridge. ECRT’s 27-mile trail will be the first safe, off-road bicycling trail in the south towns. This trail is included in the NYS trail and greenway long range plan. 02 When will it open and who gets to use it? ECRT 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. ECRT will partner with the communities along the trail to fulfill our mission to develop a multi-use trail. Surface design will be up to each community to determine what is most desirable for their population. Outdoor enthusiasts, 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. 03 Can I explore the current rail-line? No, please do not. The current right-of-way is still owned by the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Rail Road, and walki ng on the trail is considered trespassing.   04 Where will the proposed trail go? Visit our Future Trai l page to se e a map of the proposed trail. 05 Where can I visit a local trail? In addition to the Springville Pop Warner trail section of ECRT, you can walk or bicycle on the trail from the Orchard Park Railway Historical Society Depot at 395 S. Lincoln Ave through to Ellicott Road in Aurora. O ther regional trails you can visit include: Chautauqua 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.

Explore the proposed Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! View renderings, photos, video, and more. Explore Explore the future Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! Follow the links below to see concept renderings, photos, videos, maps, and online resources related to the future trail. Concept Renderings E xplore the renderings of the Buffalo and Pittsburgh Railroad Corridor, created b y Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in conjunction with the UB Urban Design Project.  Here you will find current photos and concept renderings of the future trail as it travels through Orchard Park, NY. Explore Photos View photos of the rail corr idor in it s current condition as well as photos of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail events, other completed rail trails, and more. View Photos Videos View videos and presentations from Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail speakers and other trail managers. View Videos Links, Resources, Presentations Here you can explore other completed rail-trails, find links to trail studies, and download Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail presentations, letters of support, and more! More Info B&PR Trail Communities Learn more about the B&PR Trail Com munities. Learn More Aerial Tour Enjoy this virtual tour of the ECRT Trail. The ECRT is over 27 miles long and runs from Orchard park to Ashford, crossing through five municipalities and two counties. Watch the Aerial Tour video See the Trail Map

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.

Deb Fenn Howy Holmes Howy Holmes ( affectionately known as "Mr. Orchard Park") 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 Bridle 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!” June 1, 2023 Written by: Deb Fenn Previous Next < Back

Accomplished engineer and manager of teams of engineers and project managers for major industrial gas company. Project management included interfacing with many agencies, local governments and stakeholders for routing and permitting of pipeline systems. Now enjoying using these skills for non profit work in Western New York. Gary is an avid skier in winter; sails, golfs and cycles in summer; and enjoys keeping up with 5+ grandchildren in addition to his non-profit work. < Back Gary Koeppel Accomplished engineer and manager of teams of engineers and project managers for major industrial gas company. Project management included interfacing with many agencies, local governments and stakeholders for routing and permitting of pipeline systems. Now enjoying using these skills for non profit work in Western New York. Gary is an avid skier in winter; sails, golfs and cycles in summer; and enjoys keeping up with 5+ grandchildren in addition to his non-profit work. Previous Next

< Back Howy Holmes Previous Next