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< Back Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Welcomes New President Beth Lasky Jan 17, 2023 Deb Fenn turns over rail trail Board leadership to Mary Brummer in 2023 after years of progress. Deb Fenn , one of the founding ECRT Board members, stepped down as Board President at the end of 2022, a role she has held since 2016. Ms. Fenn will continue to manage government relations and community engagement for the organization. ​ On January 1, 2023, Orchard Park Village resident, Mary Brumme r, became the new ECRT Board President. Brummer joined the ECRT Board in 2018, shortly after she retired as a small animal veterinarian at the Orchard Park Veterinary Medical Center. She previously served as ECRT Secretary and Governance chair. ​ In her new role, Brummer’s first priority is to build funding and team capacity to ensure that ECRT can continue to improve and open more miles of trail. History of Progress In the 15 years since ECRT was incorporated, the organization has made tremendous progress. In 2018, ECRT, Inc. signed a long-term, federal railbanking lease with the Buffalo Pittsburgh Railroad to build and manage the trail. Since that time, ECRT has secured grants and public support to open 10+ miles of natural surface trail. During Fenn’s tenure, the ECRT Board: Expanded the Board of Directors to include strong leadership in design and construction, development, communications, maintenance and legal expertise. Launched ECRT Friends groups in Orchard Park, West Falls/Colden, and Springville/Concord along with an extensive trail support network with 4,500 members and nearly 600 volunteers. Gained support from national and regional trail organizations, and support from all levels of government for trail development, including resolutions of support from the Town of Aurora and from adjacent towns for major projects. Hosted trail events, including National Trail Day observances, winter walks and clean up events, and the highly successful EA2EVL 42-mile charity bike ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville held in 2021 and 2022, raising $100k in donations. Looking to the future In 2022, Brummer led the Board’s effort to upgrade and launch a new 3-year strategic plan for ECRT, which includes many critical projects and priorities that the Board will work to implement in the future." “It became clear during the pandemic just how important trails are to our communities, especially here in the southtowns where we have limited access,” Brummer explained. “Under Deb’s leadership, ECRT gained great momentum and made enormous strides. I’m excited to build on that momentum, to weave in local community flair and flavor, and to deepen our relationship with our Friends and supporters. "It has been a privilege and an honor to build and serve this dedicated volunteer organization,” said Fenn. “I’m incredibly proud of the amazing progress we’ve made, especially in the last 5 years, and I know Mary is the very best leader to take this trail and team into the future." Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back Trail Safety During Hunting Season Kathleen McCrone Nov 17, 2023 Be seen and heard on the trail during your walk or ride Trail friends, be aware - hunting season is underway! If you're heading out on the trail, ensure you, your kids, & your pets wear blaze orange and reflective gear and announce your presence loudly on the trail. Be safe! More safety tips available here: https://americanhiking.org/families-on-foot/hike-safely-hunting-season/ #ericattaraugusrailtrail #ECRT #hikingsafety #trailsafety Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back Accessibility Improved at OP Depot tracks Debbie Stellrecht Jul 20, 2023 Rails no longer impede wheelchair access to the trail Our volunteers went to work to resolve the problem of wheelchairs being unable to get over the rails and onto the trail. We're so grateful to these people who work quietly and diligently to make the trail pleasant and accessible for all! Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back Springville Depot owners help with Trail clean up Dorothea Wattles Apr 16, 2024 Retzlaffs lend muscle power to trail clean up near Springville Depot When ECRT Trail Maintenance volunteers Dorothea Wattles and Dave Stahley started clearing storm debris from the trail near the Springville Depot, it became clear that their wheelbarrow wasn't the ideal choice for the volume of limbs and twigs that needed to be cleared up. Matt and Valerie Retzlaff, proprietors of the Springville Depot, came out to lend their hands and some additional hauling power to the operation! We thank them for their help and their enthusiasm for the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail! Matt Retzlaff helps haul the debris out with his tractor and trailer. @eriecattaraugusrailtrail #eriecattaraugusrailtrail @springvilledepot #springvilledepot Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back Upcoming Fall Trail Events Friends of the Trail Sep 12, 2023 Let's go for a walk! We’ve planned several Fall walks to highlight the diverse sections of our 27-mile trail. Our three Friends groups are hosting events in Concord, Orchard Park and Aurora. Members from all groups are welcome to attend each event, so plan to enjoy a stroll and get to know parts of the trail you haven’t yet explored! September 23rd Concord 9:30 am (Rain or shine) We’ll start at Shamel Milling, 9384 Genesee Rd. in the Town of Concord, and walk for 3-4 miles round trip. Meet us on the west side of the parking lot at 9:30 a.m. Register today until September 17th at https://ConcordTrailWalk.eventbrite.com ! October 21st Orchard Park 10:00 am (Rain or shine) We’ve partnered with the Runners Roost for a seasonal Trail Trot on the recently resurfaced section of Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail in the Orchard Park Village. We hope you’ll join us for this fun walk, trot, or run from the Orchard Park Depot to Jewett Holmwood Road and back. Wear your Halloween costume for the event and you might just see yourself (with permission) in subsequent ECRT and Runners Roost social media posts. Runners Roost is generously chipping in with athletic footwear and clothing for prize drawings at the event, to raise more funds for the improvement, expansion, and maintenance of the trail. Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. Parking is available at the ECRT Bank Street lot . Discount coupons for the Byrd House restaurant will be available to all participants. Register by October 17th at https://OrchardParktrailtrot.eventbrite.com November 12th Aurora Stay tuned for more information! Happy Trails from your ECRT Friends Leaders, Mary Carol Dearing - Concord/Springville Nicole Avitahl-Curtis - Orchard Park Laura Gunderson - Colden/West Falls Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back Colden Trail Cleaned Up Murray Covello Sep 21, 2023 Small but mighty crew clears debris on Rail Trail in Colden. Our volunteers used some serious elbow grease to clean up and clear out a section of the Rail Trail between Lower East Hill and Rt. 240 in Colden. They cut back brush, cleared deadfall, trimmed weeds and collected trash. We have the BEST volunteers and Board members. Thank you, Murray Covello, Kathleen McCrone, Tom Grogan, Dorothea Wattles and Dave Stahley! Dave Stahley Dorothea Wattles Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back NY Forward Grant Committee Invitation for YOU! Deborah Fenn May 13, 2024 Did you know ECRT is an important part of the initial NY Forward grant proposal to uplift and stimulate community growth in West Falls? Please consider attending the West Falls NYF Public Workshop #1 on May 20th. The Workshop will be held in the Aurora Waldorf School (525 W Falls Rd, West Falls, NY, 14170) from 6 – 8 pm. The West Falls NY Forward (NYF) Local Planning Committee (LPC) wants to know your thoughts on how you would like to see the NYF program help revitalize the Hamlet. The LPC will hold an Open Call for Projects from June 12th to July 17th, 2024. However, prior to that call, the LPC will be hosting a Public Workshop to gather insights and feedback from the community on what types of projects you would like to see submitted and how those projects can impact West Falls. We would love for you to see what's being planned and to lend your voice to the conversation , please consider attending the West Falls NYF Public Workshop #1 on May 20th. The Workshop will be held in the Aurora Waldorf School (525 W Falls Rd, West Falls, NY, 14170) from 6 – 8 pm. This workshop is an open house format with various engagement boards and planning exercises, so feel free to stop by at any time during those hours that work for you. If you are unable to attend this event, there will be an online feedback form available as well as a public survey for residents to provide feedback. Until the official website is operational, stay up-to-date with the plans and meetings via the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WestFallsNYForward . Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back EA2EVL Pale Ale is here! Beth Lasky Jul 12, 2023 42 North & Ellicottville Brewing Company collaborated to create a unique beer celebrating the EA2EVL Fondo. 42 North Brewing Company & Ellicottville Brewing Company have collaborated to create a unique beer celebrating the EA2EVL Fondo , the 42-mile bike ride from East Aurora to Ellicottville which benefits the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. each year. ECRT board members helped out with the packaging in mid-July at 42 North in East Aurora, and had a great time! Get yours today in the taproom and look for this collab at local bars and on shelves at craft beer retailers from EA2EVL! Sign up to ride, volunteer or donate at https://www.givesignup.org/Race/NY/EastAurora/EA2EVLFondo ! Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back Aurora Receives $4.5 Million NY Forward Award Deborah Fenn Jan 26, 2024 A portion of the Award will be used for trail improvements in West Falls. We are thrilled to share with you the great news that Aurora has been awarded a $4.5 Million NY Forward Award, a portion of which will be used for improvements to the multiuse trail in West Falls/Aurora. We also thank everyone who contributed their time and expertise to produce this successful Award Application. Read the press release at https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-highlights-budget-investments-western-new-york . View the Application at https://www.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-01/WestFalls_NYF_2_Application.pdf . Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Awarded $278,800 EPF Grant through NYS Parks Deborah Stellrecht Dec 21, 2023 Grant awarded to assess the historic, high trestle Cascade Bridge spanning Cattaraugus Creek between the Towns of Concord and Ashford, and determine a cost estimate for a new decking design. (December 21, 2023) Orchard Park, N.Y.: In the latest round of the Regional Economic Development Council (REDC) Initiative awards, Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Inc. has been awarded an Environmental Protection Fund - Parks, Preservation and Heritage Grant of $278,800 through NYS Parks. These funds, along with a grant from the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation with support from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation , as well as ECRT funds, will be used to assess the historic, high trestle Cascade Bridge spanning Cattaraugus Creek between the Towns of Concord and Ashford, and determine a cost estimate for a new decking design incorporating features based on public and stakeholder input. ECRT will also design and construct a trail approaching from the north to the bridge. This key bridge will be a highlight of the ECRT and future Southern Tier Trail. This award is the result of ECRT’s successful Cascade Bridge Planning and Trail Development Environmental Protection Fund grant application made to NYS through the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) . ECRT President Mary Brummer announced the award, stating, “This grant presents an exciting opportunity. The historic and architectural features of the Cascade Bridge provide a unique foundation on which to build. We look forward to working with the residents and elected officials in the Towns of Concord and Ashford to create a bridge design that our entire region will enjoy.” NYS Senator Partick M. Gallivan (R-C, Elma) announced , “This funding represents an investment in our regional assets and will enhance the experience for residents and visitors alike. I applaud the municipalities, not-for-profit organizations, and others for working in collaboration to identify these projects, which will promote growth, tourism and economic development.” “We are excited about the collaboration that has resulted in an amazing opportunity to reimagine the Cascade Bridge. We are thankful for the work of the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation to support this effort to create new opportunities for recreation, tourism, and economic development. This historic bridge and beautiful natural setting will provide an amazing connection between Erie and Cattaraugus Counties along the Southern Tier Trail,” said JJ Tighe, Director of Parks & Trails for the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation. From the 1850s through the 1870s, the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad (BPRR) provided a direct route to and from the Pennsylvania coal mines. Passenger service began in the Buffalo division in 1883, and the railroad named some of its locomotives after the towns along its route; e.g. Ashford, Glenwood, Orchard Park, Springville, and West Valley. Passenger service became so popular, the railroad started offering multiple excursions to the Southern Tier. Cascade Park was known for its beautiful, natural setting. The bridge is 185 feet high and 780 feet long. Its 200-foot-high banks, caves, and waterfalls made it the perfect location for picnics and parties in the early 1900s. Passenger service came to an end on the division in 1955. Freight service continued into the 1960s. BPRR officially ceased service in 2008 and applied to the federal Surface Transportation Board for the ability to railbank 27 miles of the corridor from Orchard Park to Ashford. In 2018, ECRT acquired a long-term rail-banking lease which calls for the creation of a multiuse recreational trail along this former rail corridor. Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back John Landi Business Data and Analytics Manager at Chiampou Travis Besaw & Kershner LLP Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login

< Back Volunteer Crew Clears Weeds Kathleen McCrone Aug 14, 2023 Orchard Park North trail section spruced up. An energetic group of ECRT volunteers spent an evening on the trail recently to cut back the weeds that were encroaching on the trail. A lot was accomplished in just one evening and we're very grateful that we have such hardworking volunteers. Trail users and adjacent homeowners appreciated the trail crew's clean up efforts, too. You can help build your trail in a variety of ways by becoming a volunteer! Learn more at ecattrail.org/volunteer . Previous Next Home About Explore FAQs Latest News Join Us Contact Search Events Photos More © 2024 Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail, Inc. Board Member Login