CATTARAUGUS — The proposed development of the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area/Unique Area, overlooking Cattaraugus Creek, has been a source of concern in the region for many years.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has begun work to address the area, confirmed by a statement posted on the DEC website and multiple sources contacted through the DEC.

“Protecting the public’s safety and enhancing visitors’ experience at DEC’s Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area are priorities,” said TJ Pignataro, DEC Assistant Public Information Officer. “Over the last several years, DEC and its personnel dedicated significant staff time and resources into enhancing safety measures at Zoar Valley to ensure that public safety is treated with utmost importance.”

On the DEC website, a message atop the Zoar Valley page states the “Overlook Trail at the Valentine Flats parking area will be closed until further notice for site improvement and trail work efforts.”

The 2,978-acre area is described by the DEC as “one of the most scenic and ecologically diverse environmental areas in Western New York.” Featuring sheer cliffs, a deep gorge, flowing waterfalls, and dense forests, the area is known for “spectacular scenery.”

Per Pignataro and the DEC, “to enhance public safety and the enjoyment of Zoar Valley for all visitors,” the DEC is developing a new Americans with Disabilities (ADA)-compliant and accessible Memorial Trail. The DEC claims the new sustainable trail will enhance visitor safety, improve recreational access, and protect natural resources at the site.

“The new Memorial Trail, which has been in development for more than a decade, is a realignment of the existing Overlook Trail and is designed to keep visitors on the trail and, at all times, at safe distances from the gorge,” Pignataro stated.

Per the DEC, full construction on the new ADA trail, which is part of the first phase in two phases of improvements at Valentine Flats, is expected to start later this fall, with an anticipated completion date in Summer 2024.

The Valentine Flats parking area and trail will remain open until construction begins at the site. Once construction begins, the Valentine Flats parking area and Valentine Flats Trail will be closed until the project is complete.

The second phase of the project, which includes improvements to Valentines Flats Trail and parking area, is expected to be completed in 2025. The DEC stated that notifications will be made in advance to the public.

In the meantime, other access points, including Forty Road in the Town of Persia and the Holcomb and Ross Pond areas will remain open to visitors.

Per the DEC, the planned improvements were identified during a lengthy scoping process for the Niagara Frontier Unit Management Plan (UMP), which includes Zoar Valley. The UMP, which included these enhancements at Zoar Valley, underwent a significant review process that included a public meeting and a public comment period in 2021.

However, not all residents in the area view the planned changes as improvements.

A petition was signed by more than two dozen residents of nearby communities to object to the construction of a trail, which would also feature platforms designed to overlook the valley. The petition was addressed to state Gov. Kathy Hochul.

In the petition, safety concerns were the primary point listed in opposition to the trail and site upgrades. The petition stated, “Rather than being safe, it is to be located along the brink of dangerous crumbling 200-foot high shale cliffs.” The petition stated the area is the scene of “numerous past accidents” and it presents “an obvious life-threatening danger to the public, first responders, and DEC staff.”

Additionally, the petition stated the construction of viewing platforms would disturb the natural habitat and aesthetic of the area. The petition claims that such work goes against the wishes of the original donor of the land in the area. The petition also cited taxpayer expenses to monitor the area to prevent vandalism and misbehavior.

William Cain, a Gowanda resident who lives near the area, also addressed Hochul in an e-mail. In his message, he asked Hochul to remove official trail markers and any references to an overlook point trail. Cain stated, “The Zoar Valley wilderness will be much safer for this: not only for the general public, but for our area first responders and DEC staff tasked to respond to Zoar Valley incidents.”

Recently in the nearby town of Persia, Town Supervisor John T. Walgus and the Town Board made the decision to decrease the weight limit on nearby Point Peter Road to eight tons. Point Peter Road intersects with Valentine Flats Road, which leads directly to the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area. Walgus stated that recent slides in the reservoir raised concerns on the overall stability of the section of the road.

“After conferring with the Town Engineer and the Town Highway Superintendent, the decision was made to reduce the weight limit on Pt. Peter Rd. We feel that this is the most prudent action the Town can take at this time,” Walgus said in a letter to DEC Assistant Regional Director Chad Staniszewski.

In recent years, safety enhancements made at Zoar Valley have included the hiring of additional Forest Rangers and interns assigned to the site; installation of hundreds of new safety signs advising of potential dangers and encouraging visitors to stay on approved trails; brushing in hazardous and unofficial trails; installation of kiosks with maps and safety information; work with external entities like Google and Apple to ensure accurate maps are posted online; and enacting of emergency regulations restricting access to hazardous locations.

The DEC urges visitors of the area to stay on marked trails, due to hazards associated with rocks, steep slopes, cliffs and swift water. According to the DEC website, the “only safe gorge and creek access at this site is from the Valentine Flats Trail and Forty Road parking lot in the Town of Persia. There is no safe gorge or creek access from any location in Erie County or from any location in the Town of Otto, Cattaraugus County.”

Pignataro stated, “DEC will continue working closely with communities and other stakeholders to address concerns involving public safety, the environment and other issues that may arise to ensure Zoar Valley is at all times a safe and enjoyable place for visitors.”