Ellicottville- Great Valley Trail Public Forum

The proposed 80-mi Southern Tier Trail, which encompasses the planned EVGV Trail, will connect tourists and residents of more than 20 WNY towns, cities, and villages including Ellicottville and Great Valley and will run approximately 52 miles through Cattaraugus County’s scenic destinations. The Trail begins with a connection to the Shoreline Trail in Buffalo, the Southern Tier Trail adjoining with the 90-mi Genesee Valley Greenway which forms a regional loop with the Empire State Trail. Join us on February 27th, to hear from Trail experts describing the positive impact the trail with have in terms of health and wellness, tourism and safety in our community, and economic development opportunities. This is a very exciting step in a long planning process of the EVGV Trail. We are thrilled to share the developments!

SPEAKERS: 

Kate O’ Stricker – Senior Development Specialist, Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning, and Tourism: In her role as Senior Development Specialist, Kate has worked closely with both the EVGV Trail, Trail advocates and Government Leaders to secure Federal Funding to complete the Design and Alignment of the Southern Tier Trail. She will discuss the positive Economic and Tourism impacts of the Trail in our community.

Justin Booth- GoBIKE Justin as served Director of GoBike which is and organization dedicated to bike and pedestrian safety and access in communities. He and his team has a proven track record of success in our neighboring communities creating safe walking and biking spaces. Justin is a strong advocate of both the Southern Tier Trail and the EVGV Trail along with contracting with Cattaraugus County as the public engagement contractor for the Southern Tier Trail.

Carl Schoenthal: As President of the Friends of the Genesee Valley Greenway he initiated an effort to strengthen relationships between the trail organization and the adjacent towns, villages and counties, and leveraged these partnerships to develop a program focused on economic activity while preserving the unique character and cultural heritage of the Genesee Valley Region. Through the lens of a "Trail Towns" model, FoGVG implemented practical strategies to foster partnerships within the region to boost visitation, enhance user experience, stimulate local economies, and enhance the overall quality of life. Carl will share his experience and economic development statistics to assist our community as we build the trail. 

Paula Jones: Paula Jones represents the Parks & Trails New York which created the Empire State Trail Town Program. The Trail Town Program recognizes and supports New York’s trailside communities. She is an expert is understanding the transformative experience of trails accessible to all New Yorkers. Experienced the positive impact of trail already complete throughout New York State.