On behalf of the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth:
The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth is reporting that Phase V of Chautauqua County Overland Trails Revitalization Project is now complete, focusing on several reroutes and other upgrades to the Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail in Boutwell Hill State Forest near Cherry Creek.
CHERRY CREEK, N.Y. – In cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) and the Chautauqua County Parks Department, the Chautauqua County Partnership of Economic Growth (CCPEG) is pleased to report that Phase V of the “Chautauqua County Overland Trails Revitalization Project” is complete. Phase V focused on updating the Earl Cardot Eastside Overland Trail in Boutwell Hill State Forest, just outside of Cherry Creek.
The work was completed by Trail Construction Associates (TCA) without any issues, thanks to relatively dry weather during the months of July and August.
“This marks the fifth year that TCA has been working on the Overland Trails and its familiarity with the scope of work is evident in the finished product,” explained Jacob Bodway, CCPEG Trail Consultant. “Updating this section of the Eastside Overland Trail was a monumental undertaking, with numerous stretches of incredibly wet soil that wouldn’t dry until late summer. However, TCA managed to build four key reroutes that not only added sustainability and necessary drainage to the trail, but which also relocated the trail along beautiful sections of the State Forest.”
Bodway added that TCA also remediated other stretches of trail, which will assist with drainage and accessibility.
“This phase of the Overland Trail Project will be especially beneficial to the Boutwell Hill Ski Club, as the updated sections of trail will remain far drier during the winter months” Bodway said. “I’m excited to ski the updated trail this winter!”
Phase V was funded through the generous support of local and regional foundations, including: Chautauqua Region Community Foundation; Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo; Jessie Smith Darrah Fund; Lenna Foundation; Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation; and Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation.
Phase VI of the Overland Trails project will focus on both the Canadaway Creek Wildlife Management Area (Town of Arkwright) and Mount Pleasant State Forest (Town of Chautauqua) in 2027. Phase VI will be the final phase of the Overland Project, which initially began in 2021.
About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for improving the quality of life in our communities, thereby attracting people and businesses to Chautauqua County to live, work, recreate, and invest. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.
