Environment DEC
From the March 2007 issue
Management Plan Issued for Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced the finalization of a unit management plan (UMP) for the 2,923-acre Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area (MUA) located in the towns of Otto and Persia in Cattaraugus County and the Town of Collins in Erie County. The UMP establishes goals, objectives and specific management actions to guide DEC's activities in the area for the next 10 years.
The Zoar Valley is known for its unique landscapes and scenic vistas
The plan was developed by a team of DEC staff representing a broad range of interests and expertise along with public input. It outlines a variety of activities that DEC will undertake to protect and restore the unique qualities of Zoar Valley, which is known for its biological diversity, unique forested landscapes and scenic vistas. The land comprising Zoar Valley MUA includes 1,425 acres gifted to the State of New York by Herbert Darling, Sr., with the remaining 1,498 acres purchased using Bond Act funds.
Implementing Recommendations
The unique qualities of the Zoar Valley Unit, its biological diversity, mature forest, scenic vistas and passive recreational value will be protected and enhanced by DEC, which will do the following:
- Divide the main portion of the Zoar Valley Unit into two management areas
- Protect additional properties in the area on behalf of the state and in collaboration with other partners
- Enhance public safety and passive recreational usage through regulation changes and improved informational signage for the entire unit
- Restore natural forest stands outside the "protection area" and improve wildlife habitat where appropriate
- Pursue natural resource stewardship agreements with appropriate groups to improve the overall stewardship of the Zoar Valley Unit
- Maintain and enhance biological diversity; protect wetland and marshy areas; remove non-native conifer species, and protect mature trees and other unique habitats
Dedication
Readers of the finalized Zoar Valley UMP will see that the plan is dedicated to the late Gerry Mikol, who served the state for nearly 30 years, most recently as director of DEC Region 9. His work was instrumental in improving the environment for western New Yorkers and especially in protecting the unique habitats in Zoar Valley.
Plan Availability
The plan is available on DEC's website, or copies can be requested from DEC's Allegany or Buffalo offices:
NYSDEC, 182 East Union Street, Suite 3, Allegany, NY 14706, 716-372-0645
NYSDEC, 270 Michigan Ave., Buffalo, NY 14203, 716-851-7010
Related Links
Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area UMP
