Environment DEC
From the August 2007 issue
Zoar Valley Unique Area Dedicated to the State Preserve
Scenes like this illustrate why Zoar Valley has been set aside for protection
A bill that will provide long-term protection of the irreplaceable natural and scenic resources in the Zoar Valley Unique Area was signed by Governor Eliot Spitzer recently. The new law dedicates the Zoar Valley Unique Area to the State Nature and Historical Preserve. The purpose of the preserve is to protect lands outside of the state's forest preserves that are of special natural beauty, wilderness character, or geological, ecological or historical significance.
Highlights of the Law
By signing this law, the governor ensures that the land dedicated to the preserve may not be sold, leased or exchanged except by a law enacted by two successive sessions of the state legislature. Management of the unique area will include passive recreational uses such as hiking, bird watching, fishing, rafting and kayaking.
"Zoar Valley is a spectacular natural resource that deserves to be preserved for future generations. I am pleased to sign this legislation which will protect the land as a lasting gift for all of the people of the state, especially the residents of Western New York," Governor Eliot Spitzer said.
"The addition of Zoar Valley to the preserve will provide future generations of New Yorkers with the opportunity to view the majestic trees and tributary gorges, as well as promoting the ongoing protection of the endangered and threatened species residing in the area," Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis said. "DEC proposed this legislation in accordance with recommendations in the final Unit Management Plan for the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area, and I am very grateful to Governor Spitzer, Senator Young, and Assemblymember Parment for their support in helping this important initiative succeed."
Zoar Valley's Wonders
The Zoar Valley Unique Area is a 1,492-acre property located southeast of Gowanda, spanning the borders of Erie and Cattaraugus counties, that is the "protection area" within the larger Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area. The Zoar Valley Unique Area includes miles of tributary gorges, carved by the Cattaraugus Creek following the retreat of the last glaciers. The cliff-like sides of the gorge range from 100 to 500 feet high, making Zoar Valley a very popular tourist destination. Cattaraugus Creek supports both wild and stocked populations of steelhead trout, which are valued by the region's anglers. The New York Natural Heritage Program has identified four endangered and two threatened plant species within the gorge, along with numerous additional species of special concern. In recent years, there have been numerous sightings of bald eagles in the gorge, leading to speculation that there may be active nests on the property.
Fertile soils in the bottom of the gorge support one of the most notable forests in the state. Tulip poplar, sugar maple, slippery elm, American sycamore, black walnut, cottonwood, red oak, bitternut hickory, yellow birch and white ash trees in the gorge have been known as being the tallest trees of their species in New York State. A 128-foot tall basswood in the Zoar Valley Unique Area is considered the tallest tree of its kind in the world.
Result of a Long, Thoughtful Process
On February 1, 2007, DEC issued the final Unit Management Plan for the 2,923-acre Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area, including the "protection area" now called the Zoar Valley Unique Area. The Unit Management Plan (UMP) established goals, objectives and specific management actions to guide the DEC's activities at the area for the next 10 years. The plan was developed by a team of DEC staff representing a broad range of interests and expertise. It took into consideration public input provided at two scoping sessions in October 2003, and comments received on the draft plan at two public meetings and a comment period in 2006. In the Unit Management Plan, the DEC recommended dedicating the protection area to the preserve to accomplish long-term protection of the gorge area. This recommendation was widely accepted and supported by the public during the UMP planning process.
