DEC Reminds Visitors to Practice Safe, Sustainable Recreation at Zoar Valley Multiple Use and Unique Areas this Season

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today reminded visitors to Zoar Valley Multiple Use and Unique Areas in southern Erie and northern Cattaraugus counties to prepare for their outdoor adventures and practice safe recreation before visiting these wild and beautiful destinations. Ahead of this summer's recreational season, DEC continues to advance actions to promote public safety and improve visitor experience at one of Western New York's most scenic and ecologically diverse natural areas.

"Zoar Valley is a special place where nature exists in its raw and wild state," Commissioner Seggos said. "As the weather warms and we start the outdoor recreation season, DEC encourages visitors to enjoy Zoar while ensuring they are prepared to recreate safely and responsibly. We are committed to continuously improving the visitor experience at Zoar Valley by providing the information and resources necessary to ensure the safe enjoyment of one of Western New York's most natural and scenic locations."

Zoar Valley is widely recognized for its spectacular scenery created by a deep gorge surrounding Cattaraugus Creek, as well as its sheer cliffs, flowing waterfalls, and dense forests. To ensure visitors to Zoar Valley MUA and Zoar Valley Unique Area are aware of potential risks and the need to prepare, DEC continues to advance comprehensive plans to improve the visitor experience and public safety.

This year at Zoar Valley, DEC will:

• Continue to advance plans for new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant and accessible trails, with construction anticipated to begin in 2023;
• Enhance emergency response operations, including improved emergency access to Cattaraugus Creek;
• Assign two Assistant Forest Rangers to seasonal summer posts, as well as a summer intern from SUNY ESF; and
• Continue working closely with outside entities, including outdoor and travel websites, to monitor maps and information provided by third parties for accuracy in order to provide visitors with clear information and directions.

These efforts bolster DEC's work over the last two years to make Zoar Valley safer and more enjoyable for all visitors. DEC reminds visitors to recreate safely and responsibly at Zoar Valley by following all rules and regulations and taking appropriate outdoor safety measures, including:

• Signing in and out of all trail registers. Only one person should sign in for groups;
• Following all State Forest Regulations, Outdoor Safety Practices and newly posted signage at access points, along trails and at the gorge rim. Dozens of signs were added to promote the safe use of Zoar Valley, mark trails, and encourage visitors to remain on marked trails. New kiosk panels at the Valentine Flats and Forty Road parking areas also provide visitors with additional maps and safety messages;
• Staying on marked trails. The property contains hazards associated with rocks, steep slopes, cliffs, and swift water. DEC, through its collaboration with stakeholders, shortened the Overlook Trail at Valentine Flats to keep visitors safely away from the rim of the gorge and unofficial trails on the property were brushed in to discourage the use of potentially unsafe trails and to promote use of official trails. The only safe gorge and creek access is from the Valentine Flats Trail and Forty Road parking lot. There is no authorized, safe trail to access Cattaraugus Creek on the Erie County side of the Multiple Use Area;
• Observing all the rules and regulations. Before visiting, visitors should familiarize themselves with DEC's new regulations, which restrict access upstream from the Forty Road parking area, include a 15-foot setback from the cliff edges, prohibit climbing of cliff walls, and create a new restricted area along the South Branch of Cattaraugus Creek. Additional rules and regulations continue to prohibit camping, fires, alcoholic beverages, and glass containers at Zoar Valley;
• Following @NYSDECAlerts. Launched in 2021, the @NYSDECAlerts Twitter feed helps provide real-time updates about the most crowded places, especially when those places and parking areas are at capacity; and
• Practicing Leave No Trace^TM Principles (leaves DEC website) when recreating on State land to enjoy the outdoors responsibly, minimize impact on the natural resources, and avoid conflicts with others.

Enhanced safety messaging and updated maps and information are available at DEC's Zoar Valley MUA webpage, including Important Tips for Visitors to Zoar Valley MUA and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions.

New Yorkers are encouraged to Love Our New York Lands at Zoar and all natural spaces by practicing Leave No Trace^TM principles and by recreating safely, sustainably, and hiking in suitable conditions based on weather and experience level.