For Release: Monday, July 9, 2007
Zoar Valley Unique Area Dedicated to the State Preserve
Nearly 1,500 Acres in Erie and Cattaraugus Counties to be Protected
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 on July 3, 2007. 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.
By signing this law, the Governor ensures that the land dedicated to the Preserve may not be sold, leased or exchanged except by 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 promote 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 the 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 that helped this important initiative succeed."
Senator Catharine Young, sponsor of the legislation in the Senate, said, "Zoar Valley's wild beauty makes it an awe-inspiring, unique treasure that must be protected. Public input was key to making the decision to ensure that the natural resources of Zoar Valley will not be spoiled. DEC did a terrific job in crafting the Unit Management Plan and I appreciate Governor Spitzer's support."
Assemblyman Bill Parment, sponsor of the legislation in the Assembly, said, "This will provide added protection for a very significant environmental area in the state. I am pleased the Governor signed the legislation."
Neil F. Woodworth, Executive Director of the Adirondack Mountain Club, said, "This new law will preserve Zoar Valley 'forever wild,' giving this magnificent gorge the same legal protection as public wilderness in the Adirondacks and Catskills. The Governor and the Legislature have given the state's hikers, fisherman, rafters, kayakers and birders a priceless legacy."
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 in height, making this property 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.
The 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 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.
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 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, taking into consideration public input provided at two scoping sessions in October 2003 and comments received on the draft plan at two public meetings and during the public comment period in 2006. In the Unit Management Plan, the Department recommended the dedication of the protection area to the Preserve to accomplish the long-term protection of the gorge area. This recommendation was widely accepted and supported by the public during the UMP planning process.
