DEC Announces North Harmony State Forest Trail Improvements
Accessibility Investments Help More New Yorkers Experience the Outdoors Through Governor Hochul’s ‘These Lands Are for Everyone Initiative’
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the completion of a trail improvement project at North Harmony State Forest, Chautauqua County. The project represents a collaborative effort to reroute approximately 1,300 feet of existing multi-use trail away from a designated wetland and onto higher, drier and more sustainable ground, while rehabilitating additional areas along the trail corridor.
“The trail improvements in the North Harmony State Forest help protect sensitive wetland habitat, reduce erosion and impact on water quality, and provide a safer, more sustainable route for equestrians and other trail users,” Acting Region 9 Director Chad Staniszewski said. “This updated trail also provides access for hunters with mobility impairments through DEC's Motorized Access Program for People with Disabilities as part of New York State’s ongoing efforts to enhance recreation and for all users through Governor Hochul’s ‘These Lands Are For Everyone’ initiative and other accessibility and inclusivity programs.”
The project was a joint partnership between DEC, Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System, Inc. (CCETS), the Town of Harmony, and the Town of North Harmony, along with the support of generous state, regional, and private funding partners.
The project was made possible through significant grant support, including a $206,975 matching grant through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund's Park and Trail Partnership Grants Program, administered by Parks & Trails New York in partnership with the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; $25,000 from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds, administered by the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo; and $15,000 through the Friends of the Chautauqua County Greenways Fund, a matching grant initiative developed by the Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth.
In total, the construction project included improvements to approximately 3,955 feet of trail. Work included clearing and trail preparation, installation of heavy-duty woven geotextile stabilization fabric, placement of approximately 800 cubic yards of gravel, and grading, crowning, and compaction to promote proper drainage and create a durable trail surface.
The public is invited to join DEC, CCETS, and the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce for the ribbon cutting at 11:00 a.m. on October 6, 2026.
Guests interested in a short horse-drawn wagon ride to the trailhead should meet CCETS at 10:30 a.m. at Jasper Picnic Area, 2347 Warner Road, Panama, NY.
Guests may also drive directly to the ribbon-cutting site at 6904 Wiltsie Road for the 11:00 a.m. ceremony. Look for orange cones and flags marking the trailhead. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
For more information, please contact Theresa Draves at (716) 363-2002.
These Lands are for Everyone
To ensure New York’s open spaces are accessible and inclusive, Governor Hochul created the “These Lands Are For Everyone” initiative to be led by DEC to expand access to state lands for all New Yorkers. These Lands Are For Everyone will invest in inclusive, sensory friendly and accessible experiences, including tactile exhibits, sensory trails and inclusive nature centers, ensuring all children and adults can enjoy New York’s natural treasures. These investments will remove barriers and accommodate sensory, and mobility needs so that neurodiverse and people with disabilities can benefit from the State’s treasured natural spaces.
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