CCETS CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF NORTH HARMONY “PROTECT THE WETLANDS” TRAIL PROJECT -- October 6
Public invited to October 6 ribbon cutting celebrating conservation, outdoor recreation and community partnership.CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY, NY — The Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System, Inc. (CCETS), a volunteer-based nonprofit, is proud to announce completion of the North Harmony “Protect the Wetlands” Trail Project in North Harmony State Forest. The project reflects a strong partnership among CCETS, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC), the Town of Harmony and the Town of North Harmony, with support from state, regional and private funding partners.
Designed with NYS DEC, the project reroutes approximately 1,300 feet of multi-use trail away from a designated wetland onto higher, drier ground and improves approximately 3,955 feet of trail overall. Work included trail preparation, heavy-duty geotextile stabilization fabric, approximately 800 cubic yards of gravel, and grading, crowning and compaction for drainage and durability. These improvements protect sensitive wetland habitat, reduce erosion and create more sustainable access for equestrians and other permitted trail users, including mobility-impaired hunters through NYS DEC’s Hunter Accessibility Program.
Funding included a $206,975 matching grant through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund’s Parks & Trail Partnership Grants Program, administered by Parks & Trails New York in partnership with the NYS 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.
CCETS gratefully recognizes former President Missy Whittington for spearheading the project and pursuing funding opportunities that helped make it possible. Her early leadership, together with current CCETS leadership, grant writer Audrey Hager, volunteers and community partners, helped carry the project from vision to completion. Construction was completed by Blum Property Services LLC, with oversight of CCETS board member, Terry Weiser, and coordination with NYS DEC.
RIBBON CUTTING — TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026 • 11:00 AM
CCETS, NYS DEC and the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce invite the public to celebrate this milestone.
For a short horse-drawn wagon ride, meet at 10:30 a.m. at Jasper Picnic Area, 2347 Warner Road, Panama, NY.
Guests may also drive directly to 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.
CCETS is a volunteer-based nonprofit dedicated to creating and sustaining scenic, sustainable multi-use trails across Chautauqua County, helping equestrians and outdoor enthusiasts connect with nature and community.
MEDIA & EVENT CONTACT:
Dottie Lauricella, President • 716-397-7855 | Jodi Gray, Vice President • 907-602-3607
info@ccetstrails.org • www.ccetstrails.org
“We are doing GREAT things TOGETHER!”
