Long list of safety improvements at Zoar Valley following decades of death
Family members who have lost loved ones applauded the changes announced Tuesday by the New York State Department of Conservation. Author: Michael Wooten Updated: 8:10 PM EDT May 25, 2021
PERSIA, N.Y. Visitors to Zoar Valley, the popular hiking destination along the Erie/Cattaraugus County line, will notice changes this summer as leaders hope to avoid the deadly accidents we ve seen too many times in the past.
A day before what would have been her late daughter Brooke s 17th birthday, Marla Walker joined other families who lost loved ones in applauding the safety improvements announced Tuesday during a news conference at Zoar Valley.
DEC Implementing Changes Hoping To Make Zoar Valley Safer
What is Zoar Valley?
If you ve never been there, it s really a sight to see. Essentially it s a gorge with hiking trails around a creek that winds through it. From the rock formations on the walls of the gorge to the rolling creek that flows through the middle and the winding trails, it s a hiker s dream.
It sounds beautiful. Why is it so dangerous?
The gorge has very tall cliffs that can give away at any moment and people have been known to get injured walking the creek. It s also very difficult to get rescue equipment into which makes it very dangerous if you get injured there.
DEC Announces Suite of Actions to Improve Safety, Visitor Experience at Zoar Valley
New and Enhanced Signage, Improved Maps, Additional Staff, and New Safety Features among Improvements at Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced improvements and actions at the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area (MUA) and Zoar Valley Unique Area in southern Erie and northern Cattaraugus counties. The improvements are designed to promote public safety and enhance the visitor experience at one of Western New York s most scenic and ecologically diverse natural areas. With its breathtaking gorge, flowing waters, and diversity of plants and wildlife, Zoar Valley is a Western New York treasure,