Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area

The Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area is a conservation area located at the confuence of the main and south branches of Cattaraugus Creek, on the border of Erie County and Cattaraugus County in western New York, USA. The area is within the Towns of Collins, Otto, and Persia.

This area contains some of the last stands of old growth forest in New York and consists of 2,297 acres. The valley is a steep canyon with a rapidly flowing stream.

History

The land was acquired by the state under the 1960 Multiple Use Bond Act, and additional land was added from Herbert F. Darling. The multiple use area is maintained by the Department of Environmental Conservation of New York State. The adjacent Deer Lick Conservation Area is owned by The Nature Conservancy. Two other privately owned conservation areas, the William P. Alexander Preserve and the Rodger Sweetland Memorial Preserve, are located nearby and are owned by The Nature Sanctuary Society of Western New York, Inc.

Geography

The multiple use area is located in the valley of the Cattaraugus Creek. The valley is considered defined by Gowanda in the west and Springville in the east.

Activities

* Fishing, Hunting.
* Hiking, but some trails can be dangerous.
* White-water rafting.
* Wildlife and scenic views.

External links

* [http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/22552.html NY DEC Zoar Valley]
* [http://www.classicbuffalo.com/WNYOutdoors/ZoarValley.htm Zoar Valley information]
* [http://www.zoarvalley.org/home.html Zoar Valley Nature Society]
* [http://www.angelfire.com/pa2/STONEMANGUITARS/zoar.html Photos and information]
* [http://www.frankbroughton.us/zoar_valley.html Frank Broughton's All About Zoar Valley - A Western New York Gem - Many photos, some information]