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Ribbon cutting held for North Harmony Protect The Wetlands trail project

By Sara Holthouse 4 min read

PANAMA  -- The opening of a trail that has been a project for the Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System and a number of partners for a few years has officially come together.

A ribbon cutting was held Tuesday for the North Harmony "Protect the Wetlands" Trail Project, a partnership between the Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System and state Department of Environmental Conservation with support from state, regional and private funding partners including Parks and Trails New York. Dottie Lauricella, president of the Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System, welcomed everyone who came out to the new trail's opening, with the trail starting at 6904 Wiltsie Road.

"Today represents more than the completion of a trail," Lauricella said. "It represents the vision that began with Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System, also known as CCETS, to focus on the growth and management of sustainable, multi-use trails, working in partnership with diverse trail-user groups, landowners, businesses, local governments and the New York State DEC."

Lauricella acknowledged that the trail was the dedication and hard work of many different people and volunteers with the belief of what the trail could become. The trail is set to welcome people of all abilities while also protecting and preserving the natural beauty and ecology of the area. Lauricella thanked everyone who was able to help whether through partnership or funding to make the trail possible.

"Today we not only celebrate the trail but the spirit of collaboration and community that brought it to life," Lauricella said. "We're excited to see this trail enjoyed for its natural beauty for many years to come."

Jodi Gray, equestrian trail system vice president, also spoke to those in attendance at the ribbon cutting. Gray spoke briefly on the history of the trails for her before joining the CCETS. As a part of CCETS, Gray said they looked to expand the trail system about three years ago, which includes the addition of the North Harmony State Forest where the new trail is located.

"We have joined forces in Chautauqua County, which is setting a new precedent for trail users across New York state," Gray said. "People are looking at us and paying attention because all trail users are coming together and joining to be friends in multi-use shared trails. Our trail system, and every trail moving forward is going to be designated as multi-use shared trails, where everybody can come out here, access these wonderful places in nature and help people get unplugged and get outside."

Gray acknowledged that there is a big initiative right now with the DEC to help people get back outside, adding that there is a big mental health crisis right now because of youth and adults being too focused on being plugged in all of the time to electronics and not coming outside like they used to. She added that coming outside and spending time in places like the trails is proven to lower anxiety and blood pressure.

"It has physical, mental and spiritual help to make everything better in this world, and we all need to encourage and support getting everybody outside," Gray said.

Additionally, Gray said nowhere else in the world has trails like Chautauqua County, thanking everyone who has been involved in these projects. Following Gray, representatives from both the DEC and Parks and Trails New York spoke briefly on their parts in this project, which has been four years in the making. The founder of CCETS, Missy Widdington, also spoke briefly and was recognized as both a past president and a driving force in the creation of the trail.

"This county offers so much to so many, and the horse people, when push comes to shove, they show up and work hard," Widdington said. "It's been my passion, it's been my pleasure, it's been my honor to be a part of this organization and a member of Chautauqua County. This place is just freaking awesome. I've traveled around the country, I've been to 30 national parks. I've been to 48 states. Nothing compares to this county. It is a hidden secret, and it's got to get out there."

Widdington was presented with a plaque that will hang in honor of her and her work with creating CCETS at the kiosk in Cherry Creek, along with a personalized cutting board.

Following certificate presentations and congratulations from Senator George Borrello and representatives of Congressman Nick Langworthy, County Executive PJ Wendel and Assemblyman Andrew Molitor, along with the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce, the CCETS and their partners cut the ribbon to officially open the new trail in the North Harmony State Forest. For more information on CCETS and their trails throughout the county, visit ccetstrails.org.

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