Cattaraugus Creek is one of the most often visited water bodies by fishermen in New York State according to the last two statewide angler surveys. [2] Fishermen are often seen in several areas alongside the PCG site. In addition, representatives of the Seneca Nation of Indians who were contacted as part of this project spoke of the difficulty they were having in keeping enough fishing licenses on hand with the upturn in demand that they have witnessed over the last several years. Included with this report, as Attachment E is the Map and Guide for Steelhead Fishing in Cattaraugus Creek published by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which provides detailed information about the fishing opportunities in Cattaraugus Creek. 

Whitewater paddling (including kayaking, canoeing, rafting) is another popular use of Cattaraugus Creek.  The Village of Gowanda is now home to two whitewater companies: Zoar Valley Canoe & Rafting Company and Adventure Calls.  There is also a very active Zoar Valley Paddler’s Club. Near the PCG site is a water depth gauge, whose information is available to Creek users 24-hours per day through both an automated phone service and the Internet.  The growing popularity of Cattaraugus Creek as a whitewater enthusiasts’ destination is reflected in a recent article, “Whitewater Rush" [3] that appeared in the newspaper of a large community eighty-five miles from Gowanda. Excerpts from that article, the full version of which is included in Attachment F, appear below.

A representative of the Zoar Valley Paddler’s Club provided a detailed account of some of the different ways that whitewater enthusiasts can enjoy Cattaraugus Creek, including:

• Multiple-day trips from the first available upstream “put-in” at the Scoby Dam to the Creek’s outlet into Lake Erie;

• One day trips on a popular run from the NYSDEC access point in the Town of North Otto – through the Zoar Valley – ending in the Village of Gowanda; and

• Part-day trip beginning in Gowanda and ending in Versailles - a trip that is marked by less volatile rapids than the previous leg through the Zoar.

Another possibility that would have direct applicability to the PCG site is to set-up a “park and play” area, where paddlers could park their cars and put their boats in an area that has a well-established rapid such as the Grand Finale.  After spending time in the rapid they would be close enough to return with their boat to enjoy the rapid again.  This is a form of whitewater sport that is becoming more popular among paddlers, especially when time is a constraint.

When the Club representative was asked what whitewater paddlers need to enjoy their Cattaraugus Creek/Zoar Valley experience more, two things were mentioned: an area next to the Creek to camp for those taking multiple day trips; and access to food and supplies.

Another locational advantage that the PCG site enjoys is being across the Creek from a scenic bluff, as pictured below.

Figure 3b

Scenic Bluff across from PCG Site

This bluff is the first point upstream from the Village center that the topography rises into what eventually becomes the Zoar Valley.  2927 acres of the Zoar Valley has been designated as a State Multiple Use Area, as seen below.

Figure 3c

Entrance to the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area

The site is also within comfortable walking distance to the downtown Central Business and Historic District of the Village.  The Village is currently seeking to develop a creek side trail system that would run the length of the Village (and in the future beyond).  If cross-creek access were made possible, perhaps by way of the current railroad trestle, the route between the PCG site and the downtown area would be even more convenient.

Physical Features

Besides its locational advantages to Cattaraugus Creek and the Zoar Valley, other assets were noted about the PCG site during the course of the project, most notably:

• It is one of the largest parcels of property in the Village and one of the three largest parcels that have redevelopment possibilities. The other two include the Moench Tannery site (on which redevelopment options are limited) and 241 Palmer Street, which is discussed later in this report.

• The site’s rectangular shape offers considerable frontage and access possibilities on Palmer Street, as well as to the Creek.

• The site has a relatively level terrain in the area of the former factory, which is a substantial portion of the property.  A portion of the former landfill area is elevated higher than the rest of the site.

Infrastructure

• The site has direct access to municipal infrastructure including:

  • Village water (10” water service at the corner of Palmer and Broadway and a 6” water service along Palmer Street);

  • Village sewer (8” sanitary service on the property and 10” sanitary service on Palmer Street). 

According to the responsible Village official both of these services have adequate capacity for future development on the site.

• Storm water conveyances in the form of culverts and open ditches existed at one time on the site.  Any new use on the site would of course need to have a storm water conveyance system designed for that particular reuse.

• The site is serviced by NYSEG commercial power.

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Footnotes
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