In order to protect the health of Lake Erie, it is of utmost importance to protect the waters that flow into it. By identifying and safeguarding key at-risk lands that are in danger of becoming developed, and therefore polluted, valuable tributaries (rivers, streams, etc.) are preserved in the process.
Pulling off these types of environmental success stories is not an easy task however. Much of the time, virgin land is more valuable to a developer that is willing to shell out big bucks, compared to environmental interests that seek to safeguard the unspoiled treasures.
Thankfully there are organizations such as Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper and The Nature Conservancy that set out to identify key parcels of naturally wooded lands in order to set them aside for selfless purposes that inherently outweigh a developer’s desire to pillage and plunder.
Earlier today, The Nature Conservancy and Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper announced that they had partnered to purchase and protect a 222-acre forest at the headwaters of Eighteenmile Creek, using grant funds and raised private donations in order to pull off the monumental environmental coup. The property was identified as a richly diverse ecosystem that was tied in to the natural balance of Lake Erie, and parts between.
In a day and age when it is an all too common sight to see “Land For Sale” signs tacked onto wooded areas, this is certainly a breath of fresh air to know that such a valuable piece of woodland will be made available for purposes that include:
- Generating and filtering local drinking water for people
- Offering opportunities for recreation
- Providing important habitat for plants and animals
The land in question was purchased from a private land owner, who offered up the property at a reasonable price in order to ensure that the wooded property would be protected in the future. A press conference was held earlier today at Chestnut Ridge Park. Speakers at the event included Jill Jedlicka, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper’s Executive Director; Jim Howe, The Nature Conservancy’s Executive Director in Central and Western New York; Greg Olma, Deputy Commissioner of Parks and Recreation; and Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.
“The successful acquisition and protection of these critical headwater forests is the culmination of three years of scientific research, planning, fundraising and negotiation,” said Jill Jedlicka, executive director of Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper. “Our new partnership with The Nature Conservancy and Erie County is another innovative and effective approach to implementing the ambitious goals of our regional Habitat Conservation Strategy. This site, combined with the adjacent forestry tracts, will create a new opportunity for a learning laboratory, public recreation, and will protect precious local drinking water for generations to come.”
“The Eighteenmile Creek project was a rare opportunity to protect a mature and intact forest that helps keep the community’s drinking water clean and plentiful,” said Jim Howe, The Nature Conservancy’s executive director in Central and Western New York. “About 90 percent of Erie County’s population gets their drinking water from Lake Erie and the Niagara River. We were excited to team up with Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper and Erie County to ensure that this special and beautiful place provides countless services to people. Forests are natural water filters and rejuvenating places to explore. We’re thrilled that the Eighteenmile Creek forest will be available for snowshoeing, hiking and bird watching while it protects water quality at its source.”
“The opportunity to preserve this acreage for public use not only adds to Erie County’s total forestry but is also consistent with natural habitat protection initiatives stated in the Initiatives for a Smart Economy,” said Deputy Erie County Executive Maria Whyte. “Our parks are a significant part of the legacy we will leave to our children and grandchildren, and thanks to strong partnerships this land will now be available in perpetuity for residents to enjoy.”
“We are pleased to partner with the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, The Nature Conservancy and Erie County to protect the water quality of Eighteenmile Creek and the Niagara River and to expand the network of conserved lands in this region,” said Colleen Sculley of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “The forests and wetlands on this property provide critical habitat for land and waterbirds that use the Niagara River watershed, a region designated as a nationally important area for birds.”
Moving forward, the forest, located in the Town of Concord, will be controlled by the Erie County Department of Parks and Recreation.
Photo credit: The Nature Conservancy