Sporting club upset over proposed mixed-use trail

Plans to construct a new multi-use recreational trail on a former rail line are eliciting mixed reactions.

Those behind the plans, say the nearly 30-mile trail, will be a little slice of heaven, for outdoors enthusiasts, but some fear it could mark the end of the line, for a decades-old sporting club.

Jack Bouquin is the president of the West Falls Conservation Society. He walked the thicket where the Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail Inc. wants to make the paved trail. The trail would be just feet from the archery and shooting range. Bouquin fears because of the proximity to the trail it could mean the end of archery and maybe even the Conservation Club. 

Bouquin understands why people want the trail, but he thinks this portion of the trail should be re-routed around the 300 member outdoors club.

“I'm hoping they will try and get a meeting together with us so we can come by some mutual understanding and still exist,” said Bouquin.

Erie Cattaraugus Rail Trail says it is seeking funding for plan designs and economic studies. It’s also planning to set up meetings with nearby landowners. 

Have a news tip, question or comment?

▼