Gorge Trail Gateway Project Update
This summer, CPF plans to break ground on a project which will highlight trail and recreational resources in the heart of the Village of Cazenovia. Once completed, the Gorge Trail Gateway will be a welcoming trail entrance and a beautiful place to enjoy the sights and sounds of Chittenango Creek.
In early July, construction will begin on the trail entrance and the creation of a separate pedestrian/bike entrance from the Albany Street sidewalk into Buyea’s parking lot, a trail parking area, an information kiosk, interpretive signage about the history of the area, and steps down to the creekside trail and fishing access. Trees and shrubs will be planted to define the trail, re-green the eastern portion of the Buyea’s parking area, and screen the backs and sides of nearby buildings. In addition, a crosswalk will be installed on Albany Street connecting the trail from Buyea’s parking lot to the trail leading to Creekside Park behind the Cazenovia Public Library.
In late July, in accordance with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation guidance, construction will begin on a LUNKER along the bank of Chittenango Creek. A LUNKER is an underwater crib-like wooden structure placed along streambanks to protect and stabilize the bank, prevent erosion, and provide an edge-cover aquatic habitat for fish. A large slab of native limestone will be placed upstream to direct the flow of water away from the bank, and prevent further streambank erosion.
The majority of project funding was made available through a Central New York Community Foundation grant, a private donation in memory of David Bennet and Barbara Settel, and a grant from the Finger Lakes - Lake Ontario Watershed Protection Alliance (FLLOWPA). On May 14, CPF will launch a modest community campaign to raise the remaining funds required for the construction and ongoing maintenance of the project. CPF has secured a 20-year agreement with the property owner, Earl Buyea, Sr., for public access and use of the space. The target time for project completion is the fall of 2024.
