SIERRA CLUB NIAGARA GROUP RESOLUTION NOVEMBER 23, 1999:

Protection of Cattaraugus Creek,and Zoar Valley with particular regard to the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area and its Forest

WHEREAS New York State is blessed with scenic and unspoiled Cattaraugus Creek in Zoar Valley with its dramatic canyon walls up to 400 feet high rimmed and filled with forest and 18 miles of this canyon uncrossed by road or bridge.

WHEREAS This river and its valley is a beloved favorite tourist area forfishing, hiking, canoeing, rafting, birding, botanizing and the enjoyment of pristine natural surroundings and is therefore of great importance to the commerce of the surrounding otherwise economically depressed area.

WHEREAS Recent study of its forest have shown that it contains 385 acres of old growth forest of which 267 acres are virgin forest making it the largest tract of such rare resource in New York State outside of the Adirondacks.

WHEREAS This happy circumstance of forest preservation occurred because older logging techniques could not cope with its rugged terrain and modern ones can.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED That Sierra Club Niagara Group advocates protection of Cattaraugus Creek, and the Zoar Valley with particular regard to the Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area and its forests.

TOWARD THAT END WE WILL:

FIRST. Join forces with other environmental groups in "Friends of Zoar Valley." With three immediate goals within the DEC Master Plan for Zoar Valley Multiple Use Area:

1. A buffer zone extending 500 feet inland away from the canyon rim of Cattaraugus Creek .This buffer zone, which would extend down the canyon slopes and include the valley bottomlands, would protect the old growthforest as well as prevent deterioration of the water quality of Cattaraugus Creek.

2. Formal designation of Valentine Flats and the road in to it as a natural area in which no logging, road construction or motor vehicles would be permitted

3.Designation of north and south rim foot trails on the main and south branch of the creek.

SECOND. Work for the establishment of a plan for a regional, ecosystem-wide Natural Area for Zoar Valley for Cattaraugus Creek.