By Delainey Muscato
St. Bonaventure University
Cattaraugus County has taken on a huge project. In 2020, they began developing a mapping system that will help create a unique and improved experience for those on the trails. I spoke with Kate O’Stricker about how far they have come since starting the project and what’s coming next. O’Stricker is the Senior Development Specialist of the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development. She has been in this position for seven years. Director of Economic Development, Crystal Abers, accountant Deborah Miller, and website technician Jeremy Knab have been working alongside O’Stricker for this project. The original goals of this venture were to discover ways to connect existing trails with others and to create and connect new trails.
So how will they reach this goal? Through new technology developed by a hired consultant who worked with each trail to build the system. “The GIS (Geographic Information Systems) mapping system will make [an] intuitive, easily updated digital mapping system, using the current Cattaraugus County Trail viewer as the foundation for the System”, O’Stricker explained. Another aspect of the project includes a comprehensive signage system. It will use consistent symbols and colors for all trails within the county’s trail system. The purpose of the project is to make trails more accessible for all. The county also hopes to simultaneously promote active living and economic development in the community. O’Stricker said, “This system will allow users to search trails close to their location, organize [a] hiking itinerary, review trails, and connect with destinations, businesses, and points of interest. The project will also create a comprehensive signage system for easier and safer access and navigability through the trail system”.
While they have made some great progress, O’Stricker says they still have a long way to go. As COVID impacted everything, this project was no exception. O’Stricker shared that their entire operation had to be moved online. Original plans included meeting in person and inspecting the trails themselves. However, shifting to an online setting to maintain COVID guidelines and social distancing became necessary. They also had trouble finding contractors to print the signage they needed. Signs and kiosks have been ordered, but they are about a year behind schedule. However, they have made significant headway. “We have completed the GIS Database, designed a comprehensive trail signage system, and have launched the web maps. We currently have the signs printed for the trail systems that agreed to use them and have ordered 8 kiosks to be installed in the county Spring 2023” O’Stricker told me.
Hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and snowmobiling are just a few of the trails included in this project. Cattaraugus County also worked with several trail organizations. Finger Lakes Trail, NYS DEC, Allegany State Park, and Ellicottville-Great Valley Trail are a few of the organizations that are part of this project. These organizations helped “gather GIS coordinates for trails and were instrumental for signage placement. They could also order the signs they wanted, whether they were for wayfinding or directional. Additionally, they decided where the kiosks would go if they wanted them” O’Stricker said. Trail coordinators will also be responsible for the maintenance of their respective trails and signage.
O’Stricker also told me about the funding for this project. She said, “This is a grant funded project through the Appalachian Regional Commission. Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development Planning and Tourism was funded $51,940, and our department matched those funds totaling $103,880 for the project”. O’Stricker also said Deborah Miller has been incredibly helpful in the process of grant writing. They also applied for funds to create a Southern Tier trail that will cross through places like Salamanca, Olean, Ellicottville, Hinsdale and then hook back to the Genesee Valley trail.
In terms of community benefits, O’Stricker hopes it will bring more tourism to the area and create economic development. She also hopes it will promote healthy lifestyles through non-motorized ways of travel. O’Stricker says their next goals are to “install the kiosks and get the signage up”. Afterwards, they’ll work with trail coordinators to update the GIS database if needed.