Zoar Valley Task Force Trying to
Promote Safety, Discourage Illicit Activity
GOWANDA, NY – An increase in coordinated law enforcement sweeps conducted by members of the Zoar Valley Task Force have been an effective tool to promote safety and help stop illicit and dangerous activities, according to Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I - Olean).
Over the summer months, the New York State Police, New York State Forest Rangers, Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Department and other members of the Task Force have increased patrols in the gorge area, parking lots and surrounding roadways to ensure that people are aware of dangers and to prevent trespassing, drunk driving, drug use and illegal camping.
“We want people to enjoy Zoar Valley, but extreme caution should be exercised. Zoar Valley can be extremely hazardous and visitors need to adhere to the rules,” said Senator Young.
“If you take risks, trespass, use drugs or alcohol and break other rules, chances are you will be caught.
“Unfortunately, we have had deaths, serious injuries and lost hikers over the years. Every time a rescue or recovery effort has to be undertaken, first responders are put in harm’s way. We want everyone to be safe,” she added.
Over the July 30th weekend, several arrests were made after law enforcement officials determined that laws were being broken.
Three individuals were arrested for trespassing, one arrest for unlawful possession of marijuana, one arrest for possession of alcohol, one arrest for littering and several traffic tickets were issued.
New York State Police Captain Steven Graap said, “The public should enjoy this state resource. However, they need to do so within the confines of existing laws and with respect for the rights of private property owners.”
Captain Graap said visitors should be forewarned that more sweeps are planned before the summer is over.
These increased Zoar Valley patrols are an outgrowth of Senator Young’s Zoar Valley Task Force that was formed in 2005 to focus on public safety and enhanced emergency response coordination.
Senator Young said that in the last ten months there have been emergency operations for four incidents, starting with injured hunter Andrew Carriero last November. Carriero accidently fell in the gorge and sustained serious injuries, requiring a coordinated, widespread response from local emergency personnel, and a rappelling rescue by a NYS Trooper Special Operations Rescue Team (S.O.R.T).
The other incidents involved lost hikers, including one that needed a helicopter rescue.
Task force members include Senator Young, Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, Department of Environmental Conservation Officers and Forest Rangers, New York State Police, Cattaraugus and Erie County Sheriff's Departments, Gowanda Police and Fire Departments, Otto and Collins Fire Departments, Cattaraugus County legislators, Cattaraugus County Fire Advisory Board, the Nature Conservancy, and private land owners.
“We have talented and committed task force members. They are to be commended for their excellent work because they are helping to save lives,” Senator Young said.
Over the summer months, the New York State Police, New York State Forest Rangers, Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Department and other members of the Task Force have increased patrols in the gorge area, parking lots and surrounding roadways to ensure that people are aware of dangers and to prevent trespassing, drunk driving, drug use and illegal camping.
“We want people to enjoy Zoar Valley, but extreme caution should be exercised. Zoar Valley can be extremely hazardous and visitors need to adhere to the rules,” said Senator Young.
“If you take risks, trespass, use drugs or alcohol and break other rules, chances are you will be caught.
“Unfortunately, we have had deaths, serious injuries and lost hikers over the years. Every time a rescue or recovery effort has to be undertaken, first responders are put in harm’s way. We want everyone to be safe,” she added.
Over the July 30th weekend, several arrests were made after law enforcement officials determined that laws were being broken.
Three individuals were arrested for trespassing, one arrest for unlawful possession of marijuana, one arrest for possession of alcohol, one arrest for littering and several traffic tickets were issued.
New York State Police Captain Steven Graap said, “The public should enjoy this state resource. However, they need to do so within the confines of existing laws and with respect for the rights of private property owners.”
Captain Graap said visitors should be forewarned that more sweeps are planned before the summer is over.
These increased Zoar Valley patrols are an outgrowth of Senator Young’s Zoar Valley Task Force that was formed in 2005 to focus on public safety and enhanced emergency response coordination.
Senator Young said that in the last ten months there have been emergency operations for four incidents, starting with injured hunter Andrew Carriero last November. Carriero accidently fell in the gorge and sustained serious injuries, requiring a coordinated, widespread response from local emergency personnel, and a rappelling rescue by a NYS Trooper Special Operations Rescue Team (S.O.R.T).
The other incidents involved lost hikers, including one that needed a helicopter rescue.
Task force members include Senator Young, Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, Department of Environmental Conservation Officers and Forest Rangers, New York State Police, Cattaraugus and Erie County Sheriff's Departments, Gowanda Police and Fire Departments, Otto and Collins Fire Departments, Cattaraugus County legislators, Cattaraugus County Fire Advisory Board, the Nature Conservancy, and private land owners.
“We have talented and committed task force members. They are to be commended for their excellent work because they are helping to save lives,” Senator Young said.
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