Latest Round of Chautauqua County Overland Trail Upgrades is Complete

Phase IV Revitalization Efforts Focused on Trails in Panama and Brokenstraw State Forests

People who use Chautauqua County’s Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail in Panama and Brokenstraw State Forests will notice several improvements and upgrades, thanks to work that was recently completed through the Phase IV Overland Trail Revitalization Project.

PANAMA, NY – In cooperation with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Chautauqua County Parks Department, the Chautauqua County Partnership of Economic Growth (CCPEG) is pleased to report that Phase IV of the Chautauqua County Overland Trails Revitalization Project is complete. The Phase IV redevelopment focused on updating the Fred J. Cusimano Westside Overland Trail in Panama and Brokenstraw State Forests, along with sections of private property south of Titus Road in the Town of Sherman.

Blessed with dry and temperate weather in August and September, Trail Construction Associates (TCA) was able to complete its work without any issues. This marks the fourth year that TCA has been working on the Overland Trails and the company’s familiarity with the scope of work is evident in the finished product.

Thom Wright, TCA co-owner, noted his appreciation to “collaborate with the land owners, the NYSDEC, and the county to bring these sections of the Overland Trails to a more sustainable level for trail users.”

“Panama and Brokenstraw State Forests are absolutely beautiful public lands, and I am incredibly happy with TCA’s updates to the Overland Trail through these two state forests,” said Jacob Bodway, CCPEG Trail Coordinator. “There is one important reroute in Panama State Forest that adds accessibility for all trail user groups, and TCA also did a wonderful job of addressing some of the chronic wet areas of trail along sections of private property. I can’t thank the private property owners enough for recognizing the importance of the Overland Trails for Chautauqua County residents and visitors.”

“As we seek to improve our recreational assets for existing county residents and market the county to prospective residents, it is essential that we have quality attributes for them to enjoy,” said Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development, County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency CEO, and CCPEG advisory board co-chair. “The trails were tired and needed some much needed TLC, which this initiative addresses.”

Phase IV was funded through the generous support of local foundations, including: Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, The Lenna Foundation, The Sheldon Foundation, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, The Jessie Smith Darrah Fund, and CCPEG. Pending future funding, Phase V of the Overland Trails project will focus on Boutwell Hill State Forest in the summer 2025.

To learn more about all public trails in Chautauqua County, visit CHQTrails.org. 

About CCPEG - The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth (CCPEG) serves as the main convener of economic development partners and resources to advance key projects that achieve economic prosperity in Chautauqua County. It also serves as the catalyst and broker of resources for advancing economic prosperity efforts and is the central coordinating entity for the formation, retention, development, and attraction of quality jobs and advancements to the quality of life. It is an initiative of the Chautauqua Region Economic Development Corporation (CREDC). For more information visit CHQPartnership.org.