Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Blueway Trails
Analysis Plan
Blueways are small boat and paddling routes that combine recreation and environmental awareness and allow users to travel to designated stops along the way for rest, overnight stays, and enjoyment of land-based attractions in the vicinity. The creation of a New York State Blueway Trail is already underway in various areas, including the Hudson River Water Trail, the Canal Recreationway, and the Lake Champlain Paddlers Trail. Initially, the Blueway will be a series of routes that are defined by waterbody characteristics, local attractions, and local interest. Hopefully, over time these will become a single connected route that will be recognized as part of a New York State system.
By conducting an analysis of waterways at the regional level, Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council hopes to propel the G/FL region forward with assisting to implement a statewide network of blueway trails.
The Regional Blueway Analysis project seeks to identify, describe and rank riparian corridors, lakes and canals throughout the nine-county Genesee/Finger Lakes region based upon their suitability for blueway use and official State designation. This project will result in a "ready-to-use" plan that will enable municipalities and local leaders in the region to explore, utilize, and unlock the potential of their local water resources.
Primary objectives of the project are to: A) engage local stakeholders from throughout the G/FL region in a series of public meetings, utilizing their knowledge of local waterways and capturing their ideas and concerns; B) establish a comprehensive inventory of the region’s blueway infrastructure – focusing on access points, day use sites and accommodations – and entering this information into a Geographic Information System for future public use; C) create a uniform framework for blueway trail implementation that municipalities can rely upon to advance local projects.
The Genesee-Finger Lakes Regional Blueway Trails Analysis Plan is partially funded through the New York State Department of State with funds provided under Title 11 of the Environmental Protection Fund Act.
June 2009 Stakeholder Meeting Presentation
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Last Modified: June 23, 2009